Free Logan's Redemption by Cara Marsi Page B

smiled back at her, all trust and innocence. Where had that little boy gone?   
    “Don’t be embarrassed, Doriana,” Anita said, drawing her attention. “If you’re having a little fling with hunky Mr. Temp, no one will think anything of it. It’s been three years since Karl, jerk that he was. My God, woman, how can you stand being without a man that long?”
    Doriana stood and pressed her palms on her desk. “That’s enough. There is nothing between Logan and me. He works for me. And I have a fifteen-year-old to consider.”
    “You’ve always put Josh first. You’re a good mother. But you need to do something for yourself.”
    “How would it look if I jumped into bed with every man I met?” Doriana asked.
    “Settle down.” Laughing, Anita leaned closer. “It wouldn’t hurt to let loose once in a while. You can be discreet. Kids nowadays are pretty smart. Josh would understand if you have a boyfriend.”
    “I’ve never let a man stay overnight at my house with Josh there, and I’m not about to start.” Doriana cut the air with her hands and sat down. “Enough about my love life, or lack thereof. What are you doing here? The most sought-after hair stylist in Philadelphia must have clients clamoring for her time.”
    “Thanks, I think,” Anita said with a wry grin. “I scheduled a free afternoon to pamper myself for a change. I figured I’d stop by to see what time you want to meet at the Italian Market tomorrow morning. You know Nonna will only use meat from Vito’s for her wedding soup.”
    “The wedding soup.” Doriana massaged her temple, fighting the beginnings of a headache. “I may have to cancel. I’m swamped with work.”
    Anita narrowed her eyes. “You’re not getting out of it, Cuz. Nonna looks forward to this every year. She gets to spend time with her two favorite grandkids. You can’t disappoint her.”
    “You know all the right buttons to push.” Doriana released a deep sigh. “Okay, I’ll meet you at the Market at nine.”
    “Great,” Anita said, standing. “And Sunday I’ll take you to my shop and cut your hair. You need a new style. Something hot that will make Mr. Eye Candy out there sit up and take notice.”
    “Stop that. I don’t care what Logan thinks.”
    “Yeah, sure,” Anita said. “You were never a good liar.”
    “Subject closed.”  
    “Okay, then. Get a haircut to make you feel better. It’ll be my Christmas gift to you, so you can’t refuse.” She smiled. “Do you know how many of my clients would sell their souls for a free haircut from me?”
    “I know. I can’t get an appointment with you.”
    Laughing, Anita turned toward the door. “Gotta run. See you tomorrow.”
    * * * *
    The morning sun seeped into her bones and Doriana shivered as she waited for Anita at the entrance to the Italian Market. Despite all the work waiting in her office, Doriana determined to put aside business and personal problems today. She wanted to enjoy the annual wedding soup day with Anita and Nonna and Mom. Josh had promised to stop by later, offering to be their official taste tester.
    Doriana smiled. She and Josh had been getting along well lately. She loved him so much. Regardless of the hurt Logan inflicted on her by leaving all those years ago, he’d given her Josh. And Josh was so like Logan. They had the same expressions and mannerisms. They even walked alike.
    What had possessed her to kiss Logan in her office Monday evening? She’d not been able to focus on anything else during the charity dinner. All she could think about was the feel of Logan’s lips on hers, the touch of his hands and his heated skin.
    Every night since, she’d tossed and turned, unable to sleep, her body and mind filled with yearnings that Logan had awakened in her. She’d tried to keep her distance from Logan the rest of the week, fighting her attraction to him, but she’d lost the battle.
    “Sorry I’m late.” Anita approached, dressed in her usual black, clutching two