The aroma of sizzling bacon and fresh coffee coaxed Olivia from her sleep. She stretched languidly, feeling the tension ease slightly from her shoulders after a surprisingly deep and uninterrupted rest. The events of the previous night loomed large in her mind as the memories crept back. The sight of Ethan under that streetlight, his lips on Lauren's… a tightness formed in her chest.
As much as she wanted to believe in their love, she couldn't deny the challenges they faced—challenges that seemed to pile up faster than they could dismantle them. Maybe being with Ethan was just too much work. The interference, the misunderstandings, and the constant push and pull were exhausting. But then she thought of the way he looked at her, the way he touched her, how he made her feel alive and seen. Her heart fluttered, betraying her thoughts.
With a sigh, she threw back the cozy comforter and made her way downstairs, drawn by the delightful smells of breakfast. Soft music floated through the air as she stepped onto the landing—a soulful, upbeat tune that set a relaxed yet playful tone. The sight that greeted her stopped her in her tracks.
Logan was at the stove, shirtless, moving in time to the music as he flipped pancakes. The morning light streaming through the windows highlighted his defined muscles and the intricate tattoos that trailed down his toned abs, disappearing into the waistband of his sweatpants. His movements were fluid and carefree, as though he didn't have a worry in the world.
A laugh bubbled out of her before she could stop it. "I could get used to this," she teased, crossing her arms as she leaned against the doorway.
Logan spun around, the spatula in his hand poised mid-air. For a brief moment, he looked like a deer caught in the headlights, his expression one of mock guilt. Then, as if recovering quickly, a mischievous grin spread across his face. "Umm… good morning," he said, his voice a mix of embarrassment and charm.
She smirked, stepping further into the kitchen. "Good morning, chef. I didn't know breakfast came with a show."
"Well," he said, turning back to the stove to plate the pancakes, "I aim to please. Though if I knew I'd have an audience, I would've put on a shirt." He threw a playful wink over his shoulder.
"Don't bother," Olivia quipped as she grabbed a mug and poured herself some coffee. "This is far better than anything I could watch on TV."
Logan laughed, shaking his head as he slid the last pancake onto the plate. "Flattery will get you… an extra pancake," he said, presenting her with a plate piled high with breakfast.
As Olivia took a seat at the kitchen island, she found herself smiling for the first time since the night before. Logan's carefree energy was infectious, and for a moment, she felt lighter, as though the weight of her emotions had lifted just slightly.
"Thanks for this, Logan," she said, her voice soft but sincere. "I really needed this."
He leaned against the counter, watching her with an easy smile. "Anytime, Liv. You know I've got your back. Now, eat up—we've got a surprise to get to later."
"A surprise?" she asked, raising an eyebrow.
Logan just grinned and turned the music up a notch, swaying dramatically as he cleaned up the kitchen. Olivia couldn't help but laugh again, the sound feeling like a balm to her weary soul.
Olivia spent most of the day nestled on Logan's plush, oversized couch, wrapped in one of his luxurious throws. The soft fabric and the peaceful atmosphere in Logan's home were exactly what she needed. Sitting at the far end of the room, Logan was typing away on his laptop, immersed in emails and business correspondence. She appreciated how he gave her the space to just be without pushing her to talk or process anything before she was ready.
As her mind wandered through the maze of her emotions, Olivia felt a pair of strong hands gently squeeze her shoulders. She looked up to see Logan standing behind her, a mischievous grin plastered on his face.
"How about that surprise now?" he asked, his eyes gleaming with excitement.
"Really, Logan?" she said, raising an eyebrow. "What is it?"
"Wait and see," he replied cryptically, stepping back with his trademark playful smirk.
Her curiosity piqued, and she sprang up from the couch, bouncing on her toes. "Tell me now! Come on, Logan, just tell me!"
"Patience, Buttercup," he teased, wagging a finger at her. "All good things come to those who wait. Now, go put on your warm clothes. We're going for a hike."
"A hike?" Olivia repeated incredulously, her excitement immediately replaced by skepticism. "Seriously, Logan? That's your big surprise?"
He chuckled at her unimpressed expression. "Yes, seriously. Trust me, it's worth it."
"I'm not really an outdoorsy person," she countered, crossing her arms. "You know that, right?"
"I do," he said, shrugging casually. "But I also know you'll enjoy this. Come on, Liv. Just trust me for once."
Olivia sighed, eyeing him suspiciously. "If this ends with me covered in mud, you're going to regret it."
Logan barked out a laugh. "Noted. Now hurry up and get ready. We're burning daylight!"
Shaking her head, she headed upstairs to change, muttering under her breath. Logan's surprises were always unpredictable, but she had to admit his enthusiasm was contagious. As she pulled on her warmest clothes, she couldn't help but feel a small bubble of excitement rising in her chest. Whatever Logan had planned, she trusted it would be just the distraction she needed.