Page 116 of Unspoken

And then we step into the fray, and I'm hit with a mix of nerves and excitement. Logan confidently navigates the room, stopping every few feet to introduce me to his former classmates. "This is Sasha, my boyfriend," he says, pride evident in his voice and I can’t help but feel a little buzz in my chest every time those word leave his mouth. In the not so distant past, they were just a portion of forbidden and very private dreams.

I do my part of course to embrace my title of Logan’s boyfriend—shake hands and exchange greetings, trying to ignore the occasional raised eyebrow or surprised glance. Most seem friendly enough, if a bit curious. I watch Logan's interactions closely, noting the easy camaraderie he shares with some, the polite distance with others.

Sometimes, a twinge of insecurity flashes through me. These people are a good share of Logan's past, a world I'm not privy to. They've known him longer, seen sides of him I haven't. Irrational thoughts swirl in my head. Do they think I'm good enough for him? Do they wonder what he sees in me?

Logan must sense my unease, because he leans in close, his breath warm against my ear. "Hey, you're doing great. I'm really glad you're here with me."

I meet his gaze, seeing nothing but sincerity and affection in those kind, gray eyes. And just like that, my doubts recede, replaced by a surge of pleasant heat. I squeeze his arm, anchoring myself to his steady presence.

I know the night is young, and there's still plenty of minefields to navigate. The bloke we met at a taco joint, Curtis,is one of those minefields when we finally cross paths with him. A good-looking woman with a bright smile is by his side, and I deduce it’s his wife, Connie, the one who worked to organize the event.

The bloke has put on a few pounds since I last saw him, his hairline receding faster than the tide. But that sly, calculating glint in his eyes hasn't changed.

Logan tenses just a bit under my touch. The history between the two men is evident, all that unresolved friction that's been simmering for a while now. But Logan remains composed, ever the professional, as the couple approaches.

"Curtis, Connie. Good to see you both." He offers a handshake to Curtis and a hug for Connie.

"Introduce us to your friend," the woman says politely, but there’s definitely a question in that statement.

"Of course," Logan places his palm over my own wrapped around his arm, "I'd like you to meet Sasha, my boyfriend."

Connie's eyes dart between us, as if surprised. She recovers quickly, plastering on a smile. "It’s nice to see you finally with someone, Logan." She shifts her gaze to me. "Treat him well, young man. Logan’s one of the good ones."

"I know."

Curtis seems to be finally catching on. He claps Logan on the shoulder, a little too hard to be friendly. "And here I thought you'd be too busy with your new gig, buddy. Private sector treating you well?"

There's an edge to his voice, a barely-veiled jab. I bristle, my hand tightening on Logan's arm. I know exactly what he's implying. That Logan's washed up, that he's struggling to make ends meet after leaving the force.

Logan just shrugs, his tone even. "Can't complain. Taking some time off, actually. Thinking about doing some traveling."

Curtis raises an eyebrow. "Oh? Sounds extravagant. You must have some serious savings squirreled away..."

Connie gently elbows her husband’s side. "Hon—"

The urge to wipe that smug look off his face is overwhelming. Instead, I plaster on my most charming smile, the one I use when I'm about to deliver a particularly cutting remark. "Oh, don't worry about that, mate. I'm proper minted. Reckon I can be Logan's sugar daddy for a bit, yeah?"

Logan chokes back a laugh, his eyes sparkling. Curtis's face turns an interesting shade of puce, his mouth opening and closing like a fish out of water.

Connie, bless her, tries to salvage the moment. "Well, that's lovely. I'm sure you two will have a wonderful time. Logan, we should catch up properly soon. Grab a coffee, maybe?"

Logan nods. "Sure, that'd be great. If you'll excuse us, I think I see some more old friends I need to say hello to."

He gives Connie another hug and steers me away, his hand firm on the small of my back.

"You alright?" I murmur, low enough for only him to hear.

"Yeah, I'm good."

"I can have my brother remove Curtis from your life permanently," I offer quietly as a joke.

"And all the hard work I’ve put in to keep his family together would go to waste." He shakes his head. "He’s not completely bad. He loves his son and he takes care of Connie. I won’t do that to her."

"Well, I thought I’d just throw it out there, in case your patience runs out one day." I lean into him, pressing a quick kiss to his jaw. "Forget about him. He's just jealous that you’ve got a fit, young boyfriend and he's stuck with a receding hairline and a growing beer gut."

That startles a laugh out of Logan. "You're ridiculous."

I grin, unrepentant. "Yeah, but you love me anyway."

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