The Billionaire's Practice Kiss - Tamie Dearen Page 0,55
it with me. His phone calls are short and curt—all business.”
“I know what you’re trying to say.” Ellery put a hand on her chest where it burned with acid. “I should never have pushed him to date Allegra. But I did. Twenty-twenty hindsight. I wish I hadn’t done it. But there’s nothing I can do about it.”
“Your plan might’ve worked if the other woman were anyone but Allegra. Or if Logan’s dad wasn’t back in the picture. Somehow, between the two of them, I think they’ve turned him against you.”
“What did they say about me?”
“I honestly don’t know. Like I said, he hasn’t talked to me much in the last few weeks.” Josiah gave a harsh laugh. “Maybe they’ve turned him against me, too.”
“You’d think, growing up with a stepfather like Chester, Logan would be cynical enough to see through anything they said.”
“You’d think. But deep down, Logan is one of those people who wants to believe the best about everyone.”
“Everyone except me, I guess,” she said remorsefully.
“I don’t think his brain is firing on all cylinders. He was really hurt when you left him.” Josiah let out a long, defeated sigh. “This is partly my fault. From the beginning, Logan wanted nothing to do with Allegra. I’m the one who told him it would be an easy way to get you back.”
“Only because I’d already told him he had to try her out, like a couch.”
“Yeah, but you were naïve. I saw firsthand what Allegra did to him five years ago, and I know people don’t suddenly change their natures.”
“Is it hopeless?” Ellery squeezed her eyes shut, not wanting to hear the answer.
“I haven’t given up yet,” Josiah said. “But before I go out on a limb to help you get him back, I need to know if you’re in this for the long term. Because I don’t think Logan can handle another rejection.”
“The truth is I didn’t know how much I cared about Logan until he was gone.”
“It’s nice that you care.” Josiah’s voice had a sharp edge. “But I’m asking if you love him.”
Ellery struggled to swallow, gulping air. She couldn’t avoid the question any longer. It was time to admit the truth. Tears stung her eyes as she rasped her answer.
“I do. I didn’t want to admit it, and I tried to prevent it. But it happened, just like I was afraid it would.”
“I’m glad to hear it,” Josiah said.
“There’s nothing to be glad about,” she said, her shoulders heavy. “Whatever Logan felt for me before the breakup, it’s gone now.”
“I don’t think so,” said Josiah. “The last time we talked on the phone, Logan sounded like a robot. The only time I heard a hint of the real Logan was when he asked about you.”
“Really?” Her throat was so tight, she had to force the word out.
“He wanted details. He asked about your law school classes. How you were handling the stress. I’m telling you, he still cares about you, even if he refuses to talk to you.”
“But Allegra’s with him all the time now. I don’t stand a chance. Especially if he’s quit talking to you.”
“That’s why this Limitless gig is so important. Not just for all the people the fundraiser will benefit, but also to shake Logan out of this stupor he’s in. I’m so glad you accepted.”
“I hope I don’t chicken out.” Her hands shook, adrenaline shooting through her system as she imagined the event. “I know you told me people would love me at these events. That most of them will be magically different from every other person in the world and appreciate these hideous marks on my skin. But honestly, I don’t believe you.”
“Then why did you agree to model for me?”
“Because I’ve got to learn to live with who I am now. I figured this would be a way to make myself get over being self-conscious.”
“You’re even tougher than I thought you were.”
She could hear the respect in his voice. Respect she didn’t deserve.
“Right now, I’m about as tough as a toothpick,” Ellery said. “But I’m working on it. I don’t think I can do it if Logan decides to come, though. I’ll be too worried that he’ll be comparing me to Allegra the entire time.”
“That’s exactly what I’m counting on.”
Chapter 24
Yet another night had robbed Logan of much-needed sleep. He splashed water on his face, wincing at his derelict reflection in the mirror. A glance at his watch showed the time as 7:05. He didn’t have time to