Page 59 of Cross the Line

It wasn’t long before Kylie approached. “Can I steal Logan for a bit?”

I looked to Logan. “That’s up to her.”

Logan gave me a smile that showed her approval, and then she leaned in and said, “See you later?”

I nodded, not entirely sure what she had in mind but excited about the prospect of spending more time with her.

I migrated to join some of my teammates, who were making bets on the baby’s birthday and name. And then the conversation shifted to other matters, though I found myself only half paying attention. I could barely focus on anything but Logan. It was driving me crazy—to be so close to her after all these months yet so far away.

She’d barely arrived, and the clock was already counting down to her departure. I was filled with dread at the prospect of her leaving. That said, I knew she was here to support Frasier and Bryn, and I was positive she’d want to spend as much time with them as possible.

I wanted to be selfish and keep her all to myself. But I also wanted her to have fun and see her friends.

Logan was so busy laughing at something Bryn’s sister had said that I was surprised when my phone buzzed in my pocket with a message from her.

KT: It might be time to leave. Bryn’s sister just threatened to make us play truth or dare.

I chuckled, though the party had to be wrapping up soon. Most of the guests had left, apart from Bryn and Frasier’s immediate family and closest friends. The caterers were cleaning up, and the staff was loading the presents onto a large cart.

Me: I didn’t think you were one to shy away from a challenge.

KT: My feet are killing me.

Me: Want me to massage them?

I was teasing, mostly. But if she’d let me touch her, I’d happily agree.

KT: Don’t say things like that, unless you mean them.

I grinned, loving the fact that she was using my own words on me. I decided to do the same thing to her.

Me: I always say what I mean and mean what I say.

When I glanced up, she was biting her lip as if to hold in a smile. Her face was focused on the screen, fingers flying over the keys.

KT: Wanna get out of here?

Did that… Was she…?

I studied Logan from across the room, trying to get a read on her. But her attention was on Bryn as she talked about something I couldn’t hear.

Me: Meet in the stairwell in five?

KT: Sounds good.

I excused myself, making my way to the exit as if I were going to use the restroom. My heart was pounding, and I was scared that something or someone was going to thwart our plan. They’d waylay Logan, or the fire alarm would go off.

As I waited in the stairwell, my breath sounded loud to my ears, echoing off the concrete. I tried to take a slow inhale to calm my racing heart, pacing around the small landing as if that would calm me.

Seconds seemed to stretch into hours. And what felt like forever was probably only a few minutes.

When the door to the stairwell finally swung open, my heart felt as if it might give out. Logan shut the door behind her, smiling at me. “Hey. Sorry for all the cloak-and-dagger stuff, I just didn’t want to have to deal with our nosy friends. Come on.” She grabbed my hand, towing me down the stairs.

I was still trying to wrap my head around the fact that she was here, holding my hand, that I almost missed what she’d said. Something about grabbing her stuff from the concierge so we could head out. She seemed to have a plan, and I was more than happy to be along for the ride.

I followed her down the stairs, her heels clicking against each step like a metronome. “Where do you want to go?”

“I’m starving. Since my plane was delayed, I didn’t get to have lunch. I was hoping to eat at the party, but it was mostly finger food and everyone kept distracting me.”