Master of the Inn(11)
“Hmm. Well, not nothing.” She smiled at Logan. “I got to see you. Where have you been hiding?”
“I’ve been here,” Logan said. “Working on – things.”
“I’d love to see the progress you’ve made.” Cora glanced at Elyse who had started blushing. And then to make up for lost ground, “The last time I was here you had just finished your bedroom. You gave me a personal tour.”
“That was a while ago.” Logan had to stop Cora before she got started. Now that Elyse had agreed to stay, he didn’t need any ex-girlfriend coming along and ruining everything. “The last time you were here we discussed that you wouldn’t be coming back to my bedroom. I’ve stayed out of your way to make that easier for you. I’d appreciate it if you’d do the same.”
“I didn’t mean to intrude.” She looked down at her feet, trying to act the part of the submissive she’d claimed to be when she and Logan first got together. Cora was anything but submissive. “I guess there was a mix up at the store. I thought the groceries belonged to your friend.”
“Thanks for bringing them,” Elyse said. “But, they’re not mine.”
“Have a good day, Cora.” Logan opened the door. “I’ll walk you to your car.”
“Will I be seeing you around, Elyse?”
“Yes. As I matter of fact, I’ve decided to stay on at Pleasure Inn.”
“How nice for you.” Cora tightened her grip on the bag she held until her knuckles were white.
“I’ll be right back,” Logan said.
“I’ll have breakfast waiting for you.” Elyse glared at Cora one last time before turning and heading back to the stove to tend to breakfast.
Logan held the door for Cora and waited until she was down the steps before he spoke. “What are you up to?”
“She seems really nice,” Cora said.
“Whatever game you’re playing stops now.” He opened her car door.
“I don’t know what you—“
“You and I don’t work. We tried but it’s over.”
“You decided it was over,” she reminded him. “I wanted to work things out and have a future with you.”
“That was months ago.” Logan didn’t want to argue with her. She wasn’t a bad person. She just wasn’t who he needed.
“You’ve moved on?” He saw the hurt in her eyes when she asked.
“I’m trying to.”
“With Elyse?”
“Elyse isn’t your concern. Please leave her alone.”
“I didn’t do anything to her!”
Logan arched a brow. “Then how did she know about us?”
“I didn’t know I wasn’t allowed to mention that we dated. I was just making conversation.” She slid into her lime green convertible. “I didn’t know she was your new girlfriend. I thought she was just passing through.”
“I don’t know how long she’ll be in town; but while she’s here, I want her to be able to relax – and not have to worry about a confrontation with you every time she comes into the market.”
“Fine,” she said. “I don’t have any trouble keeping secrets.”
“I’m not asking you to keep secrets. Just quit throwing my past in her face.” He shut her car door. “I’ve asked you nicely.”
“Goodbye, Logan.” She shifted the car into gear and sped down the driveway kicking up gravel and dust.
Logan watched as the tires screeched out onto the street. He hoped she wouldn’t be a complication for him. Not now – not after he’d found Elyse.
***
Elyse peered out the window as Logan and Cora talked. He might not have been interested in his ex, but Cora was definitely still interested in him. Elyse could see why. Logan exuded confidence and charisma. His rugged good looks, muscular body and dirty mouth were enough to keep any woman coming back for more. Elyse wanted more and she’d just met the man!
She hurried over to the table and put two pieces of French toast on Logan’s plate as he came back inside.
“Sorry about the interruption.” He washed his hands and then took a seat at the table. “I don’t know what’s gotten into her. I haven’t spoken to her in three months.”
“It’s easier when a girl thinks her ex is at home, lonely and miserable; but now that she knows I’m here – well, I’m sure she’s not happy about that.” She poured a cup of coffee and set it down in front of him. “She seems a little desperate if you ask me. Bringing the groceries to check up on us is so high school.”