Page 37 of The Secret Heir Next Door

Don’t make eye contact with Logan. Ignore him!

“You probably don’t remember me,” he laughs. “I frequented your store often when my sister-in-law was pregnant with the twins. I didn’t have a beard back then.”

“Oh, Brant, I can’t believe I didn’t recognize you!”

I lean forward and give him a quick hug.

“No worries, I look a little rough with the beard.”

“Not at all, it definitely works for you! How’s Kelly and the twins? I haven’t seen her in about a month.”

“They’re great. The girls are growing like weeds. Kelly said you sent her a basket not long ago.”

“Yeah, I was thinking about her. I know twins can’t be easy.”

“Not at all,” he laughs. “They’ve got their hands full. I think you know my friend Logan, right?”

“We’ve met,” I answer curtly.

Lila snickers behind me as she takes our drinks from the bartender.

“This is my friend, Lila,” I tell them.

“Logan here isn’t great at first impressions, or even fifth,” he teases. “But he’s been my best friend since the third grade. He’ll grow on you.”

“Well, we are here for fun, and unless you guys would like to show us your moves out there, we’re headed to shake our booties,” Lila announces as she nudges me forward.

“I’m not a dancer,” Logan says.

“Not surprised,” I chuff as we move past them.

“Dude, that’s all you had to say?” Brant chuckles.

“What was that?” I ask Lila when we’re out of earshot.

“You two were making puppy dog eyes at each other, and I couldn’t take it anymore,” she giggles. “Don’t let that man see you struggling because he’s here. Let him see you having fun and all the dudes that you’re attracting. Screw him.”

“I already did.”

“Girl,” she laughs. “Let’s not think about that.”

As the night wears on, the bar continues to buzz with energy. James and Adrian keep the conversation lively, and Lila and both enjoy the attention.

The dance floor is packed, and I find myself dancing with James. The rhythm of the music makes it easy to get lost in the moment. He’s a good dancer, and we move together with a comfortable ease.

“You’re a pretty good dancer,” he says, leaning in to be heard over the music.

“Thanks,” I reply, smiling. “You’re not so bad yourself.”

As we dance, I notice Logan’s face briefly, he looks…jealous? I push the thought away, trying to focus on enjoying the night. The flirtation with James is fun and light-hearted, a nice change from the emotional complexity I’ve been dealing with.

After a while, we take a break and head back to our table. Lila is chatting animatedly with Adrian, and I join them, feeling a bit winded but exhilarated.

“You’re having a great time,” Lila says, looking at me with a satisfied smile. “I’m glad we came out tonight.”

“Me too,” I agree, sipping my drink. “It’s been a lot of fun.”

James joins us. “So, what’s the plan for the rest of the night? Any more dancing or drinks?”

---