OBSESSION

TEN

Bethany was filled with anxiety as she walked into the office the following Monday. She had Logan's days had blurred into one another, each dragging painfully slowly as he pushed through a demanding week, all the while consumed by thoughts of Bethany.

It was strange to him, almost foreign, how deeply she'd settled in his mind, occupying nearly every quiet moment. No matter how packed his schedule, or how focused he forced himself to be, his mind wandered back to her—her laughter, the warmth in her eyes, the way her fingers had brushed through his hair as if they belonged there.

The memory of her touch and the feel of her against him haunted him, and he didn't try to fight it. For once, he had no desire to control his emotions; Bethany had broken through that barrier, and he felt entirely captivated.

He reminded himself constantly that they'd only just begun this connection, but that did little to dull the anticipation growing inside him. Logan had never met a woman who could enthrall him so completely.

She was brilliant, unafraid to speak her mind, and had an intensity he found irresistible. Each time he imagined her, a sense of warmth spread through him, and he found himself wanting to know more about her—her thoughts, her dreams, her fears.

It had been a very long time since anyone had interested him beyond the surface level, and the feeling made the days that much longer.

He knew she was deep in work. The repairs on the apartment building had begun right on schedule, and R&M had been hustling to keep pace with the project's demands.

The deadline was non-negotiable, with the building expected to be completed and open to buyers by the end of the month. He could picture her, probably buried in blueprints and material samples, her desk cluttered with sketches and ideas. He knew she'd be working long hours to ensure everything was in place, and that only made him admire her dedication even more.

Logan was also feeling the pressure. He had been meticulously piecing together the foundation of Legacy Realty, and the success of this building was everything to him.

He'd invested his own time, money, and reputation into the project, betting on the hope that a fresh, community-centered approach could attract buyers who valued more than just profit. He wanted to create a space that people would love, where they would create lives and memories—a stark contrast to the corporate coldness his father valued.

The conference room buzzed with quiet murmurs as his team gathered, documents and mock-ups laid out across the expansive table. Logan stood at the head, his stance straight and his arms crossed, as he listened to Greg, his project manager, speak up about the upcoming grand opening event.

"We should seriously consider reaching out to your father's buyers," Greg suggested, his tone as confident as it was careful. "These people are ready investors, and they could fill the units with a single purchase order. We wouldn't have to worry about sales dragging on."

Logan felt a pang of frustration but kept his expression neutral. He shook his head firmly, his voice calm but resolute.

"No. I don't want foreign investors who only care about profit margins and rental yields. We're creating a community here, a place people will live, not just a space for profit. I want buyers who actually care about the area, who will become a part of it."

Greg looked momentarily taken aback, his eyes flicking to the others for support. There was an uneasy silence as the team absorbed Logan's conviction. They'd grown used to seeing this kind of determination from him, but this time there was something more—something almost personal, as if he wasn't willing to compromise, not even a little.

One of the other team members finally nodded in agreement.

"In that case, we could target local business owners, artists, or young professionals," she suggested. "Maybe we can work with local publications to reach them?"

Logan's gaze softened slightly, his approval evident. "That's the kind of thinking we need. Let's keep brainstorming around that idea, focus on the story behind this place and who it's for. The people we invite to the opening should feel a connection, not just an opportunity."

After a few more suggestions, the team started to see his vision, and the meeting resumed with a new direction, talk of partnerships with local cafes and press outlets filling the room. When the meeting finally wrapped up, Logan left with a sense of accomplishment, his thoughts still lingering on Bethany and the progress she was likely making on her end.

Back in his office, Logan barely had a moment to sit before he noticed a familiar figure waiting in one of his leather chairs, casually flipping through one of the building's design portfolios. His twin brother, Liam, looked up, a wry smile curling at his lips.

"Liam," Logan greeted, closing the door behind him. The two exchanged guarded nods. They hadn't been close in years, and Logan couldn't remember the last time he'd actually invited his brother to a meeting.

Liam raised an eyebrow, dropping the portfolio on the desk.

"Didn't expect the summons," he said, crossing one leg over the other. "Figured I'd see what had you desperate enough to ask for a favor."

Logan took a seat, facing his brother with a neutral expression. "Not desperate. Just practical. There's something you can do for me."

Liam smirked, clearly amused. "Oh, I'm sure. And let me guess—it has to do with R&M?"

Logan inclined his head, not missing a beat. "I know Dad's looking for a new design firm. R&M is the one he should be hiring."

Liam chuckled, his gaze sharp and assessing. "Because of their 'talent,' or is it because of the designer you've got your eye on?"

Logan held his gaze. "Bethany is part of it, yes. But she's talented, and so is her team. They could bring something new to Dad's projects, something more...human."

Liam leaned back, his smirk fading into something closer to disbelief. "Logan, I've told you before—this whole sentimental act won't get you anywhere. You're in real estate, not social work."

Logan's jaw tightened. He could feel the familiar sting of frustration bubbling up, but he kept his voice steady. "It's not an act, and it's not about sentiment. It's about value. The real kind, not just numbers on a ledger."

"Alright," Liam said, throwing up his hands in mock surrender. "Fine. But you realize, helping R&M won't come cheap. Why should I go out of my way for them?"

Logan didn't hesitate. "Direct bill me for the fees if you want. I'll cover it myself."

Liam studied him, his gaze calculating. "So, she's worth that much to you, is she?"

Logan's gaze hardened. "Bethany is worth it, yes. I told you—it's more than just a fling."

Liam scoffed, shaking his head. "You're risking too much, Logan. All this based on a girl you barely know. You think you can just...what, play house with her?"

Logan leaned forward, his voice low and deliberate. "I'm not playing anything, Liam. Bethany's different, and I don't have to explain myself to you. She's not just some temporary thrill."

For a moment, Liam looked taken aback. He studied Logan in silence, his expression unreadable. Finally, he nodded, the amusement gone from his face.

"Fine," he said, his tone quieter. "I'll see what I can do. But don't say I didn't warn you, Logan. Thinking with your heart won't always get you what you want."

Logan forced a small, knowing smile. "Maybe not. But it's worth it."

As Liam turned to leave, Logan felt a small flicker of satisfaction, but he also knew that his brother's words held a certain weight. He was taking risks—big ones. But as he watched the city skyline from his office window, Bethany's face appeared in his mind, and any doubts he'd had began to fade.

~*~

The week felt like a feverish blur to Bethany. Meetings, mock-ups, last-minute revisions—it was nonstop. But no matter how busy her days became, one thought stayed constant: Logan.

The week apart had given her the space to consider their relationship, to try and find perspective.

Yet every time she thought about slowing things down, the memories would creep back in—the feel of his arms around her, his laughter, the intensity in his eyes when he looked at her. It was undeniable. Instead of clarity, the time apart had only highlighted one thing: she was becoming obsessed with him.

She tried to throw herself into her work to keep her focus steady, but even that had become complicated. Sierra, of all people, was suddenly being nice. At first, Bethany had dismissed it as a rare moment of politeness, but by midweek, it had turned into full-blown friendliness.

Sierra was offering assistance, smiling at her in the halls, even casually complimenting her work in front of others. The sudden change left Bethany unsettled, but with everything piling on, she'd decided to let it go.

That was, until Teagan popped into her office just before noon with an unusual expression.

"Hey, Beth. Just a heads up—Ryan and Marcus have called a last-minute meeting in the conference room. You're supposed to be there."

Bethany's stomach tightened with nerves. Impromptu meetings were rarely a good sign. She collected her notepad and followed Teagan down the hall, attempting to keep her nerves in check as she entered the conference room. Ryan and Marcus were already seated, and she could feel the tension in the room, a buzz of excitement she couldn't quite place.

Marcus greeted everyone as they filed in.

"Thank you all for coming on such short notice. We have some incredible news to share." He glanced at Ryan with a barely contained grin, his enthusiasm infectious.

Ryan took the lead. "As of this morning, we've signed with a new client—one of the biggest accounts we've landed to date. It's Chase Enterprises, owned by Logan's brother, Liam Chase."

Bethany's heart skipped a beat. She tried to keep her expression neutral, but she felt her cheeks warming as a dozen pairs of eyes turned in her direction. She couldn't believe it. Logan had kept his word. But the thrill of the new contract was swiftly followed by a pang of embarrassment.

Logan was a man of influence, and if their relationship ended badly, this could become a tangled mess for her professionally. She pushed the thought aside, reminding herself that she'd deal with it if—and hopefully only if—the time ever came.

The room burst into excited chatter. The name "Chase" carried weight, and everyone was buzzing with the possibilities this account could bring. As the meeting concluded, Bethany grabbed her things to leave, trying to avoid anyone's gaze. Just as she turned to exit, she noticed Sierra lingering behind, a strange gleam in her eye.

"Well, well, well," Sierra began, crossing her arms and giving Bethany a slow, mocking clap. "Congratulations, Bethany. Really. I never would've guessed you'd be so... resourceful."

Bethany looked up, narrowing her eyes. "What are you talking about, Sierra?"

"Oh, come on." Sierra's tone dripped with sarcasm, and she took a few steps closer, keeping her voice low but cutting. "Don't play innocent. We all know why Logan's brother suddenly decided to hire us. It's not exactly a mystery when one of our designers is conveniently warming his brother's bed."

Bethany clenched her fists, but kept her voice steady.

"You have no idea what you're talking about, Sierra. This has nothing to do with my personal life. This account is based on our work, not on who I'm dating."

Sierra let out a mocking laugh, her eyes flashing with disdain.

"Oh, please. Don't kid yourself. You might think you're fooling everyone, but trust me, you're not fooling me. You're really going to stand there and act like sleeping with the client's brother is some huge coincidence?"

Bethany took a steadying breath, refusing to rise to Sierra's bait. "Believe what you want. But I work hard, and I don't owe you any explanations about my personal life."

Sierra stepped closer, her voice dropping to a sneering whisper.

"Oh, I think you do. Because if anyone else finds out that you're using... extracurricular activities to secure clients, I doubt Ryan and Marcus would be too happy about it." She paused, letting her words sink in. "And it would be such a shame if someone let it slip."

Bethany held her gaze, her jaw set. "Are you seriously threatening me?"

"Threatening?" Sierra's expression was all false innocence, but her eyes gleamed with malice. "I'd never. Just... making sure we understand each other. You see, I think it's only fair that I get something out of this arrangement too. After all, I've put years into this company. I deserve a lead account like Logan's. So why don't we make it simple: you hand it over, and I'll keep my mouth shut."

Bethany's heart raced with anger and indignation, but she forced herself to stay calm. "You think you're going to blackmail me?"

Sierra gave a smug smile, tilting her head as she pretended to ponder. "Blackmail is such a harsh word. I like to think of it as... an understanding." Her smile widened.

"So, what's it going to be, Bethany? Are you going to be the team player, or do I need to start sharing a little... office gossip?"

Bethany's voice was cold, unwavering. "Fine. If you want the account so badly, take it. But don't think this makes us friends, or that you can push me around."

"Oh, I wouldn't dream of it," Sierra replied, her smile turning razor-sharp. "I just want what I deserve, and now I have it. So, we're good?"

Bethany met her gaze with a steely glare. "We're good. For now."

Sierra gave a satisfied nod, stepping back with a smug look of triumph. But as she turned to leave, she threw one more cutting remark over her shoulder.

"And Bethany?" she said, her voice laced with venom. "If I were you, I'd be careful. Men like Logan don't stick around forever. When he moves on, make sure you've still got a job to fall back on."

Bethany's blood boiled, but she bit her tongue, watching Sierra saunter out of the room with a nauseating sense of satisfaction.