Page 26 of The Secret Heir Next Door

Her words resonate with me, and I find myself wanting to be closer to her. “Yeah, maybe you’re right. It’s like... being in the dark with you makes me face parts of myself I usually keep locked away.”

“Like what.”

“I’ve never told anyone that I was still a virgin. My best friend doesn’t even know.”

“Surely, people know—women know. You’ve dated a lot.”

“I’ve dated a lot but rarely past the second date.”

“Why is that?”

“Because I haven’t found a woman that I can stand longer than that,” I shrug. “Most women aren’t confident enough to support me. It’s not long before I hear, "Why do you work so much? I need more attention. Or, can’t you blow off that meeting and take me to dinner?”

“Have you ever thought it’s the type of woman you date?”

“I have to have a certain type of woman because of…”

“Keep telling yourself that,” she laughs, shaking her head. “I get it. I’ve been told my entire life that a man doesn’t want a woman who talks back or thinks for herself. I’ve been told to play small and not show up a man, but that’s bullshit. A woman who lets you walk all over her—a woman who’s just a pretty accessory, won’t help you reach your full potential. If that woman isn't happy with herself, how can the two of you find happiness together.”

Whoa.

“You’re pretty judgmental.”

“Have you met yourself? Had a conversation with yourself? That’s the pot calling the kettle black.”

“You don’t hold back, do you?”

“No, I don’t. I speak my mind, and I’m always honest and open with people I care about.”

She stops abruptly as the last words come out of her mouth.

How can she care about me when we’ve only just met?

How can I care about her as much as I do when we’ve only just met?

We’re standing inches apart now, the darkness making our proximity more intense. Her breath is warm against my skin, and I can sense a shift in the atmosphere. It’s like the darkness is not just outside but inside us, blurring our boundaries.

In the shadows, our closeness turns into something tangible.

“Serena, I’m not sure what’s happening, but…I want to kiss you again.”

“Then do it, Logan,” she breathes.

She doesn’t wait for me, though. She raises up on her tiptoes and kisses me hungrily. I tug her into me, my hands going into her hair. She molds herself to me.

Her lips are soft and warm against mine, sending a rush of heat through me. I deepen the kiss, savoring the taste of her lips and the scent of her hair. Every touch, every moment with Serena feels like coming home.

She reaches down, tugging at my pants.

Oh, she’s impatient, is she?

I grab her wrists in my hands and hold them so that she can’t get my pants undone. She whimpers and tries to pull away. I bite at her bottom lip just as I press her against the wall.

“Logan," she whispers, her eyes locked with mine. "I want you."

I can see the desire and urgency in her eyes. I let go of her wrists and cup her face, gently brushing the hair back from her cheek. Our breath mingles as I lean in closer.

"I want you too, Serena," I admit hoarsely.

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