Page 108 of The Things That Hold Us

“When you came into my shop, I thought you were shopping for your girlfriend.”

Logan throws his head back laughing, then looks over at me.

I don't know why watching him drive is so attractive, but it is. He always has one hand on the steering wheel, and just something about that position alone is attractive.

“Is that why you were snappy with me?” he asks, and I look at him completely shocked.

“I wasnotsnappy? How was I snappy?”

“You practically bit my head off for being there after you closed, even though your door was unlocked, and the signsaidopen.”

“I did not” I shove at his arm playfully, and he snatches my hand before I can get it back to my lap.

He pulls it to his lips, planting kisses on my fingertips, then laces his fingers through mine, kissing the back of my hand.

“In my defense,” he starts, “your signdidsay open. So technically, you had no right to be upset with me.”

I roll my eyes, “Yeah yeah. I know.”

Logan smiles, and gives my hand a squeeze. The rest of the drive is spent talking over design plans, and things I plan to do with my new space. Logan has some ideas for shelving, and I love that he wants to help me with this.

As soon as we reach Sage Valley, I feel the same butterflies and excitement I felt the first time I came here.

There’s just something so comforting about this town, and I can't wait to have a little piece of it for myself.

We pull up to the store about 20 minutes early, so we decide to walk and grab a coffee; plus my legs are stiff, so I could use the stretch.

We find a cute coffee shop that has some outdoor seating, and plants hanging everywhere.

I order my regular, and Logan orders his black coffee, but iced this time.

As we are walking back, we spot Kelly’s car pulling into the spot next to where we parked.

“Here we go.” I mumble, more to myself than anything.

Logan places a hand on my arm, stopping me.

“Do you want me to hang back, let you do this by yourself?”

My heart swells, loving that he thought to ask me that.

Because he knows Charlie’s Antiques was mine and Sam's thing.

But I want him here. I want him with me when I do this.

“No,” I shake my head, “I want you here.”

I watch something flash in his eyes, something he doesn't want to comment on, because he just nods, and starts walking again.

Kelly sees us, and puts on a big smile, and I cringe inside as I notice she’s wearing extra makeup, and tight clothes.

“Charlie! Logan! So good to see you again. I was so happy when I got your voicemail about wanting to move forward with this.” she pauses, “How are we feeling? Excited, nervous?”

I smile, “A lot of both. But mainly excited. I can’t wait to start putting my own touches on the place.”

“Oh absolutely. I’m sure it's going to be great. If you're ready, we can step inside, get these signed, and have you on your way.”

She waves a stack of papers, and smiles, looking at Logan. I watch as her eyes trail up him, but Logan doesn't even notice. He’s looking right at me.

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