- Why? she asked in surprise.
- Nothing. – Logan growled, shaking his head gently, as if he wanted to get some idea out of his head, before turning his attention to her again and shrugging, his voice acquiring a casual tone again – I forgot your sister mentioned today's date when you talked about it. I just thought this party had already happened a long time ago.
Megan had spoken to Logan about the party? Weird...
- So... – her confused thoughts were interrupted when he continued to speak, almost fearfully – It's at seven, isn't it? I was thinking of catching a ride with Devon and Megan since I don't know exactly where Mrs. Newton...
- You go? The question, spoken with nothing but sheer bewilderment, escaped her lips before she could stop herself.
Logan was going to Lauren's party? But why? It wasn't an event that directly involved the Knights. Of course, she had invited the whole Devon family, because she loved them too and, considering them part of her own family, would love for them to be there, – something Lauren was also completely in favor of, as they were the type rich and influential person she loved to hang out with - but Logan Knight? He could barely breathe the same air as her. Why would he want to attend an event that was only important to his mother-in-law and her boyfriend?
- You do not want me to go?
Seeing him ask that so sadly, almost hurt, Missy's stunned thoughts suddenly turned to regret. Hurrying up a smile, she vehemently denied it, eager to wipe that disconsolate expression off his face, even though it was incomprehensible to her why he would react the way he did.
- Of course not! I would love for you to come! – she stated, widening her smile in the process, happy with the prospect that maybe the time had come when she and Devon's brother could finally live in peace.
However, as soon as she said that, to her complete astonishment, his hitherto serious expression broke into a crooked, almost affectionate smile, and for a minute Missy found herself absurdly dazzled, almost disoriented. Of course, she had noticed how handsome Logan Knight was since she first saw him. But it would be strange if she hadn't noticed. After all, he was easily one of the most handsome men in the world. Megan had even mentioned that he had officially won that title, given by some very famous magazine, and more than once, even. Missy herself remembered seeing his face several times over the years, before he retired, when Logan was still one of the most in-demand models in the world, in numerous commercials and billboards around the country, as a poster boy for famous and luxury brands. She knew that it was with his exceptional good looks that he had made his fame and fortune as a model from an early age, before founding the agency at just 20 years old, making his brothers his partners a few years later. After all, that was a story she had heard Devon tell many times, so proud of his brother.
However, what no one had told her, and which she obviously had never had the opportunity to see with his own eyes until then, was how much Logan Knight was even more impossibly beautiful when he smiled. And not just beautiful, like a flower bud or a cute puppy, but…attractive. Extremely attractive. So absolutely breathtaking that, almost with horror, she realized that looking at him was making her feel…weird.
Damn it, she had to stop this. In fact, she thought she'd managed to let go of that kind of disconcerting feeling at the height of those first few days two years ago when she'd first met him. She'd found boys cute before, but she'd never felt… shivering like she had when she saw Logan's face for the first time. Fortunately, she had managed to suppress those strange and unheard-of reactions, until they had simply disappeared completely and she saw him only as her brother-in-law's grumpy brother who inexplicably loathed her.
Or at least she thought they were gone.
Heavens, she had never imagined such beauty could exist. Or that such beauty could have such strange effects on her.
Wait, what was she thinking? Those reactions had to go away again. She had a boyfriend. How would she feel if she knew Liam was looking at someone the way she was looking at Logan? And feeling... Those indecipherable sensations? Yes, surely she had to get her focus back together enough to look back at him without that weird haze of wonder.
As if she'd taken pity on her, the program finally completed its installation in full, allowing her to get out of there and get her head in the right place.
- Well, I think it's all settled now. – She informed him, trying to disguise her nervousness as she smiled, avoiding looking at him directly, knowing that an intense blush was coloring her cheeks – Next time something like this happens, don't worry. The files will most likely just be in the trash. A single click and they will be restored. – she explained, while getting up – And, of course, any other problem, you can call me. – Moving a few steps away from him, she waved and smiled shyly.
Serious and silent, Logan continued to stare at her intently for several minutes, his expression completely impassive, which only served to make her even more nervous and disconcerted, until he finally spoke again, letting out a deep sigh as he returned to his seat. feel in your chair.
- Thanks for the help, Missy.
- It was nothing. – she swallowed – So, um… See you tonight?
When he looked at her again, he didn't look happy or even angry, just oddly... Sad, maybe? Or maybe it was just the despondency caused by tiredness after a long day at work. Anyway, he just gave a small smile that didn't reach her eyes, like the previous smile had, and confirmed it.
- Of course. Until then.
With one last uncertain smile, Missy made her way out of his office, internally wondering what Megan would say when she learned that Logan finally seemed to have learned to live civilly with her... Well, anyway, that was good news. . Now, all she had to do was learn not to overreact to those incredible, disconcerting smiles...
Okay, maybe the first step would be to simply not think about them, in case she didn't want to feel so inexplicably...
Hot.
To her immense relief, as soon as she opened the door, Missy saw that Lucy Sinclair, Emily Gray and Angela Harris were standing in front of Simon's desk, talking animatedly with him. The four waved as soon as they saw her for her to come over, which Missy did immediately. Her friends were always the best company and if she wanted to dispel those disturbing thoughts, they would certainly help her a lot. - And then? Knight asked you to turn his entire office into a computer so he could work an extra 28 hours a day? Lucy asked with a mocking laugh as she approached. - I hope not. – Simon sighed, running his hands through his dark hair – Or that means I'm going to have to work too, if I want to keep his schedule organized. - I don't know why they criticize so much the fact that Mr. Knight being a workaholic. – Angela laughed – It could be worse: he could force us to be too. - Oh, come on... Was he more Miranda Priestly or the demon from the Conjuring today? - Lucy encouraged Missy to s
It was odd because she didn't feel like she should apologize, but if he was that pissed off, maybe, who knows, she shouldn't? Her relationship with Liam had always been pretty smooth and, after that first fight, Missy was a little unsure of how she should proceed. Normally, she would ask Megan, but the thought of telling her sister that her first attempt at sex had turned into such a disaster made Missy feel her face burn with embarrassment. And then there was the fact that Megan would certainly be pissed to learn how badly Liam had reacted and especially about the horrible things he'd said to her. Not that Missy hadn't been pretty hurt too, and even a little angry, after the shock of seeing him scream like that had worn off, but it was normal for couples to fight, right? It would be silly of her to want everything to always be a bed of roses and for them to never have conflicts. After all, her entire relationship with Liam had been pretty smooth up until that point. Of course, it was
In a hurry, Missy ran to get her purse from her office and hail a car to take her to her apartment, which, thankfully, didn't take as long as she feared. On the way, she checked her messages again and, although she wasn't surprised, it was inevitable not to feel sadly disappointed when she realized that, again, Liam had viewed and not replied to any of her messages, including the ones where she told him that she had met with Suzan and left the car for them. And even though she knew it would be pointless, she sent one more message, asking if they could have a chat after Lauren's party was over. As usual, even when she finally set foot in her condo on the elevator on her way home, there was still no response. In fact, there wasn't even a preview this time. Of course, he must have been working at that time, but still... That situation was becoming untenable. She knew he was upset, but… didn't he like her enough to want to make amends? Fortunately, her turbulent thoughts were interrupt
- I can't believe you came dressed like that! Taken aback, Missy jumped a little in fright at her mother-in-law's furious exclamation, who lunged at her as soon as Missy walked through the door, appraising her clothes with obvious annoyance. Surprised, Missy noticed that Lauren Newton was wearing a long gown, similar to an evening dress, although it was easily identifiable that it was a rental dress, as some parts were quite worn, especially the hem and sleeves. The relief Missy had felt upon seeing her car parked in the driveway, and realizing that Liam had already arrived at his mother's house, dissipated somewhat when she wondered why her mother-in-law was dressed so formally, especially with the addition of that heavy makeup. , as if she was about to go to a wedding. - But didn't I say a thousand times that this party would be classy? How could you come dressed like you were going to the park for ice cream? her mother-in-law snapped, stomping her feet hard on the ground as soon a
As she turned, she saw the Knight twins standing a few feet away, both with haggard, almost tortured expressions, as Mrs. Newton was gesturing excitedly about something. In fact, they looked like they were literally cornered by her, as they were standing together and huddled in one corner of the room, with Lauren standing so close to the two of them that she was blocking any exit they might have. - Oh, no... - Missy lamented, knowing that surely her mother-in-law was taking advantage of that moment to talk about luxury, fortune and all those other subjects that she loved so much, especially when it came to talking to two consecrated names in the modeling industry . "I think I'll go there..." - Save them. - Lucy amended. - Hmmm... I'll just ask where are the dumplings I made. – She tried to explain herself, even though she knew Lucy was right. Lauren could be quite exasperating at times, that was a fact, and if the Knights were here, obviously forcing themselves to endure a monologue
All the horrible things he'd said… They didn't make it seem like Liam was in love with her. In fact, they made it seem almost as if he'd been spending all that time with her just waiting for the moment when they would have sex… Which was why her refusal had infuriated him so much. As if she had taken away from him the only good thing he could ever have with her. But if he wanted to get married, then had she got it all wrong? He had reacted that way, hurt her that way… Why was he nervous about the marriage proposal? However, the main reason the floor seemed to disappear from under her feet was that... She wasn't prepared. She wanted to try to work things out with Liam and move forward with their relationship. Maybe, in time, she could come to want him the way he wanted so much. Perhaps she even could tell that she was in love with him. Or even that she loved him. But not at that moment. Not that night. She I still didn't feel any of that, after all. And she couldn't say yes to him.
Logan Knight was there. She had completely forgotten that he had said he would come. But why was he standing in the Newtons' back garden instead of inside at the party? - Missy? Are you okay? he asked, looking worried, still keeping his arms around her, although it was obvious that there was no longer any risk of her falling. Blushing, Missy swallowed, nervously trying to look away from his eyes, which seemed to almost glow in the moonlight. Heavens, the way the man was handsome was almost crippling at times. - I... I'm fine. she stammered, shyly squirming within his embrace. Perhaps it was good that he had stopped her in her mindless flight. She needed to breathe some fresh air and calm down enough to be able to get back to Liam and Lauren and make them understand that she didn't feel ready for a step as big as a wedding. They certainly should be furious with her, maybe even with some reason, but... Eventually they would understand she couldn't accept something of the magnitude
- Uh, it's okay if you don't want to come in. – she hurried to try to stop him, since obviously the event inside had not only angered him, but also disturbed him. - It is not alright. - He gave another heavy sigh, before, to his complete surprise, turning his face a little, so he could smile sweetly at her - Actually, I'm glad I met you. Maybe this way we can finally talk properly... Like the friends we are. He nodded and opened the door, allowing her to enter first, looking genuinely happy at the prospect of them talking. Missy cracked a smile, and as soon as they had both walked far enough to be back in the Newtons' hallway, she was about to speak again, when Mrs. Newton, appearing like a bolt of lightning from inside the living room towards the entrance hall, interrupted her. - There you are! – her mother-in-law roared, more enraged than she ever remembered seeing, advancing towards where they were as if she was really planning to wrap her hands around Missy's neck – We've been l