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“Hm.” He pressed his fist to his chin, thinking. For some reason, the sight sent butterflies fluttering through her belly. “Show me your favorite place in Girard.”

“Really?” She started giggling again.

“Really, really.”

“Okay.” She shrugged. “Get back on the highway.”

Following her directions, he took them back into Girard and into the heart of the tiny downtown.

“Park here.” She pointed at the row of parking spots along the street.

“Where are we going?”

“You don’t want it to be a surprise?”

“Never mind.” He mimed zipping his lips.

“You said you wanted to see my favorite place.” Laughing, she walked for the sidewalk.

Logan followed, being true to his promise and not saying anything. At the end of the block, she stopped at a park bench shaded by a few trees.

“Here it is.”

“This.” He pointed at the park bench.

“Yep.” She took a seat on the bench. “It’s as good a view of the downtown area as you’ll get.”

“Huh.” Taking a seat next to her, he slung his arm across the back of the bench and followed her gaze.

Terri was painfully aware of his arm, barely an inch away from brushing her shoulder. The butterflies returned, along with a racing heart.

She needed to start dating again. That was it. Find a guy who would make her forget all about Logan.

Except no one could do that. No one’s gaze drew her in like his. No one else could make her feel like she was important with just one look. No one else kept her on her toes, no matter that they were constantly switching back and forth between laughter and arguing.

There was only one Logan Denton, and he would forever own a piece of her heart.

“Why is this your favorite spot?” he asked. “Is it because of the ice cream shop across the street? The sunset view? A good angle to watch the police station from?”

“No.” She folded her hands in her lap. “This is where I was sitting when I promised myself that I would do whatever it took to make a difference in the world.”

“Really?” he said after a long moment.

She nodded gently, but couldn’t look at him long. The breeze was lifting his blond hair, which made her want to run her hands through it even more than usual.

“What led up to that?” he asked.

She took a moment, collecting thoughts and memories. “I think I was about twelve. Charlie had left the year before, and things weren’t good at home. My parents were busy. They were always working, but at least I used to have Charlie.”

She shook her head, emotion entering her voice. “Then, I was alone. Anyway, I remember going for a bike ride one evening, just feeling so bitter and angry. Thinking things like, ‘screw everyone’ and ‘I’ll be good on my own.’ I ended up here and soon as I sat down, it hit me. An epiphany. I thought to myself, I can spend the rest of my life messed up and angry, or I can take that anger and disappointment and really do something good.”

“And you chose the latter,” he said softly.

“I tried to. That was my whole intent in going into law.”

“You’re making a difference now.” His hand found hers, and she thought she might faint from the electricity that rushed through her.

“I hope so,” she whispered.

“You’re something to be admired.” His blue eyes found hers, and her breath lingered in her throat.

“Logan, I…”

“Yes.”

She lowered her gaze. His hand was still on hers. The moment had all the makings of romance, but it was anything but that. Love wasn’t in the cards for them.

The feel of his touch on her face made her gasp in surprise. Hooking his fingers until her chin, he gently lifted her head so that they were looking into each other’s’ eyes.

“When you came into the car and told me about Charlie coming around,” he said, “I felt like I was suddenly shot to the top of the world. For the first time, it felt like everything could work out with this mess.”

“Good.” She still couldn’t raise her voice above a whisper. “I’m glad.”

“But it wasn’t only that. I realized that this is my chance to turn over a new leaf.”

“You mean with business?”

“Yes.” He paused. “But with more than that. Everything. I’ve been pushing you away, Terri, because I was afraid I’m no good for you. The things I’ve been involved in…”

“The insider trading was in the past.” She locked her gaze with his. “Right?”

His eyes softened. “Yes.”

“Okay.” Her shaking fingertips found his shirt collar. “You’re not the person you used to be.”

“I want to be better. For myself, and for you.” His hand slid from her chin to cup the back of her neck. “I know I’ve been an ass, but is there any chance in hell for the two of us?”

It was a wonder she didn’t melt into a puddle on the bench right then and there.

“You and me how, exactly?” she whispered with a teasing smile.

“You and me in this way.” He’d barely finished speaking before he moved closer. Warm lips swept across hers, eliciting a soft moan.

The kiss didn’t last near long enough. Drawing back, he gazed down at her with heat in his eyes.

“Well?”

“I think before I give an answer you’re gonna need to kiss me again.”