Shattered Souls by Karice Bolton Read Free Book Online

floor window, nor could I see the tree that wasn’t more than ten feet from the window. The thought of going outside seemed unpleasant, but winter had already set in and it wouldn’t let up until April. I curled my arms around my chest as a shiver ran through me. I had a camisole, t-shirt, and a wool sweater on, yet it didn’t seem adequate. There was something very isolating about weather like this. Or maybe it was just my mood. I glanced over at Logan and smiled, knowing he’d provide an instant lift, even if it didn’t last.
    “There’s a chance of freezing fog,” Logan said, pulling on a pair of low slung jeans. He was avoiding my gaze and making comments about the weather. This wasn’t the best way to start the morning. He grabbed a grey sweater and slid it over his head, flattening his wet hair against his head.
    I couldn’t help but chuckle , and he quickly moved his hands through it to ruffle it back up.
    “Th at sounds about right for today,” I said smiling. “Thanks for the weather update, Mr. Greene.”
    Silence filled the room before Logan took in a deep breath stealing the air away. I knew what he was thinking. I knew what he wanted to ask. Ever since he’d brought it up there’d been a change between us, which made no sense at all. I turned my attention back to outside and noticed that there were tiny ice crystals forming against the window.
    “So have you thought more about my offe r?” he asked, his voice low.
    Thought about it? I couldn’t get mind off of it all night. I wanted to be with Logan and couldn’t imagine not having him by my side, but I didn’t want to leave my mom alone. My mind thought it was too early to make any decisions, but my heart had already decided.
    “I think it would be best if…”
    “Oh,” h e sighed, his expression dropping.
    “If we moved in together.” I smiled, feeling the energy in the room shift dramatically. “See… you shouldn’t have jumped to conclusions,” I teased.
    I stared at him; drinking him in, as his eyes lit up and the stress vanished from his features. I swear he got better looking every day that went by, and I didn’t think that was possible.
    He walked toward me with his gaze becoming more heated with every step.
    “We’ve got to meet Maddie in less than an hour,” I whispered, feeling the intensity of his grasp bringing me into him. My eyes closed as his fingers ran down my back.
    “I just wanted to thank you.” His breath tickled my neck. “I didn’t know what I would do if you said no.”
    “I’ve got to ensure my mom’s settled before…” my voice trailed off, taking a step back.
    “I understand.”
    “What is that?” I asked, pointing at a vial full of mist that he tucked in his pocket.
    “ Insurance,” he replied, smiling coyly.
    “Is that what was in your pocket last night?”
    He nodded, ushering me toward the stairs.
    “So off to the undercity,” I sighed.
    We quickly found parking along the street and were walking down the long sidewalk. I stayed focused on every step I took, narrowly missing ice-patches and uneven concrete from invading tree roots. I didn’t need to make any missteps to complicate this morning. I wanted to get answers and get on with everything without injury.
    The boutiques, cafes, and coffee shops that filled the old, brick buildings were bustling with people. A person couldn’t go more than a block without having access to coffee of some sort in this town. I loved Seattle, even with everything that was changing about it.
    U ninviting alleyways were scattered along the path we followed, and the longer we walked, the more anxious I felt. The wind from the water worked its way up the hill, blasting us with cold air. Plain and simple, I was just nervous.
    “Where exactly are we going?” I asked.
    “It’s kind of hard to explain, but we’re almost there,” he said, grabbing my hand and pulling me down the street.
    We were coming up to another alley when I felt Logan’s pace