Songbird by Sydney Logan Read Free Book Online Page A

dart around, looking for the nearest exit. “There’s nothing going on.”
    “Please . . .” Oliver smirked. “That man’s eyes didn’t leave your body for a second, and you’re all fidgety and nervous.”
    “Shut up and please tell me you found me someone else to interview.”
    He steers me toward the press room. “The hospital’s CEO is taking questions for the next twenty minutes. You’ll probably find some benefactors in there, too. But this discussion isn’t over, Callie Franklin.”
    We spend the next hour talking to the hospital administrators and a few more supporters. When I’m sure I have enough information, Oliver takes some pictures of the partygoers before the two of us head to the exit. I’ve nearly made it out the door when I feel someone wrap their arms around my waist.
    “Don’t leave,” Devin murmurs against my ear.
    I stop abruptly.
    “What—?” Oliver looks behind me and smirks. “Oh, I see.”
    “I’ll meet you back at the office.”
    Oliver looks between the two of us. “You sure?”
    I nod.
    He says goodnight, and I take a deep breath before turning around to face the music. I’d have to deal with Devin eventually. I know this. I was just hoping it wouldn’t have to be tonight.
    But we don’t always get what we want.
    “Devin, I—”
    “You’re stunning.”
    “Thanks. Listen, I really have to get back to the office. I have a deadline.”
    “Just one dance, Songbird.”
    He looks so hopeful it makes me laugh despite my anxiety.
    “Right. Just one dance. I’ve heard that before.”
    Devin chuckles and runs his fingers down my bare arm. “That was some dance. Some night, too.”
    I ghost my hand along my stomach.
    “Devin, about that night . . .”
    He looks around, and suddenly, I’m being pulled toward a darkened hallway just outside the ballroom.
    “That weekend was amazing,” he whispers, his face just inches from mine.
    “Yeah. We really need to talk about that.”
    “I’d love to talk about it. I’d love to recreate it.”
    “Don’t you have a date?” I glance over his shoulder. All I need is some crazy supermodel bimbo trying to kick my pregnant ass.
    His lips softly brush my cheek. “No. I haven’t really dated much lately.”
    I tremble when his hands wrap around my waist.
    “Why not?”
    “I don’t know, Songbird. Maybe you’ve ruined me for other women. Is that possible?”
    “I . . . don’t know.”
    “Come dance with me.”
    “I have a midnight deadline. If I miss it, I’m fired. Please, Devin . . .”
    With a sigh, he closes his eyes and presses his forehead against mine.
    “What about later? Can I see you?”
    “I have no idea how long I’ll be at the paper.”
    “Doesn’t matter. Text me when you get home and I’ll come right over. Where’s your phone?”
    Like an idiot, I offer him my cell. Devin enters his number, and I promise to call as soon as I get home. The poor guy smiles as if he’s won the lottery. I almost feel guilty, because I know what he’s expecting when he gets to my apartment.
    I don’t have the heart to tell him he’s going to be deeply disappointed.

I t’s suddenly so clear.
    The sleepless nights. The zero interest in the opposite sex. The agitation and restlessness. All the frustration that’s consumed me for weeks suddenly makes perfect sense.
    I’ve been missing her.
    I make this startling discovery as I head back to our table. When I sit down, the whole family’s saying what a lovely girl Callie is , while my brother grins like an idiot. Lorie glares at me over her champagne glass like she’s going to kick my ass.
    What’s her problem?
    I can’t worry about her right now. The only thing keeping me in this seat is the fact that tonight’s important to our family. My mind needs to be on the benefit and not on the beautiful girl I just let walk out the door.
    I’ve never missed a woman. Ever.
    “How did you meet Callie?” Mom asks.
    I recognize the sparkle in her eye, and I hate