Which, in her eyes, left only two options…
It was a random attack, or someone had targeted Logan, and her tires were just collateral damage. And she refused to even think about someone trying to purposely hurt Logan.
The man was literally the kindest, most generous guy she knew. A fact solidified by the phone call he’d made that night while they’d waited for the cops to arrive.
Unbeknownst to her, the former Frogman had a contact within one of the local auto repair shops. One brief phone call later yielded an arrangement to replace the damaged tires for both their vehicles—something Natalie still intended to pay Logan back for, despite his objections to the contrary.
Then, the man whose lips had so lightly caressed hers minutes before the madness had ensued, insisted he sleep on her couch. And she’d let him.
For those first three days following the whole tire-slashing incident, Logan had been a constant presence in her life. He drove her to and from work, only leaving her to go to his own job. As soon as he was done for the day, he’d drive straight to Frost Avionics.
Using the temporary visitor’s badge she’d managed to get for him, Logan would ride up to the Executive Floor—otherwise known as the building’s fifth floor—and he’d patiently wait until she was ready to leave.
And then he’d driven her home.
Home.
There was that word again. Only her house didn’t really feel like a home. If she were being honest, it never had.
It does when he’s in it.
Natalie’s movements faltered again, but this time forced herself to ignore the truthful thought as she continued stacking more folders. Her lips curved into a disbelieving smirk. The thought was so ridiculous it was laughable.
The man had his own house and a couch of his own. And given the palpable tension that had filled the space between them that last morning together, this little break between friends was probably not the worst idea in the world.
It actuallyisthe worst idea in the world, and you’re an emotional mess. This is Logan we’re talking about, Nat. The guy was Hunt’s best friend, for crying out loud. You have to fix this.
Natalie blew out a breath and lidded the second-to-last box. Shoulders falling, she realized her inner voice was only half right.
She did need to fix things with Logan, but not because he was Hunt’s best friend.
Because he washers.
Gathering the stack of files she’d already gone over, Natalie was sliding them back into the last available cardboard box on the table when a familiar male voice sounded from behind.
“I have to say, I’m impressed. I think you may actually work longer hours than I do.”
She turned her head toward the man standing in the doorway. Billionaire entrepreneur Dennis Atkinson was Frost Avionics’ Chief Financial Officer. He was also Glenn Frost’s business partner.
The two men shared a fifty-one, forty-nine split of the corporation’s controlling interest. Of course, given the company’s name, Frost possessed the higher of the two.
“Mr. Atkinson.” Natalie greeted him with a polite smile. “I didn’t realize you were still here.”
“A boss’s work is never done, I’m afraid. And please, Mrs. Garrison. Call me Dennis.” The forty-something man stepped farther into the room. “Mr. Atkinson is my father.”
“Only if you’ll call me Natalie.”
If you don’t want people addressing you as Mrs., maybe you should stop wearing Hunter’s ring.
All right, Natalie,”Dennis agreed. “You have a deal.” He held out his hand, as if to solidify the agreement.
With a slight chuckle, Natalie felt obligated to side return the gesture. Sliding her palm against his, she gave the man’s large hand a single shake. “Deal.”
Tall, handsome, with light blue eyes that felt as if they were staring straight through her, the powerful CFO made his way closer to where she stood. As usual, he was dressed to impress with his tailored blue dress pants, light blue button-down, and blue-gray sports coat.
His brown hair was short on the sides and back, but thicker and a bit longer on top, and held a hint of silver at the temples. As usual, every strand on the man’s attractive head seemed to be in its place, and if Natalie wasn’t mistaken—and she was pretty sure she wasn’t—there was definite interest swirling around inside his slightly arrogant gaze.
It was there yesterday, too. And the day before that. And the day before that…