14

Logan accepted the drink Dylan Tapley offered him and held it up. “Cheers,” he said before taking a polite swallow. Any more than that could wait till later. Maybe he’d stop at his favorite bar on the way home for a couple rounds, see who else was hanging around. But he rarely drank during office hours. He did now to celebrate this special occasion.

Dylan was his ticket to making his dream come true. Amy didn’t realize it yet, but she was part of that dream too. Despite her hiatus the past several months, he had every confidence she could be drawn back into the power limelight. The two of them together would be a formidable team. He only needed to scatter the bread crumbs, then let her figure out how profitable their partnership could be.

They both had connections. They both had influence. Combine his business acumen with Amy’s sophistication, beauty, and, most important of all, her money, and within a year they’d have an elite clientele.

Though Logan had a healthy bank account of his own, he hadn’t been the recipient of a single inheritance, let alone multiple ones. It was too bad about Amy’s parents, but at least they’d left her more than enough to remember them by. He’d had to work, and work hard, for every penny. The past several years with Kennedy and Gaines had been a long apprenticeship, a time to make the right connections, gain an insider’s look at the inner workings of state politics, and develop his own network of sources, favor seekers, and contacts.

He took another swallow of his drink.

The perfect partner. The perfect client. Everything was happening as he’d planned.

“Sit, sit,” Dylan insisted as he settled his solid frame into the plush leather chair behind his immense desk. He was two or three years younger than Logan, a potential NFL linebacker who hadn’t made the final cut. That setback pushed him into working with his uncle. He wasn’t quite making the cut there either. At least not yet.

Logan was determined to change that dynamic.

He lowered himself into a chair.

“I want to know everything,” Dylan said. “But first, did you visit our Glade County friend?”

“Yesterday morning.”

“You delivered my package?”

“The commissioner sends his regards and his gratitude.”

Dylan snorted. “As long as he votes his gratitude.”

“He’ll regret it if he doesn’t.”

“Is he aware of how much?”

Logan shrugged. “Blackmail is so ugly. As long as bribery works, why bother?”

“Because bribery costs me money.”

“We’ve had this conversation before.”

“I know, I know.” Dylan held up his hands in surrender. “‘Greed first, then fear.’”

“It’s the safer strategy.”

“So you keep telling me.” His eyes narrowed as a leering smile spread across his face. “You saw Amy?”

“I did.”

“How is our favorite long-legged blonde beauty?”

“As gorgeous as ever.”

“And as high and mighty?”

Logan bent his head in silent agreement, then held Dylan’s gaze. “She’s not happy about your plans.”

“I didn’t expect her to be.”

“She’s living at the cottage where her cousin used to live.”

Dylan gestured toward the large table near the office’s back wall. “Show me.”

Logan followed Dylan to the table, which was covered by a large map of northeastern Glade County. He studied it to get his bearings, using his finger to trace the route from out of the town of Madison to the cottage.

“Amy lives here.” He backtracked to the bungalow. “Sullivan lives here.”

“For now,” Dylan said under his breath.

“One step at a time, buddy.”

“If he hadn’t signed that lease—”

“That dead horse has been beaten enough. Sullivan signed the lease. Amy withdrew the lawsuit. You’re not getting Misty Willow.”

“But I’ll get this.” Dylan pressed his thumb onto the part of the map where the cottage was located as if he were squashing a dead bug.

“Maybe. Probably.” Logan struggled to hide his annoyance. Sometimes it seemed his biggest challenge was keeping Dylan’s attention on the big picture. “Let’s concentrate on the weak link first.”

“Tess Marshall.”

“That’s right. For now, she’s our priority.” Logan ran his finger across the section of the map north of the cottage. Amy wouldn’t appreciate a shopping center, no matter how upscale, as a neighbor. Maybe the development would drive her back to Columbus. Back to where she belonged.

“I sent Mrs. Marshall that offer three weeks ago,” Dylan said. “What’s taking her so long?”

“Perhaps she needs a little persuasion.” Logan dragged his finger along the map, crossing the road from the cottage to the stables. A week or so ago, he’d phoned the county’s animal control, anonymously of course, to accuse Tess of neglecting her horses. He had a couple other tricks up his sleeve, trifling things meant to unnerve her. To push her away.

“What are you going to do?” Dylan asked.

“Give her a little shove,” Logan said quietly as he stared at the map.

“Do it soon.”

“Patience, my friend.”

Dylan huffed, then returned to his desk. “I almost forgot,” he said as he picked up a manila envelope. “I’ve got something for you.”

“What is it?”

“See for yourself.”

Logan pulled a few photographs from the envelope. The top one showed him and Amy sitting on the bench in the town square.

He glared at Dylan. “What is this?”

“Souvenirs.” Dylan’s bemused gaze threatened to ignite Logan’s smoldering anger at the arrogant jerk. But he forced himself to relax, to stay composed. If Dylan suspected Logan’s irritation at his ridiculous cloak-and-dagger tactics, he’d only use it to his advantage. Better to let Dylan think he’d done Logan a favor.

He flipped through the remaining photos as nonchalantly as possible. In one, his arm was along the back of the bench and Amy’s head was bent close to his. The last one, taken when they were at her car, showed him leaning close enough to kiss her lovely lips.

He smiled at the memory, almost regretting he’d let that opportunity slip by. But Tess Marshall wasn’t the only one he wanted to unsettle.

If he came on to Amy too strong, too soon, she’d retreat. He couldn’t take a chance on that happening.

“Like them?” Dylan asked as he poured another drink.

“I do,” Logan said. “Mind telling me why you went to the trouble?”

Dylan shrugged. “Curiosity.”

“About?”

“You’re attracted to her.” He reached for the photographs and selected the one of Logan and Amy standing by her car. “She’s attracted to you. I approve.”

“It’s all part of the plan,” Logan said. Dylan’s and his own. As far as Dylan knew, Logan wanted to gain Amy’s trust and, if possible, her help in acquiring the land they needed. After their conversation, that seemed unlikely. But Logan’s own plan—the one that didn’t include Dylan or his project—was his priority. Amy at his side, as his business partner, perhaps even as his wife. Her support and connections increased the likelihood of his political aspirations coming true.

“Are you seeing her again?” Dylan asked.

“Tomorrow night.”

“Want some advice?”

“Not particularly.”

“A warning, then,” Dylan said. “Have all the fun you want but don’t get so friendly with her you forget who’s signing your checks.”

“I’ve got a warning for you too. No photographing my date.”

“That was all in fun.” Dylan sat down at his desk and tapped a key on his laptop. “We’ll meet here on Monday. Check with my receptionist for a time.”

Though irked by the curt dismissal, Logan took his briefcase and left. Let Dylan think he had the upper hand. All that mattered was that he didn’t.

Amy was flattered when Logan insisted on driving to the cottage to pick her up for their date. But then she insisted they go into town for a casual meal and a movie. He didn’t need to be making two round trips to Columbus just to impress her with dinner in the city. Besides, she didn’t want to spend that much time in a car with him. If the date didn’t go well, it’d be a long and uncomfortable ride home.

They opted for a steakhouse at the edge of town, where Logan regaled her with the stories she had missed out on during her absence from state politics. Still the skilled conversationalist, Amy laughed at the right moments, looked appropriately wowed when he expected it, and gave the impression of having a great time.

A year ago, even a few months ago, it wouldn’t have been an act. She would have been sponging up every tidbit of information, her mind whirling with how she could use each nuance for her own personal advantage. But now all the backbiting, public outbursts, and private gossip seemed meaningless.

Instead of feeling superior to the victims and jealous of the victors, she pitied all of them. It was like they were on a Ferris wheel of tracking legislation, maneuvering for position, and scrambling to the top. The wheel didn’t stand still for long—not for anyone. Someone was always going down, someone else going up, but all of them were trapped in the never-ending circle.

They lingered at the restaurant, then raced to the local theater, where their two options were a nightmarish thriller and a romantic comedy. After opting for the latter, they settled in their seats moments before the opening scene.

When the movie ended, Logan shifted his weight and his chair squeaked. “This place has seen better days,” he said as he stood.

“It has charm,” Amy replied.

“That’s code for old and run-down.”

“Come on, it’s not that bad.” The vintage chairs might be squeaky, but the upholstery was thickly padded and probably not that old.

“Next time we’ll go somewhere with reclining seats and footrests.”

Annoyed at his put-down, Amy felt an unexpected need to defend the small-town cinema. “I think it has a coziness you don’t get in the mega-theaters,” she retorted.

Logan stared at her, then chuckled. “You remember that time we double-dated, went to that dine-in theater?”

“I think so.”

“You threw a fit because your little flashlight didn’t work and you couldn’t see the menu.”

“You’re exaggerating.” Though not by much. She’d been indignant, then rude and dismissive to the staff. Such a little thing, a burnt-out lightbulb, but she’d taken it as a personal slight. Embarrassed by the memory, she turned surly. “Besides, what does that have to do with this place?”

“The Amy Somers I know and adore isn’t impressed by places like this.” He paused, perhaps expecting her to admit she’d been kidding. “At least, you didn’t used to be,” he said. “Now you’re ready to do battle for it.”

“You’re still exaggerating,” she said. “I suppose it’s about expectations. And perhaps figuring out what’s really important in life.”

“This theater is important?” His natural good humor lightened his skepticism. But she couldn’t blame him for being surprised by her changed attitude. Not that long ago, she wouldn’t have set foot inside this place.

“I’ve been here a couple of times with my nephew and AJ’s stepdaughters. In fact, we were here yesterday afternoon. Admittedly, I felt a little outnumbered. But the movie was good, and the kids had plenty of snacks. It was fun.”

“Who would have ever thought? You hanging out with kids.”

“I know. Sometimes I don’t believe it either.” She gazed around the small auditorium, remembering how Elizabeth and Tabby both wanted to sit next to her, which was fine with Jonah as long as he got to sit in the aisle seat. “Brett once said they pull you in, one memory-making moment at a time, until they’re part of your life. I didn’t believe him, but now it’s happening to me.”

“Does that mean you’re ready to settle down? Have a family of your own?”

“I want a family.” She nudged him to move out of the row. Almost everyone else had already left the theater. “How about you?”

“As soon as I find the love of my life.”

“I hope you do.”

“So do I.”

He gazed meaningfully into her eyes, then tucked her arm into his. Warm fuzzies radiated through her, and she couldn’t help but smile. This was nice. Logan was nice. Easy to talk to, intelligent, ambitious.

A man with money who appreciated life’s finer offerings.

He was perfect except for one thing.

They drove to the cottage, but he didn’t hint to stay and she didn’t invite him to.

At the door, he lightly held her hands in his. “I’m having a few friends over on July 4th. My balcony has a great view of the fireworks. Will you come?”

She wanted to give him an unequivocal yes, but she had uncertain hopes of watching fireworks with someone else.

“My family has made plans,” she said, adding a touch of regret to her voice. “For most of the day. I’m sorry.”

“If you’re coming to Red, White, and Boom—”

“We’re not. Just a family get-together. Out by that willow tree I told you about. Then we’ll go to the lake in the evening for the fireworks.”

“I see,” he said, making no effort to hide his disappointment. “If you change your mind, give me a call.”

“I will,” she promised.

He kissed her softly, quickly, then smiled. “Can we do this again?”

“Do you mean see a movie in a theater with squeaky seats?” she teased. “Any time.”

“I’m thinking of candlelight. Maybe dancing.” He tilted his head. “Interested?”

“My social calendar fills up quickly. But I’ll try to pencil you in.”

He chuckled at her teasing, then squeezed her hand. “I’ll call you.”

She stood inside the open door until his taillights disappeared beyond the gate. Logan had been the perfect gentleman, the perfect date.

Except for that one niggling thing.

Logan Cassidy wasn’t Gabe Kendall.