Page 69 of Take It Offline

“After you,” I say.

“You brought a date.” It isn’t a question.

On the inside, I cheer, my pulse jumping.He noticed.

Outwardly, I dip my chin. “You noticed.”

“It’s hard to miss. And I’ll admit, I’ve been curious about him.” He peers over my shoulder, where I assume Charlie is. “Now that I see him, I’m not sure I understand it.”

“That’s funny,” I say, raising my chin. “He said the same thing about you.”

His gaze snaps to mine. “Did he now?” This time when he looks me over, his eyes are hungrier. Territorial. “And yet he left you here all by yourself.”

A shot of defensiveness fires through me. Not for myself, but on Charlie’s behalf.

“You left me first.”

When we dated, I never allowed myself to be bold. I did my best to make myself softer, quieter, sweeter. Only Ivy and Charlie have seen this side of me, and it’s obvious Logan is surprised to witness it.

“You have to know I didn’t want to leave, but I felt I had to, for both of us.”

“I know you did. That doesn’t change how hurt I was.”

He reaches out, brushing his fingers against mine. “That makes two of us.”

In all the time I’ve known Logan, it’s rare to see him openly vulnerable.

“I’m sorry things ended that way,” I say.

He hums and takes another step closer. “I’m sorry it ended at all.”

An arm slides around my waist, the touch startling me before Charlie speaks, and relief washes over me.

“I hope you didn’t miss me too much.”

He presses a kiss to my cheek, making my heart jump into my throat. The brush of his lips is a little closer to my mouththan I’m expecting, but since when does Charlie doanythingI’m expecting?

CHAPTER 23

BDE (BORING, DULL, EX)

CHARLIE

The deck is packed with wall-to-wall trust-funders, local politicians, and press. But I only care about the exquisite blonde in dark green.

I’m not the only one.

There isn’t a single person in this room who hasn’t admired her tonight. But I’m the lucky bastard holding her, and that’s only making one rich dick green with envy right now.

My instincts are telling me it’s a show, but I hope for her sake it’s not.

“You must be Logan,” I say, making a point not to introduce myself or offer my hand.

He smirks. “I am. Who are you?”

The guy who’s gonna kick your ass if you hurt her.

“This is Charlie,” Emma says, placing her hand on my chest.

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