Chapter 70
"Alyssa "
"So, you don't deny it?" I asked, fuming. "Look: you're my manager, but my personal life is just that my personal life. And if you ever interfere with Logan and me again, I won't hesitate to fire you."
"Alyssa, listen," Craig said at the other end of the phone. "I didn't do it. Is that what he told you? That I paid off Bryant Hall to kiss you at that concert?" He chuckled darkly at the other end. "Honey, I didn't have to pay him. He did it on his own. You're a desirable woman "
"I can't believe you just said that," I said, shaking my head. "Just stay out of my personal life! I'll see you at the concert, but you need to get your priorities straight."
"Hey. Watch it!"
"Or what?"
He didn't say anything.
"That's what I thought," I replied. "I'll meet you at the concert, but I won't see you before then. I'll send for my things."
He let out a deep breath at the other end. "As you wish." Then, his voice softened and lowered. "Just be careful, Alyssa. You have no idea of what the Ambrose family is capable."
Anger tightened my chest. "I'm sure they're a very nice family. Besides, we're engaged. Logan and I. We're going to tell his parents tonight."
Craig had a sharp intake of breath at the other end of the line. "Just be careful and congratulations," he said flatly.
I closed my eyes as the anger started to leave me, hearing his words, knowing how hard it must have been for him to say. "Thanks, Craig. I'll see you Sunday night."
"Okay," he said, his voice almost a whisper. "Just be careful."
I clicked off the phone without another word and looked into Logan's worried eyes.
"Are you okay?" he asked, his eyes filled with concern.
"Yes. Let's go."
Just then, the elevator doors opened, and Logan nodded and placed his hand on the small of my back as he guided me in. We didn't speak until we were out on the street where a stretch limo was waiting and Logan guided me toward it.
"No way!" I said. As we walked toward it, the driver got out and opened the door for us. "Good evening, Master Ambrose."
"And that doesn't sound creepy," Logan replied, but then slapped him playfully on the shoulder. "Good to see you, Jim. How goes it?"
A slow smile spread across his face. "Uh you know. Same old, same old."
Logan chuckled, and then guided me into the limo first and then slid in after me.
"So, how long are you in town for?" Jim asked, looking into the rearview mirror from the driver's seat.
"Just for the weekend. I have a concert tomorrow night, and Alyssa's concert is Sunday. Then, we have to leave." Logan explained, and then he looked at me. "Jim, this is Alyssa Collins, my fiancée."
Jim's eyes snapped up as he looked into the mirror. "Do your parents know yet?"
Logan shook his head as he laced his fingers with mine. "We're telling them tonight."
Jim smirked. "Well, good luck with that and congratulations."
A broad smile spread across Logan's face. "We're very excited. I can't wait to tell them."
Jim lifted his eyebrows. "Well, keep that excitement, no matter what happens."
My eyebrows pulled together in concern. "Is it going to be that bad?" I asked Jim.
He lifted his eyebrows as he shrugged. "Between us, Logan's parents are good people, but can be a bit controlling." Then, his eyes shifted toward Logan.
Logan squeezed my hand as he looked into my eyes. "Don't worry. They're going to love you."
I smiled. "As long as you love me, that's all I care about."
"Hold on to that thought," Jim teased, smiling as his eyes shifted back toward the road.
Not another word was said as we drove on, but Logan squeezed my hand reassuringly. For a moment, I wondered what I was getting myself into, but it was just one night, after all. And Logan was worth it.
We drove down side streets, out of town around curves in the road, to a wooded area with trees lining both sides. Streaks of red, orange, and purple spread across the dark blue night sky, as a mansion came into view.
"Well, there it is. Welcome, miss, to the Ambrose Estate," Jim said, making eye contact with me in the rearview mirror as he pulled up before a huge, cast iron gate. He swiped a key card, and it slowly opened.
Butterflies fluttered within my stomach. "What if they don't like me?" I asked Logan in a low voice.
He squeezed my hand reassuringly as a broad smile spread across his face. "As I've said before, they're going to love you, and if they don't " He glanced toward Jim, and smiled. "Fuck them." Jim laughed, and Logan looked down at the blue sapphire ring on my finger and fondled it playfully. "Not having second thoughts, are you?"
The corners of my lips curled into a smile as I shook my head. "Not on your life."
He grinned. "That's what I wanted to hear." Then, he reached over and gave me a quick peck on my head as he pulled me close. "Don't worry. Everything's going to be okay." He pulled back to look into my eyes. "I won't let anything happen to you."
I nodded, forcing a smile, hoping that Logan was right.
Jim drove the stretch limousine down a long driveway lined with strategically placed trees on either side. The driveway curved in front of the house, and Jim pulled to a stop.
"Well, this is it!" Logan said, his voice filled with excitement.
A smirk appeared on Jim's face as he looked up at Logan quickly in the rearview mirror. "You know, it's not too late to change your mind." Although he was teasing, there was a hint of seriousness to his warning.
"Well?" Logan asked, looking at me.
I forced a smile as I screwed up my courage. "Not on your life. I didn't get all dressed up for nothing."
