Page 3 of Fire Dragon Lover

Logan

You could hear a pin drop as Logan crossed the distance between the lobby and his office. On either side of him, employees stopped what they were doing, stared, and even sometimes dropped their jaws in astonishment. If he noticed, he didn’t let on; Logan just kept his calm and casual gate.

In his office, he discarded his sunglasses onto the desk, hung up his suit jacket, and plopped his Power Forward sized keister down onto his office chair. It groaned under the sudden weight of the massive man; and he leaned as far back as the chair could manage and let his long blonde hair dangle for a moment while he stretched.

The door of the office flew open and Gretchen came barging in and nearly tripped over her own feet. It seemed as though she had barely slept with her bloodshot eyes; and while still very attractive, wasn’t exactly as put together as usual.Good lord woman, what is going on here?

“Logan, what…” there was a question she wanted to ask, but she tripped on her words every bit as much as her feet. “Are you ok?” is all she could finally muster.

Oh no, there it is again.Logan could feel time slowing down and he began to get tunnel vision around Gretchen’s face. One of the tell-tale signs of being in the presence of your fated mate… that or he was having a stroke.It’s not a stroke.

It was becoming obvious that he was staring at her while engaged in an internal debate.It doesn’t matter that we’re fated. I can’t be a part of this right now. With my activism stirring up the mundanes, she’d be a prime target for retribution.

When it seemed as though the silence would be more than she could bear, Logan stood up, as if to show her he was intact. “I’m fine.” He even twirled around once, “As you can see.” Logan couldn’t take his eyes off of her, and a part of him wanted to hold and caress her.It must be obvious to everyone that I have feelings for her. She doesn’t even have the credentials or experience to work here, but I knew I had to have her around. Even if I can’t be with her, I can take care of her. Guide her into the woman she was meant to be. That has to be enough.

With a nonchalant flourish of his hand; almost dismissively he asked, “Do you have any other questions? Is there something you need assistance with?”

Instantly he knew his callous demeanor was breaking her heart. She felt the connection too, and his behavior was tantamount to stabbing her in the heart. Great tears welled up in her doe like eyes, and with a trembling voice she whispered, “No.” She turned immediately and wiped her eyes as she closed the door behind her.

Alone again with his thoughts, Logan caught a reflection of himself in the polished wood of his desk. His face was nearly as morose as hers.Unrequited love. It’s a ship without harbor. What am I going to do about it?

Six

Gretchen

He didn't have to dismiss me so readily!Gretchen was awash with even more frustration than usual. She couldn't believe she actually stammered in front of him.. She wanted to convey so much more yet she just stood there, like a dummy and asked if he was okay.That was a real winner, Gretchen.He fell into his chair, that's what he thought about her care for him.

As she looked over the rooftops to the buildings down below, Gretchen's mind conjured images of her and Logan, together. She fantasized about his massive hands as they caressed her body and as he lightly kissed sensual places. She wondered how his lips would feel pressed against hers that longed to be tasted. Her musings caused her to breathe faster and deeper, as she gently stroked her nipples and licked her lips.

Abruptly, she put her hands away into her pockets and admonished herself for thinking such thoughts about her employer.I have to stop this.Gretchen knew their two worlds were so different that they could never intersect. Not even remotely.So, I'll just keep lying to everyone about how I really feel.

She walked inside and collected her things to leave for the day when Logan asked her to come into his office. Gretchen's heart stopped for a moment.Wait, he asked me to come to him.She scanned the room, it was obvious that everyone else packed up and went home for the day, and as she was the only one left, he called for her. For some menial task.

“I was wondering if you would consider being my plus one for the convention's last event?” He cleared his throat as he stood up and towered over his mahogany desk that was loaded with papers. Whiskey wafted into her nostrils as he spoke.

“It depends on what I need to do,” Gretchen replied nonchalantly and lifted her chin high. She tried to feign coldness to hide her excitement that screamed inside.

Logan stared at her for some time, and sat on the side of his desk. “All that is required is that you be you, my secretary, of course.” He smiled and after another moment of silence, he added, “I'll have your clothing prepared and anything else you might need.”

Gretchen stood there in silence.How could he not have a date?She pondered with her mouth wide and a look of surprise on her face.

Logan stood from his desk and leaned over to close her mouth. “Some people approach every problem with an open mouth. I don't consider this a problem.” He looked at her and asked, “Do you?”

“N-no, no sir. This isn't a problem at all.” She stammered and fumbled with her fingers. “I gladly accept your invitation.”

Logan grinned in approval. “Well, then I have some shopping to tend to. Good night, Ms. Jennings.” He turned toward his desk, but then changed his mind and added, “Oh, and sleep well.”

“Thank you, Mr. Slade. I'll try.” As she pivoted to leave his office, she was barely able to maintain a scream of delight. For the first time in a long time, Gretchen went home excited about the possibility of something that could bloom between her and Logan.

Seven

Logan

Gretchen’s perfume still hung in the room, and there was something else.Can I literally smell when she’s happy? This fated mate stuff is crazy. It pleased him to know that he had lifted her spirits out of the doldrums, but wished it could have been more. He asked her to attend as his personal assistant was not his first choice and with a click of his mouse he deactivated his screen saver.

On screen was an email from his private investigator; Sal Bianchi. His mouse hovered over part of the message in particular, ‘chatter from Gideon’s Torch has referenced your secretary, Gretchen, and the suspicious amount of attention you pay to her.’

How in the name of the Elder’s did they know?He thought back to all of his public dealings with her, and how coy he imagined he’d been.Not coy enough.

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