Page 55 of Sapphire Sunset

“Thank you for volunteering me during one of the worstepisodes in this hotel’s history.”

“I was trying to give you credit. You deserve a promotion.”

Gloria crossed her arms over her chest and studied him witha raised eyebrow. “Logan, I’ve been awake almost thirty-six hours, and a fewdays ago, before my world ended, I invited my daughter and her three-year-oldto move in with us while she regroups after her divorce. The last thing I wantnow is more responsibility added to my plate. Now, please tell me. What is youractual issue with Connor Harcourt?”

“We’ve met,” Logan said.

“When?”

“Five years ago. My first night here.”

“Okay.”

Logan stared at her.

“Logan, I’m really tired. Out with it.”

“We had a moment,” Logan said.

“A disagreement?”

“Like a my tongue was in his mouth and his tongue was in mymouth moment.”

“On this planet we call that kissing.”

“Yeah, well, it didn’t end that great. He had feelings. Ihad feelings. I told him how we couldn’t act on them because of my job, and hedidn’t take it so well. Look, I’m just telling you because if he suddenly showsme the door, that’s why. I don’t want you to think I wasn’t willing to stay andfight.”

“I’ve known Connor since he was a boy,” she said. “He’s agood man. He’ll do right by this place. He’ll do right by you.”

Logan pulled her in and gave her a quick peck on theforehead, seeing a swell of gratitude in her eyes. “You’re out of here by five.I don’t care what anyone says. You need a break and a real meal.”

“I’m fine,” she whispered and then she was gone.

Logan smelled his best friend’s familiar woodsy cologne,felt the guy give him a light punch in his lower back. “That was one smoothdisclosure, buddy. You got this hotel shit licked.”

“Shut up.”

“You excited for the return of Tintin?”

“I swear to God. There’s so much going on in this hotel rightnow, I could deck you right here in the lobby and no one would notice.”

“Yeah, but then you’d be down a security guy. Speaking ofwhich, we better go get suited up. Didn’t you say some guy was waiting for usin the office to get us in uniform or something?”

“The way you’re dressed is fine. You need to get set up withearpieces and walkie-talkies. I’ve got to meet our new GM’s entourage, so headon back. His name’s Emmanuel. You can walk in. No one’s going to stop you.”

Donnie gave him a thumbs-up and headed for his threehandsome team members.

Logan reached out and grabbed his arm, letting Donnie’s friendsget some distance away. “Those guys are all porn stars, right?”

“Formerporn stars. Looking for a new career path,and you know how I like to be there for my guys when they age out. Andhonestly, they’re shit cameramen so Igottafindsomething else for them to do.”

“All right, then.”

“Is that a problem, Murdoch?” Donnie asked, clearly preparedto ream Logan’s ass if it was.

“Not at all. Thank you for being a friend.”

“I’m your original golden girl, and don’t you forget it.”

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