Free Heart of Steel by Jennifer Probst

what he shows. He’s a hardworking man who’s trying to balance his life. I didn’t see any hidden motives, or evil plans to take over the world. And I’m going to dinner with him tomorrow night.”
     
         “Chandler—”
     
         “I mean it, Logan. We have a business relationship but I will not let you dictate to me who I can go out with.”
     
         She took a deep breath, ready to do battle. She waited for an explosion of testosterone temper and steeled herself for a defense. Logan was being outrageous. Okay, so she’d let things go a bit far last night, but he had no right to bully her.
     
         His lower lip kicked up in a grin. She gazed in astonishment when he shook his head in typical male exasperation. “I thought yoga teachers never lost their temper,” he said. “Now I find there’s a hellcat waiting to get out. You just cover it up with all that deep breathing and chanting.”
     
         She opened her mouth to speak but no words emerged.
     
         He reached out and ran one thumb over the curve of her lips, an indulgent light gleamed from his gunmetal grey eyes. “I figured you wouldn’t listen to me. Go ahead and make your dinner plans. Convince yourself you’re crazy about Thorne. Pretend our kisses meant nothing.”
     
         With that last statement, he turned on the heel of his leather Nikes and strode out the door.
     

Chapter 4

     

     

* * *
         “Hmmm, that’s funny. I didn’t know the boss liked Thai food.”
     
         Chandler looked up from her spicy vegetable stir fry and watched Logan pull out a chair for his companion. The woman tossed her perfect mane of red curls and laughed at something he said. Her short black dress rode up her thighs as she took a seat, and Chandler noticed Logan seemed to look his fill. A surge of emotions shot through her and took her off guard. She turned and deliberately focused on Richard. “I guess he decided to take time for certain pleasures, after all.”
     
         Richard gave her a strange look but let the remark pass. “A redhead this time. Logan’s a killer when it comes to the ladies,” he said. “Hair color is a big deal to him.”
     
         She narrowed her eyes. “What do you mean?”
     
         Richard grinned. “You know, blondes one week, brunettes the next. I guess red-heads are getting their turn.”
     
         Her fingers tightened around her chopsticks. “How archaic.”
     
         “Yeah, but at least he’s fair. Every woman gets a shot.”
     
         She raised one brow in warning. “And you think that's okay? I hope you’re teasing me, Richard.”
     
         He winked. “Now, Chandler, you know I’m not like that. I firmly believe in getting to know a woman first. Sexual attraction is great, but not lasting.” He took a healthy swallow of saki. “I used to be like Logan, but then I decided I needed more.”
     
         She smiled in understanding. “Someone to share your life with, right? A woman who really sees who you are, and wants you anyway.”
     
         He gazed into her eyes. “Exactly.” He reached over and touched her hand. “A woman who believes in the same things I do.”
     
         “Richard. Chandler. What a wonderful surprise!”
     
         They both looked up as a deep, gravelly voice cut through the air. Logan stood over them with a sense of masculine satisfaction. She held back a sigh. Somehow, she wasn’t surprised at his tactics. The man was impossible to deal with.
     
         “Such an odd coincidence,” she said. “We both picked the same restaurant in Manhattan. And on the same night! Imagine that.”
     
         The man never missed a beat. “I know, I thought the same thing when I spotted you. Please join us.”
     
         Richard gave her an uneasy look. “No, we don’t want to interrupt you on a date. Maybe another time.”
     
         “I won’t take no for an