Page 6 of My Destiny
I’m on my way.
I’m not really expecting a reply, but I hope he at least takes the time to read it.
CHAPTER THREE
Logan
“Has a court date been set?” I ask my colleague. A group of us stands around talking shop, waiting for the night’s festivities to get underway. I hate these events, to be honest, but it’s a way to thank all my staff for the hard work they’ve put in throughout the year, and to celebrate all our successes. As principal of Cavanagh and Associates, it’s only fitting that I attend. Even my stuffy old man used to come to these before I took over the company. Both the Sydney and Melbourne branches wouldn’t be what they are without a combined effort.
“February.” It’s the only word I hear, as my attention is drawn to the entrance of the ballroom. Shoving my hands into the pockets of my trousers, my breath hitches in my throat before all the air seems to leave my body. I watch intently as possibly the most beautiful woman I’ve ever laid eyes on engages with the hotel staff situated by the door. She continues to get my undivided attention as she crosses the room. Her eyes are everywhere, and despite her obvious grace and beauty, she seems unsure of herself, which I find somewhat endearing.
Who is this woman?
The red dress she’s wearing accentuates her long and lean, yet alluringly curvy figure. She looks like she belongs on a red carpet, or runway. I’ve dated a lot of models in my time, but never in my life has anyone had such an instant effect on me after just one glance. I try not to become too entranced because I know her type well. Call me cynical, but the pretty ones are occasionally the most shallow and self-centred, though I’m hoping with her it’s not the case.
“Excuse me,” I say to my colleagues, without taking my eyes off the woman in red. “There’s someone I need to see.”
I don’t even wait for them to reply before I make a beeline in her direction. Usually I’d play it much cooler than I am in this moment, but it’s like I’m drawn to her. I’ve been burnt in the past—which is something I’ve yet to let go of—but I want, no Ineedto know who she is. Although my time is divided between the offices here in Melbourne and in Sydney, I make it a priority to meet all my employees, even the cleaning staff. If I’d met this woman in the past, surely, I would remember her. She has a look that is unequivocally unforgettable.
I’ve always been a man who knows exactly what he wants and makes it happen, so I feel no shame in approaching her. Besides, she looks like she’s out of place, so it would be rude of me not to rectify that.
“Excuse me,” I say, once I’m standing close enough for her to hear me. She stops walking and glances in my direction. I smirk when I see her eyes widen and her mouth drop open. She looks like a deer caught in the headlights. Is she just as affected by me as I am her? “I don’t believe we’ve had the pleasure of meeting, Miss…?”
She takes a few seconds to regain her composure before speaking. I’d like to think I influenced her reaction in some way, because if I’m being honest my heart is racing.
Her hand trembles slightly as she extends it to meet mine. “Mrs. Johnston,” she says, “Brooke Johnston.” Despite the disappointment I’m now feeling, I wrap my hand around her delicate fingers.She’s married.I should’ve known, the good ones are usually taken. Some may consider me a womaniser, but I draw the line at married women. I’m a lot of things, but a homewrecker isn’t one of them. “And you are?”
“Oh, sorry,” I answer with a chuckle. “Logan… Logan Cavanagh.”
“Jake’s boss?” Her face lights up as my heart rate continues to climb.Pull your shit together, Cavanagh.I’m so lost in her beauty, I’ve yet to realise I still haven’t released her hand. But she seems in no hurry to break our connection. Or maybe she’s just being polite.
“Yes, yes I am. I’m the principal of Cavanagh and Associates. I inherited the title when my father retired.” There’s a touch of amusement in my voice, although the transition was anything but amusing.
“It’s nice that you followed in your father’s footsteps,” she says, her cheeks turning a sweet shade of pink. “He must be very proud of you.”
“I guess.” I shrug because I can’t honestly answer that. He’s never told me that he’s proud of me. A part of me wants to confess that my father is a pompous arse, and that he forced me into becoming a lawyer so I could take over his firm, but I don’t.
We stand there for a moment in silence, and my mind scrambles for something suitable to say. It’s not like I can tell her I’m so overcome by her beauty that I’m struggling to string two words together. That’s only going to make me sound pathetic.
Her husband has only been with the company a few months, so it makes sense that I’ve yet to meet his wife. Besides, most of my time is spent in the Sydney office, as that’s where my family lives. My opinion of my father may not be high, but I adore my mother and my sister.
I inhale a sharp breath through my nose. Christ, she smells so good.
“How are you coping with the move?” Her husband had a great reputation in Sydney, hence why I hired him. He did push for a position in my Sydney firm, but he was needed here in Melbourne. “Have you settled in okay?”
“Yes fine, thank you.” A sweet smile crosses her face, but I can’t help but notice it doesn’t quite reach her eyes. She has exquisite eyes, I might add; I see an innocence in them, and I love the way they twinkle when she speaks. I’m ashamed to admit another man’s wife has me absolutely spellbound.
I’m so engrossed in her, I don’t even notice Jake approaching until he grabs her from behind and draws her body back into his. I let go of her hand as she turns her head to glance at him over her shoulder.
“Sweetheart, you made it,” he says, turning her in his arms.
“Jake.”
“Sorry I’m late, I was hoping to be here before you arrived.”
“It’s okay. Your boss was keeping me company.” She manoeuvres to his side, facing me once more.
This suddenly got awkward. “How are you, Jake?” I say, extending my hand to him.
