Jesus. Talk about a welcome celebration.
When I move, Logan jolts awake, sitting up.
“Fuck.” He’s out of bed and pulling on his jeans before I sit up.
“What?”
“I gotta get the hell out of here.”
“Why? Are you late for something?”
“No, but I can’t fucking be here right now.” He throws on his shirt and is halfway out the door before I can ask my next question.
“Why not? What’s the hurry?”
He doesn’t answer because he’s already stomping down the stairs.
“What the fuck, Logan?”
Is this how he felt during our last morning after? For the record, it sucks.
I grab my jeans and shirt from last night and tug them on. By the time I hit the bottom of the stairs and step into the kitchen, Logan is reaching for the door handle.
“Really? Just like that? Is this how areal manhandles the morning after in his hometown? What the hell is your problem?” I’m seething, and tempted to grab the nearest object and launch it at him.
“You don’t fucking get it, do you?” he says.
“No, I really don’t.”
“This is a small town. Do you have any idea how many people probably already know I spent the night here? The gossip grapevine is alive and well, and within the next hour, everyone is gonna be talking about it. That’s why I don’t take any of those women up on their offers. I don’t need to be the talk of the town. I’ve got a business to run, and that’s all that matters to me.”
His words carry a cold slap of reality.
I’ve been in this town for less than twenty-four hours, and apparently I’m already going to be labeled the Whore of Gold Haven.Isn’t that a fabulous way to start my new beginning?
“I’m sorry to ruin Logan Brantley’s perfect reputation. I didn’t realize I’d be screwing you over while you were screwing me. I guess you better get out of here so you can salvage your public image.”
He shakes his head, his hand still on the door knob. “You don’t get it. But you will. You think Manhattan will chew someone up and spit them out? You’ve never lived in a small town.”
“How bad can it possibly be to have a bunch of Betty Crocker wannabes turning up their countrified noses at me? I’msoconcerned about their opinion.” Sarcasm drips from my words like napalm, ready to ignite into rage at any moment.
Why did I think coming here was a good idea? Why did I think letting Logan inside this house, insideme,was a good idea? I could smack myself for letting it get this far out of hand.
Logan shakes his head. “I give you twenty-four hours before you’re back on a plane to New York.”
What. A. Dick.
“You know what? It’s official. You’re an asshole. Get the hell out.”
When he opens his mouth, I don’t want to know if he’s going to deliver an apology or more angry words, so I hold up a hand. “Get out. Just get the fuck out.”
Logan’s mouth snaps shut and he’s gone.
I drop onto one of the cushioned kitchen chairs, trying to figure out what just happened. I’m not sure I can handle more of this karma shit.
Last time, he was the one walking out with wounded pride, and now I’m surrounded by the tattered remains of mine.
Logan Brantley can take being areal manand shove it up his ass.