Page 75 of Mine to Love

“It must be boring working in that office by yourself all week. Although, it probably beats the alternative of having to deal with my surly brother.”

“I’m not surly,” Logan says from behind our chairs. The deep timbre of his voice startles me, and wine spills over the glass and down my hand.

“You’re surly,” Cami retorts.

“I wouldn’t call him surly,” Isabella says. “He’s serious.” She rubs his back in comfort as only a mother can do.

I stand to avoid craning my neck. “I’ll have to agree with you on that one.” I hide my grin behind my wine glass. It’s a tough line I’m walking right now, not being able to read Logan’s expression behind his dark sunglasses.

“There’s nothing wrong with being serious,” he says, seriously.

“Work should be fun.” Cami drapes an arm across my shoulders. “Don’t make a workaholic out of her and kill her spirit.”

“I gotta agree with our sister here,” Nick chimes in, tossing a corn bag in the air. “Work should be fun. Skylar manages to have fun with the nurses on the floor.”

“I wouldn’t call every day in the ER a good time. More like a circus of events.”

“I pop in my headphones and clean to fun music. And when I’m working in Holden’s office, I crank the music too,” Emerson adds.

“That’s not all you do in there.” Holden gives her a mischievous grin.

Cami sticks a finger in her mouth. “Gross. Your sister and parents are right here.”

“Since I’m alone in the office so much, I play the music louder than acceptable if I weren’t alone. And may dance a little around my office as I write out math problems on the white board on my wall.”

“That sounds like a good time.” Cami snorts.

“Camilla, no need to be rude,” Isabella scolds. “It’s nice that Reese enjoys her job.”

“Like I said, you’re better off being alone than with my surly, bossy brother.”

“You’re in a mood, Cami.” Logan sounds annoyed.

It’s the devil or the wine talking, but I can’t help but push him a little more. “You are quite serious at work. And sometimes bossy.”

He snaps his head toward me. “I’m busy. And so are you.”

“I know. And you’re very good at your job. But Cami has a point. And Emerson too. Maybe if you lightened up a little you wouldn’t be so...”

“Tense. Like, man, you look constipated all the time.”

Logan glares at Nick.

“Maybe keep the buttoned-up suits for Texas and do business casual in Maine?” Holden suggests.

“Says the guy who didn’t even wear a suit and tie to his own wedding.”

“Logan can wear whatever he’s comfortable in.” Isabella leans her head against his shoulder. “You three boys are as unique and individual as a snowflake. As is Cami. I don’t want you to be the same. Embrace it.”

“But you could lighten up a little, mama’s boy,” Nick snickers.

“Says the man who’s wrapped around his daughter’s fingers.” Skylar passes Gabriella to Nick.

“What can I say, I’m a ladies’ man. Maybe someday Logan will discover girls as well.”

I can’t help my giggle, and I don’t miss the glare Logan gives me.

The family makes their way back up to the house and enjoys a boisterous meal on the deck, then later we cook smores over the open fire. When Logan announces he has to leave to catch his flight to Texas, everyone stands and gives him hugs. He makes his way around the circle and when he reaches me, he rubs his hand across the back of his neck.

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