The Promise of Us (Sanctuary Sound #2)(49)

“That’s way too manipulative.”

He set the seltzer on the counter and hung his head. “Why do people say that word like it’s a bad thing? Everyone manipulates to one degree or another. I manipulated her today to get her into the city. She went kicking and screaming, even got a little green at one point, but by the time we came home, she’d not only had a good day, but I think she’s realizing maybe she doesn’t need to limit her life so much. If I hadn’t ‘manipulated’ her, she’d still be totally stuck in her fear.”

Peyton flattened her hands on the counter. “First of all, I can’t believe you did that. Justify it all you want, but that’s not cool.”

“‘Justification’ . . . another word people throw around as being awful when, in truth, it’s simply the way we make choices. Can I justify spending money on this car? Can I justify taking the day off for this appointment? Can I justify getting divorced? And so on and so on. Bottom line, as long as your intentions are not entirely one-sided, manipulation and justification are not all bad.”

Peyton frowned, hesitating before speaking. “I need more time to think about whether or not I agree. Maybe I’m just predisposed to disagree because of the justifications I told myself when I ran off with Todd.”

“Well, that was fairly one-sided . . . clearly on the wrong side of the line.” He frowned. “Not that I believe in a life controlled by lines.”

“Gee, thanks.”

“Should I lie? If you ask me, lying is a worse sin than manipulation or justification.”

“The point, I think, is not to sin at all, Logan.” She sat back, arms crossed. “You know, you sound more like Mom and Dad than you’d ever want to admit. On the other hand, I’m tickled that you got her out of town for the day. Steffi and I were always a little sad that she never psychologically recovered from that shooting. Just don’t hurt her, okay? Not for me. And not for whatever other justification you’re dreaming up. You don’t know her like I do. If you push too far, you’ll be sorry.”

He knew her better than Peyton realized. “Let’s change the subject. We can dig into the rejects, or shop online for a new dress for you. You are coming to the gala.”

“Karina is coming, I presume, so I can’t count on you as my ‘date.’”

“Karina’s my friend, not my date.” He weighed whether to say more. “I actually asked Claire to go with me, but she said no.”

Peyton’s eyes went as wide as he’d ever seen them. “You did not!”

“I did.”

Her eyes narrowed as she shoved her index finger at his chest, poking him as she spoke. “Do not toy with her, Logan. You know she always had a thing for you. If you use her feelings in some mission on my behalf, I’ll never forgive you.”

He batted her hand away. “Jesus, Peyton. Why’s it impossible to believe I might have my own interests at heart? I like Claire.”

“You like her,” she said flatly.

“I like her. I’m finding myself . . . intrigued.”

“By Claire.” Her disbelieving expression said whatever she left unsaid.

“Yes. Claire. Petite. Freckles. Blushes easily. You know her?”

“Stop. Claire is not your type.”

He gave a nonchalant shrug. “In case you hadn’t noticed, my type hasn’t been very worthwhile. Maybe it’s time for a change.”

“I won’t argue that, but don’t experiment with Claire, Logan. I mean it. She doesn’t need her heart broken by you.”

“Why is everyone so sure she’d end up hurt? When did I become the bad guy?” He raised his arms out from his sides.

“Who’s everyone?” Her brows furrowed. “Other people know about this?”

“Claire. Claire knows. I kissed her today, but she shot me down because she doesn’t trust me.”

“I . . .” Peyton’s jaw dropped so fast he couldn’t believe it didn’t bounce off the floor. “I think you just handed me a reason to reach out to Claire.”

“To help me?” He smiled.

“To warn her off.”

“Hey! That’s just mean.”

“Be serious,” she scoffed. “You’re the world’s best brother. These past six months you’ve gone above and beyond. But you’re not someone who can make Sanctuary Sound his happy home.”

“Neither is Claire. Not the real Claire . . . the one from before the shooting. That Claire’s adventuresome. Brave. I just need to remind her of the life she loved from before.”

“No.” Peyton’s brows drew close together. “You have to accept her as she is, not try to change her.”

“I see who Claire really is. It’s all of you who’ve let her pigeonhole herself. I should’ve intervened years ago. But now I’m here, and I’m up to the task.”

“Why? What do you suddenly see that you missed all these years?”

Everything he’d never had in his life but hadn’t known was missing? “I can’t put my finger on one thing. It’s a feeling of arriving someplace new yet comforting . . . like home, or what most people feel about their home.”

“Oh, Logan. That’s such a cliché.”