The air nearly left my lungs when he looked up from his phone, giving me his full attention like I was some kind of entertainment.

It was him. The stranger whose bed I had just been in not long ago.

He stood up and walked toward me, that familiar smirk making my heart race. He extended his hand for a handshake. "It is nice to meet you, Allison."

I froze. My brain completely shut down, and I just stared blankly at him. My dad raised his brows, gesturing sharply for me to take his hand.

I forced myself to reach out. The moment our fingers touched, a shock ran through me.

As if that wasn't enough, he leaned down and pressed a soft kiss to the back of my hand. His lips against my skin made my stomach knot completely. I couldn't breathe as the memories of last night rushed back all at once.

"You two are acting strange," my dad noted, looking between us curiously. "Have you met before?"

"No," I gasped out quickly.

"Yes," he countered at the exact same time, finally letting go of my hand.

My dad frowned, confused. "Which one is it, yes or no?"

"We met yesterday," he explained, his eyes locking onto mine with a wicked glint. "Your daughter was surprisingly friendly. I wasn't expecting it."

I couldn't speak. Panic and shame choked me. I knew exactly what he was talking about, and he loved every second of my terror.

A slow, knowing smile spread across my dad's face. "I knew you two were a perfect match. That's why I wanted you to meet Logan from the very beginning, but you kept refusing."

I reached down for the hem of my dress and squeezed it tightly, trying to steady my breath as I watched the both of them.

"Logan will be merging with our company as soon as you both get married." My father beamed, a proud look radiating from his face. "Logan is an absolute workaholic."

"True," Logan agreed, his gaze locking onto mine with a wicked glint. "I’ve always had great stamina. When I find something I like, I tend to stay up all night making sure I've explored every single possibility. I don't like leaving things unfinished."

A physical jolt of shame hit me. He was throwing my own behavior back in my face, mocking me, enjoying the exact moment I began falling apart right in front of my father. I bit my lip hard, fighting the urge to fidget.

I looked straight at my dad, my mind spinning. "I thought you said he was your best friend?" I scrambled for words, completely lost. "He looks... I mean, isn't he too young?"

"Age doesn't determine friendship. I have known Logan for nine years, and we have been partners ever since his parents passed away," my dad explained. "He understands me better than anyone. He is my best friend."

Logan casually sat on the edge of the hospital bed. The shared chuckle between the two men only made the room feel smaller, suffocating me. How could I ever explain this to my dad? That I had tried to cheat on my future husband because I assumed he was some old businessman, only to end up sleeping with the actual man himself? Logan would never look at me with respect again.

"Dad, I really should go," I choked out, my voice trembling.

I grabbed my bag and bolted for the door, moving faster than lightning. Behind me, heavy, deliberate footsteps followed immediately.

I burst out into the hospital corridor, my legs shaking so badly I felt like a jellyfish, desperate to escape his piercing gaze.

A firm grip wrapped around my wrist, halting me instantly.

"Allison." He murmured my name, his deep voice softening just enough to make me stop. "Are you trying to run away from me?"

He stepped into my space, looming over me, trapping me against his imposing frame.

"I'm too ashamed to look at you," I whispered, swallowing hard as tears threatened to spill. "I don't want you to hate me."

"It's quite the opposite." He stepped into my space, his dark presence completely overwhelming me. When he leaned down, our lips were almost touching. "The moment your dad sent me your picture and I realized who you were, I had people keep an eye on you."

The truth clicked. That was how he knew exactly which club I was at last night.

He cupped my face, his thumb gently wiping away a stray tear. I leaned into his touch, my eyes closing involuntarily as a shiver ran down my spine. His hand lingered on my cheek before sliding down to the nape of my neck, pulling me flush against his chest as he claimed my lips.

Last night had been hungry and wild, but this kiss was different. It was deeply passionate, possessive, and alluring. For a second, the hospital corridor melted away and I felt like I was floating.

His chest pounded against mine, heavy and demanding. His breath hitched in his throat, a quiet sound of defeat, right before he finally tore his lips away and pulled back.

"You don't hate me for stalking you, do you?" A low chuckle vibrated in his throat.

"No," I breathed, shaking my head. If his shadow hadn't been watching over me, my desperation last night might have landed me in the wrong hands.

His intimidating posture softened, and for a moment, the fierce businessman vanished. He looked at me with open vulnerability, almost desperate. "I am hosting a gala tomorrow night. Please, Allison... say you'll come with me. I really need you there."

"Yes," I promised, a sudden flutter of butterflies erupting in my stomach at how deeply he wanted me there.

"My driver will pick you up at seven," he murmured, a relieved smile brushing his lips. "I need to go now; I have business to finish with your father." He turned and walked back into the ward, leaving a trail of his intoxicating scent behind.

I finally let out the breath I had been holding, my face burning crimson.

When I got home, Laura was cooking while wearing her headset, dancing to the music as she moved around the kitchen. She possessed such a carefree energy, a vibrant spark that always made me grateful to have her as a friend. Walking up behind her, I gently squeezed her shoulders.

She jumped, startled by the sudden touch, and pulled off her headphones.

"Hey, you are back." She scanned my face, a knowing smirk forming on her lips. "Hmmm, you are beaming. He isn't too old, right?"

I shook my head, unable to suppress the smile tugging at my lips. "It's Logan, the guy I hooked up with last night."

Laura froze, staring at me in absolute shock.

"What? Spill now." She quickly turned off the gas stove.

We moved over to the couch, and I told her everything. Her eyes widened with every detail that left my mouth.

"So he isn't angry?"

"No. Honestly, I am more surprised than anyone."

Her eyes lit up with excitement. "I think he loves you."

My stomach did a violent backflip at her words. A strange, heavy sensation settled in my chest. I had never been in a position where a man actually chose me. In the past, they always found someone else, or always preferred the other person over me. The rejection had left deep scars.

"I hope so." I looked down, my voice barely a whisper. "He is hosting a gala tomorrow, and I am invited."

Laura wiggled her brows, teasing me playfully.

"Oh, more like a date."

She headed back to the kitchen to finish cooking while I stayed on the couch, keeping the conversation going. But even as we talked, my mind remained entirely with Logan. The memory of his kiss looped continuously in my thoughts, hot and consuming.

The rest of the evening passed in a total blur. I desperately wanted the night to hurry along so the morning would arrive, bringing me closer to seeing him again.

I felt like a teenager falling in love for the very first time. Laura's words echoed in my head, fueling a deep, aching desire inside me. I wanted him to say it. I wanted to hear him tell me exactly how much he cared.

When night finally came, sleep proved to be a distant luxury. I lay awake staring at the ceiling, playing back every second of our conversation. I was terrified to hope too much, yet completely unable to stop myself. The fear of being the second choice usually kept my heart guarded behind thick walls, but Logan was tearing them down, brick by brick.

The next morning, sunlight streamed through the blinds. I sat up, a nervous flutter instantly waking up in my stomach.

Today was the gala.

The bedroom door burst open, revealing Laura grinning from ear to ear.

"Someone is here to see you."

"Is it Logan?" I threw off the covers and scrambled to my feet, rushing toward the door like an eager child.

"No, not him, but he sent his staff."

Stepping into the living room, I found two ladies dressed in neat uniforms waiting for me. They bowed politely the moment I appeared. Spread across the couch were several large, elegant boxes. I rushed over, eagerly opening them one by one.

Laura hurried in after me, laughing at my impatience. "Easy, Allie, you don't want to break your leg."

Inside those boxes were clothes, shoes, and makeup from different luxury brands. Excitement rushed through me just looking at them. This was the very first time I had ever received a gift from a man.

I found a card resting on one of the boxes, the handwriting neat and bold. My smile grew wider with every word.

I would have been there in person because of how much I missed your lips, but I got caught up in a busy schedule.

— Logan.

I bit my lip, carefully tucking the note away.

"He is so intentional. I can't wait to meet this gentleman." Laura beamed.

I tried to act casual, pretending I wasn't completely overwhelmed by it all, but deep down inside, I was going crazy with happiness.

"The event isn't until seven in the evening. Why are you here so early? It's only ten in the morning." I turned to the women in surprise.

One of them stepped forward. "Mr. Logan wants us to prepare you early. That includes massages, makeup, pedicures, manicures, and styling your hair. He doesn't want you to lift a single finger because he thought it might stress you out for tonight."

"Oh." I paused, that strange, fluttering feeling returning to my stomach.

Laura leaned in eagerly. "Can I get a massage too?"

"Of course." The woman offered a polite bow. "My name is Tina, and this is my assistant, Thelma. We are entirely at your service."

To start things off, Laura and I both took a quick bath and changed into soft robes. Logan had even arranged for someone to drop off a delicious lunch for us.

We both lay down and let the women work their magic. As the massage started, I finally allowed my tense body to relax, releasing all the built-up stress from managing my father's business lately.

The relaxation session lasted for three whole hours. Once they finished, Laura and I ate the food while Tina and Thelma moved on to our manicures and pedicures. They took their absolute time pampering us, and by the time they finished, the clock already read five.

Next came the makeup and hair styling, which took even longer. By seven, Logan's driver was already waiting outside. My heart skipped a violent beat the moment I caught a glimpse of the sleek car through the window.

We weren't finished with my makeup yet, and I hadn't even had the chance to put on the dress. Suddenly, Logan called Thelma's phone.

"Aren't you guys done yet?" His deep voice carried clearly from the receiver, sounding incredibly impatient.

"No, sir." Thelma tone was nervous.

"Hurry up. I want to see her right now." The line went dead.

The realization that I was about to see him again made me incredibly shy. We rushed through the rest of the styling, the pressure mounting. By the time everything was completely finished, it was eight-thirty, and Logan's calls hadn't stopped.

"Oh my God, you look like an angel." Laura gasped, making me blush deeply. "Come on, go now before Logan blows up Thelma's phone again."

I waved goodbye to her and stepped into the back of the car. Inside, I was a restless, nervous wreck, but I did my absolute best to sit up straight and look confident.

During the entire drive, I kept rehearsing exactly what to say when we finally met face-to-face. My fingers traced the handwritten note he had sent, holding onto it like a lifeline.

I took all of this as a sign of how deeply he cared for me. Maybe tonight was the perfect opportunity to tell him the truth.

I was finally going to confess my feelings to him.