Page 31 of Passionate Hearts

Logan took Brianna to a steak place called Firebirds. Brianna’s stomach ached with hunger. There was a sudden realization that she hadn’t eaten much that day. She’d been too busy taking care of River.

“Shall we?” Logan laughed; she nodded her head towards the entrance.

“I can’t think of anything I’d like more.”

As they walked Brianna allowed her eyes to move over Logan, fully taking her in. She wore a pair of worn-in blue jeans and an over-sized t-shirt. Her body was incredible, and Brianna could appreciate how much work it took to stay in that kind of shape. Brianna waited to feel a spark of desire, but, instead, shesimply felt hungry. She had to laugh at herself. Here she was on a date with an incredibly beautiful woman, and all she could think about was food.

The server took them to a table and took their drink orders.

“How was your day?” Brianna asked. They had more than covered her day in length, and she wanted to reciprocate Logan’s interest.

“Not bad. I went to the gym for a couple of hours this morning. Then I trained with some other Krav Maga instructors. I ate lunch and did my second workout. Now I’m here with you, by far the best part of the day.”

“My goodness. You really went after it today,” Brianna smiled.

“Not really. That’s a pretty typical day for me.”

Brianna marveled. She enjoyed getting in a workout. Brianna even enjoyed going to Krav Maga classes. But to make those two things the bulk of her day was something she couldn’t imagine. Brianna wasn’t sloppy in the least, but what must it be like to be that structured. Inside of her, a knot began to form.

“Do you think your friend is completely done with her girlfriend?” Logan asked. She took a forkful of steak and waited for Brianna’s answer.

“I’m pretty sure she is. I can’t imagine River ever taking Tiff back. Not after catching her blatantly cheating on her.”

Logan nodded thoughtfully before taking another bite. Her sharp blue eyes pinned Brianna with a stare. Her look wasn’t mean, but she found herself shrinking from the intensity of the eye contact.

“Can I ask you a question?”

“Of course,” Brianna offered.

“With River free for all intents and purposes what does that mean for you?” Logan asked.

“For me? What do you mean?”

Logan chuckled.

“Brianna, you are wonderful. And I think you have the makings of a great partner. That’s what drew me to you to begin with. You’re obviously kind, loyal, and funny. You’re not bad to look at either. But I think it’s good for you to accept that even though you might still be hurt by River’s decision, you aren’t done with her.”

“I don’t know if I would go that far,” Brianna interjected.

“I’m not saying that you’ll end up together. I’m just saying there’s more for you to resolve with River. Which feels like a dynamic I don’t want to be a part of.”

Logan’s tone was even, there wasn’t a hint of harshness in her voice. But her words hit home all the same. She was so matter of fact in her delivery that it almost threw Brianna off a bit. Logan offered her a warm smile.

“Listen, please don’t take any of that the wrong way. We’ve all been part of a complicated dynamic with a woman. I’m just looking for someone who’s ready to fully commit to me. And you clearly have some unfinished business.”

Brianna returned Logan’s smile and offered a nod. The worst part was that she couldn’t pretend that Logan was wrong. She knew Logan was right, there was more that she needed to figure out with River. But Brianna wasn’t sure what the timetable was on that. River had just caught her girlfriend cheating would she really be in the mood to discuss where they stood with one another? She needed to give River time. Not only that, but she also needed to give herself time.

“You’re pretty wise,” Brianna laughed.

“I have my moments. And I would love it if we could still be friends,” Logan said with a smile.

“Of course. I would like that.”

The rest of the night was spent making good conversation. Brianna found that Logan was easy to talk to and had a good sense of humor. All of which was a plus, not just for romance but for friendships as well. At the end of the nightLogan dropped Brianna back at her place. She left Brianna with a hug. The night hadn’t ended exactly the way she’d imagined, but Brianna felt good about the outcome. It was never a loss to gain another friend.

Chapter 13

River waited intently for the doctor. The last few weeks had been a whirlwind. She had gone from a big cast to smaller braces. She had started physical therapy and was already making amazing progress. River loved progress. Her foot and ankle were gaining range of motion every time she went in for a session. Her arm was also regaining movement.

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