Chapter 121

Soon, we pulled up in front of my apartment building.
"I'll get it," Curt said to the driver when he started to open his door.
The driver nodded.
Curt got out and opened my car door a moment later, extending his hand.
I smiled as I took it and let him escort me to the door. He started to follow me inside the building, but I stopped him. "Curt, I don't think this is going to work."
His eyebrows pulled together in concern. "What? Our seeing each other, or doing business together?"
"Seeing each other," I clarified as I looked away, and then back again. "I'm sorry, but this just doesn't feel right. I think you need a different kind of woman than I am. Someone who will go along with what you want or stand up to you. But I'm just not that woman."
He nodded. "I see," he said as he stepped away, and then turned around. "So, do you feel comfortable doing business with me still, or do I have to find another consultant?" Somehow, his words cut, even though he probably hadn't intended them to.
I took a step toward him. "No, doing business together won't be a problem, as long as it remains strictly professional. I just can't see you on a personal level anymore. But I really would like to be friends."
He nodded. "I see." He stepped up in front of me and placed his hands on my shoulders. Then, he leaned down and kissed my forehead. When I looked up at him, he forced a smile. "Thank you for being honest with me."
I nodded. "Well, I'd better go inside."
But Curt gently grabbed my arm, stopping me. "Are you sure that I can't change your mind?"
I smiled as I shook my head. "No, I'm afraid not. But thank you for a wonderful evening."
He nodded, and then watched as I walked away.
Inside, I felt relief wash over me, although I wasn't sure why.
As I waited for the elevator, Logan suddenly entered my mind for the millionth time today. On one hand, I wanted to see him again. But on the other hand, I remembered how angry he had been. Then, I thought back long ago to the misunderstanding with Bryant Hall. I knew that Craig Savage had paid him off. Logan had confirmed it later, saying that Craig had admitted it. And why would Logan lie? But after Bryant kissed me, Logan didn't even try to talk to me about it. What happened if we got together again and he went off like that again, leaving me over some misunderstanding? Could we really get past everything that happened in the past? I pushed the thought aside.
With more questions than answers, I turned out the light and snuggled into my bed, letting my dreams take me away from reality.
***
The next day, I thought of Logan all day. I tried to concentrate on the contracts I was writing and the clients in front of me, but he kept creeping into my mind. How could I see him, if I wanted to? He was no longer at his parents' mansion. Then again, I could go by his office. But should I?
"Miss " a male voice said in front of me. "Miss Collins."
I looked over at my client, a good-looking young man with brown hair and huge blue eyes. "Oh! I'm so sorry! I was just thinking of something
He smirked. "Well, it's good to know that I can still hold the ladies' attention," he teased.
I smiled as I looked down at his contract, ignoring the flirtation. "Now, if you sell off these assets, you can increase your chances of investing here " I continued. My voice droned on, even to myself, but he appeared to be interested.
Soon, our meeting came to an end.
"It was nice to meet you, Mr. Kelly," I said, handing him back his papers. "Thanks for coming."
He held out his hand. "The pleasure was mine, indeed," he said as he shook my hand, looking into my eyes.
I quickly looked away. "If I can do anything more for you, please let me know."
He gave me a gorgeous smile. "How about dinner tonight?" he asked, clearly interested. When he saw that I wasn't responding, he added, "We could discuss my companies' contracts."
I smirked. "Then, I'll have Lynn make you another appointment," I said as I ushered him to the door. "Thank you, but I'm afraid I must decline."
He smiled as he opened the door. "Some other time, then."
"Good day, Mr. Kelly," I said, returning the smile. "I'll see you next time."
He smiled. "You can count on it," he said, giving me one last look. Then, he turned to Lynn to make his next appointment.
Since Lynn was busy, I looked up to see who was next when Logan casually rose from his seat in the waiting room and gave me a heartbreaking smile. "Got a minute?" he asked calmly.
My heart immediately fell to my stomach.
When I didn't respond right away, he added, "I have an appointment."
I nodded, not sure how to react; unsure if I should hug him or kill him for his outburst in my office in Nashville. "Come on in, Logan," I said without feeling.
As he walked past, Mr. Kelly looked at him with awe, obviously having recognized him from his campaign.
Once I shut the door to my office, I turned to face him. "What can I do for you, Logan?" I said, not giving an inch.
He took a step toward me. But when I crossed my arms over my chest, he stopped. "I was hoping that we could talk maybe over dinner tonight?"
I let out a deep breath as I walked behind my desk, taking a minute to collect my thoughts. "Logan, what do you want?"
"Alyssa," he said, his eyes almost pleading. "I'm so sorry for my behavior in Nashville."
"You accused me of knowing that you were alive, and leaving you because you were injured," I said, my voice a bit louder than I had intended. "Now you come here and ask me out? I'm getting a bit seasick here from your mood swings."
He suppressed a smile. "I'm so sorry about that. Please forgive me," he said, his voice contrite. "I was hurt. In fact, I'd been hurting for a very long time and turning bitter." He took a step toward me. "Alyssa, I don't want to be that person anymore." He bit his lower lip, choosing his words carefully. "I really don't want to discuss it here. Please, have dinner with me tonight so we can talk."
"Where shall I meet you?" I asked, as if this was a business date we were discussing.
He took a step closer and my heart reacted, pounding within my chest as moisture pooled between my legs. It was as if my body remembered him. It wanted him and him alone. I had never had such a reaction to a man in my entire life. Logan was the only one who could do that to me. "May I pick you up?"
I bit my lower lip, and then forced a smile, my arms still folded across my chest, as if holding myself together. "Okay," I replied, and then gave him the address.
To my horror, he burst out laughing. "You have got to be kidding me!"
I looked at him, confused. "No. Why?"
He was still laughing. "Because I just moved to that building, as well," he said as he shook his head. "In fact, I live on the fortieth floor. We're neighbors!"
I looked at him for a minute, and then burst out laughing, too. "Are you kidding?"
He shook his head as he raised his eyebrows, still smiling. "I just moved there."
I let out a deep breath. "So did I. Who's your realtor?"
He smiled. "Penelope Jones."
I laughed. "No way! I have the same realtor!" I said, unable to believe what was happening. "As big as New York is, what are the odds?"
He nodded. "Exactly. I'll pick you up at seven?"
I nodded. "Where would you like to go?" After the clothing mishap with Curt, I wasn't about to let it happen again.
He shrugged. "Anywhere you'd like to go. Wear whatever you like," he said, smiling triumphantly as he turned toward the door. "I'll see you then."
He walked out of my office, leaving the door open.