Page 160 of Sapphire Sunset

“Why?”

Logan reached into the pocket of his blazer, just as Connorhad done, and pulled out an envelope that was about the size of Connor’s. Butthe key he shook out into Connor’s palm was a lot smaller. A lot lessimpressive. But, Connor realized, its implications were far more momentous.

“As it happens,” Logan said, “I went and got you a key too.It isn’t quite as groovy, but there are a lot of privileges that come with it.”

“Like what?” Connor asked.

“Like going to bed with me every night. Fighting over whetherwe’re going to watch my History Channel stuff or your design shows. And you’llbe able to hold on to the original room key,’causewe’ll share it like we share everything else.”

“Because I’ll live with you,” Connor said.

“If you get tired of the penthouse suite, of course,” Logansaid.

“I don’t know, the penthouse suite’s pretty nice.”

“It is, but I don’t charge fifteen dollars for a bottle ofwater.”

“Is that what we charge for bottled water?”Connorbarked.

Logan nodded gravely.

“Okay. That’s going to change.”

“Maybe wait ’til the hotel’s in the black again. But speakingof changes, chances are you’re not going to be seeing much of me during the dayanymore. So what do you say, Mr. Harcourt? Will you accept this key even if Idon’t have the schematics for your four-story shoe closet ready yet?”

“That’s so unfair. I barely brought any shoes.”

“Yeah,’causethey’re all still atyour place in New York, I bet, and you’re going to have to get them, right?”

“Maybe,” Connor said with a sheepish smile.

“That’s what I thought. But don’t worry. I’m more thanprepared.”

Connor smiled and took the gold key from Logan’s hand. “I’dget rid of every pair of shoes I have for the chance to spend every night withyou.”

Their kiss was perfect.

For about fifteen seconds. Then Connor felt Logan stiffen, andnot in a way that said sexy times were afoot. Something had distracted him.

Connor drew back and took Logan’s face in his hands. “What?”he asked.

“I probably shouldn’t ask this, but it’s been bothering me,and I can’t let go of it.”

“Okay.”

“How much was it, Connor?” Logan asked.

“How much was what?” Connor asked, even though he knewexactly what Logan meant.

“Your inheritance.”

Connor swallowed, looked out at the sea, saw no escapethere, so he looked back at Logan. “I’ll tell you. On one condition. Well, twoactually.”

“Okay,” Logan said.

“You can’t respond to what I’m about to say for twenty-fourhours, and you can’t say anything at all for at least five minutes.”

Logan’s laugh was long. “I guess I deserve that.”

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