“I never wanted the damn contract,” Logan said. “This morning I told your father to go to hell, that I wasn’t involved with you to achieve the big prize. You were the prize. After everything we shared together, do you still believe I would choose money over you? And I never lied. I told you when we first made love that my body could never lie.
“Before you came into my life, I believed what everyone said about me. That I had no heart, and if it did exist, it had turned to steel over the years.” He paused. “But you looked into my eyes and showed me they were wrong. You made me whole. What you gave me is worth more than any damn business deal your father can offer. But I guess you don’t believe that either, do you, Chandler? I guess it’s still easier to believe a man who pretends to tell you what you want to hear. A man who’s safe.”
The words were like hard stone dropping between them. She struggled for control and stared at him. Her heart wanted to believe him, but her mind told her she needed to walk away from this man before he took everything she had and completely destroyed her.
“I don’t believe you. I don’t think I’ll ever believe you again.”
With a muttered curse, his whole body shook. Raw emotion shimmered in smoke gray eyes. She held her breath in fear as she waited, and then he turned on his heel and walked away.
“So be it. I won’t bother you again.”
Chapter 14
“You look like hell.”
Chandler laughed at Harry’s concerned look and continued dragging over the mats for the start of her next class. “Thanks, buddy. I needed a little cheering up.”
“No, I mean it. I’m worried about you.”
She faced her friend. “I’m okay. Just a little tired. I’ve been working some extra hours.”
He grabbed her hand and led her into the office. Pushing her gently into the worn cushions of the sofa, he stared at her hard. She knew his gaze took in the circles under her eyes and the pale tone to her skin. Then he went over to the tea pot to pour her a mug of the steaming herbal brew. She sipped at it gratefully and prepared herself for one of Harry’s lectures.
“We need to talk.”
“How did I know this was coming?” The hot liquid trickled down her throat and warmed her belly.
“You can’t keep this type of schedule. Linda told me you doubled your class load, and you’re busy from six in the morning to late at night. You don’t eat. You don’t sleep. And Linda caught you the other day chugging down coffee when you thought no one was looking. You’re falling apart and the main reason is Logan Grant.”
Chandler winced at the sound of his name. Three weeks. Somehow it seemed like another lifetime, but at the same time, it felt like just last night she had woken up in his arms, snuggled against his warm body. Then she reminded herself sharply that she’d made the right decision. She’d been strong, and now she needed to rebuild her life.
The Yoga and Arts Center had become her most important goal. Knowing she needed to come up with a drastic plan in order to make up for the capital and time she lost, she dedicated herself to forming as many new classes as she could handle, while she and Linda worked around the clock to survive. Ironically, she was becoming a workaholic and the type of person she normally counseled about reducing stress. She reminded herself it was only for a temporary period, until she got her school back on profitable footing.
And, of course, until she exorcised the ghost of Logan Grant.
“Harry, I don’t have a choice right now. We’re sinking fast and I have to do everything possible to make sure it doesn’t happen.”
“Linda said Logan wants to hire you on a permanent contract with his company.” He studied her face. “You refused to even consider it. Two other corporations have contacted you about setting up a workshop, and you haven’t even pursued a meeting. That would save the Yoga and Arts Center without putting you in an early grave.”
“I don’t need his charity.” Temper surged within her. “The only reason he wants to finish this contract is because he feels sorry for me and guilty for everything he’s done. He’s probably contacted those other companies for the same reason. I can do this on my own.”
Harry didn’t say anything for a while. “Hmmm, interesting. Besides giving up your health you’ve acquired the trait of pride, which you always told me was a sin. You used to always say that accepting help from other people is sometimes the greatest form of strength.”
Chandler glowered at him. “I don’t need Logan Grant’s help.”
“I think he’s in love with you.”
Her mouth dropped open at her friend’s stark words. “That’s crazy. It was all a big game to him, he never loved me.”
“I think he messed up by not telling you about the meeting with your father and obviously regrets it. I think he’s the type of man to know what and who he wants without being influenced by your father’s money and power. I also think you’re terrified of believing him, because then you wouldn’t have an easy out of the relationship. I think you’re running away from love.”
“You think a lot, don’t you, Harry?” she muttered under her breath. Chandler buried her face in her mug. “Anyway, what about Richard? He’s still waiting for my answer to his marriage proposal. Don’t you think we’re better suited?”
Harry shook his head. “I think Thorne is lying and I think you know it. Believing Thorne is a lot easier. Cast Logan in the role of the villain, and you don’t have to deal with your feelings for him.”
“Did you two bond over a beer or something?”
Harry smiled. “Have you talked to your father?”
“No. I refuse to take his calls or see him.”
“Your father would be able to tell you the truth. If you’re ready to know the truth.”
“Why are you on Logan’s side?” she demanded. “My whole nightmare came true all over again. It was a replay of four years ago.”
He sat beside her and spoke in a gentle voice. “I know you went through hell. But Logan isn’t Michael, and I think you could get past it if you wanted to. Unless of course, you’re not in love with him. Are you?”
Did she still breathe and think and feel? Every part of her body ached for him. She had focused all her energy into work and hoped to drive away the urgent need to go to him. Even after everything he’d done, she still loved him. Nothing could take that away, not even working herself into the ground. A tiny part deep inside wondered if Harry could be right. Maybe Logan had decided to decline the contract. Maybe he had never lied when he spoke about his feelings.
Maybe she had made a terrible mistake and misjudged him.
Her mind went over the time they spent together. In the beginning, she had felt like it was all a game, but then something had connected them. She’d glimpsed a tenderness such an isolated man who was commonly called the “man of steel” should never have shown. He had made love to her and sworn his body wouldn’t lie. He’d sworn she could trust him.
He’d tried to convince her he told the truth, but she was so caught up in her own emotions, she hadn’t listened. And she hadn’t believed him.
Her mind swirled with a dizzying flow of thoughts. “Do you love him?” Harry asked again.