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Disgusted, he turned away.
“Logan, wait.” She moved in front of him. “That’s not what I’m doing. I know you wouldn’t hurt me now.”
“How can you be so certain when even I don’t know it? That’s the point that you keep missing, Dakota. Nobody knows what the future holds. It was stupid for me to try to promise never to hurt you again. Hell, I’m just setting myself up for failure—and you are, too. I’m not perfect. I’m just a regular man who made a mistake thinking he knew what was best for everyone, and has been paying for it ever since. To make matters worse, now I can’t trust you.”
Her eyes grew wide with surprise. “You can trust me.”
“With what? My heart…my love…your word?”
“Yes. I do love you, Logan. I always have, and last night I wanted you, but then I…I messed up what would’ve been a beautiful night. I never should’ve left.”
“Clearly I said something that reminded you of what happened years ago, and as per usual, you shut down. You know, you’ve kept this secret for all these years, and it wasn’t even that major. How do I know that when something really serious comes up you won’t withhold it from me because you’re mad, or want to get back at me? How long do I have to keep paying for breaking your heart?”
She reached out for him. “Logan, I—”
“You know what, I think it’s better if you leave, Dakota. I don’t want to talk about this anymore today. I’m too pissed off for this to end well.”
She nodded, and brushed the tears from her face. “I’m sorry,” she said simply before turning and walking back toward the house.
* * *
The whole way back to the house, Dakota wiped her face, smoothed her hair and tried her best to make it look like she would not burst into tears at any minute. When she reached the patio door, Dakota took a deep breath and pasted a smile on her face. She stepped into the kitchen to find Natalie and Nigel preparing dinner. They moved around each other effortlessly, smiling and complimenting each other on their culinary skills.
“Hi, Dakota, I hope you’re hungry.”
“Actually, I’m not going to be able to stay. I’ve got to get back to the resort,” she said cheerfully. “Thank you so much for welcoming me into your home.”
Natalie went to her side. “Our pleasure. Here, I’ll walk you out.”
“Goodbye, Nigel, it was great meeting you.”
“Likewise. Hopefully you’ll be able to stay longer next time.”
“I will,” Dakota promised.
Natalie followed her out front. She touched Dakota’s arm. “Are you okay?”
Dakota shook her head. “No, but I brought it on myself, so I’ll deal with it.”
She was enveloped in Natalie’s arms for a hug.
“All will be well,” Natalie predicted. “Just keep the faith.”
Dakota slid into the backseat and closed the door. “We can leave now.”
“Right away, Miss Dakota,” the driver said, and pulled off.
An hour was a long time to wallow in self-recrimination,
but then Dakota was no stranger to the feeling, or the necessity of it. Logan’s words drifted through her mind repeatedly. How long do I have to keep paying for breaking your heart?
His words, the pain in his eyes and the emotion in his voice when he said it indicated that she had hurt him—deeply. Pain rose up and wrapped itself firmly around her heart. She had messed up. How Logan would forgive her was beyond her comprehension. All Dakota knew was that she needed to shorten the chasm that now stretched before them. It was her turn to wish for the impossible.
* * *
Three weeks had passed since the launch of the remodeled Belle Cove resort. It was Dakota’s turn to feel what cool efficiency and emotional detachment did to someone whose heart burned with the fire stoked by love. The proverbial shoe was on her foot now, and it was not a pleasant fit. Logan had not called or communicated with her unless it was about the resort. It was agonizingly familiar.
“Dakota?”
She glanced up from the papers she was not reading on her desk.
“Yes, Suzy?”
“I wanted to let you know that the Rothschild sheet order for Mrs. Janson will arrive in three to five days.”
“Thanks for letting me know.”
Susan nodded and left. Getting Amadeus Rothschild to create a unique design for multiple sheet orders for her client had been one of the most satisfying moments in her professional career. Once Susan provided his contact information, Dakota had reached out to discuss the order. At first, he was hesitant, especially when she admitted that she was no longer working with Thompson Textiles on her projects. But Dakota’s confidence had been battered over the last few weeks since her disagreement with Logan, and she simply refused to back down and not have something go her way.
