Page 89 of The Way We Touch

“Hello, Logan.” Her voice is cool confidence.

She steps forward to put her hand on my arm and kiss my cheek. I don’t recoil, but I don’t really appreciate the gesture. I don’t want Dylan to think I’m still interested in her.

“Natalia.” I nod curtly. “Ricky.”

Garrett puts a hand on my shoulder, pointing at the two of them. “Are you two dating or is this just for the gala?”

“What do you think, Grizz?” Ricky puts his hand on Natalia’s ass, and I notice her flinch.

I dated Natalia long enough to know she doesn’t appreciate public displays of affection. Or pretty much any physically attentive behavior. I’m half waiting for her to bite his head off when Dylan’s sweet voice joins us.

“Sorry, I didn’t mean to run off on you the minute we got here.”

My shoulders relax, and I slide her silky hair off her shoulder before putting my arm around her. “No apology necessary. I want you to have a good time and meet people.”

“And who might this be?” Natalia studies us. “Not Garrett’s little sister I’ve heard so much about?”

“You’ve heard about me?” Dylan’s eyes blink wider, and she steps forward with her hand extended. “Natalia van Norse, I’m so pleased to meet you.”

To her credit, Natalia is caught off guard. “The pleasure is all mine, I’m sure.”

“Sorry,” Dylan’s chin dips. “I’m Dylan Bradford. Garrett’s sister, and, ahh…”

Her eyes flicker to me, and I reach for her hand. “My girlfriend.”

Natalia’s eyes widen. “Girlfriend?”

I have no idea why she’s pretending to be shocked, but I explain. “We’ve been seeing each other since July.”

“We were at Galileo’s in June.”

I want to ask how it went with the Greek guy, but Dylan speaks first. “I confess, I’m a little starstruck meeting you. I always check out your Instagram for fashion ideas. I absolutely adored the dress you wore to last year’s Met Gala.”

Natasha’s lips part, and she seems thoroughly confused. She can’t possibly fathom someone as genuinely kind as Dylan.

“Thank you.” Natalia clears her throat, tugging on Ricky’s arm. “We’re just going to get some drinks. I hope you all have a wonderful evening.”

Dylan watches them go before turning to me and slipping her hands in my arms. “Everyone’s so nice. I was so worried they’d treat me like a hick.”

“If anyone treats you like a hick, you let me know.” A low growl is in my tone, and amusement shines on her face.

“I won’t, but I really like this protective side of you.”

Placing my thumb on her chin, I hold her gaze. “I won’t let anyone hurt you.”

“Logan! I’ve been searching for you everywhere.” I recognize Maddy Johnson’s voice. “Where is my new best friend?”

Maddy is in a flowing white dress that reminds me of a toga, and she has a gold belt around her empire waist and a gold headband on her blonde head. Both hands are extended to Dylan.

“When Logan told me you were from Alabama, I squealed, didn’t I, Logan?” I nod as she continues. “It’s so good to have someone from home to talk to.”

“I know just what you mean.” Dylan pulls her into a hug. “This is an amazing event. Did you do it all yourself?”

“Lord, no!” Maddy shakes her head. “We have a team of party planners handling all this. Let’s get more champagne.”

She drags Dylan to the bar, and I hang back, watching her fit into my world.

“Those accents, heavens!” Natalia holds her hand beside her ear as if she’s getting feedback. “I know some people find it charming, but it’s like nails on a chalkboard.”

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