“Thanks, but…you really didn’t have to.” I pressed my lips together in a tight awkward smile. “I’m thankful you invited me over today. That was more than a gift in itself.” I sighed heavily, my shoulders slumping forward. “I’m sorry about the book. It was stupid,” I mumbled, running my fingers over the tips of the tissue paper.

He looked up from Oliver with his eyebrows raised, his lips pulled up in a reassuring smile. “Open the gift, Cassandra.”

I bit my bottom lip and gazed back down at the stunning gift bag. It was almost too beautiful to open. Feeling no rush, I slowly pulled out the sparkling tissue and sucked in a ragged breath as I pulled out a long, black velvet box.

Hesitantly, I glanced up to find Logan watching with curious eyes. His usually confident demeanor wavered when I noticed his lowered brow.

With bated breath, I opened the lid.

“Oh my G—Logan, it’s…” My eyes grew wide, jaw falling lax at the sight of a stunning charm bracelet with diamonds set in what looked like platinum between each charm. I exhaled, my fingers ghosting over of a little silver tennis shoe.

With tears stinging my eyes, I looked up. Logan reached out and took it from my hands, his eyes never straying from mine.

“The first time I ever laid eyes on you, you were jogging with your friend, Hilary,” he murmured. I lowered my gaze back to the tiny shoe and smiled.

“The first time I ever had the pleasure of hearing your voice,” he titled his head in thought, “you ended up tripping and needed bandaged.”

His finger brushed over the tiny silver Band-Aid. Tears began pooling in my eyes. His gift was unlike anything I ever expected. I wasn’t sure what to think or even feel in that moment.

“The first time I knew you were more than a pretty face,” he smiled, his thumb caressing my cheek for the briefest moment, “you brought Oliver and me muffins.” His voice cracked and I bit my bottom lip as he touched upon the tiny muffin.

The burn of a stray tear as it slipped down my cheek pulled my gaze to my lap. Quickly, I wiped it away.

Next, he held up the miniature swimming pool in his hand and I laughed, looking up at him.

“This one speaks for itself, sweetheart.” His smile widened into a broad grin. “It was a night I’ll never forget…and one I wouldn’t mind experiencing again next summer.”

My head shot down, heat creeping up my cheeks. I shook my head, chuckling.

“This,” he held up a music note, “is for the first time we danced.” He lowered the bracelet and looked me in the eyes. “I wanted you that night, Cassandra. More than I’ve ever wanted any woman. But I’m thankful every day that you wouldn’t let me have my way.” He sighed. “We wouldn’t be here today if I had slept with you then.”

He looked back down, frowning. “I can’t image you not being here today.”

My heart swelled helping me find my voice.

“The pumpkin patch,” I said, running my fingers over the shiny jack-o-lantern.

“Yes, the first day I realized I wanted nothing more than to protect you. From your ex, from anyone that could hurt you.”

I smiled, his words soothing every part of my soul.

“The carnival.” I smiled, remembering our day together. The charm was of a Ferris wheel and the only one that was gold.

Logan took my hand and clasped the bracelet around my wrist. He looked up at me, my hand still in his.

“The first day I knew Oliver was falling in love with you.”   

I smiled, tilting my head over to Oliver. His Lego set nearly finished. Logan’s fingers gently clasped my chin, pulling me slowly back to face him.

“I was scared, Cassandra. Terrified.” He sighed, his expression pained. “The following few days after the carnival, I brought home women trying to…push it away.” His hand fell, releasing my chin.

My face scrunched in confusion. “Push what away? Me caring for your son?”

“No.” He gently shook his head. “My feelings for you.”

I closed my eyes, and inhaled a deep breath, willing the tears at bay. “Logan—”

“I get it, I do. I’m not good for you. But just know, please know…” a slow smile brightened his face, “you’re important in my life, Cassandra. You’re my best friend.”

Chapter Twenty-Four

Vulnerable

Christmas in the West home was one I would never forget as long as I lived. Oliver and Logan were a family so in love with life and each other it left my soul utterly sated when I went home that night. Against all my reservations and reasoning, I was falling in love with them more and more each day. But now as the holiday season came to an end, I couldn’t deny my feelings any longer.

I wanted Logan West. No longer was it a passionate seduction my body craved. There was an insatiable need growing inside me that only one man could fulfill. It consumed me in ways I never dreamed possible. He was all I could think of, dream about. He was it, everything I had ever wanted.

“Come on, since when do you take this long?” Hilary complained.

Pulling myself from my daydream of telling Logan I wanted to try us, I took one last look at my reflection in the mirror. I felt like a new woman. I gave my hair one more tousle, smiling at the glitter Hilary ran through it minutes earlier.

With a confident strut, I stepped into the living room.

“Hot damn, girl!” Hilary smiled. She was sitting on the armchair in my living room slipping on black glittery heels. They added that extra sparkle to her red low-cut body hugging mini dress.

“You’re sure it’s not too much?” My nerves peeking through. I felt beautiful and sexy but completely out of my comfort level.

“It’s freaking gorgeous!” Her smile grew wider. “You look stunning and there is no way Logan won’t be drooling all over himself when he sees you in that.” She laughed. “Looks like the tables have turned, huh.”

I nodded with a smile, slinking down to the couch across from her and slipping into my nude heels. “So, you and Caleb are good?”

“I have never been happier. He’s amazing. I mean, I always knew that, but he’s so kind and loving and the most unbelievable kisser.” She slumped back in the chair, swooning like a lovesick puppy.

“Yeah, I got it. You’re falling in love.”

She sat up, her eyebrows lowered. “No! I mean no…I don’t…oh my God.”

I chuckled softly. “Why are you freaked about that? It’s what you always dreamed about.”

Hilary looked up at me, gnawing on her bottom lip. “I just…” She sighed. “I’m not falling in love with Caleb.”

“Um…you sure about that?” I chuckled, bemused.

“Cassandra, I’m already in love with him.” Her words came out slow as if she was realizing it while speaking.

“Oh.”

“I know, right. We haven’t even slept together.”

My mouth fell open, staring at her. Did I hear her correctly? Hilary was no virgin nor was she a slut, but I can’t think of a guy she dated more than a few times that she didn’t sleep with.

“Stop looking at me like that!” She demanded. She stood up glaring at me and began pacing back and forth across the room.