Anna's POV
Logan's eyes held mine with that unexpected intensity, and suddenly the garden around us felt too small, the air between us charged with something I hadn't noticed in all our years of friendship.
"Annie," he said, my childhood nickname sounding different in his voice now, "I don't want you
partnering with someone like Samuel Griffin. Let me help you instead."
I studied his expression, the earnestness in his gaze unmistakable.
The realization hit me like a bucket of ice water-Logan Porter, my childhood friend and occasional tormentor, had feelings for me. Romantic feelings.
"Logan..." I started, unsure how to navigate this sudden shift in our dynamic.
He took a step closer, sunlight filtering through the oak leaves dappling his sandy hair with gold. "I've waited years to tell you this. I've always-"
"I'm sorry, Logan," I interrupted, looking directly into his eyes with firm resolve. "But I can't return your feelings."
