Love by Design. Lisa Watson

up. “I’m glad to hear that. I thought you’d throw me out on my ear.”

      “I considered it.”

      Logan headed to the door, and Dakota followed.

      “I just want you to know that I believe that eventually, we can get past our differences.”

      Dakota looked skeptical. “Only time will tell.”

      * * *

      Later that evening, Logan was at his condo going over his discussion with Dakota. Their initial meeting after years of silence had not gone exactly to plan. Somehow, he thought that time would have mellowed both of them, but he was wrong. Dead wrong. Surprisingly, Dakota was still angry at him. It was true that he had severed all ties unexpectedly and completely, but Logan was not without remorse. He wanted so much more, and leaving her had damn near killed him, but he always held out hope that they could reconnect.

      Though they were best friends, Logan had developed feelings for her early on. When she had begun dating, and found her first boyfriend, Logan was upset at his hesitation at declaring those feelings. His jealously had directly resulted in his betraying that friendship—and her.

      There were hundreds of times he wanted to confess his part in the breakup with her first boyfriend, Michael, a few months before Logan left, but something always stopped him. His heart had overruled his head and better judgment. It gave him hope that Dakota could return his feelings. It was a small chance, but he had allowed the seed to grow inside his heart. He reasoned that she would be free, and then he would confess his love to her in hopes that they could have a relationship.

      In his mind, she would turn to him and reciprocate his love, but that plan went wrong. Horribly and irrevocably wrong. He had not anticipated that Michael would alert Dakota to his part in their breakup. When she found out, there were no words to describe her anger. He also had not factored in his parents stepping in with their family crisis and ruining his perfectly thought-out plan.

      Suddenly, it was all too much. His family’s expectations for his future, and Dakota’s discovery of his role in her unhappiness.

      The argument that resulted between them had been bitter. He deserved every angry and hurt-laced word she had hurled at him. When they reconciled, he decided to come clean and tell her the truth about his motivation behind his actions, but then he was forced to leave town. His biggest regret was that he had not been brave enough to level with Dakota, and that she had been collateral damage in his father’s quest for bringing him into the family business, and his jealous tampering with her love life. Logan had vowed to tell her the truth, and now was his chance to come clean. About everything.

      Time had a way of fostering introspection, and sitting there earlier staring at Dakota’s rigid, angry, gorgeous face was making him ponder his ability to remain quiet. And sane. It was like a glimpse back in time. In many ways she was the eighteen-year-old girl he had left, but she was different, too. She had matured, and grown into her beauty. She was taller, shapelier, and her skin was still flawless, except for the dark circles under her eyes that she had attempted to hide with concealer. Though these eyes were bright with challenge, Logan could still see the underlying pain in them when she looked at him.

       Because of you.

      A knot of regret blossomed in Logan’s stomach. He assumed that only he would carry the loss of their relationship, and that she would forget him and immerse herself in other friends and school. Logan wagered that only his heart would be sacrificed.

       You were wrong.

      That realization hit Logan squarely in his gut. He wasn’t blind. Dakota had done more than suffer at his desertion. There was a sadness about her that he had not anticipated. She was still troubled. She deserved much better than that—than him. But God help him, he refused to give up the minuscule hope that he could make amends. The one kiss they shared still resided in his memories and taunted him with the realization of lost dreams. Whatever it took, Logan would earn her forgiveness, and eventually her heart. It was a herculean task, but the prize was a lifetime of happiness spent with the only woman in the world whom he had ever loved.

       Chapter 3

      Whoever wrote be careful what you ask for, you may get it, obviously knew what the heck they were talking about.

      “I vow to do anything to keep my business afloat, and bam! In walks Logan Montague.” Dakota laughed at the irony, but it came out as more of a high-pitched squeak. What kind of sick joke is that?

      “Daydreaming again?”

      Dakota was leaning so far back in her chair that it almost capsized. She had to put forth a lot of effort to right herself.

      “I did knock,” Susan said. “And I called your name.”

      “I’m starting to think that I need a bell over my door,” Dakota said, panting from exertion.

      Susan sat down, took a sip of coffee from her mug and got comfortable. “So how did it go yesterday? Did you catch up with your friend?”

      “Not exactly.”

      “I didn’t press you yesterday because I could see you were overwhelmed, but…I can’t believe you didn’t tell me about Logan. I’m your best friend. Don’t you think I should’ve known about something this important to you?”

      “What was I supposed to say?”

      “How about the truth?”

      With a long sigh, Dakota fiddled with a paper clip. “We were the best of friends, he moved away to go learn the family business, which he said he’d never do, and then he stayed away to make a name for himself outside of his wealthy parents’ shadow, and now he’s back.”

      “And?”

      Dakota shrugged. “And I’m fine.”

      A skeptical expression flittered across Susan’s face. “Your body language says otherwise.”

      “Look, I know you’re concerned about me, but you don’t have to be. I can take care of myself,” Dakota assured her friend. “I have been for quite some time.”

      “I know you have,” Susan said softly. “You’ve endured more than anyone should, and I don’t doubt your voracity when it comes to watching your own back. But it’s obvious there’s more to this story than you’re telling. I saw it in your eyes the moment he walked in.”

      “Saw what?”

      “It wasn’t just surprise at seeing a long-lost friend. There was more—and it had nothing to do with friendship.”

      She sat forward. “Suzy, I love you…you know that, but I don’t want to talk about it. Besides, I’ve got important news. Our new client is Belle Resorts.”

      “Wow. Their resorts are so beautiful. It’s a fitting name.”

      “It is. Logan’s mom visited the area while on vacation and—”

      Susan’s mouth dropped open. “Wait a minute…are you telling me that your friend’s family owns them?”

      “Yes. It’s a family business, and Logan is the new CEO.”

      “Seriously? I know about the one in Jamaica, but how many are there?”

      Dakota studied her desk. “Not many.”

      “Dakota,” Susan pressed.

      “There’s only…three.”

      Susan choked on her coffee. “Three? Are you kidding? We don’t have the manpower to—”

      “I know, but we’ll start with the one in Jamaica first, and if that goes well, One Eighty will tackle the rest, one at a time.” Dakota leaned across her desk. “This is a great opportunity,” she said excitedly.