JESSICA GOT TO the shop early on Monday, determined to be optimistic.
So Logan had kissed her again.
So what?
Soon the scent of coffee brewing wafted through the air and she filled the small display case with pastries from the Regen Valley Bakery. A few people had suggested she offer breakfast sandwiches, but she was keeping things simple. The Crystal Connection wasn’t a café.
A deliveryman arrived with the new pieces of jewelry she’d ordered and she unpacked the box. Sales were going well. She’d even started getting orders through the new website.
At opening time she unlocked the door and found Logan waiting on the other side. She glued a determined smile on her face. Why did he have to be the first test of her optimism?
“Good morning, Mr. Magellan Einstein Stanley. Hey, it just occurred to me that we could use the initials of your nickname instead of the whole mouthful.”
She waited to see if he’d take the bait.
“Magellan Einstein Stanley?” he repeated. “Wouldn’t that be MES?”
“But with only one S. If you like, I can do some research and find another explorer whose name also starts with S.”
“I’m not sure it would do your business good to have a frequent customer with the name of Mr. Mess. Besides, Einstein was a scientist. He doesn’t fit with Magellan and Stanley.”
“Spoilsport. Besides, he explored mathematical concepts. So, what’s your coffee preference today?”
“Surprise me. Anything you pick will be great.”
She wasn’t sure about that, but she’d been experimenting with her own combination of coffee beans, so she filled his mug with the new brew.
“This is great,” he said after taking a sip. “What is it?”
“My latest stab at creating a special Crystal Connection blend.”
“It’s a winner.” His smile seemed different than usual, but she was probably just misinterpreting it.
“Good to know. Can I get you anything else?”
“Nope, though I wanted to tell you that I finally have all the contractor estimates and other information. As soon as I can get my partners together, we’ll talk about it. I know they want to make a timely decision, so I hope to have news by the end of the week.”
“Thanks for letting me know,” she said, hoping it didn’t sound too much as if she was rushing him out, even though she wanted him to leave. “Have a good day.”
A few hours later Nicole came in for her second cup of coffee. “Latte, with a second shot of espresso,” she moaned. “With Chelsea on her honeymoon, we’re all pushed. She trained an assistant, but Sara doesn’t have Chelsea’s experience.”
Jessica made the latte and poured it into Nicole’s cup. “I’m glad I can run the Crystal Connection by myself.”
“There are pluses and minuses. Having four of us helps because we can rotate special tasks. It’s my turn, which is why I’m extra busy with Sara.”
Jessica watched as Nicole rushed out. The agency’s custom of rotating responsibilities was what had thrown Logan so thoroughly into her life. She’d be sleeping much better at night if it had been one of the other partners who’d asked her to consider moving.
LOGAN JUGGLED HIS morning between working for clients and finalizing his presentation on the remodeling proposal. But in the back of his mind, he kept thinking about Jessica.
He’d spent Sunday in the mountains shooting pictures, yet all he’d thought about was being with Jessica and Cyndi, or having them with him. With every passing hour he was more and more certain that he wanted them squarely in the center of his life.
Complications abounded.
They hadn’t resolved anything about the Crystal Connection. It was important, though not a central issue. What concerned him most was Jessica’s wariness about him. She had every right to question his ability to commit, but it was more than that. What had she said about marriage—the risk of repeating her mistakes was too great? She’d worked so hard at getting herself into a good place she couldn’t see how well she had achieved her goals. Marrying him wouldn’t mean a loss of independence or strength.
He also wasn’t worried about Jessica becoming too needy; in fact he was more concerned that she didn’t need him at all.
By noon Logan was practically climbing the walls. It would be impossible to discuss a future with Jessica while the store was open for business, but he still wanted to see her.
Grabbing his mug, he headed next door. The shop had several customers and he hung back, listening as they asked questions about different rocks. Interesting stuff. He didn’t know if crystals had healing properties, but she’d made some good points at Chelsea’s wedding. The possibility wasn’t as far-fetched as he’d thought.
He came over when there was a lull and she was free.
“Coffee?” she asked.
“Oh, yeah. The same as before.” Logan handed her the mug and followed her to the coffee bar. “Would you have a chance to talk after the shop is closed?”
Her expression turned puzzled. “I suppose. Is something wrong?”
“No. Though I have a gift for you.” He fished an envelope out of his pocket and gave it to her. “It’s a flash drive with pictures from the wedding. There are some good ones of you and Cyndi.”
“That’s nice.”
“My pleasure. Has Cyndi recovered from the festivities?”
“She seemed okay yesterday, but she had an asthma attack last night that left her a little tired this morning.”
“Did you have to go to the emergency room?” he asked, a stab of retroactive worry making his pulse jump.
“No, we managed to get it under control.”
“That’s a relief. I’ll see you later.”
Shaken, he turned and went back to the agency. They had to get the clinic built as soon as possible. Not that it would be open at night. Maybe he could convince Jessica to move somewhere closer to around-the-clock medical care.
He groaned as he sank into his desk chair. Jessica loved Regen Valley and she wouldn’t have moved there if it posed a serious risk to Cyndi’s safety. But he couldn’t help worrying about the little girl who was entwined in his heart along with her mother. He’d have to map out the best routes to hospitals.
The afternoon crept by slowly.
JESSICA COULDN’T IMAGINE what Logan wanted to discuss. He’d said it would probably be another few days before his partners made a decision.
During the slow part of the afternoon she stuck his flash drive into the computer and was awed by what she saw. Photo after photo of both her and Cyndi. Some were close-ups of her, others were Cyndi’s face, her expressions ranging from disgusted to happy to ecstatic. They looked like something out of a magazine. No wonder he’d been in such high demand as a fashion photographer.
But why had he taken so many?
Jessica’s heart skipped a beat as she wondered if it meant something special, but it was an absurd speculation. He’d probably taken just as many of the other guests. And she’d seen what he could do, selecting an individual out of a larger photo to create a portrait. It didn’t mean anything.
Logan returned, just as she was flipping the Open sign to Closed.
“Hi.” Jessica kept her voice bright. “I had a chance to look at the flash drive. The photos are wonderful. Thanks for taking the time to sort them out for us. Digital technology is amazing. You must have thousands from the wedding.”
“Not even close. I took a fair number to add to Chelsea’s wedding collection, but I mostly concentrated on you and Cyndi.”
She pulled in a quick breath. “Why would you do that?”
“To be honest, I wasn’t sure at the time, except that you’re both so photogenic. It wasn’t until I got home that the truth dawned on me—I was taking pictures of the two people I want most in my life.”
Her brain tried to spin but she refused to let it loose. She must have misunderstood. “Oh?”
“Jessica, I’m tired of just being the guy behind the camera. I love you with all my heart and I want to be with you and Cyndi, every single day.”
Now her brain froze.
“Uh...”
His eyes were warm, full of energy, and seemed utterly sincere. “I’m impressed. For once I’ve stunned you into speechlessness.”
Jessica straightened her back. “I’m not sure that you... That is, you’ve been quite clear about avoiding commitment.”
“I’ve said a lot of dumb things. Now I know I was waiting for you.”
Trying to think clearly, Jessica glanced around the shop. As a child it had been a place of safety and love. She still felt the love, echoing through the years, but it no longer seemed quite as safe. Finally she focused on Logan again.
“I can’t discuss this. Not today.”
“That’s understandable. It probably feels as if this has come out of the blue, but it hasn’t, at least not for me. I just want you to know how I feel, and that I’m sticking around. We can take this slowly. What about dinner some night? We haven’t had any traditional dates.” He grinned. “I might be able to find an ice-cream parlor. How about an old-fashioned chocolate soda?”
“Maybe. I don’t know. I’ll think about it.”
Logan’s hand reached up to caress her cheek and the sensation shivered through her body. He could do as much with his hand and his eyes as he’d done with his kisses.
“Jessica, I know we have all sorts of things to figure out, but I also know it can be done. We can make a relationship work.”
Though she’d said she didn’t want to talk, Jessica couldn’t stop herself. “Following a schedule would be too dull for you. Don’t forget that I’m the mother of a young child with a health problem. Cyndi needs to rely on certain things happening at certain times. You’d be bored silly. Your life has always been glamorous and exciting.”
“Glamorous? Try sitting under a damp bush for eighteen hours to get a picture of a pair of foxes,” Logan retorted. “And fashion photography isn’t nearly as exciting as people think. Frankly, it was a treadmill. Sometimes I had a hard time telling which fashion shoot I was doing since they all blended together.”
“You also know supermodels like Laurel Stevenson.” Jessica hated the jealousy that had prompted her comment. It wasn’t that she disliked Laurel, who seemed kind, not to mention vulnerable and uncomfortable with her fame. But how many other drop-dead gorgeous women might show up, wanting a shoulder to cry on?
“Laurel is a star,” Logan acknowledged, “but Nicole and Adam were even bigger stars, and you know them, too. They’d all tell you the same thing about our work. It can be rewarding, but it has less enjoyable aspects that can be downright tedious. You compromise and accept the parts you don’t like.”
He gazed intently into her eyes.
“I’ve had positive experiences, but my life wasn’t full until I met you and Cyndi. That’s when I realized what I was missing.”
Logan was making good points, but Jessica was still struggling with disbelief and shock.
“If you don’t love me, that’s one thing,” he continued. “Just don’t reject me for reasons that shouldn’t have anything to do with two people who belong together. I admire how hard you’ve fought to be strong and independent. But you won’t lose yourself if you share responsibilities with someone who cares.”
Logan glanced out the window where people were heading to their cars in the parking lot, then turned back to her. “I’d kiss you, but this is the wrong place. And I don’t want you to talk yourself into a corner.”
The warm focus of his eyes was almost like a kiss and they brimmed with emotion a woman could convince herself was love. He took a step forward, his hand outstretched as though he might still pull her into an embrace. Then he seemed to regain control and walked out.
Jessica locked the door and hurried into the stockroom, where she could fight her emotions without risk of being seen by anyone passing outside. Before long she realized her cheeks were damp.
She felt as if she’d glimpsed paradise and didn’t know whether it was a gift...or a mistake.
PENNY WAS PLEASED that Cyndi had made it through the school day, despite her late-night asthma attack. Keeping her later than usual wasn’t a problem, but she wondered why Logan had wanted to speak with Jessica.
When Jessica got there to pick up Cyndi, her face wore the same tense mask Penny recognized from years past.
“Any news?” she asked.
“Not really. Logan won’t have anything to report until he talks with his partners.”
That was disappointing but not unexpected. “Would you like to stay for dinner? Kevin is coming over.”
Jessica gave her a hug. “Thanks, but last night I cut up vegetables for stir-fry. Say hi to Uncle Kevin for me.” She called to Cyndi and they left.
Penny fretted until Kevin arrived and she could explain what had happened. “Do you think something is wrong?” she asked. “Her face... I haven’t seen her look that way in years.”
He’d been holding her hand and gave it a squeeze. “We both know there are a number of possibilities. She may not be ready to discuss it, especially where Cyndi might overhear.”
“You’re right.”
“We’re so much alike. Given the chance, we’d rush in and fix everything for everyone, but people mostly need to sort out their own lives.” He heaved a sigh. “Lately I’ve been wondering if I was too overprotective as an agent. It might have been better for my clients if I’d encouraged their independence, the way Logan and the others are doing.”
He sounded melancholy, so Penny nudged him with her elbow.
“That’s the problem with hindsight—you can torture yourself over what you could have done better or differently. But your clients loved you and you helped them in the way that worked for you. Besides, Logan and the others wouldn’t have bought Moonlight Ventures if they hadn’t respected you and the work you’d done. It meant they got an agency with a reputation for honesty and integrity.”
Kevin smiled. “You’re good for me.”
“And don’t you forget it, either.” She left him in the living room while she got a pitcher of iced tea from the refrigerator. Their discussion at the wedding had relieved the strain she’d felt. Everything was out in the open and they had time to make sure they were both ready to move on and wanted the same thing.
Kevin settled on the couch with his tea. “I told my daughter about your idea of doing volunteer work. She suggested looking for a grandparent program, where they match you with a kid who needs extra attention. What do you think? I like the idea of doing something that helps children.”
“That’s the spirit. You wouldn’t have any trouble passing a background check. But you can do more than that. Docents are needed at museums or historical sites, and I already plan to take you to the animal refuge center where I volunteer. They can always use a helping hand. There are lots of ways to make a difference in the world.”
“Hmm. I may be busier in retirement than when I was a talent agent. Sounds great.”
His delighted expression made her feel warm all over.
ON FRIDAY LOGAN presented the information he’d assembled to his partners. He didn’t want to make his feelings for Jessica part of the equation, so he laid out the proposal in simple financial terms.
The discussion went on for over an hour and Logan’s partners looked puzzled when he didn’t want to express his opinion.
“I’m too close to the situation to be unbiased,” he excused himself. “I’d rather hear what you think.”
“It’s expensive,” Nicole said finally, “but we’d be getting a huge amount for our money.”
“I agree.” Adam tapped the chart showing the increased space they’d have at the back of the building. “We can have everything we want there. Besides, we could reduce the initial outlay by simply renovating the space needed for ourselves and two or three new agents, and do the rest when it’s required. Though I have to admit a genuine meeting room would be helpful right away, not to mention a place to do training.”
Rachel nodded. “The Crystal Connection location would only give us enough space for two more offices and a smallish meeting room. Future expansion would require us to move eventually, or displace more tenants. On top of that, the projected rental income for our current space would eventually pay for the remodeling cost since the units at the back are usually empty.”
Adam looked around the room. “All right, let’s vote. Who is in favor?”
All hands went up, Logan’s lagging a second behind the others’.
“Then we’re in agreement,” Nicole said. “But, Logan, why wouldn’t you tell us what you thought until we voted?”
“It’s exactly what I said—I’m biased. I can’t be objective and I didn’t want to unduly influence the decision.”
Adam seemed to choke down a laugh. “Ah, so the mighty have fallen. I knew you’d succumb sooner or later, but I didn’t realize it would be this soon.”
Logan should have realized they would guess; they’d been friends for too long.
“What happened to ‘I’m leaving romance to the rest of you?’” Nicole’s eyes danced as she quoted him.
He held up his hand. “It’s okay if you tease, but please don’t say anything to Jessica.”
“You haven’t told her how you feel?” Rachel asked.
“No, I mean yes, but nothing is settled.”
“Not a word,” Adam promised, and the others nodded. “But we reserve the right to continue giving you a hard time about love and marriage in private.”
Logan didn’t mind. He’d been outspoken about his intentions to avoid commitments, so his friends were entitled to their fun. The only thing that worried him was convincing Jessica that he was worth the risk. Giving her time to think had been hard, but it was the right thing to do, so while he’d continued going for coffee, he hadn’t pushed for an answer.
The question was, when should he properly propose? Was it best to tell her first about the decision on the building? He didn’t want relief or gratitude to be part of her choice. And he didn’t want her decision colored by knowing he had power over her future as a landlord.
In his office he stewed about it before shoving the question aside. Jessica was a mature, intelligent woman. He’d simply have to trust her.