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But Ive no intention of doing anything. Joes gaze shifted back to him. Right now. I want her to go away with you. I want her to go to bed with you. If you can, I want you to make her love you.
Logan lifted a brow. How generous. May I ask why?
It will be the best possible thing for her. She needs it to come back to life. She made a break-through when she gave up the chance to get Bo
So youre prescribing me as therapy?
Call it what you like.
Logans gaze narrowed on Joes face. But, God, you hate it, dont you?
Joe didnt answer the question. Its the best thing to do. You can help her right now. I cant. He added, But if this experience doesnt prove as good for her as I hope, believe me, I can always find a volcano.
Logan believed him. Qui
Dont try to stand between us. It wont work. We have too much history. He stared straight into Logans eyes. And all I have to do is tell her that I have a new skull and need her and shell come.
The hell she will. What kind of bastard are you? You want her to heal, but youre ready to pull her back into that world.
Youve never understood, Qui
Logan wanted to tell him to go to hell. He did understand Eve and he was going to be good for her. All he needed was the chance, and Qui
Qui
Bullshit.
Eve is waiting. He opened the door. Shes waiting for me , Qui
He was gri
Damn, that last jab felt good.
She was here. Diane stood in the doorway. The nurses are all talking about it at the desk. Why did Eve come?
Why not? She wanted to see me. Joes gaze nar-rowed on her face. She was worried because she couldnt reach me by phone. The hospital wouldnt put her through.
An almost indiscernible emotion flickered across her face. Really?
Guilt, he recognized wearily. Hed been hoping it wasnt true. Or maybe hed been hoping she had done it. It would give him an excuse to do what he should do.
You know, dont you? Diane said bitterly. I broke the rules. I interfered. Her hands clenched at her sides. Well, dammit, I had a right to do it. Im your wife. I thought I could go on watching the two of you together, but shes interfering with our life and I wont have it. Do you know what people are saying about the way she drew you into this mess? Its not fair. Its bad enough for me to know how little I count. Youve shown the whole world that you dont give a damn about
Its true, he said gently. Everything you say is absolutely true, Diane. Ive not been fair and youve been very patient. Im sorry I got you into this. I was hoping it would work.
She didnt speak for a moment. It can still work. She moistened her lips. You just have to Maybe I lost my temper and said some things I didnt mean. We just have to talk this out and come to a fair compromise.
But she was asking for the one compromise he couldnt make. He had disappointed and hurt her enough. He wasnt going to keep on doing it. Shut the door and come and sit down, he said quietly. Youre right, we do have to talk.
Are you okay? Logan stood beside Eve, who was looking out the window from her airplane seat. Your hands are clutching the arms of that chair as if it were going to take off without you.
She released her grip. Im fine. It just seems strange leaving home and going so far away. Ive never been out of the country.
Really? He sat down beside her. I didnt know that. But then, there are a lot of things I dont know about you. Its a long flight. Maybe we could talk?
You want me to confide all my girlhood dreams, Logan?
Why not?
Because I dont remember having any girlhood dreams. Ive always thought they were sappy fairy tales made up by Madison Avenue.
Adult dreams?
No way.
God, youre a difficult woman. His gaze went to the metal case on the floor beside her. Is that what I think it is?
Mandy.
Its a good thing we have a private charter. You would have scared airport security if that had passed through X ray. His gaze was still on the case. Im afraid Id forgotten about her. But, of course, you wouldnt have forgotten.
No, I dont forget.
Thats both promising and terrifying. I hope youre not pla
She shook her head. It wouldnt be safe. Turbulence.
What a relief. I could see bones flying about like shrapnel. Im glad youre waiting until you get to the island. Okay, since youre not working and you wont tell me your i
He was smiling at her and trying to make her feel at ease. A little of her loneliness and tension ebbed away, and she felt warmth ripple through her. He was right. The flight was going to be long. The time theyd spend together before she would have to come back to the real world was going to be even longer. So make it as easy for him as he was trying to make it for her. Maybe we could.
A first break in the armor, he murmured. If Im lucky, youll even smile at me by the time we reach Tahiti.
Only if youre really lucky, Logan.
She smiled at him.
EPILOGUE
"This beach isnt like the one near Pensacola Bo
Eve turned her head to see Bo
I decided to stay away awhile and give you a chance to let me fade away. Bo
Joe?
And Logan too. They both want the best for you. She made another window. Youve been having a good time here, havent you? Youre much more relaxed than when you came.
Eve looked out at the light shimmering on the blue ocean. I like the sun.
And Logan has been real nice to you.
Yes, he has. What an understatement. During these months she had tried to keep Logan at a distance, but he wouldnt have it. He had drawn closer and closer both mentally and physically until he had become firmly entrenched in her life. The development filled her with a mixture of comfort and uneasiness.
Youre worried about him. You dont have to be. Everything shifts and changes with time. Sometimes things start out one way and become something else down the road.
Dont be ridiculous. Im not worried about him. Logan can take care of himself.
Then, why are you so restless?
I guess I feel as if Im marking time. She made a face. And I have to go back next month and give my testimony against Lisa Chadbourne in court. Im dreading that. Detwil has made a deal to testify against her, but shes still fighting.
I dont think youll have to testify.
Of course I will
Bo