Page 77 of Breathless

“Do you mind?” She pins me with those big gray eyes. “I just realized I didn’t take any photos when we were at thecoast.”

“Tori can share hers with you. She took a bunch.” I nibble her neck, feeling better already. “I thought you hatedInstagram.”

She shrugs. “I never had anything that exciting or interesting topost.”

Leaning back so I can see her face, I wag my eyebrows. “Am I exciting enough topost?”

Her soft palm lands on my face. “You’re probably more excitement than I canhandle.”

“Oh, I think you handle me just fine.” I press her into the stall behind us and kiss her until we’re both out of breath. “Fuck, you make me sohard.”

I’ve been a walking, talking erection all day, thanks to memories of last night, but nothing compares to having her in myarms.

And even though I’d like nothing more than to relive every naked moment in real-time, one of my nosy family members could walk in here at any moment. The barn isn’t isolated like thecreek.

Reluctantly, I set her down on her feet and rearrange my junk, which shepalms.

“I’ll take care of that when we get home.” She winks at me and struts out of thebarn.

I laugh and shake my head. I don’t know when she became so carefree and flirty, but I’m really digging this side of her. A side only Isee.

I’m not sure how to explain the emotion careening through my chest. How to explain the way it’s easier to breathe when she’s with me. How fucking elated I am when she sends a smile my way or touchesme.

Damn. I love thiswoman.

I stare at Cinnamon Pie, dumbfounded by therevelation.

I consider those words andfrown.

Never did I think I was the kind of guy to lose it over a girl, but based on how it’s physically painful to be separated from her, Joey Grayson owns my dumbass.

“Holy hell, I do love her,” I declare to myhorse.

That’s when the memory of my father standing just a few feet away hits me so hard, it sucks the air out of mylungs.

“She’s not the girl for you, Logan. You’ll never make someone like Josephine happy. She’ll want to settle down, and son, that’ll grow old, and you’ll move on to the next pretty thing who glances your way and break her heart. Trust me. I know a thing or two about this sortathing.”

When the man you’ve looked up to your entire life says you’re basically not good enough for your lifelong best friend, it makes you questioneverything.

At least it did at thetime.

Shaking my head, I stalk out of the barn, determined to prove himwrong.

* * *

Joey’s thumbrubs across my wrist as we turn off the main drag. The sun sets as my truck slows in the drive-thru of the burger joint. We’re both wiped out. While I’m enjoying these family festivities stretching on until the wedding on Saturday, it doubles my responsibilities since Ethan has been hanging out so much with everyone. Not that I mind. I’m just tired ashell.

At least Sam has chilled out. She texted me yesterday to let me know Zach is feeling better. That’s a load off my mind. I’m tempted to text back to see how he’s doing today, but I don’t want to invite more conversation with her thannecessary.

After Joey and I scarf down our meal in my truck and start back home to my place, I see the turnoff for her grandma’s house, and it gives me an idea. Even though there’s nothing more I want than to crash in front of the TV with Jojo wrapped in my arms while we relax, she needs to be mypriority.

“What are you doing?” she asks hesitantly as we bounce along the torn-up road to her grandma’sproperty.

“You haven’t stopped by here since you’ve been home, and I figured they might have some of your stuff in boxes orsomething.”

She leans forward in her seat, her expression melancholy. “I’ve wanted to come by, but we’ve been sobusy.”

“I figured.” That’s just like Jo. Always putting others first. Never asking for herself. That shit stops right now. I love that she’s so nurturing, but it can’t be to her own detriment. “Babe, if you need something,anything, you just need to let me know. I’m not always thatintuitive.”

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