Nadine

Nadine
Nadine
Logan stands frozen at the door, torn between leaving and coming closer. I know what’s running through his mind—he’s probably convinced himself of the worst, especially with Hardin standing here.
And honestly? It hurts.
Before I can even think, the words slip from my lips.
"Please stay."
The second I say it, he turns, his piercing blue eyes locking onto mine. Then, just as quickly, they flicker toward Hardin.
"I just wanted you both to have your time," he mutters, but his voice lacks conviction. He doesn’t mean it.
I let out a small laugh, shaking my head. "Is that how you repay me for worrying about you, you arrogant man?"
His expression falters. He wasn’t expecting that.
He glances between me and Hardin, clearly trying to gauge the situation.
"Are you scared of him, Logan?" I tease, nodding toward Hardin.
Logan’s face remains unreadable, but I know him too well. He won’t admit it, but he doesn’t like this.
He doesn’t like seeing Hardin here and doesn’t like the idea of anyone else being the one I lean on.
I tilt my head, watching him. "Don’t you miss me? Or are you just going to stand there like you don’t want to kiss me silly and steal the air right out of my lungs?" I roll my eyes dramatically, picking at my nails like I don’t notice the way his jaw tightens.
Hardin, standing beside me, presses his lips together, clearly fighting a smile.
Logan remains still.
"Or should I—"
Before I can finish, his lips crash against mine.
I gasped, completely caught off guard. How did he move so damn fast? One second, he’s at the door, and the next, he’s here, kissing me with a slow, deliberate intensity, like he’s afraid this is all just a dream.
His lips press against mine with quiet desperation, like he’s trying to tell me everything he’s too proud to say out loud. I smile into the kiss, my heart swelling as I match his pace, savoring the warmth of him, the familiarity, the certainty that he’s here. Alive.
Then, it hits me—he shouldn’t be here.
He should be resting. He just woke up after surgery, and it hasn’t even been two days.
With that thought, I bite his lip—just enough to make him pull back.
Logan blinks, surprised, before breaking into a soft smile, his gaze locking onto mine. I could drown in those ocean-blue eyes.
Then, from behind him, Hardin clears his throat.
"Hey, lovebirds," he teases. "I’ll have to go now. Sugar Plum, call me if you need anything."
He steps forward and presses a gentle kiss on my forehead.
I nod slowly, still trying to process everything, but the joy swelling inside me is undeniable.
Hardin steps closer to Logan and stretches out his hand for a handshake. Logan hesitates for just a second before taking it, but Hardin surprises him by pulling him in slightly, leaning close to whisper something in his ear.
I watch as Logan’s brows furrow. Whatever Hardin just told him, it was serious. I can tell from the shift in his expression, the way his jaw tightens slightly.
Hardin pulls back, clapping Logan’s shoulder lightly. "Take care," he says before stepping out of the room.
The moment the door closes behind him, Logan looks between me and the door, his mind trying to piece things together.
Then, out of nowhere, he bursts into laughter.
Oh God.
That laugh.
It does something unimaginable to my heart, making it do an unsteady flip inside my chest. My pulse pounds so loudly that I fear he might hear it.
He stares at the door for a long time before turning back to me, curiosity dancing in his eyes. "That’s your brother?" he asks, still looking slightly confused.
"Yes, Logan. He’s my half-brother."
Logan exhales, shaking his head as if processing everything. Then, suddenly, he grins.
"Oh my, Nadine. Can I kiss you again?"
Before I can answer, he moves closer, sinking onto the bed beside me. The mattress dips under his weight, and I gasp.
"Oh my God, Logan, you’re so big—this bed can’t—"
Before I could finish, he crashed his lips onto mine, swallowing whatever protest I was about to make.
My words turn into a muffled sound against his mouth as he smiles into the kiss, pulling me even closer. His arms wrap securely around me, his warmth seeping into my skin. The kiss is slow and lingering like he’s savoring every second.
I gently push against his chest, just enough to make space, resting my head against him. I feel his heartbeat—fast, strong. I also feel something else, but I don’t move.
He leans his forehead against mine, staring deep into my eyes. There’s a storm of emotions there, a thousand things he wants to say but can’t seem to put into words.
Then, finally, he speaks.
"I’m sorry, Nadine. For everything. I want to be better—for myself, for you, for our son." His voice is low, rough with sincerity.
I stay quiet, letting him speak, letting him pour out everything in his heart.
"I know I’m not worthy of you," he continues, his fingers brushing over my cheek. "I know I’ve made you doubt me over and over again, but I need you to know—if there’s anything on your mind, anything troubling you, ask me. I’ll answer. I’ll do whatever it takes to ease your worries."
He exhales shakily before adding, "I know you’ve heard this from me before. But I need to say it again—nothing makes my heart beat the way you do. The thought of you alone makes it race so fast that sometimes I fear I might have a heart attack."
His confession makes my chest tighten.
This is different.
He’s different.
I can hear it in his voice, see it in his eyes.
And for the first time in a long time, I started to believe him.
Logan chuckles softly at my expression.
"That’s so cheesy," I tease, shaking my head with a small smile.
But his face remains serious, his hands tightening around mine. "I’m serious, Nadine. Let’s start over—forget the past, and live our lives the way we should have from the start. And we need to go to couples therapy because this time, I want us to be better. I want to do right by you because you mean the world to me."
His voice wavers slightly, but his grip stays firm, his gaze unwavering.
"I love you more than life itself," he continues. "I wish you could see how miserable I was these past few months. It was the fucking worst time of my life." He exhales shakily. "I love you, Nadine, and I want to spend the rest of my life with you."
The intensity of his words, the rawness in his voice, is enough to break every last bit of hesitation in me.
I don’t speak.
I don’t need to.
Instead, I press my lips to his, sealing everything he’s said with a kiss.
It’s not rushed. It’s not desperate. It’s a promise.
When I finally pull away, I rest my forehead against his, my hands still tangled in his. "To a new beginning, Logan." My voice is barely above a whisper, but the words carry weight.
"I love you too," I say, my heart pounding as I finally let it all out. "More than life itself.”