Page 30 of Viking

I smile tightly, trying to sound casual. “Yeah, fine. Just, uh, making sure things stay organized.”

Ryan chuckles softly, his eyes narrowing slightly as he watches Logan and the blonde. “You know, if I didn’t know better, I’d say our new public affairs coordinator is gunning for president of the Logan James fan club.”

I glance over at Ryan, my smile barely concealing the edge of frustration. “I’m just here to work, Carter. Don’t turn it into something it’s not.”

He lifts a brow, unconvinced. “Of course.” He nudges me playfully. “But hey, if you’re jealous—” he pauses, a grin tugging at his lips— “you could always go plant one on him. That’d surely wreck her day.”

I turn toward him fully, giving him a sharp look, but before I can say anything, he puts his hands up in surrender.

“Easy,” he says. “I’m not trying to start anything. Just saying that I’ve known Logan a long time. I know what he looks like when he’s locked in. And lately? The guy’s late to briefings he used to show up early for. I was in Vegas, too, remember?”

I try to laugh, but it comes out strained. Like I’m choking. Ryan’s right about one thing. I’m definitely feeling something in my chest. And the more I try to play it cool, the more my feelings get tangled up in the commotion around us.

Ryan nudges me again. “You know he’s really only paying attention to you, right? That—” he tips his chin toward the blonde hanging onto Logan’s every word— “is just background noise.”

I bite my lip, heat creeping up my neck. There’s no point denying it—Ryan clearly knows something’s up. “I know,” I mutter. “Doesn’t mean I have to enjoy the show.”

Ryan shrugs, amusement flickering in his hazel eyes. “I’m sure it doesn’t. But here’s the thing, Lila. Logan’s been my best friend for nearly eight years, and I’ve never seen him this distracted.”

I glance at him, curiosity sparking. “Distracted how?”

Ryan’s grin turns knowing. “For starters, he thinks staring at you during briefings is subtle. But then again, so do you.”

I roll my eyes, but he keeps going.

“He’s always the first to notice when you walk into a room. He zones out when you’re talking to someone else, but the second you speak? It’s like flipping a switch. And don’t even get me started on the way he looks at you when he thinks no one’s watching.”

I take a deep breath and my eyes fall back on Logan. He’s now posing for a photo with a father and son, still flashing that charming grin. But when he looks up, his eyes meet mine again, and for a moment, it’s just the two of us in the crowd. I hold his gaze for a beat before I glance away, my heart skipping in my chest.

Ryan sees it all and just smirks. “I’ve flown with the guy long enough to know, Logan doesn’t lose focus. Not ever. But you?” He starts to walk away, tossing a final glance over his shoulder. “You throw him off his game.” He winks. “Y’all are flying dangerously close to no-man’s-land.”

I exhale, ignoring the way my stomach flutters. When I look back, Logan is finally breaking free from the crowd. As he strides my way, a smile takes shape—slow, effortless, meant just for me. His smirk is sharp enough to cut. His demo pilot-grin is easy and practiced. But this—this is something else entirely. Quiet. Unguarded. Lethal in a way that has nothing to do with charm and everything to do with him.

“Hey, you.” His voice is low, teasing, but there’s something deeper behind it.

Trying to hide my flustered expression, I attempt a joke. “So how many dates did you get asked on?”

He chuckles, brushing a hand through his hair. “None. I’m all yours.”

I glance up at him, trying to stay professional, but there’s no denying the chemistry between us. “Is it always like this?”

He shrugs, smiling at a kid who’s staring at him with wide eyes. “Comes with the territory. It’s short lived though. It’ll stop once I’m not a demo pilot anymore.”

“How long will you do it?” I ask.

“However long I’m told.”

I nod. I’m not sure why his answer makes my heart ache a little.

Logan steps closer, lowering his voice. “You still in for the post-show debrief?” he asks, his tone playful.

I smile happy for the distraction and raise an eyebrow. “You mean after our actual debrief? Yes please.”

His gaze lingers on me for just a second too long. “Good.”

Panama City Beach, Florida

May 4, 2024