Chapter 0300
+25 BONUS
Watching Hazel regain her confidence inspired Logan, who had been worried for the past few days. He’d been afraid to leave her alone, knowing she was frightened. Wanting to support her as best as he could, he switched to working from his laptop so he could be there if she needed him.
But now, seeing her return to the fiery, independent woman he knew her to be, he thought it safe to return to the office.
He woke up early the next morning and tried to sneak out of bed without waking Hazel. She still stirred while he was in the shower, however, and rolled out of bed to help him tie his tie.
“Have a good day,” she said and tilted her head up for a kiss, which he immediately granted.
The entire exchange was so very domestic. It filled Logan with a sense of longing. He wanted this every morning, every day for the rest of his life.
Hazel was his perfect match. Now, he just had to fight for her.
“Get some more sleep, Logan said. “I’ll call you at lunch.”
Hazel nodded, but instead of returning to bed, she followed Logan downstairs and went into the kitchen, stopping at the coffeemaker.
Looking back, Logan tried to memorize the sight in his mind: Hazel, eyelids heavy with sleep, hair messed from the pillow, standing at the counter in his t–shirt and bare feet.
This image would carry him forward today.
Feeling better than he had in a good long while, Logan left their little townhouse and went to work.
The moment Logan stepped out of the elevator, he could tell something had changed in the office. For one, everyone was openly gaping at him. He expected some of that, given the scandal, but this felt different. They were looking at him like they had seen a ghost. Lots of double takes and wide gazes.
Ignoring the awkwardness, Logan continued down the hallway to his office. He greeted his assistant, who paled but didn’t say a word.
Odd.
Logan opened the door to his office, went inside, and
Someone else was sitting at his desk.
“Excuse me?” Logan asked.
The man looked up and peered at Logan through his thick glasses. “Did you need something, Mr. Hatfield?” the man asked.
Logan felt off–kilter suddenly. He double–checked that he’d walked into the right office. Then he looked back at the man sitting at what was definitely Logan’s own desk.
“Who are you?” Logan asked.
The man looked at him strangely. “I’m the new CEO of this company. Mr. Hatfield Sr. and the board assigned me yesterday. Today is my first day.” He frowned. “Surely you were told…?”
+25 BCAUS
Chapter 0300
“That I’ve apparently been fired and replaced overnight Logan said, disgust twisting his voice. “I guess my notice was lost in the mall.”
“My apologies, Mr. Hatfield,” the man said, though made no move to get up from Logan’s chair. Why would he? The board had given him the job now.
What a joke.
“Do you mind if I call my grandfather from your phone? Logan asked. “Just to be certain.”
The man pushed the landline phone toward the for edge of the desk, nearest Logan.
“Be my guest,” he said.
Thanks for letting me use my own phone, Logan grumbled in his mind. His diplomas were still hanging on the walls. Someone could have at least taken them down before the new guy started.
Logan grabbed the phone and dial his grandfather’s familiar number.
“I’ve been expecting your call, grandson,” Grandfather said before Logan could even say anything. “You are right on time.”
“You fired me? After all I’ve done for this company?” Logan demanded.
“Don’t act so surprised. After all, why would I keep someone in charge that I don’t trust?” Grandfather replied. “Mr. Carlisle is the perfect replacement for you. He’s certainly more agreeable. Now don’t cause a scene, Logan. Just get your personal affects and get out.”
“This isn’t over,” Logan said sharply.
