Page 102 of Defensive Desire

"Your mom's not quite what I expected," he says.

"Yeah, I know, right?" I reply, still processing what just happened. "She's... evolving."

Logan's smile is warm as he squeezes my hand. "Must run in the family."

My tummy flutters, but as we turn around, Big Mike stands behind me, Sophia at his side, both wearing expressions of approval that make my heart race.

Big Mike grins. "It's creative. Engaging. Good integration of both brands without it feeling forced."

I beam. "Thank you."

Logan fidgets nervously at my side. "How'd we do, boss?"

"Very well. Both of you."

But then, Big Mike's expression shifts slightly, becoming more serious as he steps in towards Logan and drops his voice.

"Logan, I've been trying to catch you all day. Just wondering, can you drop by my office tomorrow? We should chat in private."

"Everything okay, sir?" Logan asks, glancing sideways to see if I'm listening.

I hustle on the spot, pretending to organize already-perfect stacks of bookmarks, but Big Mike's "quiet" voice carries like he's using a megaphone.

"The trade talks are getting serious," he says. "It's time we had a chat. Seattle want you."

My stomach drops.Seattle. That's over eight hundred miles away.

I fumble with a stack of paper cups, sending them cascading across the table. Both men look over, and I force a smile.

"Sorry! Just... cleaning up." My voice sounds unnaturally high.

Logan's eyes meet mine for a split second, long enough for me to see the storm brewing there.

"We'll talk tomorrow," Big Mike says, clapping Logan on the shoulder. "Ten AM sharp."

When he walks away, Logan turns to help me with the cups, his movements mechanical. His fingers brush against mine, and I fight the urge to grab his hand and never let go.

"Emma—"

He starts, but Sophia immediately jumps in, chattering about something related to social media metrics and community engagement numbers.

But I've stopped listening.

We should chat in private. Seattle want you.

That's not "good job" language. That's not "hey, want to grab lunch" language.

That's "your contract status" language.

I keep smiling and nodding at whatever Sophia is saying, but inside, my chest is caving in.

This perfect day, this beautiful moment, this feeling that everything is finally falling into place… and now reality comes crashing back in like ice water.

Logan's hand finds mine, squeezing tight.

"Hey…" he says quietly, so only I can hear. "We'll figure it out, okay? Just enjoy today. You should be so proud."

I squeeze back, forcing my smile to stay in place as Big Mike and Sophia continue their rounds.

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