OBSESSION

EIGHT

Bethany stepped out of the car, taking in the sight of the restaurant. Nestled downtown, the venue was a study in elegance—glass walls gave a glimpse of warm golden lighting, and lush greenery framed the entrance, softening the sharp, minimalist architecture.

The building's sleek, modern lines and intimate ambiance spoke of exclusivity, a place where every detail was meticulously curated. Inside, tables were dressed in crisp white linens, with candles casting soft, flickering light that accentuated the polished silverware and crystal wine glasses.

Bethany adjusted the silky fabric of her dress, a deep emerald green that clung to her curves with just the right amount of give, the shade complementing her rich, dark skin. Her hair was styled in loose, defined waves that cascaded over her shoulders, softening her jawline and framing her face with an effortless elegance. She'd chosen simple, gold hoop earrings that caught the light as she moved, a delicate contrast against her skin, along with a thin bracelet that glinted subtly under the restaurant's glow.

Walking in, she caught a glimpse of Logan seated near the back, and her heart fluttered—a feeling she hadn't managed to shake since her earlier conversation with Teagan.

Logan stood up as he saw her, giving her that disarming smile she couldn't quite get used to. He was dressed in a perfectly tailored charcoal blazer over a white dress shirt, sleeves rolled up just enough to show the faint outline of veins in his forearms, paired with dark jeans that kept him looking casually sharp. His dark hair was neatly combed back, and a hint of cologne lingered in the air between them as she approached.

Despite her poise, Bethany's mind kept drifting back to her earlier conversation with Teagan, and a flicker of nerves tugged at her confidence. She inhaled slowly, letting herself take in the warmth of Logan's smile as he stepped closer, pulling out her chair with an ease that steadied her slightly shaky resolve. Tonight, she would stay present, let herself enjoy the moment—yet, the weight of her earlier doubts lingered just beneath the surface, a reminder that, no matter how perfect the setting, she couldn't entirely silence the voice in the back of her mind.

As they settled into their seats, Logan scanned the menu with a thoughtful look before setting it aside and meeting Bethany's eyes.

"Tonight's on me," he said with a smile. "We're celebrating, remember?"

Bethany's lips quirked into a smile as she looked over the options. She was grateful for the moment of lightness after a stressful day and the palpable tension still lingering from her talk with Teagan.

After a few minutes, the server arrived, and Logan gestured for them both to order. Bethany went for the seared scallops, accompanied by a rich truffle risotto, while Logan opted for the filet mignon, rare, with a side of roasted vegetables. When the server turned back, Logan nodded towards the wine list.

"Let's go for something special," he said, glancing at Bethany. "How about a bottle of the Château Margaux?" The server nodded, visibly impressed with his choice, and disappeared to fetch it.

Once they were alone again, Logan's eyes met hers, full of pride and warmth.

"You've earned this, Bethany," he said. "All the late nights, the challenges—you deserve to celebrate."

Bethany smiled, trying to let his words sink in. She'd worked hard, of course, but there was still that nagging feeling that something could go wrong. She took a slow breath, letting her guard down just enough to confide in him.

"Logan..." she started, toying with the edge of her napkin. "There's... there's something I need to tell you. Teagan warned me today about Sierra." She watched his expression, gauging his reaction. "If she finds out about us, it could get messy. She's already hinted that she'd do anything to get her way."

Logan's expression grew serious, his brows knitting together as he considered her words.

"Bethany, I know Sierra can be... difficult. But she doesn't have a say over how I choose to spend my life," he replied, his hand reaching across the table to cover hers. "Let her find out, if that's what happens. We'll handle it."

Bethany's eyes softened, but a sliver of anxiety still clung to her. "I just don't want it to affect everything I've worked for, Logan. She's... well, she's unpredictable."

Their server returned, carefully pouring the first glass of the Château Margaux, and for a moment, the conversation paused. Bethany watched the rich, ruby liquid swirl in her glass, its deep, complex aroma filling the space between them. She took a sip, the warmth settling her nerves just slightly.

"Then we'll be ready for her," Logan said softly, his tone firm, as though it was already decided.

Bethany took another sip of her wine, trying to ignore the flutter of unease in her stomach.

"I just don't want it to get back to anyone at the firm," she said, her voice steady but her eyes darting to the glass in front of her. "This is my first real job in my career, Logan. It won't look good if I'm sleeping with a client. They'll see it as unprofessional, and that could ruin everything I've worked for."

Logan's lips curved into a small, reassuring smile as he leaned back in his chair, clearly unconcerned.

"Bethany, I'm paying R&M a significant amount of money, they wouldn't possibly fire me as a client over something like this." He gave a dismissive wave of his hand. "Trust me, you don't need to worry about that."

She let out a quiet laugh, though it didn't quite reach her eyes.

"I'm not worried about you, Logan. I'm worried about me." Her fingers fidgeted with her wine glass as she continued, her voice softening. "I'm the one who could be fired. You might be paying the firm, but I'm the one with everything on the line here. If anyone finds out about us, I'm the one who'll be considered a liability."

Logan's expression shifted slightly, his brow furrowing as he mulled over her words. For the first time that night, there was a flicker of contemplation in his eyes. After a moment, he leaned forward, his gaze locking with hers.

"Okay, I get it," he said, his voice calm but firm. "I'll talk to David. I'll have him take the lead on the next project so there's no issue between us. You won't have to worry about anyone making a connection between us."

Bethany felt a small wave of relief wash over her, but her mind wasn't quite at ease yet. "But what if it's not just about the project?" she asked, her voice quieter now. "What if someone does start questioning things, starts connecting the dots? I can't afford to be the one caught in the middle. I'm new here. I'm still proving myself."

Logan reached across the table, his hand gently brushing over hers in an almost reassuring manner.

"You're only worried about one thing right now, and that's the wrong thing." His voice was low, thoughtful. "If it's about the client, I can help with that."

Bethany's brows furrowed in confusion, but before she could ask what he meant, Logan gave her a confident, almost playful smile.

"I'll make sure you have more clients. More than enough. You won't need to worry about one person potentially ruining your career."

Her breath caught in her throat for a moment as the weight of his words settled in. "What do you mean?" she asked, her voice a mix of surprise and curiosity.

"I mean," Logan replied, his smile widening just a bit, "that if you want to make this work—without risking your reputation or career—I can help you secure a broader client base. I have connections, Bethany. Real ones. You won't need to tie yourself to just me."

Bethany felt a flicker of something—surprise, relief, maybe even a little uncertainty—pass through her as she processed his words. Her eyes met his, searching for clarity. "You're offering me more clients?" she asked carefully.

Logan leaned back, giving her a look that bordered between reassuring and confident. "I'm offering you the opportunity to build your career, without having to walk that tightrope of being dependent on just one client. It'll be entirely up to you, but the option will be there."

Bethany took a breath, the tension in her chest easing a bit.

As Bethany and Logan settled into their cozy dinner in the dimly lit corner of a restaurant, Logan reached across the table, taking her hand gently in his. His fingers played idly with hers, the warmth of his touch sending shivers up her arm.

"Bethany," he started, his voice softer than she'd ever heard it, "I have a bit of a bold invitation, if you're willing."

She raised an eyebrow, curious. "Bold, huh? I'd expect nothing less."

He chuckled, his thumb tracing over her knuckles. "My family is throwing a party this weekend at one of our vacation homes on the coast. It's a... big event for them, and I know it's sudden, but I'd like you to come with me. Meet a few people." His eyes held hers, steady and sincere.

Bethany's jaw dropped slightly, and she pulled her hand back reflexively, her pulse quickening. "You... you want me to meet your family? Logan, we've been on—what?—two dates?"

Logan's hand remained in hers, his touch lingering with a warmth that sent tingles up her arm and made her pulse race. She couldn't remember the last time a simple touch had made her feel so alive, so seen. It was as if he were peeling back the walls she'd built around herself, one touch, one word, at a time.

She let his words sink in, feeling a wave of excitement and apprehension at the same time. Meeting his family felt like a big step. Too big, maybe. And yet, with Logan's hand gently cradling hers, with the way he looked at her as though she was the only thing that mattered in the world, it didn't feel as scary as it should have.

"Logan," she started, searching his face for any sign of hesitation, "this... us... it's moving quickly."

"I know," he replied softly, his thumb tracing small circles on the back of her hand. "But sometimes you just know when something is worth it." His gaze met hers, unguarded and sincere. "And Bethany, I know this is worth it. You're worth it."

His words, spoken with such quiet conviction, took her breath away. She was suddenly struck by the realization that she hadn't felt this kind of connection, this kind of intensity, with anyone else. There was something about Logan—his ambition, his honesty, the way he looked at her as though she were the answer to a question he'd been asking his whole life—that was impossible to resist.

"And that's why I want you to come with me this weekend," he continued, his voice low and tender. "I want you to see my world, meet the people I've fought so hard to be free from. I want them to see what I see."

Bethany's heart fluttered. The honesty in his gaze, the way he spoke to her as though she was already an integral part of his life, made her pulse race. This wasn't the flippant charm she'd come to expect from most people—especially from men in his world.

Logan was here, offering her a place beside him, a glimpse into his life, and all she had to do was say yes.

Feeling her own smile tugging at her lips, she took a deep breath, her playful confidence returning. "Alright," she said, her voice soft, yet filled with promise. "I'll come to your family's party. But you should know," she added, her voice dropping to a teasing whisper, "I'm terrible with fancy events."

Logan grinned, the mischievous spark in his eyes flaring. "Somehow, I think you'll do just fine." He paused, his hand still cradling hers, his voice growing softer. "Besides, if it all becomes too much, I'll be right there with you. We can sneak out early. Find somewhere more... private."

A shiver ran down her spine at the promise in his words, and without meaning to, her gaze drifted to his lips, her heart thudding wildly. The desire to be closer to him, to know him in ways that went beyond the professional, was almost overwhelming. The tension between them was electric, building with each shared glance, each lingering touch.

"Well, if you're serious about doing this right," she said, her voice barely above a murmur, "maybe we should... get a little better acquainted."

She bit her lip, her eyes holding his in a way that left little room for ambiguity. "I think I'd like to come over tonight. You know, to... learn more about you."

Logan's gaze darkened, his expression softening as he squeezed her hand. "Bethany, you're making it really hard to be a gentleman right now."

She laughed softly, leaning into the warmth of his touch. "Who says I want you to be a gentleman?"

That was all it took for Logan to rise from his seat, extending his hand to her with a grin.