Page 104 of The Way We Touch

“I couldn’t agree more.” I hug my bestie. “You’re worth fighting for.”

I think about how Logan is fighting for me. He forwarded to me his lawyer’s reply to his lawsuit request against TMI. It basically said exactly what he predicted it would, but he was still angry.

Logan

It’s not right these dickheads can get away with printing shit like that.

We were careless going onto the balcony.

Logan

I should’ve known better, but you’re hard to resist.

That makes me smile.

Everyone in town has been so great. I don’t know how many of them read the article, but they’ve all been coming to C&S for the games and supporting us.

Logan

That does it. Newhope is our new home.

I think they’re doing it for my parents.

Logan

They’re doing it for you, Dylan.

His words make me pause.

I don’t know why it’s hard for me to believe I matter that much to people. My brothers have always been the ones everyone pays attention to. They’re the celebrities, not me.

Still, in the last two weeks, my greatest humiliation has turned into my greatest source of peace. Jack pulled me into a hug and told me I could talk to him any time. Zane told me Miss Gina wants me to come for a visit. I told him to tell her as soon as I get back from New York.

Climbing the steps to the small plane, I wonder if I’m growing up or if I’m simply becoming less afraid of the future. I’m not the type to sit around and consider my life choices, what I’ve done and what it means. I typically go with my instincts.

The one time I did lean into the direction my life was going, when I dedicated myself to ballet, I learned very quickly life does what it wants. We can work hard and make plans, but we can’t control everything.

At the same time, working with Mia, even being with Logan, I’m starting to feel like I am important, and I can make a difference. I’m letting go of the notion that I can protect myself by not wanting things so much.

It’s okay to dream, to take risks, and if a door closes, look around for the unexpected door standing wide open. Most of all, I have people there to catch me if I fall. I always have.

Stepping off the plane this time, when I see him standing there just like before, waiting with his hand in his pocket and that smile on his face, something shifts. Up to now, this has felt like a beautiful dream.

Now it feels real. It feels like forever.

We’re less frantic than last time, thanks to Logan’s visit two weeks ago. Still, my hand never leaves his as we make the drive from the airport to his apartment building, and he holds me tight to his side as we ride the elevator to the top floor.

Stepping into his luxury apartment with its soft pine floors, large, white sectional sofa, granite countertops, and brushed stainless appliances, I’m struck by something new.

“You put blackout shades on all the windows.” I walk into the living room, sinking my bare feet into the plush, white rug.

You can take a girl out of the country, but you can’t make her wear shoes. I slip off my fluffy coat, tossing it onto the chair so I’m only wearing a short, sage-green dress with thin straps and no underwear.

The heat of his body is at my back, and he places his hands on my upper arms. “No one is going to violate your privacy this time.” His voice is low, determined. “I want you to feel safe here.”

My heart squeezes, and I turn, reaching for his shoulders. “You’re the one who’s not safe, remember?” It’s a sassy tease. “We established that on Day 1.”

It breaks the tension like I’d hoped, and he laughs, lifting off my feet. “I’m still going to protect my dangerous girl.”

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