When You're Ready (Ready #1)(32)

I shifted in my seat, uncomfortably.

“How long before you found out?” she asked.

“Six months. My wife had been sleeping with one of my best friends for six months and I didn’t even notice,” I confessed. I had been so involved in my own thoughts, and my own world, I had actually stopped paying attention to her. So much so that she carried on a six month affair and I had no clue.

“I’m sorry Logan, it must have been painful.”

It was, but not for the reasons she was thinking.

“Looking back now, I can see it. Melanie and Gabe are perfect for each other. They’re running that law firm together now. She provides counseling and he gives legal support. Colin told me they’re expecting their first child this fall. And honestly, I’m happy for them, for her. She deserves it, all of it.”

“You deserve it too,” she said softly, tracing my palm with her fingers.

“Thank you.”

“So...I saw Ms. Thompson set up a ton of desserts in the other room. If we don’t go over there soon I’m going to get cranky, and I’m not nearly as cute when I’m cranky,” Clare announced, lightening the mood with her addiction to sweets.

I couldn’t help but laugh, thankful we were done with the heavy conversation for the moment. I was also relieved she was still looking at me the same way. I didn’t deserve it, but I’d still take her anyway.

“Okay, let’s go!” I exclaimed, rising to follow a quickly moving Clare to the parlor. She was already eyeing the massive display of desserts and squealing with delight.

“This woman is insane! There’s enough dessert here to feed an army!” she cried, zeroing in on the chocolate covered strawberries and profiteroles before noticing the best part.

“Oh my God, she made Tiramisu! Did you tell her to do this?” she asked before turning to look at me.

I just grinned in answer.

“Of course you did.” She sauntered over to me, swaying her hips, before reaching out a hand to grab mine.

“Thank you. This has been the perfect date. You’re amazing”

Just then, a huge clap of thunder shook the house, followed by a flash. Clare screamed, closing the distance between us to rush into my arms, just as the power went out.

Well, so much for perfection.

Chapter Eight

~Clare~

“What the hell was that?” I screeched as I burrowed my body further into Logan’s firm chest.

“Uh, thunder?” he uttered.

“Well, duh. But holy shit, that was close. It couldn’t have been more than a mile away.”

One thing I noticed right away...okay, two things. The first thing, Logan smelled really good.

Like really, really good. I don’t know if it was cologne or a scent that was just uniquely Logan but I wanted to bury my face in his shirt and take a deep breath so I could have a memory of it permanently stored in my olfactory senses.

The second thing. It was dark. Like pits of hell dark. Having lived in the South my entire life, I had learned to endure strong storms. But they still freak me out, which is why I was currently curled up like a five-year old child in a grown man’s arms. Well, it probably wasn’t the only reason. My only saving grace was the fact that when the power went out in a suburban neighborhood, it was never completely dark. You still had neighbors that ran backup generators and headlights from cars passing by.

But the Thompson Plantation Bed and Breakfast?

It was pitch-black, make-you-wanna-scream-for-your-Mama dark.

“Are you all right, Clare? You’re shaking,” Logan asked, his voice full of concern.

“Sorry. That scared the bejesus out of me. I don’t like when the power goes out,” I confessed.

“I’m actually really enjoying the lack of power,” he said, squeezing me tighter.

“Oh man!” I suddenly wailed.

“What?” his voice alarmed and full of sudden concern.

“The desserts! I can’t see the desserts! I want my desserts!” I whined.

He chuckled. “That took all of thirty seconds!”

“Don’t make fun of me, I’m in agony here. There’s sugar over there, and I can’t see it. If Ms. Thompson doesn’t come with a candle soon, I’m just gonna wing it and dive in with my hands.”

He thought I was kidding, but I was totally serious. I never mess around when it comes to dessert.

Just as I was contemplating exactly how to get into the dessert without ruining my dress, Ms. Thompson nosily bumped into the room with a candle in hand.

“Well, that was exciting, wasn’t it? You two okay? Didn’t scare you too bad, did it?” she asked as she began lighting candles scattered about the room.

“No, we’re fine. Just a little startled. We were just admiring the dessert table when the power went out. You did an amazing job,” Logan commended her, causing our host to become embarrassed under his praise. As she lit the candles, everything started to come back into view, including the desserts.

“Well then, continue on. Don’t mind me. I’m going to look for a radio and see if I can get any updates on the weather,” Ms. Thompson said before marching out the room with determination.

I scurried up to the table, grabbed a plate and started taking a bit of everything and a lot of the tiramisu. It was such a thoughtful gesture to have her include my favorite dessert. And the jelly beans during our picnic…