“Sounds wonderful,” Chelsea said. Hanging up, she sighed. Logan did something to her. She almost felt like she was in love, but knew that was impossible. She had only just met him. Nevertheless, she liked the feeling and hoped it never went away.
✽✽✽
“You’re right on time,” Chelsea said as she jumped into Logan's car. “Very impressive car, I might add.”
“It was a spur of the moment purchase,” Logan said, smiling at her. “You look beautiful as usual.”
Chelsea smiled back at him. “Are you sure you didn’t want me to bring anything?”
“I have it all. I have cheeses, pâté, salami, pickles, olives, and a small bottle of wine. Oh, and some strawberries,” Logan said, as he drove down the driveway towards the highway.
“Wow, you’ve thought of everything,” Chelsea said. “I’m impressed.”
They chatted happily, discussing her day and the sale of the castle. Finally arriving at their destination, Logan parked the car and got out.
“The spot is just down the way, “he said, pointing towards a clearing just visible through the trees.
Chelsea could hear rushing water as she followed Logan down the path. When they got to the clearing, she stopped and looked around in awe.
“Oh, Logan, this is beautiful! It reminds me of Scotland in a strange way.”
“I thought it would. I did a bit of research about Fife,” Logan said, laying out the blanket. “I thought you would like it here.”
Chelsea sat down on the blanket and wrapped her arms around her knees. “You know, when I was just a lass, we lived in a wee stone cottage on the shores of Loch Ness.”
“Did you ever see the Loch Ness Monster?” Logan asked, pouring them each a glass of wine.
Chelsea laughed. “No, but I would sit for hours on the shore waiting for her. It was a beautiful, happy time. It’s about the only memory that I can actually remember from then.”
Logan edged closer to Chelsea and looked at her intently. Reaching out, he brought her face close to his, letting his lips lightly touch hers. “I’ve missed you,” he whispered, looking deep into her eyes.
“I’ve missed you too. But what is happening here?” Chelsea said, putting her hand up to his face. “Is this possible? These feelings? We haven’t known each other very long.”
Logan smiled. “I remember my mother telling me that when something feels right, you’ll know. Chelsea, this feels so right,” he said before pressing his lips against hers again. He gently pushed Chelsea down onto the blanket, their lips locked, both of them feeling the passion build.
“I want to make love to you,” Logan whispered in her ear as his hand cupped her left breast.
Chelsea gasped and pulled Logan closer to her, entwining her legs with his. “Then what are you waiting for?” Chelsea whispered. “Make love to me, Logan.”
They lay on the blanket, kissing, touching, teasing until their bodies became one. They moved their bodies slowly at first, then speeding up as the heat of their passion ignited, and they knew there was no turning back.
Chelsea let out a long slow moan, clutching Logan's shirt as the fireworks exploded between them.
Afterwards, they lay still on the blanket, afraid to move, neither of them wanting the perfect moment to end. When their breathing had returned to normal, Logan raised himself up and looked into Chelsea’s eyes.
“That was amazing. I didn’t hurt you, did I?” he asked, brushing a strand of her blond hair away from her face.
“No, it was beautiful,” Chelsea replied, smiling up at him.
He rolled off her, and they quickly adjusted their clothing, grinning at each other when their eyes met.
"I hope someone didn't wander through the bush and see our little performance," Chelsea said, looking around.
“So, what if they did? Maybe they learned something,” Logan chuckled. "Now, let's eat. I’ve worked up quite an appetite!”
✽✽✽
Three days later, Logan walked into his office. He hadn’t seen Chelsea since their picnic, but he knew that she was the one. He just felt it, and he believed she felt the same.
“Morning, Geordie,” Logan said happily as he came around the corner of the office.
“Lucas wants to see you right away,” Geordie said, looking very serious.
“Really? What’s up,” Logan asked casually, as he flipped through his messages.
“Just go and see Lucas,” Geordie said, looking down at his computer.
Shrugging, Logan walked down the hall to his brother’s office. When he walked in, all his brothers were sitting around the table and looked at him when he walked in.
“Hey, guys. What’s up?” Logan said casually, taking a seat and looking at their serious expressions.
“What the FUCK is this?” Lucas snapped, holding up a newspaper. In a large, bold print, the headline said: DARLINGTON REALTY – ARE THEY REALLY WHO THEY SAY THEY ARE?
“What the fuck?” Logan exclaimed, grabbing the paper. “I have no idea.”
“You better have a chat with Vanessa because clearly, something is up her ass,” Jason said. “Logan, these lies could ruin us.”
Logan read the article quickly. Vanessa had given a statement stating that Darlington Realty were crooks, stealing money from vulnerable people and that Logan was a womanizer who used women for his sexual pleasure. She had gone on to give details of being held captive by Logan for two full days, where he continually abused her, not letting her shower or leave.
“Holy fuck. Vanessa and I aren’t seeing each other anymore. I kicked her out first thing on Monday. She must want revenge,” Logan said.
“You think?” Lucas yelled. “What’s this about you holding Vanessa hostage?”
Logan thought for a moment, shaking his head. “I have no idea. The only thing I can think of is when we first met – you know how it is when you first get together, we were screwing our heads off. We spent a weekend holed up in a hotel room, didn’t bother to leave. We just ordered room service and had sex; that's all we did. I swear I have never laid a hand on a woman. Lucas, you know me, you know I wouldn’t do that.”
“You better fix this and fix it fast. This could ruin us. I've got the police wanting to investigate, and now our lawyer is involved. I’ve organized a press conference early next week, so you have until then to prove to me these accusations are false. Clients are already panicking and canceling appointments. We have worked too fucking hard to let someone like Vanessa Chilton ruin us.”
Chapter 12
Chelsea got up out of bed and stretched. She didn't have to go into the office until later today, so had decided to sleep for a bit before enjoying a leisurely breakfast.
She turned on the coffee machine before going to the front door to fetch the newspaper. Even with the internet, she still enjoyed reading an actual newspaper in the morning and had it delivered to her front door every morning.
Unfolding the paper, she gasped as she read the headline.
“Oh my God,” she cried, collapsing into a nearby chair and starting to read the rest of the article.