“planning partner” this was a worthy cause.
Those inklings of ease, slithered into coils of unease as the image of Logan flashed into her mind. He was still a jerk. Still stubborn and egotistical and arrogant.
And, still gorgeous. And, those blue eyes.
Did they have to stare so intently, so powerfully, so knowingly?
Maybe she was giving him too much credit. He couldn’t read her mind so he certainly didn’t know what she was thinking. Then why did she feel so exposed when she was around him? Might have something to do with the fact that, after a twelve-year absence, she’d seen the man three times in one day. And, two of those three times she’d either been in a nearly see through blouse or her underwear.
She motioned to Eddie to refill her glass.
The first thing Logan noticed when he entered Wings was that Rachel had changed clothes. Again. After seeing her at Molly’s, Logan was of the opinion that Rachel Delaney-Tolbert shouldn’t be covered up, at all. The woman was beautiful, with curves to send a man down a path best avoided.
Yet, here he was. He’d asked her to meet him, and while she hadn’t exactly agreed, she’d still come. He was struck by the irony that Rachel Delaney-Tolbert, granddaughter of the eccentric and undeniable matriarch of Redemption, was here, waiting for him. How times had changed. She needed something from him . Something he had no intention of giving, not that he wouldn’t enjoy making her ask.
As long as he kept his mind off her cleavage and whether or not she was still wearing the same purple lace she’d had on earlier, this conversation would end how he wanted it: her realizing she wasn’t holding her event on his territory.
He traveled down the steps and up to the bar. “Hey, Eddie. How’s it going?”
“Can’t complain, Coach. The usual?”
“Yeah. Thanks.” Logan felt Rachel’s eyes on him, although he hadn’t met hers yet. Let her wait, wonder what he was up to. Part of the play—keep your opponent off guard, guessing.
Eddie filled a fountain glass with ice, shot cola into it and passed it across the bar. Logan took it and, at last, turned toward Rachel. Her head came up, or maybe just her chin, and her gaze met his.
Eddie moved away to fill orders for other patrons, leaving him alone with Rachel. She spoke first. “Let’s get this over with.”
He took a swallow of soda, chewing on a cube of ice. Slowly he shook his head. “Nope. I’m hungry.”
She opened her mouth to protest, but Logan palmed her elbow and helped her off the stool. “Don’t forget your wine, Rachel.”
She narrowed her eyes, but wisely collected her glass.
Chapter 6
No way was Rachel staying and eating a meal with Logan. First of all, she had too much to do, second, she couldn’t afford the calories, and third, . . . well, was the idea of sitting across from tall, dark, and frustrating.
She slid into a booth, mostly because with the wall of Logan behind her, she didn’t have much choice. She cast a glance around. Wings was slowly filling up and the noise level was steadily rising.
“Don’t worry, Rachel, nobody will care if you’re seen with me.”
She opened her mouth to protest, but, again, he cut her off.
“What are you hungry for? I know Redemption isn’t the Ritz or the Four Seasons, but they make a mean rib-eye.” Logan had disappeared behind a menu.
“I seem to have lost my appetite.”
His blue eyes appeared over the menu. He shook his head. “No dinner. No discussion.”
She exhaled. Loudly. “Okay. Fine. I’ll have a salad.”
“Okay.”
As soon as Logan put his menu down the waitress came over. “Hey, Coach.”
His face beamed at the woman who was old enough to be his mother and said, “Evening Sandy. How’re you?”
“Can’t complain.”
“Good to hear. It’s going to be busy tonight.”
While Sandy cast a glance around, Rachel drummed impatient fingers on the table. Logan ignored her.
“Oh yeah. The band’s a good one. You