She turned her attention to the dining area.
“All custom made.” I patted the sturdy, solid surface. When she said nothing, I pulled off my tie. Tough crowd.
She had to at least appreciate the sunroom that led out to the balcony and the priceless view of the city. But she walked right past it, sliding onto one of the barstools that lined the granite countertop. She peeled off her jacket, draping it on the seat beside her.
“You have a beautiful place, Logan,” she said finally. “Breathtaking, even.”
“And you haven’t even seen the bedroom,” I joked, hoping for a smile. An eye roll. Something. The sides of her mouth lifted slightly then dropped.
“Okay.” I swiveled her to face me, going serious. “Talk to me. What’s wrong?”
Her eyes glittered like crystal. “Nothing. I mean-” She drew a shuddering breath. “I feel like I’m in a movie. The view, how perfect and unique everything is.” She left me hanging, biting her lip instead of finishing her thought.
“Talk to me,” I repeated tersely. When she raised her chin defiantly I changed tactics, stifling the frustration and trying tenderness. “I’m supposed to be the dark and mysterious one, remember?”
Her eyes sparkled, her lips spreading into a grin. “True.” Her internal debate continued for a few moments more, then she sat up straight, crossing one leg over the other. “Okay. Your place is gorgeous. That’s obvious. I can see the care and money that went into every square inch of this place, from the floor to the skylight. But none of it feels like home. I don’t see the warmth that lights up a room when you walk in.” She hopped from the stool, her eyes piercing to the bone. “It just doesn’t feel like you.”
And I thought that she’d gush over my state-of-the-art furnishings. Melissa showed me just how foolish I’d been to expect her to be like any other woman I’d brought here.
“Warmth? Not many people would use that word to describe me.” I listed a few greatest hits. “Cold. Vicious. Calculating-”
She crushed her lips against mine. Her taste lingered when she pulled back.
“Then they don’t know you.”
She said it so simply. Effortlessly.
I almost believed it.
“Besides, where are the pictures?” she continued, faking confusion as she searched high and low. “Is this a ‘studio’ or a museum?”
I pulled her into my arms, an idea springing to mind. I whipped my cell out, bringing up the camera. I extended my arm, getting both of us in the frame.
The guy on the screen was happier that I’d ever seen him. She fit in my arms like a missing piece clicking into place, counting down the seconds until we made the moment last forever.
“1, 2, 3-”
The screen changed, my assistant’s name flashing across the screen. My thumb hovered at the decline button until Melissa elbowed me.
“Maybe it’s an emergency!”
“Then she’ll leave a message.” When Melissa shook her head with disappointment, I conceded, eyes rolling to the ceiling. “Yes, Amanda?”
“Mr. Mason!” Her voice was breathy, like she’d just run a marathon. “I-I know you didn’t want to be disturbed-”
“Yet here we are.” Melissa glowered at me and I tried to dial down my annoyance. “What is it?”
“It’s about Delilah.”
Here we go.
“She reached out and is interested in meeting with you.”
Hope sparked, but I didn’t whip out the champagne. There was always a catch with Delilah James. “So you’re telling me she’ll sit down with me without the media?”
Melissa’s face brightened. I didn’t have the heart to tell her not to get her hopes up.
“No media, no drama,” Amanda confirmed with a sigh. “She does have two conditions though.”
“Of course she does,” I growled, slicing a hand through my hair. “What does she want?”
“She wants to meet at your studio, and she wants Melissa to be there.”
Anger roared through me, shredding any goodwill Delilah garnered by finally cutting the crap. She was up to something. I could feel it.
Chest heaving, I bit off a “stay available” and ended the call.
Melissa came to me, putting both hands against my chest. She waited until I calmed down before she spoke. “Isn’t Delilah meeting with you good news?”
“Not when she’s demanding for you to be there.” I swept my fingers through Melissa’s locks, cupping her cheek. “I don’t trust her. And I won’t put you in harm’s way.”
Melissa looked troubled, clouds rolling through her blue eyes. “Neither do I, but I can take care of myself.” She stood taller, her voice strong. “Let’s do it.”
CHAPTER FOUR
Melissa
I was pretty sure Logan was more nervous about Delilah coming over than I was. It made sense on one level–they hadn’t talked since Delilah went public about her pregnancy–but he was stealing glances at me, like he was worried I’d melt down at any moment.
He stopped pacing, his eyes narrowed with concern. “You need more water?”
I raised my half full glass. “I’m fine. Maybe you should have a drink?” Something to calm you down?
“Oh, I’d love a drink,” he said wistfully. “But I’m sure whatever hidden camera she’ll have in tow will pick up on the alcohol on my breath. I don’t want to add any fuel to the fire she’s created.” He gripped the counter. His anger was as bright and blinding as a camera flash. “And now she wants to drag you into this mess.”
I reached over and put my hand over his. “I came back. I chose to be with you. That means I dragged myself into the mess.”
My words didn’t alleviate the tension pulled tight across his face and body. He was dangerously close to snapping.
I squeezed his hand. “Maybe she’ll play nice.”
“Right,” he said sarcastically. “Because she doesn’t do anything without an ulterior motive.”
“Calculating, just like you, huh?” I said pointedly, shrugging off his scowl. “People are wrong about you. Maybe you’re wrong about her.”
A buzzing sound reverberated from the foyer.
His face froze over. I almost pitied Delilah or anyone that had the misfortune of coming face to face with Logan Mason after crossing him.
When the elevator finally opened, the nervousness I’d kept at bay stampeded over me. My mouth was painfully dry, my throat felt swollen shut, and my hands wouldn’t stop shaking. Sure, Delilah and I squared off in Pleasure Point and I let her know I wasn’t afraid of her, but things were different now. She wasn’t just an ex anymore. She was the mother of Logan’s child.