OBSESSION

ELEVEN

Bethany sat alone in her office, staring at her computer screen, though her thoughts were far from the reports in front of her. It was already past seven, and the office was eerily quiet; everyone else had left hours ago. But her heart raced with a different anticipation—the excitement of spending the entire weekend with Logan.

In her car sat her overnight bag, neatly packed with everything she might need. She'd meticulously gone through her wardrobe, trying to pick the perfect outfits and essentials for a weekend that felt like a turning point. Now, all she had to do was wait.

A soft buzz of her phone made her glance down:

On my way to the parking garage.

The simple text from Logan sent a flutter through her chest. She grabbed her things, switching off her computer, and made her way down to the garage.

As she reached the bottom floor, the sleek, dark silhouette of Logan's Porsche waited, headlights off, tucked into a quiet corner. He stepped out of the car as soon as he saw her, his smile turning to something warmer, more intense as she approached. Without a word, he pulled her close, his hands resting on her waist as he kissed her deeply, a kiss that held all the pent-up longing from a week apart. Bethany felt her knees weaken, clinging to his shirt as his lips pressed against hers.

When they finally broke apart, Logan gave her a soft smile and reached for her bag. "Here, let me take that," he said, placing it in the trunk.

Bethany raised an eyebrow, looking at the car. "No driver tonight?" she asked, surprised.

Logan shut the trunk and turned to her with a knowing grin. "Not tonight," he said, slipping an arm around her waist. "I don't want to share you when I already have to share you all Saturday and most of Sunday. Tonight, you're all mine."

Bethany felt her cheeks warm as they slid into the car, Logan behind the wheel. She relaxed into the seat, letting herself be fully present with him, feeling the quiet thrill of the evening ahead.

As they pulled out of the garage, Logan started chatting about his week, and she could tell from his tone how much work had been riding on his shoulders.

"There's so much happening all at once," he admitted, his gaze focused on the road. "Especially with the apartment project and the grand opening event. I need this weekend as much as I need air."

"If you need an extra pair of hands, I'd be happy to help with the party planning," Bethany offered, genuinely eager to take some weight off his shoulders.

Logan chuckled, throwing her a sidelong glance. "I appreciate it, but I already hired an event planner. They're dealing with the details."

"Oh," she said, feigning nonchalance. "I meant it more as... you know, a friend. Just lending a hand."

Logan glanced at her with a teasing smile. "Friends, huh? Are we just friends now?"

Bethany's breath caught, unsure how to answer. His words were playful, but a part of her felt the weight behind them. She opened her mouth, unsure how to respond, but he laughed softly, reaching over to squeeze her hand.

"I'm just teasing, Bethany," he said gently.

But the question lingered in her mind, nagging at her. Remembering Sierra's cutting words from earlier in the week, she couldn't shake the feeling that she needed clarity, not just for herself but for the two of them. "Actually, Logan... I think we should put a title on what we're doing. It might save us some complications down the road."

Logan's face softened as he turned to her, his eyes serious. "Bethany, you should know by now that we're more than casual. I wouldn't be doing any of this with you if I didn't take it seriously."

She looked down, still hesitant. "It's just that... I don't want to assume. I've had people say all the right things but mean something different. Are we... exclusive?"

He reached over, lifting her chin so she met his gaze. "Bethany, I'm not seeing anyone else. You're the only one I want, and I'm not interested in anything less than that. Are you seeing anyone else?"

"Of course not," she whispered, feeling a surge of relief mixed with something deeper.

Logan's thumb brushed her cheek as he looked into her eyes. "Then stop overthinking. For tonight, let's just... be."

She nodded, letting his words sink in. There was a quiet strength in the way he'd said it, as if he were grounding her fears and silencing her doubts. She relaxed, smiling softly. "Alright. Tonight, I'm all yours."

"Good," he murmured, pressing a gentle kiss to her knuckles before returning his hand to the wheel, keeping her fingers intertwined with his as he drove them forward into the night.

Despite the traffic, it wasn't long before they arrived to the familiar downtown building. Logan pulled into the parking garage, circling the ramp until he reached the highest floor. He parked and exited the car, grabbing Bethany's bags before opening her door and taking her elevators.

The elevator doors slid open, and Bethany stepped into Logan's penthouse, taking a moment to appreciate it fully. The space exuded an effortless, understated elegance that reflected Logan's own style.

Floor-to-ceiling windows spanned the length of the entire wall, showcasing a sweeping view of Seattle's skyline. The city's lights twinkled in the darkening sky, stretching out toward the horizon, a sea of amber and cool blues. From this height, Seattle looked like a city made of stars.

The living room was expansive, yet warm, with plush furniture in muted tones of gray and navy, each piece carefully selected to match the sophisticated aesthetic.

A large, deep-cushioned sofa took up most of the seating area, draped with a few soft, minimalist blankets, and accented by low coffee tables with polished wood and subtle metal touches.

On one side of the room, a black grand piano stood against the window, polished to a high sheen, catching the city lights in its curves. Art pieces lined the walls, modern but tasteful, each one a splash of color against the neutral tones of the room.

The air was scented faintly with cedarwood and bergamot, the understated cologne that Logan seemed to wear naturally in his space.

To the right, an open-concept kitchen with a sleek marble island, dark wood cabinets, and state-of-the-art appliances gleamed in the ambient lighting.

Bethany let out a soft exhale, taking it all in as she glanced back at Logan. He was standing by the kitchen counter, pulling off his jacket and loosening his tie, looking comfortable yet still effortlessly put-together in his white button-up and dark slacks.

"Sorry for the lack of effort," Logan said, grinning as he noticed her wandering gaze. "I didn't have time to cook, so I went with the next best thing. Pizza's on the way."

Bethany smiled, amused at the contrast between the opulent penthouse and the simplicity of ordering a pizza.

"Sounds perfect," she replied, letting her gaze linger on him. She couldn't help but notice the way his shirt clung to his chest, the top button undone, showing a glimpse of his collarbone. His tie hung loosely, adding an air of casual elegance.

She moved closer to him, her heartbeat quickening as an idea sparked in her mind. It had been a long, grueling week, and she knew exactly how she wanted to unwind.

"How long until the pizza gets here?" she asked, feigning innocence.

Logan glanced down at his watch. "About twenty minutes," he said, raising an eyebrow as he looked at her. "Why?"

Without answering, Bethany took a step closer, her hands reaching for his loosened tie as she pulled him down toward her, capturing his lips in a kiss that was anything but casual. She felt him smile against her mouth, his hands settling on her waist, pulling her closer.

"Oh," he murmured between kisses, his voice laced with amusement, "so this is how you relieve stress?"

"Absolutely," she whispered, letting her fingers slide up to the back of his neck, deepening the kiss.

Logan's hands tightened around her waist, lifting her slightly as he backed her toward the kitchen counters, his movements slow and deliberate.

"Twenty minutes might not be enough," he teased, his voice dropping to a low, husky tone that sent a thrill through her.

"Then we'll just have to be quick," she replied, her voice filled with anticipation as she trailed her hands down his chest, fingers grazing over the buttons of his shirt, popping them open one by one. She couldn't keep her hands off him, feeling the warmth of his skin beneath her touch, the steady rise and fall of his breath as her hands explored.

Logan let out a low growl, catching her wrists gently before lifting her onto the counters. He hovered between her thighs, his green eyes dark and filled with desire.

"You've been on my mind all week," he whispered, his words sending shivers down her spine as he kissed her neck, each touch lighting a fire within her.

"And you," she replied, her voice breathless, "are exactly what I've been waiting for."

Logan kissed her and Bethany's hands roamed his torso, missing how he felt beneath her fingertips. Logan's hands pulled on her skirt, and she lifted her hips to help him slide them off. The granite of the countertops cooled her skin, causing chills to run up her spine.

His fingers found her core, flicking at the nub at her center, causing her to moan into his mouth. Pulling away, Logan fell to his knees like he was bound to worship and pulled her hips to the edge of the counter. Without any hesitation his lips touched her core, licking and slurping.

Bethany's hips convulsed at the pleasure. She couldn't tell if it was due to her time constraint or the long week without, but her o****m crashed fast as she came on his lips. Logan moaned as she rode the wave of her o****m.

It wasn't moment after that he was pulling her off of the counters bending her over the same spot she was sitting.

She could hear the rustle of the fabric of his pants as he hurriedly freed his erection and thrusting it inside of her. Bethany let out a gutteral moan, as he had thrusted before her o****m could fully pass.

He wasn't relenting, Logan's hips pounded into her quickly. The new position had given him better access, and his right hand came around her waist, playing with the nub at the center. Bethany moaned as another o****m crashed over her.

Logan soon followed, his c*m sprayed over her back as me moaned her name into her ear.

They stood there, leaning against the counters, trying to catch their breath from the moment of passion they had shared when a loud knock came at the door, causing them both to jump.

"The pizza." Logan said with realization.

Bethany laughed realizing the state that were in.

"I'll get the door, you can go to my room upstairs to change. First room on the right." Logan said as he pulled up his pant, carefully adjusting himself.

Bethany's legs were weak as she climbed the stairs, hearing the door open as soon as she was out of view.

Bethany walked into Logan's bedroom, taking in her surroundings with awe. The room was a reflection of Logan's sophistication and taste, every detail meticulous and intentional. The walls were a calming slate gray, giving the room a quiet, restful ambiance.

His bed was a modern platform style, low to the ground with clean lines and a large, upholstered headboard in deep charcoal. The sheets were pristine, crisp white with a hint of soft gray pattern, perfectly pressed as if he'd never so much as wrinkled them. Dark wood nightstands flanked the bed, each with a sleek, minimalistic lamp that cast a warm glow.

A large dresser sat against the opposite wall, entirely uncluttered except for a single framed photograph of what looked like a mountain view at sunrise. It struck Bethany that even in a space meant for rest, Logan's personality shone through—minimal, sophisticated, but with a subtle warmth.

She made her way into his adjoining bathroom, which was just as immaculate. Marble countertops gleamed under the recessed lighting, and a large glass shower stood at the far end, rainwater fixtures promising a luxurious experience.

She slipped out of her clothes and stepped into the shower, letting the hot water cascade over her. The tension of the week washed away with every drop, and Bethany allowed herself to finally unwind, to let go of everything she'd been carrying with her since Monday.

As she stood beneath the water, her thoughts drifted to her conversation with Sierra earlier that week. The biting comments, the sarcastic "congratulations," and the thinly veiled threats echoed in her mind.

For a brief moment, she felt the familiar pang of worry, the urge to prove herself, to rise above the petty office drama. But with a deep breath, she pushed it all away.

No, she thought, this weekend is mine.

She wouldn't let anything spoil it—not work, not Sierra's hostility, not even the looming responsibilities she'd face on Monday.

Wrapping herself in one of Logan's thick, plush towels, Bethany padded back into the bedroom, slipping into the fresh clothes she'd packed for the night. She wandered downstairs, drawn by the warm glow coming from the living room and the gentle crackling of a fire. The room was cast in a golden light, the flames dancing in the fireplace while the rain pattered softly against the floor-to-ceiling windows. Logan sat in front of the fire, his gaze thoughtful as he stared into the flames.

Bethany padded into the living room, hair still damp from the shower, and saw Logan sitting on a soft rug in front of the fire.

The warm glow from the flames made the room feel intimate and safe, and the quiet patter of rain against the windows only added to the cozy atmosphere. Logan looked up as she approached, his face breaking into a small smile.

"Feel better?" he asked, his voice gentle.

She returned his smile, settling down beside him.

"Much better," she said, letting out a sigh. "I didn't realize how much I needed that."

Logan chuckled. "Nothing like a good 'shower' to wash away the week, right? Speaking of which..." he glanced at her, a bit of hesitation in his eyes. "Tomorrow's going to be... well, it might be a lot, so I thought I'd give you a heads-up."

Bethany raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "Oh? Is there something specific I should prepare for?"

"My family... they're intense. My father, in particular. Everything is about appearances, and he's got very high expectations."

Bethany leaned back, tucking her legs under her. "Go on," she encouraged, studying his face.

"Well," he began, glancing into the fire. "My father treats my brother and me like chess pieces in this game of his. Liam—my twin—he's..."

"Liam?" Bethany cut in, surprised. "Wait. I think I met him already."

Logan looked over, eyebrows raised. "Really? Where?"

"At Farm to Table. I spilled my drink on him and he got pissed." She shrugged. "Like he was sizing me up."

Logan gave a half-smile, nodding. "That sounds like Liam. He's always been good at reading people—using that charm to stay on my father's good side. Sometimes I think he enjoys playing into the competition our father pits us against each other."

Bethany tilted her head, her eyes searching his face. "And you didn't want to be a part of it?"

"Not at all." Logan sighed. "Liam and I used to be close when we were younger, but over time, he just... he fell into my father's expectations. And I couldn't do it. It's like we chose opposite paths, and we've never found common ground since."

His hand found hers, his thumb brushing gently over her knuckles. "It's a weird thing, feeling like a stranger to your own twin."

Bethany squeezed his hand, her voice soft. "That can't be easy, Logan. It sounds exhausting, honestly."

Logan let out a wry laugh. "Exhausting is a good word for it. My dad sees my business as some kind of rebellion, a risk I shouldn't be taking. But I want to prove that I can do this on my own."

Bethany's heart ached at the vulnerability in his voice. "I get it," she murmured. "I have... my own issues with my mom. She's a retired beauty queen who married rich, and now her life revolves around making sure I follow the same path she did—like a project of her own."

Logan's eyes widened, understanding flashing in them. "So that's why you moved out here?"

Bethany nodded, a bit of weight lifting as she spoke. "Exactly. I needed a chance to figure out who I am without her hovering over me, trying to mold me into this... perfect version of her."

"Sounds like we're both fighting to be our own people," Logan replied, his voice laced with empathy. "Trying to prove something to ourselves and to them."

Bethany smiled at him, her heart warming at the connection they shared. "I guess so," she said, softly. They sat in a comfortable silence, watching the fire and listening to the rain. Finally, she spoke up. "So, what should I expect tomorrow? Besides... intensity."

Logan laughed, a genuine, warm sound that made her stomach flutter.

"Oh, there will be plenty of that," he said with a smirk. "My father will probably make some pointed comments about my choice in real estate and... well, everything. My mom, though? She'll absolutely love you."

Bethany chuckled, rolling her eyes. "Let me guess—she's going to start planning our wedding?"

"Wouldn't put it past her," Logan joked, squeezing her hand. "She's been waiting for one of us to settle down."

Bethany laughed, and after a moment, her laughter softened. "Logan, I have to admit... this is all happening so fast. It's not a bad thing, it's just..."

He nodded, his gaze steady. "I get it. It feels fast for me too. But I don't... I don't want to slow down with you, Bethany. I've never felt like this before, and I don't want to ignore it or pretend it doesn't matter."

Her heart skipped a beat, and she looked into his eyes, seeing the sincerity there. "I don't either," she whispered, her voice barely above a murmur. "I just needed to be sure."

They sat together for a long moment, absorbing the weight of what they'd just said. Finally, Logan let out a deep breath and smiled.

"Alright, let's make a deal. We'll take it day by day, no pressure. I just... I want you to know I'm all in."

Bethany nodded, feeling a warmth bloom in her chest. "Me too."

They sat in front of the fire, feeling the quiet comfort of each other's presence.

After a while, Logan gave her hand one last squeeze and said, "We should probably get some sleep. Tomorrow's going to be a long day."

Bethany smiled, feeling closer to him than ever. "Good idea."

As they made their way to his bedroom, hand in hand, Bethany felt a sense of peace settle over her.