Chapter 29: Chapter 29

Some time passed – seconds, minutes, or maybe hours, as Missy was simply not in a position to tell – before she could even regain consciousness again. All she could make out for a while was a very pleasant smell of coffee and toast, until, little by little, she woke up, finally realizing that she had fallen into a deep sleep after such an intense night. Opening her eyes slowly, yawning, she realized she was in Logan's room and she couldn't help but smile widely when she saw him, dressed only in a pair of pants and bare-chested, sitting beside her, a bed tray spread out. on the legs and filled with toast, muffins, fruit and coffee.

- You did this all for me? - It was the first thing she could think to ask, as she pulled the sheet to hide her naked body and sat down next to him. Of course, it wasn't the first time he'd made her breakfast. In fact, the first was on that fateful day, which also marked the first time he had helped her. To her surprise, the memory didn't hurt as much as she'd hoped. It still bothered her, of course, but it wasn't as if the mere memory of it took her straight back to that horrible moment.

She really needed to talk about this with her therapist. It was certainly a breakthrough.

- I wanted to surprise you. - He gave a crooked smile, almost shy, and her heart missed a beat - I'm glad I made it.

- A wonderful surprise. – She praised, taking a piece of toast and leaning on his shoulder as she started to chew it, savoring the crunchy and warm flavor – How long did I sleep? – she asked, watching the light through the curtains of the huge glass window that was close by.

- Time enough to rest, I hope. – he gave a perverted smile and just laid his back against the headboard even more, kissing her hair softly – But, anyway, don't worry, it's still early.

- But you have to get up, don't you? – she bit her lip, still worried – I know you start your routine early. I've slept here before, have you forgotten? - she laughed.

- And none of the times you slept with me did I leave you alone in bed, have you forgotten? – he joked, distributing light kisses along her neck – I thought you understood that I'm not capable of doing that. I'll be ready to get up when you're ready. – he stated firmly, before starting to drink one of the cups of coffee.

-I don't want to delay you... - she tried to insist, blushing, although her voice sounded much more flattered than convincing-You don't have to do this for me...

- It's not about what I need to do, Missy. It's about what I want to do. – he smiled dazzlingly, passing one of his arms over her bare shoulders – Besides, after these last few weeks, you should have already realized that, when I'm by your side, I'm always doing what I want most. - Those words, spoken with so much affection that they seemed to have caressed her soul, made her gasp.

She loved so much to hear him talk that way. It was more than a comfort to his ego or her self-esteem. It was... It was like it was real. Like Logan was her real boyfriend and not just a friend she was screwing. As if every word that came out of his mouth was a declaration of love. As if his every gesture had a special meaning, a tangible motive.

She felt as if he loved her. Not that fake, weak thing she'd been trying to nurture with Liam for almost a year. True love. Sincere, passionate, caring, intense... As a part of her had always dreamed of finding, no matter how hard she tried to be realistic. And at times like that, it was all too easy to just get carried away by the fantasy that he wasn't just being nice to her, but declaring what he felt.

Too bad it was just that: a fantasy.

He was being a kind friend to a heartbroken girl who certainly couldn't take another rejection.

But she didn't love her. Not even remotely close to that.

And, of course, she never would.

The pain that shot through her suddenly literally startled her, causing her to freeze for a moment. It was completely new and unprecedented, different even from the pain of humiliation and inferiority, which she was slowly learning to deal with. That pain was beyond potent, almost crippling. It made it feel like her heart was pulverized for a millisecond before returning to normal.

Flustered, Missy just tried to change the subject. They'd had a great night and now her friend – her best friend, actually – had brought her breakfast in bed. Why should she care about this new and terrible pain? Why should she torture herself thinking about that strange feeling in her chest, when she thought about Logan not loving her? None of that mattered. They were silly fantasies, coming out of nowhere and sure to dissipate if she concentrated hard enough. After all, she knew very well what the reality of the facts she was living was and she was fine with that. One day, she would heal from what Liam had done to her and she and Logan could move on with just their friendship but not seeing each other as often, maybe still keeping the sex thing going until he found someone.

And even her thoughts were interrupted when that excruciating pain took her again.

- Missy? - Logan's deeply worried voice brought her back to reality, making her realize that he was now staring at her, alarmed - What happened? There is something wrong? he asked anxiously.

- Uh, no, no. There's nothing wrong. – Missy gulped, struggling to compose herself – It's just… You… You don't have to be so kind, you know? – she stammered, theorizing that maybe if he started to be a little more realistic with her, then it would help her get those strange feelings under control – I'm getting better, I swear. It's really sweet of you, don't get me wrong, but you don't have to worry about trying to comfort me all the time and...

- Kind? Consolate? – Logan asked, stunned and confused – Missy, what are you talking about? I didn't say that to be kind! How can you think that?

- Of course it was. – she disagreed softly, equally confused – Why else would it be then?

- Because it's the purest truth! Because I'm being honest! Why...! - Logan suddenly fell silent, averting his eyes from hers, as if he was sorry for what he was about to say.

- Oh I understood! – Something finally occurred to her, causing her to exclaim, bringing Logan's attention back to her, although his expression was now alarmed, and even a little hopeful – You act like that with everyone you consider your family, don't you? ? I don't know why I didn't think of that before. Of course you're being sincere. He's taking care of me like he would any other of his friends. – Missy smiled, enjoying that resolution, although that strange pain was still with her, inexplicably. After all, it was now obvious that Logan really did care for her a lot. Why couldn't that restless part of her just find joy in that fact? She was special to him. Wasn't that already enough, seeing as nothing else could happen between the two? “I'm sorry I doubted you, Logan. Didn't mean to offend. But I understand everything now, so don't worry.

For several minutes, Logan just stared at her, looking terribly incredulous, almost frustrated. Finally, after taking a deep breath, he placed his hands on her shoulders and brought their faces close, looking determined.

- Missy… – he said her name with a heavy sigh, but still solemn – I know maybe this isn't the right time to do this, but… – the green eyes seemed to be shining with concern and. .. Another feeling, intense and burning, that she couldn't name – I need you to know that...

- Logan?

Startled, Missy turned her face toward the door, where Gwyneth's voice seemed to be coming from in the distance.

- Shit! – Logan cursed, now more frustrated than ever, as he jumped out of bed – I shouldn't have given that damn key to…!

- Son? – this time it was Daniel's voice who called him, with the unmistakable sound of the wheelchair passing over the floor, getting closer and closer, as if they were approaching the living room – Aren't you awake yet? Your mother baked some cookies for your brothers last night and insisted we bring some today.

- Don't make that face at me, Daniel. – Gwyneth scolded him, as only a mother knew how to do – I have the right to bring my son cookies whenever I want… Especially when he has been going to see me less and less. Her growl sounded closer and closer.

- Damn it! I'll sort this out, okay? – Logan kissed her temple quickly, before moving towards the door – I'll be right back!

Not knowing what to do, Missy lay on the bed, still completely naked, as she watched Logan walk out the door, closing it behind him, and then hear him run to where his parents were.

- Oh, there you are! – she heard Gwyneth grumble – Does seeing us here make you remember that the two people who gave you birth are still alive?

- Mom... - Logan started to sigh, but Daniel cut him off.

- Were you really sleeping until now? – Mr. Knight questioned, looking suspicious, "I haven't seen you wake up after seven since you were twelve." What the—” He broke off suddenly, and after a second of silence, Gwyneth's strangled cry made her jump.

- Is there a woman here?! - Mrs. Knight seemed not only angry, but also disappointed and, at the same time that she felt her blood practically freeze in her veins, Missy realized that her torn clothes must still be scattered on the living room floor - Logan! How could you?!

- How did you get? – despite being obviously disappointed, Daniel also looked shocked – Were you really able to sleep with someone? I thought you finally changed your mind, son! – that growl sounded frustrated – I thought I finally understood that this isn't a curse, as you always thought. What happened to your brilliant plan to...?

- Father! – Logan panted, sounding almost panicked – Listen: I don't have time for this right now! I promise I'll come to Sunday lunch this time, but you two have to leave right now and...

- Although? – Gwyneth practically snarled, hurt like Missy had never seen – How do you think I can leave now that I know my son is going back to square one? Logan… – she lamented, disturbed – Do you really think that continuing in denial is the way to go? Even after all you've suffered? Listen, I have nothing against this girl who might still be here, whoever she is, but do you really think it's okay to kid yourself like that? It won't go away so easily. You need to get over your loathing of the family legacy and...

- Mom, please! – Logan begged, more and more disturbed, which made Missy get up from the bed, worried about him, despite that whole conversation didn't make any sense to her – I promise I'll explain everything later, but now, really, I I need you two...

- If you really think I'm going to get out of here, Logan Tristan Knight, you're very wrong! – Gwyneth roared – I will no longer simply stand still while you ruin your life by pure and simple stubbornness! And don't look at me like that, young man! You'd better get this situation resolved soon, before I...

- Hmmm... Mrs. Knight... - Missy stammered aloud, immediately making all the voices coming from the room silence. Swallowing hard, she felt her legs wobble with nervousness at the thought of what Mrs. Knight would think to learn that she was the one Logan had slept with, since she seemed so averse to the idea of him having something casual with a woman; however, she knew it wasn't right to let him take that scolding alone. He was her best friend and the best man she had ever known and, therefore, he would deserve her full support – Huh… I… – she tried to speak, again fumbling when trying to find the right words for something that neither herself knew what she meant.

- Missy? – Daniel and Gwyneth asked in unison, although only he spoke the next sentence and, to Missy's surprise, he seemed to be smiling – Is she the one here?

- Oh my God! – Her confusion increased even more when she heard Gwyneth's emotional whimpering, who seemed to be jubilant – Logan, why didn't you tell us that…?!

- Maybe because you would have invaded my house a long time ago, if I had told you how advanced our relationship was... - She had to put her ear against the door to be able to understand Logan's grumbling, who soon after grunted – Now that everything is explained, can you please give us some privacy?

- Missy, dear... - Gwyneth spoke aloud, clearly ignoring her son - Are you okay? I mean... Are you getting better? She looked careful and concerned as she asked that gentle question, which made a warm smile spread across Missy's face.

She had even corresponded by text with Gwyneth and Daniel, who had been deeply worried about her when they heard what had happened - so worried anyone would have guessed she was one of their children - but after the hurricane that was the Logan's revenge plan had turned her life upside down in the most extraordinary way possible, she hadn't had much time to go back to visit with them. In fact, if she weren't stark naked and her change of clothes forgotten on the dining table far away, she would certainly go there, talk to them.

- Yes, I am, Gwyneth, don't worry. Missy replied with a smile.

- Don't you see that our son is already taking good care of her, my love? – Daniel laughed, making Missy blush – And besides, now I think Logan is really right. They need privacy.

- I look forward to seeing you at our Sunday lunch, dear. - Gwyneth continued to ignore her husband and son solemnly and Missy had to bite the inside of her cheek to prevent a laugh from escaping her.

- Don't you mean "I'd like you to come to Sunday lunch"? – Logan asked, although his voice was much more ironic than really questioning.

- I know exactly what I said, young man. – Gwyneth scolded him, with total superiority in her voice – Now, I'm just going to put these cookies in your kitchen, and would Missy like some juice?

- Oh, for God's sake... - Logan grunted and, upon recognizing the sound of his footsteps approaching the room again, Missy ran back to the bed, again curling up between the sheets while trying to contain a smile.

A moment later, Logan entered again, locking the door behind him, before dropping onto the bed beside her, immediately pulling her into his arms.

- I'm sorry for this. – He sighed, although his voice was far from regretful – I really shouldn't have given them that extra key.

- They are your parents. There's no need to apologize. Your family is just beautiful. If my father were still alive, I would keep my door open for him at all times too. – Missy reflected for a moment, before asking in bewilderment – But… I thought you were going to tell them. I mean... Not about the plan, but... About being together. she explained, confused.

- Well, I did. – Logan scratched the back of his neck, looking for the right words – I just didn't… I gave them all the details about how our relationship was working. If they had known that we were already so intimate, they would have come here a lot sooner, believe me. – he sighed, looking exhausted – They have… a matchmaker craze, so to speak. My mother mainly. – With a roll of his eyes, he rested his head on her bare breasts, looking immediately more comfortable – She just doesn't accept that my younger brothers are already married and I'm not. So I thought it best to avoid letting her know we were already sleeping together. I wouldn't be surprised if two days from now, on Sunday, she pulled a ring out of her pocket and asked you to marry me in my name. – Missy laughed softly, which made Logan smile too – But, don't worry. She adores you and would never do anything to make you uncomfortable. It's gonna be okay. Just... Get ready to see them around here a lot from now on. – he laughed, although it was noticeable how apprehensive he was.

- I love your parents. – she smiled, being very sincere, and being pleased to see that statement not only made him relax, but also made him very happy – I would really be happy to see them more often. I just… – she swallowed, suddenly worried – Do you think they'll be really sad when… We break up? I don't want to hurt them.

Logan's expression turned grim for a moment, and for long seconds he just remained quiet and grim, looking away from her, as if the thoughts in his mind had taken him elsewhere. Finally, when he looked back into her eyes, Missy could still see the regret in the emerald irises very clearly, although he was clearly trying to hide it.

- Still a long way to go. – he gave a smile that didn't reach his still somber eyes – I think there's no reason to think about it now. We'll sort this out when the time is right.

- Yes you are right. – Missy smiled at him and wrapped one of those big hands between hers, wanting to comfort him, knowing that he was probably apprehensive with the possibility of making Daniel and Gwyneth suffer with the end of their charade – We still have a lot of time, don't we? ?

- Children, come eat. Your father and I are waiting. - Gwyneth's scream filled the air, making them laugh. And, before he got up to get her clothes, Logan shook her hands too, although his hopeful look was also a little melancholy.

- Yes we have. – he agreed, solemnly – And I'll make sure we enjoy every second of it.