I let go of any control I still have, wondering if I ever had any in the first place.
“Logan,” I whisper, taking a breath. “Do you want to come in?” I ask, my skin heated, my nerves crackling with fire.
His lips curl against mine. “Yes, I do. I very much want to, but... I won’t.”
My chest grips as he slips out of my grasp, taking a half-step away from me. “Why not?” I ask.
“Because you’re lovesick,” he says. “You’re not thinking straight.”
“That’s not...” I step back, my spine fusing with the front door, the ache of rejection in my stomach. “That’s not true.”
“I don’t mind being used, kitty,” Logan says, that sly confidence squaring his shoulders. “In fact, I rather enjoy it from time to time.” He stares me down. “But at least do me the respect of being honest about it.”
“You think I’m just kissing you to get over Jonah?” I ask, my throat tight.
“I think I’ve made my feelings here quite clear,” he replies, steady and wise. “You haven’t.”
I look down, my head swimming, unable to piece thought after thought together. What am I doing here? Why am I kissing Logan Shock? Is it because I really wanted to? Or was it really just to numb the pain?
And why did I just invite Logan inside like that’s something I do all the time, and not aserious fucking choice?
Oh, god.
I almost just...
WithLogan Shock.
“It’s all right, kitty,” Logan says, his voice a gentle purr. “Take your time. Figure out what you want. Trust me, when you do, I’ll be curled up at the foot of your bed like a loyal pup. But, until then...” He lays a soft kiss on my forehead. “Goodnight, kitty.”
He steps back, his hands and body falling away from mine. I lock my knees, forcing myself to remain upright as he hops off the porch and walks back toward the sidewalk.
I shake off the lump in my throat. “Goodnight, Logan,” I say, my quivering voice so low and pathetic.
But Logan gives me a warm smile before he turns around and continues back toward the bar.
14
LOGAN
We return to the hotel shortly after one in the morning. There’s nothing better than the hours after a show, basking in the love and adoration of our biggest fans. People who would happily wait in a long line just to shake your hand and tell you how much your music has changed them for the better.
Gives the ego a nice long stroke as well.
On any other night, I would have lingered in that space as long as possible, but tonight is different.
Tonight, I kissed Katrina Benton.
My god, what a feeling. To finally—finally—be close enough to smell her perfume. To press my lips against her so hard I see stars. To hear her whimper in pleasure. To taste her tongue as it danced with mine.
But I couldn’t stay. Well, Icouldhave. I definitelycouldhave. But it wouldn’t have been right, knowing what I know. Knowing that there’s a possibility she’d be with me while thinking abouthim.
Jonah, you stupid bastard.
What kind of man has a kiss like that and walks away? Well, me. I guess.I’mthat man. But unlike Mr. Billionaire, I fully intend to go back.
When she’s ready.
“You look sleepy, boss,” Tesla says, chuckling beside me on the elevator to the 18th floor.