a deep breath. “Nothing.”
But it was something. He’d looked tormented for a second. The amused gleam in his eyes evaporated—he’d gone to some distant place—and regret marred his handsome expression.
“We can eat anytime you want,” he said, transforming his expression to produce a charming smile. “The chef has prepared something special for us.”
Sophia wouldn’t question Logan further. She refused to let her mind go to a dark place of doubt and uncertainty. Maybe she’d only imagined the tortured look on his face. “I would love to try the chef’s specialty.”
Logan showed her to a table that was in the prettiest corner of the room. She was well aware that he had closed down the restaurant for a private meal with her. She couldn’t say she wasn’t impressed and flattered. “Do you go to such trouble for all your first dates?”
“I can honestly tell you, no, I don’t.”
His declaration made Sophia extremely happy. “More like a Kickin’ Kitchen kind of thing then?”
“Don’t disparage Kickin’. The food’s great when you know your limits.”
Sophia raised her brows but she let Logan get away with that jibe. She was glad to see his mood lighten. “So how long have you owned this place?”
“Six months.”
“I think it’s a wonderful chateau but I’m a little surprised.”
“Because I’m a rancher and this isn’t really in my wheel-house?”
Sophia didn’t want to pry but she was curious, so she gave him a slight nod.
“My friend owned the place, but he couldn’t make it work. His managerial skills were not up to snuff. He was losing business, about to go into foreclosure.” Logan shrugged as if buying a business was an everyday occurrence for him. “I don’t like to see beautiful things fall to ruin, and in this case, I could do something about it. I saved my friend’s ass and bought it at a fair price.”
Sophia glanced around the entire restaurant. It was cozy and warm and elegant. “Your friend is very lucky.”
“It was business.”
“Maybe,” Sophia said. “Or maybe you’re more softhearted than you think.”
“Definitely … not.”
Logan finished off the last ounce of his scotch. He could be a hard-ass at times, but Sophia knew there was a softer side to Logan Slade, whether or not he wanted to admit it. When his guard was down, Sophia figured him to be a pretty decent man. Then a thought struck. “Isn’t Luke staying somewhere close by?”
Logan studied her for a few long moments. “He’s on the other side of the lake, some twenty miles of winding road from here.” In a clipped voice, he asked, “Why? You want to stop by for a visit?”
She heard masked resentment in his tone. Logan and Luke were at odds lately and it was best for her not to interfere. Though she missed Luke and hoped he was doing well, she didn’t know how he would take the news about her being in love with Logan. She’d avoided calling him and felt like a heel about it, but she didn’t know how to broach the subject about her and Logan. Everything was up in the air anyway. Sophia had no clue what the future held for them. What could she say to Luke?
I’ve moved into your house and slept with your brother.
“What I want is to be right here with you,” she said honestly.
Logan seemed satisfied with her reply. He gave a quick nod. “My brother’s doing okay.”
“I’m happy to hear that.”
The subject was dropped and dinner was served. It was the most exquisite melt-in-your-mouth meal Sophia had ever eaten—a dish with tender herb-infused sirloin strips and shi-take mushrooms along with delicately grilled then lightly fried vegetables. Summoning her bravado, she broached a question that had been on her mind. “What was your relationship like with your father after my mother and I left Sunset Ranch?”
Logan’s lips tightened and he moved his empty plate away a little more forcefully than necessary. “Why do you want to know?”
Sophia toyed with her hair, curling a loose strand around her finger. “I always wondered what happened after we left.”
Logan rubbed the underside of his chin, contemplating for a second, then gave a sigh before responding. “I hated him.”
His admission wasn’t a surprise. She’d come to understand a boy’s disillusionment over a man he’d once idolized. She could sympathize with Logan now, and feel the pain he must have endured. Her situation hadn’t been all that different in terms of the pain she’d felt over her father, although Sophia hadn’t known him. She’d been too young, but his betrayal had affected her life regardless. He’d hurt her mother and had abandoned his family. Growing up fatherless, Sophia had lived with the hurt and hatred inside for many years. “I’m sorry.”
“I’m thinking you really are,” he said, but before their eyes could hold a connection, Logan looked away.
“Do you still hate him?” Sophia spoke in a hushed tone, hoping to keep this conversation going.
Logan winced. “What difference does it make now? He’s gone.”
“Forgiveness heals.”
Logan began shaking his head. “I’m not there yet, Sophia. Let’s not be spoiling our date with this kind of talk.”
Sophia didn’t mean to push him, but she was falling deeper and deeper in love with him. She wanted everything out in the open, so they could cut a clear path together without any obstacles getting in their way. He’d asked her to change his mind, but she couldn’t do that unless he was willing to discuss painful memories. But it was obvious, tonight was not the night. “You’re right. We’ll talk of other things.”
Logan rose from his seat and announced, “We’ll have dessert out on the terrace, if that’s all right with you.”
Sophia stood. “Yes, I’d like that.”
“Good. I’m in need of fresh air.”
Logan put a hand to her waist just as she pivoted and their bodies brushed intimately. She stood inches from him, her face lifted to his. “I’m sorry, Logan. I didn’t mean to upset you.”
He moved even closer and something intense flared in his eyes. “The only thing upsetting me is not being able to touch you.”
“You’ve touched me,” she whispered.
His head angled down and he murmured softly, blowing warm breath over her ear. “Not the way I want. I’m on first-date best behavior.”
Sophia sucked oxygen into her lungs. “You get an A for effort and a big, gold star.”
His mouth hovered near hers and their breaths mingled. “I’d rather have a kiss.”
Surprised,
