OBSESSION

FOUR

The week flew by in a blur, the anticipation of Friday night simmering in Bethany's mind as she and her team developed concepts for Logan's twenty-four-unit renovation project. She led the team, but often deferred to David, whose expertise felt like an anchor. He'd become an unexpected mentor, his years of experience invaluable as they worked to create designs that honored the neighborhood's historic character.

Sierra, on the other hand, had grown increasingly cold, her clipped tones and subtle digs hinting at something more than professional rivalry. Still, Bethany kept her focus, determined not to let petty jealousy get in the way of her work—or her evening plans.

On Friday, as she prepared to leave, Sierra intercepted her by the elevator, flashing a grin as sharp as a knife. "I just wanted to apologize," she said, her tone insincere but carefully masked. "I've been stressed, and I didn't mean to make you feel uncomfortable. I'd love to make it up to you."

Bethany raised an eyebrow. "Oh?"

"Yeah. I'd be more than happy to meet Mr. Chase at the property in your place. I even have a high-end camera to capture the best angles."

Don't roll your eyes, Bethany told herself. She took a folder from the pile in her hands and passed it to Sierra.

"Thanks, Sierra, but I'll be fine. But since you're offering, you can help by ordering these materials. I was planning to take care of it over the weekend, but your help would speed things up."

Sierra's smile faltered, and she took the folder with a barely-concealed eye roll, retreating as Bethany stepped into the elevator.

By the time Bethany arrived at the property, the sun was setting, casting a warm haze over the city.

Her GPS led her away from the bustling streets and into a quiet suburb of 19th-century Tudor homes, each radiating a charm that tugged at Bethany's heart. The apartment building itself was a brick structure shaped like a wide "U" with a sprawling garden in the center.

The garden was unfinished, its bare soil a testament to the early stages of construction.

Logan's car—a surprisingly rugged Jeep Wrangler—was parked nearby, its lights shutting off as she stepped out of her own car. He climbed out, striding toward her with a confident smile, a gleaming yellow helmet in hand.

Bethany squinted, eyeing the helmet as he approached. "What's that?"

"A little gift." He slipped the hard hat onto her head with a smirk, adjusting it with deliberate slowness. "You're looking at an active construction site. Can't have you getting hurt."

Bethany laughed, adjusting the helmet. "Why am I getting the feeling this wasn't strictly a business meeting?"

Logan's eyes glinted in the evening light. "You wanted business. I wanted a date. So I compromised."

They walked toward the building, and he pushed open the heavy doors for her. Inside, the skeletal frame of the foyer was visible beneath a web of tarps and scaffolding. Bethany looked around, letting out a small chuckle.

"Is this what you wanted to show me?" she teased, raising an eyebrow.

"Not quite." Logan grinned, extending a hand. "Follow me."

Bethany placed her hand in his, feeling the roughness of his skin against hers as he led her up a dark stairwell, his phone's flashlight illuminating the way. His grip was firm, steadying her with each step. By the time they reached the rooftop, Bethany's curiosity had grown to a nearly unbearable level.

When he opened the door to the rooftop, Bethany's breath caught. The view was nothing short of breathtaking.

The fading light painted the sky in shades of red and gold, the distant Seattle skyline glowing in the valley below. But what captivated her even more was the setup on the rooftop: a small table draped with a deep red tablecloth, two covered plates, candles casting a soft glow, and an ice bucket with bottles of wine chilling beside it.

Logan gestured to the table with a flourish. "Ta-da."

Bethany blinked, genuinely stunned. "You actually planned this?"

His eyes sparkled. "I don't leave things to chance, Bethany."

Her lips curved into a smile despite herself. "You said this was a business meeting."

"You said it was a business meeting. I said it was a date," he countered, his tone low and teasing. "So, red or white?"

"Red," she replied, unable to hide her pleasure as he poured them each a glass, his movements practiced, confident. He removed her hard hat with a grin and set it aside with his own before raising his glass to hers.

"To new beginnings," he said, his gaze lingering on her.

Bethany clinked her glass against his, holding his gaze. "To new beginnings."

They sipped in silence, the air charged between them as the city lights flickered below. The moment felt surreal, as if they'd both stepped out of their lives and into a world where only the two of them existed.

"So, how long have you been planning this?" Bethany asked, unable to resist the question. "You didn't just throw this together, did you?"

"If you ask Mae, it was last-minute," Logan replied with a half-smile. "But I came up with the idea the moment you left the conference room. I knew then I'd have to trick you into a date if I wanted a chance."

Bethany shook her head, chuckling. "I should be more annoyed about being tricked. But I can't lie, it's... nice."

"You haven't even had the food yet," he teased, lifting the lid from her plate to reveal a perfectly seared steak with broccolini. "Don't thank me too quickly."

She picked up her fork, savoring the first bite, the rich flavors melting in her mouth. "Okay, I'll give you this—you've outdone yourself."

He watched her, a faint smile on his lips, but his eyes were intense, as though searching for something beneath her surface.

"All jokes aside," he said, setting his glass down, "I wanted to show you that I'm not who you think I am. Whatever assumptions you've made about me—I want you to see past them."

Bethany paused, looking into his eyes. "You think I don't know that?"

Logan raised an eyebrow. "Do you?"

"Look, it's not you specifically. It's... people like you. I've known people with the world at their fingertips, and when that happens, it's easy to take things—and people—for granted." She took a sip of wine, feeling his eyes studying her.

"And I take it you don't think I'm one of those people?" he murmured, a challenge flickering in his gaze.

"You might surprise me," she admitted, her voice softer. "But yes, I'm wary. I've been burned before, and I'm here to start fresh. The last thing I want is to lose that."

Logan leaned in, his voice a low rumble that sent a shiver down her spine. "And what if I'm here to make that fresh start better?"

The intensity of his stare made her pulse quicken. "Are you always this persistent?" she murmured, feeling herself inching closer to him.

"Only with things worth the effort," he replied, his hand reaching out, brushing a loose strand of hair behind her ear. "Which I think you are."

The space between them seemed to shrink, the world around them fading as she felt the weight of his gaze. Before she knew it, her hands were on either side of his face, drawing him down to her, their lips meeting in a kiss that sent a wave of heat through her body. Logan responded instantly, his hands finding her waist, pulling her firmly against him.

His kiss was unrelenting, a mix of hunger and restraint that left her breathless. One hand trailed up to her hair, his fingers weaving through it, gently tugging it free from its ponytail.

Bethany's hands roamed his chest, feeling the warmth beneath his shirt as she pulled him closer, their breaths mingling as they deepened the kiss.

When they finally broke apart, they stood pressed together, their breaths mingling, neither willing to step back. His hands rested on her waist, his touch possessive, grounding her.

She looked up at him, her heart racing. "How did we...?" she began, her voice trailing off, unable to finish.

"If I recall correctly," he murmured, a teasing smile playing on his lips, "you kissed me first."

Bethany let out a soft laugh, a thrill running through her as she held his gaze. She knew she should pull back, end the night before things got further out of hand, but something about him, about this moment, felt too good to let go.

Logan leaned in close, his voice low, a hint of roughness in his tone. "It's late, and if you don't want me to lose control right here, I suggest we call it a night."

Bethany's eyes flickered to the table, and for a split second, an image of him bending her over it flooded her mind. She bit her lip, feeling her cheeks heat as she forced herself to look back at him, her voice unsteady but playful. "Lead the way, Mr. Gentleman."

Logan's jaw tightened, a spark of desire flashing in his eyes as he reached for her hand, guiding her back down the dark stairwell.