Chapter 290 Last Minute Plans
Ella
The forest’s lingering scent still clung to me as I made my way back home. My feet moved over the familiar asphalt path, my mind still replaying the events of the day.
The feeling of freedom and serenity from my hike, followed by the shock of the attempted mugging and then the mysterious young man’s timely intervention, made for an interesting concoction of experiences that day. I was a bit roughed up after the experience, but also intrigued.
As I returned to the hustle and bustle of the city, the familiar sounds were almost a relief after my experience in the quiet woods. I imagined Moana scolding me for not bringing my pepper spray, and my father having a full-blown mental breakdown over it.
It was things like these that I decided to keep from my parents. Not because I wanted to hide anything, but because I didn’t want them to worry. If they knew about half of the dangerous things I dealt with in this city, they would be at my doorstep in an instant, demanding me to come home.
My phone buzzed in my pocket, breaking my reverie. I fumbled for it, flipping it open to see Logan’s name on the display. I hesitated, but then swiped to answer anyway.
“Ella, Logan’s voice greeted, sounding unusually hesitant. “Did you see my note?”
I sighed, shifting my handbag to my other shoulder. “Yes, considering the fact that it was right out on my kitchen counter. It was a bit hard to miss.”
“Well?” he asked, somewhat expectantly. “Are you still mad at me?”
I sighed, pausing at an intersection while I waited for the light to change. All around me, the sound of cars and people filled my senses. Somewhere nearby, I could smell the fragrant aroma of a food truck, and I suddenly felt my stomach grumbling at the thought of something cheap and greasy to eat.
“I was never mad at you, Logan,” I muttered, stepping out into the street along with a group of other pedestrians as the light changed.
“What were you, then?” he asked. “Because you certainly seemed mad when you bared your fangs like that.”
I winced a bit at the mention, thinking back on. my encounter in the woods. “Okay, maybe I was a little mad,” I said. “Next time, when I tell you not to kiss me, I mean it.”
“Of course.” Logan sounded remorseful. Genuinely remorseful. It was a little surprising. “Well, I’m sorry, Ella. Forgive me?”
The sound of his rueful voice made me soften a bit. As I stepped into line for that food truck, I nodded, forgetting momentarily that he couldn’t see me from the other end of the phone. “I forgive you,” I answered. “For now.”
There was a small chuckle on the other end. “Good.”
“Was there another reason why you called me on a Saturday afternoon?” I asked, handing the vendor my cash in exchange for a steaming hot empanada.
I heard a sigh on the other end of the phone. “Yes, actually,” he said. “Look, I don’t know how to break this to you, but there’s an event tonight. A restaurant owned by one of my father’s business partners. You and I need to be there.”
“Again? Already?” I groaned. The previous event still lingered in my memory, a potent cocktail of awkwardness and tension and rude questions.
Logan’s voice held a touch of humor to it. “It won’t be like last time, promise. There’ll be live music, dancing… a much larger crowd.”
I could almost hear the smirk in his voice when he added, “Maybe you can grace everyone with those incredible dancing skills of yours again?”
I couldn’t help the face I made, even though he couldn’t see it. Last night’s memories of the two of us dancing in my living room made me cringe, although I couldn’t deny the red tint that came to my cheeks.
“You’re treading on thin ice, Logan.” His chuckle deepened. “Sorry, I couldn’t resist. I swear, I only found out about the event this morning. Hence the short notice.”
I stopped walking, taking a moment to process this. “You expect me to get ready for a major event in,” I checked my watch, “less than two hours?”
Logan’s voice softened. “I’ll make it up to you. Whatever you want.”
“You’re lucky I’m a woman of my word,” I muttered around a mouthful of empanada, already thinking about my wardrobe options for that evening. “But in exchange, I fully expect a free pass out of the next last-minute event.”
“Now, now,” Logan chided, and I could hear his smile through the phone. “That’s a bit much to ask. You are supposed to be my girlfriend, after all. Fake or not…”
“I know, I know,” I replied. “I was just joking. I’ll see you later.” He sounded relieved. “Thank you, Ella. I’ll be there at eight.”
“You’d better be,” I replied, trying to sound stern but unable to keep the hint of a smile from my voice. “And Logan?”
“Yes?”
“I really did have an enjoyable night with you. last night. Before…”
There was a tense pause on his end. “Understood. See you soon.”
Hanging up, I quickened my pace, my heels clicking rhythmically on the pavement. The apartment building loomed ahead, and as I entered, the cool air enveloped me, instantly. bringing relief.
Riding the elevator to my floor, I began mentally preparing for the evening. My reflection in the lift’s mirror showed tired eyes, a product of the day’s events, and the previous night’s lack of sleep, thanks to an intoxicated Logan on my couch. A shower would help.
As the hot water cascaded over me, I tried to push away my reservations about the evening.. Logan was trying, in his own way, and as much as I wanted to tell him to screw off and that I would most certainly not be attending any events with him today, I knew that we had an arrangement. If I expected him to hold up his end of the bargain, then I had to do the same.
Toweling off, I stared at my wardrobe, finally deciding on the first dress that I had bought with Logan, the emerald one with beads around the waist.
It was modest, but the color brought out my eyes. I slipped it on, pairing it with matching heels. My hair, normally restrained, was let down, cascading in soft waves over my shoulders.
By the time I had finished my makeup and added a delicate silver necklace, it was nearly eight. Perfect timing, I thought to myself as I heard a knock on my door. Taking a deep breath, I opened it to see Logan, looking dapper in a tailored suit.
I hated to admit it, but he looked… incredibly handsome. His dark hair was neatly combed to the side, and his facial hair was perfectly trimmed, leaving a soft shadow on his jaw that made him look masculine yet put together.
His suit, all black even down to the tie, was perfectly tailored to fit his body. He stood with one hand in his pocket, and the other holding something. A box. “Wow,” he whispered, his eyes widening. “You look… amazing.”
I raised an eyebrow, using the sarcastic gesture as a means to hide the blush that threatened to creep into my cheeks. “Only took me two hours,” I murmured, my eyes flickering down to the box. “What’s that?”
His smile was sheepish as he held it out to me. “Just a little something,” he said. I tentatively took the box, opening it to reveal a delicate silver necklace. My eyes widened slightly upon seeing the beautiful opal that was set in the pendant. “For me?” I asked.
Logan nodded, his smile growing. He reached into the box and gestured for me to turn around with one finger, which I did. I lifted my blonde waves off of my shoulders to allow him to clasp the necklace around my neck. As he did, I felt the close proximity between us, and so did my wolf. His scent was almost overwhelming.
“Ready to go?” he asked once he was finished. His voice was low and husky, and when I turned back around, I saw that his cheeks were red, probably as red as mine..
I nodded, grabbing a small clutch purse and slipping out the door with him. The night awaited.
