t stop think

After their heated conversation at the café, she had gone home and buried herself in her work, trying to distract herself from the nagging thoug

her thoughts. The screen flashed wi

interested. She had made it clear that she wasn't about to fall for whatever charm he was using. But still, there he was, reaching

n thinking. We should talk. I know you're still upset, bu

ted him to call so soon, especially after their last exchange. But he wasn't giv

ied, trying to sound firm. "I don't know how man

ofter, almost more sincere. "I get it. You don't trust me. But I'm not asking yo

net, drawing her in despite every instinct she had to resist

ear the hesitation in her voice. "I've spent my whole life building walls aro

s speaking to himself more than to her. "Walls ar

ords more than she was willing to admit

not lonely. But I know you're tired. I can see it in the way you carry yourse

ld he know that? She didn't even know it herself until he said it ou

ttle breathless. "You don't know what I've

I just need you to stop shutting me out before I ev

sed to care. She wasn't supposed to let him in. But with every word he spoke, it felt l

me," she said, her voic

cking sound. It was something more genuine, a

pond, there was a so

I know you're not one for grand gesture

n her ears as she glanced toward the door. She hadn't expected

as h

of emotions rising inside her. What was he trying to prove

started, but

t here to pressure you. I just thought we could have a rea

r wanted to tell him to leave, to make it clear that she didn't want him here. But another p

andle. When she opened it, Logan stood there, looking casual in a dark jacket and jeans.

d simply, hi

diately, his gaze drifting to the art on the walls, his fingers brushing lightly over the edge of one of her paintings. It

to her with a small smile. "I've always admired

hest defensively. "Art doesn't make a person, Logan

I get that. And I think you're hiding a

er. "Look, I know you don't want to hear this. But I'm not leaving

erself on being strong, on being able to keep her emotions in check. But Lo

have time for whatever you're offering. I don't n

ffering pity, Ella. I'm offering honesty. And if you'd let me, I c

t tired? Was she really so afraid to let go that she

looking for," she said,

ing other than the usual confidence in his eyes. It was vulner

aid simply. "And I'm not le

efully constructed over the years, seemed to crack with every word

e in a long while

, she realized that maybe-just