Page 23 of Secret Baby With My Brother's Best Friend

Yes, you, I thought.

I shook my head. "Nothing. Were you going somewhere before?" I asked, wondering why she had stepped out in the first place.

"Not exactly. I just…" she trailed off. "It's nothing. Good night."

"Yeah. Night," I said, and she returned inside.

I lingered outside her room for a while before I went to my room. Alone in my room my mind went over the day and how much fun I had with Harper today. It had been a while since I had actually enjoyed myself like that and it felt nice. Even though we were just acting for the public eyes, it felt real.

Chapter Thirteen

Harper

Being alone with Logan always felt too good to be true, even now when he was the last person I wanted to be around—or so I told myself, but it was pretty far from the truth. "We are here," Logan announced, and I sighed, wishing the ride didn't have to end.

Logan parked before the enormous shopping complex, killing the engine. "Stay," he muttered and stepped out of the car in a white esteemed-looking button down dress shirt hanging over his denim jeans matched with a pair of white sneakers. His hair sat laid back, combed to perfection, and he looked like the word itself.

He gracefully turned to the passenger side and held the door open for me, holding his hand out to me. I took his hand and alighted from the vehicle, putting next to no attempt to look pleased with his kind gesture. I didn't have to—looking pleased was the easiest thing to do because, deep down, I was delighted to be around him.

Logan shut the door and linked our arms, flashing me a warm smile as we headed for the building. I could feel people outside, staring at us. I took a deep breath, the touch of our skin sending a chill through my entire body—my stomach clenched.

We slipped past the glass sliding door into the building, and I felt even more nervous at the size of the crowd haunting the halls and doing their thing. The shopping mall was engulfed in a symphony of sights, sounds, and scents. The spacious atrium was adorned with vibrant decorations that drew much attention to themselves, setting the mood for an enjoyable shopping experience.

The inside of the mall was illuminated by a plethora of skylights that allowed natural light to cascade down, creating a warm and inviting ambiance all over the place. Crystal-clear glass elevators gracefully glided up and down at different corners of the mall, offering a breathtaking view of the mall's various levels.

The mall, like every other, is divided into different sections, each catering to different shopping needs. To my left was a row of high-end fashion boutiques, their glamorous window display showcasing the latest trends in clothing, accessories, and footwear. Mannequins stood on display, donning exquisite outfits, posing strategically, and luring customers in with their fashionable allure.

To my right, there was a buzzing electronics store, with wide-screen televisions flashing vibrant images, sleek laptops on display, and the latest smartphones and watches neatly arranged. The air was thick with the sound of enthusiastic customers chattering and going about their businesses.

Logan and I made our way into the clothing section of the mall, stepping through the glass doors with our arms linked, smiles adorning our faces. The room exuded an aura of elegance and sophistication that left me awe-inspired. My eyes did a quick sweep around the massive store.

"Good day," one of the female attendants approached us with a warm smile. "Welcome to Abby's Style," her enthusiasm was infectious, and I relaxed despite the tension building inside me.

"Thank you," Logan responded politely, his voice carrying a touch of charm.

The attendant led us through the neatly organized racks of clothing, showcasing a wide array of styles and designs. Dresses in various colors, patterns, and cuts hung gracefully, waiting to be worn. The fabric felt soft and luxurious to my touch as I ran my fingers lightly over them. The price tag was quite hefty, too, making me more nervous. One dress here could buy five of my usual clothes, which made me hesitant.

Being cautious with my expenses had become a natural instinct. Perhaps it was due to becoming responsible for another at such a young age. The prospect of splurging so extravagantly on clothes seemed imprudent. We continued browsing through the endless fashion wear, and I remained hesitant, unable to choose any outfit.

"If there's anything specific you're looking for, please let me know. I can help you find the perfect outfits that match your style and preferences," the attendant offered kindly as I reluctantly moved past another row of enticing clothes, empty-handed yet again after mentally drooling over them.

After a few minutes, Logan suddenly came to a halt, causing me to stop abruptly as well, our arms still intertwined. He turned to the employee and said dismissively, "We'll check the rest alone." With that, the employee left our side.

As soon as she was out of earshot, Logan glanced at his watch briefly before releasing his arm from mine. "It's been over an hour, and you still haven't chosen anything," he remarked, locking eyes with me. "Do none appeal to you?" he questioned.

"No. It's not that."

"Then what?" he quizzed.

Uhm. The price, I wanted to say but decided against it. He wouldn't understand—Logan was a wealthy baseball player who had only ever worried about himself while I was a responsible mother—it was a stark contrast. Logan stepped closer, interrupting my thoughts, and I instinctively stepped back, feeling my heart race in my chest. What was he doing?

"Nothing," I squeaked.

Logan drew even closer, his body barely touching mine. The knots in my stomach tightened, and my lungs felt like they were literally hanging out in the sun—I couldn't speak. "Nothing?" he arched a brow, seemingly unconvinced. "You do realize," his fingers traced the curve of my left cheek, igniting a spark within me. He gently tucked a strand of hair behind my ear, the action sending a chill down my spine.

His touch left me stunned and breathless, and his eyes—I was drowning in them."—people are staring at us," he finished his sentence, never breaking eye contact. We stood there in silence for what felt like an eternity, my gaze involuntarily darting to his lips, the temptation to kiss them overwhelming. The tension between us was palpable, wrapped tightly around us.

Suddenly, Logan cleared his throat, taking a step back, and in that fleeting moment, I thought I detected a glimpse of longing in his eyes, though it vanished all too quickly. I swallowed, my eyes taking a stroll around the room and catching the curious eyes glaring at us from all angles. "How about that one?" he pointed, redirecting my attention.

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