Bennett.
I have to use the ladies’ room.” I get up, making my way through the crowd of
people. I am shoved lightly by the people next to me. I sigh, turning and
coming face to face with the one and only.
“Sorry about
that. The guy behind me got a little overzealous.” Logan gives me a grin. “Are
you following me?”
My eyes roll
themselves, with flair. “Certainly not. I am having a drink with a friend. And
I would never follow someone; I am not that desperate, Mr. Bennett.”
“Logan,
please.” He cocks his eyebrow. “If we’re going to be partners, Logan.”
I nod. “Have a
nice night.” I slip past him and make my way through to the bathroom. When I
finish I go back to my table on the other side of the room, avoiding his side
of the bar. I can avoid him but it seems his stare finds me even in the crowd.
He lifts his glass, watching me constantly.
When I get
back to the table she gives me a look. “So, why didn't you say yes to a date?”
I slump into
the chair. “My ex-husband is having a baby and getting married. I went to a
weird masked sex club last night and let a stranger touch me. I don't even know
why I did it. I just remember feeling amazing and everything being fun, no
matter the act or consequences. I don't need to add drinks with a client to my
list of pretty bad shit this month has entailed.” I lift my phone out of my
purse and send a quick message to the mystery number.
“Who are you
texting?”
I lift my
drink, grinning back at her. “I am washing my hands of the mystery fun club. I
am done. I don't need to start treating sex casually just because my heart got
broken and my husband never stopped dating. I got caught up in it last night
but I’m good now.”
She looks
disappointed but doesn't argue the fact I have never been the type of girl who
throws caution to the wind.
I glance down
at my drink, processing everything that has stretched into such a small amount
of time. Bec boots me under the table. I lift my gaze suddenly to see the grin
on her face as her eyes dart to the approaching Logan Bennett. I sigh as he
reaches our table. “If you won’t join me for a drink, I decided to join you.”
He pulls up a chair and sits. All of his movements are smooth and premeditated.
He reaches a hand across the table at Bec. “Logan Bennett.”
She instantly
beams. “Ahhh, the infamous Mr. Bennett. Rebecca Collins.”
He nods.
“Lovely to meet you, Ms. Collins.” His dark-blue eyes dart to me. “Even
lovelier to hear my name has been mentioned.”
I roll my
eyes. Bec shimmies from the booth, giving me a knowing look. “Excuse me for a
moment.”
I glare but it
does nothing. She leaves us there alone.
“Look, Logan,
I don't want to be rude but—”
“What happened
to Mr. Bennett? I like it when you call me that.” He interrupts me, leaning
closer than I am comfortable with. He reaches up, moving a piece of hair that's
escaped the bun on my head. “God, you are beautiful!”
I pull back.
“Stop. I’m not into the smooth-talker bullshit.” I roll my eyes again. I’m
afraid that's going to be my look for the evening.
“I’m not
trying to be smooth. I just want you to have one drink, so I can show you that
I am a nice guy.” Something about his blue eyes is familiar. Not the shade but
maybe the look in them. “I don't want you to think I’m trying to play you.”
“Well, then
starting off with the ever cheesy compliment might have been a poorly planned
move.”
He sighs.
“Have I offended you by being attracted to you? For a confident girl you seem
awfully guarded.”
I bite my lips
but somehow it slips out. “I got divorced this last couple weeks and my ex is
having a baby with a child. She’s much younger and she is flowy—does that
make sense? She’s cool and calm and goes with the flow.”
“Everything
you’re not.”
His statement
stings but I nod, glad we’re finally both on the same page. “Exactly.”
His eyes
sparkle as he speaks through
Learning to Kill: Stories