Heart Strings

by Melanie Moreland

  “Damn. Any spare DNA around? Maybe we could make one.”

  He choked as he laughed, meeting my eyes with a wink. “Bit young for you, then, Brianna.”

  “Damn it, you’re right. Okay, friends who like to follow your example?”

  He grinned. “Maybe.”

  “I’m rich,” she stated. “Happy to be a sugar momma.”

  He studied her, then spoke, his voice serious. “I think perhaps you’re selling yourself short, Brianna. I believe you have way more to offer than your money.”

  Brianna gaped at him for a moment and did something I had never seen until that very moment.

  She blushed.

  Her cheeks flushed, her mouth opened, but no words came out. Instead, she shoved in a piece of beef and chewed, the incredulous look on her face priceless.

  I squeezed Logan’s knee. I always told her that, but I had never heard anyone else say that to her.

  The rest of the dinner was quiet, although Logan teased me about my ineptitude with chopsticks, often leaning close to feed me a bite. I knew he was using it as an excuse, and I was fine with that.

  After dinner, Logan reached for his coat.

  “Where are you going?” I asked, confused.

  He bent over and kissed my forehead. “You need some girl time.”

  Brianna shook her head. “I’m the one who crashed your night, Logan. I’ll go.”

  “Nope. I know Lottie has missed you. I’ve got some papers to mark, so I’ll go get that done.” He slipped his hand under my chin, tilting up my face and pressing his mouth to mine. His lips lingered, warm and firm, then he drew back. “By the way, I have a gig at The Tavern tomorrow.” He tapped my nose. “Want to come see your man play?”

  “I didn’t know that.”

  He winked. “Last minute. I got a call this afternoon.”

  “Absolutely. I would love it.”

  He smiled at Brianna. “You’re welcome to join. I have a table reserved.”

  “Awesome.”

  He ran his finger over my cheek. “Call me later, Snow Queen.”

  “I will.”

  My eyes followed him until the door clicked closed. I sighed and met Brianna’s gaze.

  “He looks as good going as he did coming.” She smirked, leaning close. “And you have to tell me how fucking spectacular is that vision?” Dramatically, she opened her eyes wide. “He’s an animal in bed, isn’t he, you lucky bitch?”

  “You have no idea,” I whispered.

  “Well, I’m about to find out, because you’re going to tell me. Don’t leave out a single detail.” She cocked her head to the side. “And I want all the details on how you met, not the PG version. Now, spill.”

  An hour later, we had consumed a bottle of wine, and I had told her everything. It felt good to be able to talk about Logan. To say out loud the things I’d been thinking. To share what a wonderful person had come into my life. She had listened, hardly interrupting, although she laughed at the part about my father seeing us on the dance floor.

  “Charles probably shit himself.”

  “He wasn’t happy.”

  She looked at me wryly. “He never is.”

  It was something we had in common. Parents who ignored us. Hers were too busy jet-setting and enjoying life to let something as insignificant as a child slow them down. Brianna had been raised by a succession of nannies and sent off to school. Although she portrayed a carefree face to the world, deep inside, I knew her most intimate dream—a home and family of her own. To be loved and cared for and know she was the top priority to someone. I hoped she would find it—she deserved it. We both did.

  “I can’t believe you never told me about him,” she stated, then threw a pillow at me. “And I can’t believe you went to dinner with him—a perfect stranger! He could have been a psycho.”

  I caught the pillow and set in on my lap. I shook my head slowly. “But I knew he wasn’t. He watched over me. He made me feel safe.” I sighed. “He still does. When I’m with him, it’s as if the world revolves around him. And he surrounds me.”

  “My god.” She stared at me. “You’re in love with him.”

  I scoffed. “It’s only been a little while. I’m not in love with him. We have great chemistry and I like him a lot, but it’s a little early for the L-word.”

  Yet even as I denied it, I felt it.

  I was falling in love with Logan. In the time I had known him, he had become more important to me than anything. Anyone.

  How was that possible?

  I had no idea, but I knew it was the truth.

  Brianna pulled her legs to her chest, wrapping her arms around them. “What are you going to do?”

  I copied her position and shrugged. “What can I do? Logan’s important to me. My parents will have to learn to deal.”

  “What if your father keeps making an example out of you? Giving you lower-profile projects?”

  I blew out a long puff of air. “That’s the rub here. Aside from the embarrassment I felt at first, I’ve actually enjoyed working on these ventures. Less stress. Less time needed.” I rested my chin on my knees. “I’ve spent more time with Logan than at the office. I like it.”

  She studied me for a moment. “Have you thought that maybe this is the time to make a change, Lottie? Do what you really want to do rather than paying back a debt you don’t owe? Maybe putting yourself first for a change?”

  I worried the seam on my sweater, pulling at the fraying hem. “Logan hates what I do. Not my job per se, but the stress it causes me.” I explained about his father and how he lost him. “He’s worried the same thing will happen to me.”

  “I agree with him. I always told you that job wasn’t for you.”

  “I’m good at it.”

  “At what cost? This is the first time in years I’ve seen you this relaxed. Logan is right—stress does terrible things to a person.”

  “So what am I supposed to do? Quit my job and find a place that will take me on and bake cookies and cakes?” I stated dryly. “I don’t think I could even afford to keep my condo.”

  “Then move in with me. I’m hardly ever there. Or even better, let me loan you the money, and open your own place.”

  “I can’t do that. It’s risky at best. I have no experience, and chances are you’d lose your investment.” I smiled grimly. “Trust me, I know what I’m talking about.”

  She rolled her eyes. “I could afford it.”

  I reached over and squeezed her hand. “Thank you.”

  “Think about it. Promise me.”

  “I will.”

  She grinned. “Now, tomorrow, how slutty should I dress?”

  I smirked. “Your usual.”

  “Oh, I have some planning to do, then. What about you?”

  “Haven’t really thought about it.”

  She groaned. “Girl, your man is gonna be onstage singing the way he does and looking all sorts of hot. The women will be flocking. You need to arm yourself. I’m talking about looking so hot he won’t be able to take his eyes off you.”

  I feel a small ripple of pride. “He never does.”

  She winked. “He certainly won’t once I’m done with you.”

  It was useless trying to argue with her. I lifted my hands in supplication.

  “Okay, then. I’m yours.”

  Chapter 15

  Logan

  “I’m surprised to see you home,” Trevor stated dryly, flinging himself on the chair across from me. “Haven’t seen much of you these days.”

  “It’s only been a week,” I muttered. I had to admit, it felt like longer. I couldn’t recall what my life had been like before Lottie. Even the weeks leading up to when we finally spoke, she had been in the center of my thoughts and I had been at the subway station every night waiting for her, so I hadn’t been around much.

  He laughed, popping the top off a beer and taking a sip. “How goes the teaching?”

  “Good. I like this school. Kids are great, the staff is n
ice. It’ll be good to have a steady place for a while.”

  “Great.”

  “How’s the gym?” I asked.

  “Swamped. I can’t keep up with new clients. I had to hire two more instructors.”

  “That’s awesome, Trev.” I grinned and took a sip of the water I had poured earlier. “Try not to screw them, and maybe you’ll keep them a little longer.”

  A strange look passed over his face. “I haven’t screwed anyone in a while, Logan. It’s been over a month. Longer, even.”

  “That’s a record for you.”

  He focused on something over my shoulder, not meeting my eyes. “It suddenly seemed so empty. Useless.” He shrugged. “I decided I needed to step back and focus on the business instead of my dick.”

  “Sounds as if it’s paying off for you.”

  He nodded, taking another sip of his beer.

  “I have a gig tomorrow, if you’re interested. The Tavern. Nine o’clock. I have a table reserved.”

  “Your lady coming?”

  “Yes. I think she’s bringing her friend Brianna. I met her tonight.”

  “Hot?” he asked with a salacious grin.

  I frowned. “Yes. But lost.”

  “What do you mean?”

  “Obviously, I don’t know her very well, but I think she’s trying to find herself.”

  “Aren’t we all?”

  “I suppose.” I shrugged and went back to the papers I was grading. Trev stood and stretched.

  “I’ll see you tomorrow.”

  “Great,” I replied. “Night.”

  He left, and I worked until the papers were done. I texted Lottie, wishing her a good night, smiling at the slightly misspelled reply she eventually sent. I had a feeling she’d been into the wine with Brianna. She said something about a hot outfit and being a groupie. If that meant she was dressing up to see me tomorrow, I was good with that, but I decided not to question it too much tonight. I wanted her to have fun with her friend. From what I had gathered, Lottie didn’t have enough fun in her life.

  I glanced at my phone, thinking about another conversation from earlier. Carmen Runnalls had reached out. I had been surprised when Lottie asked me for my permission to give him my number, and even more shocked when he followed through. He had been straight to the point with me.

  “I have seen you perform a few times, Logan. I liked what I heard.”

  “Thanks,” I replied, unsure about where this was going.

  “We’re always looking for talent.”

  For a moment, I was stunned. I cleared my throat. “I’m honored, but I don’t really have any interest in being a recording artist, Carmen. The limelight isn’t for me.”

  He chuckled. “I figured that. I recalled how quickly you left the stage and how you disappeared. I wasn’t able to find out much about you, and your gigs were never regular.”

  “I enjoy a small setting, but that is about where I draw the line.”

  “What about something else?”

  “Such as?”

  “Being in the background. Having your music recorded by someone else.”

  Now, my interest perked up. That was my dream—the one I had confided to Lottie.

  “I would be open to a discussion,” I said calmly, not giving away my emotions.

  “Great. Let’s set up a meeting.”

  We agreed to talk the following week. I hadn’t said anything to Lottie tonight as I didn’t want her to get her hopes up. I hadn’t said anything to Trevor, because the bottom line was—I didn’t want to get my hopes up. I might not like what Carmen had to say. He might not like my conditions.

  Or, a voice in my head whispered, like with Lottie, another dream of mine might possibly be about to come true.

  “Who the hell is that?” Trevor demanded, looking over my shoulder.

  I glanced around, my gaze immediately focusing on Lottie. She was wearing a navy-blue swing coat, snow dusting on her shoulders and hair. She was talking with Brianna, who had already pulled off her coat, her revealing black dress clinging to all her curves. Brianna’s hair was slicked away from her face, and she wore knee-high red boots. She was obviously the one who had Trev’s attention, but it was Lottie that my gaze followed.

  “That’s Brianna, Lottie’s friend I told you about,” I mumbled as I stood, waiting for Lottie to come closer.

  “You better introduce me. Talk me up.”

  I couldn’t take my eyes off Lottie. She slipped her coat from her shoulders, showing the red dress underneath. Cut lower in the front than I was used to seeing on her, it hugged her curves and flared to her knees. It was sexy and pretty, but not over the top. She had her hair piled on top of her head in a messy bun, with tendrils dancing around her face and touching her shoulders. Her eyes looked huge in her face due to the makeup she was wearing, and again, the red lipstick on her full mouth made me want to kiss her. Hard. Our eyes had locked when she came in, and our gazes never wavered until she was in front of me. I slid my hand around her neck, pulling her close.

  “You are stunning,” I breathed into her ear, then kissed the sensitive spot on her neck. I smiled at the shiver that went through her. “Thank you.”

  I drew back and met her eyes again, taking her coat and kissing Brianna’s cheek. “Brianna, nice to see you again. This is my roommate, Trevor.” I winked. “He thinks you’re hot.”

  “Asshole,” he muttered.

  Brianna laughed, the sound making Trevor smile. “Then I think we’ll get along just fine, Muscles. How often do you work out?” she asked, her eyes roving over his torso.

  He flexed and stood straighter, his shirt pulling taut across his chest. “I own my own gym, so every day.”

  She moved past me, standing in front of him. “It shows.”

  They sat down and started to talk. It was as if Lottie and I had ceased to exist. I met her amused eyes and pulled out a chair. As she sat, I moved beside her, my hand brushing her back. Her bare back. I leaned over, almost groaning at the expanse of skin left by the geometrical cut of the dress.

  “Jesus,” I whispered to her. “You are going to kill me tonight.”

  “Brianna said I needed to look good for you.”

  I slid my hand under her chin. “You always look good to me. Beautiful, in fact. But I love this look. It’s sexy and fun.” I shifted closer. “Too sexy.”

  She slid her hand up my leg, cupping me. “Problem, Logan?”

  “Always, with you.” I bit down on her ear. “I’m always hard for you, but looking like that? Jesus.”

  She gazed up at me, her eyes dancing. “I’ll make it up to you later.” She squeezed lightly. “I’ll be your groupie for the night.”

  I shook my head. “You’ll never be a groupie to me.”

  Lottie rolled her eyes. “Tonight, I am, Logan,” she insisted. “Tonight is all about fun.” She paused. “Fantasy.”

  I slipped my hand under the table, holding hers tight to me. “Well then, Charlotte, whom I just met, brace yourself. Tonight is gonna be the best night of your life.”

  She moved closer, brushing her mouth with mine. “My rock-star fantasy.”

  “I’ll do my best.” I gripped her neck and kissed her. I kissed her hard enough to make that non-smudgeable red lipstick fade a little. I kissed her with so much ardent possession there was no doubt who she belonged to.

  When I heard the sound of my name being called, I pulled away and stood, gazing down at her. Her lips were swollen and wet, her eyes glazed, and she was breathing heavily.

  “That,” I promised, “is just a sample for later.”

  Color infused her cheeks, and she shook her head. “I look forward to it, Logan.”

  I winked. “So do I.”

  Lottie

  I thought Logan was talented in the subway. But on that little stage in front of me, his voice amplified, he was larger than life. His voice filled the bar, echoing in the smaller space. His words dripped with emotion, his fingers flying over his guitar as he sang. Som
e moments, he was still, lost in the cadence of the music. Other times, his foot tapped, or he strolled the stage. Dressed in tight jeans, a simple white shirt with the sleeves rolled up, and a heavy brocade vest, he was sex on legs. His hair brushed the collar of his shirt, and he often pushed it away from his face, the light glinting off the heavy silver jewelry he wore. And his eyes—those sexy, whiskey-colored eyes—were at times intense and dark, emotional and captivating. And a great deal of time, focused on me. He rarely spoke between songs, other than a quiet thank-you or the inclination of his head. When his set ended, he sat with his head lowered, his hands clasped on the guitar as the notes faded away and the room filled with applause.

  He was, indeed, my rock-star fantasy come to life.

  He lifted his hand as he stepped off the stage and came to the table, sitting down and immediately lifting a tall glass of ice water and downing it. He wiped off his face and grinned. “How was that, my Snow Queen? Fantasy enough for you?”

  It was my turn to grasp the back of his neck and kiss him. His lips were soft, salty from sweat, and his breath hot, mingling with mine. I could feel his carefully controlled passion simmering below his skin as he jerked me close. I eased back, smiling. “Quite enough.”

  “Good. I’m starving.” He winked. “Not only for food, but I need to eat.”

  “Logan,” a voice behind me spoke. I turned as Logan stood, looking surprised.

  “Carmen, I didn’t expect to see you tonight.”

  “I heard a rumor. I dropped by to see if it was true.” He shook Logan’s hand. “That was truly amazing.”

  Logan smiled, his hand gripping my shoulder. “Thanks.”

  Carmen greeted me. “Hello, Charlotte. I should have known his number one fan would be front and center.”

  “Hello, Carmen. You’re right, it was amazing.”

  I noticed another man with him. He looked familiar, but it wasn’t until he introduced him that I realized why.

  “Logan, Charlotte, this is Bobby Hayes. He’s one of our artists.”

  Bobby grinned. “You hope I’m one of your artists,” he teased good-naturedly.