The Pathway To Us (14 page)

Everyone started shouting at once. Logan looked down at his paper and called on the first reporter. “Ms. Roberta Thomasina.”

She stood. “Mr. Tremont we are all thankful that you and Ms. Huntington are back safe and sound. Can you tell us what the status is of your relationship?”

They didn’t waste any time getting to that question. Logan didn’t look at Lily. “I think that’s a private matter between us, but since it’s been the main topic for several magazines and newspapers, I will answer it. Having survived this incredible experience together, Lily and I have developed a strong bond that will last a lifetime.”

“I’m sorry? What does that mean? Does that mean you are in a romantic relationship?”

“We are friends.” Logan didn’t wait for her to ask another follow-up. He called on the next reporter. “Peter Skylar.”

“Thank you, Mr. Tremont. It was well known that before this incident you were engaged and planning a wedding with Ms. Bree Michaels. Why is she not here today? What is the status of your relationship with her? Are you still engaged?”

Logan had been dreading this question. He focused and tried not to let it show. “Ms. Michaels is not here because this entire situation has been extremely stressful for her. I didn’t want to put her through anymore unnecessary trauma. The status of our relationship has not changed. It is the same as it was before leaving for a simple guy’s vacation.”

“Does that mean you are still engaged?”

Lily’s heart sped up. It was beating a mile a minute waiting for his answer. It seemed as if he would never respond.

“Yes, Peter. Bree and I are still engaged.”

She was crushed. Lily wasn’t sure she could make it through the rest of the press conference and did her best to keep the hurt from her face. She heard Logan’s voice. “Lily?” He leaned over and whispered into her ear. “Jennifer Diggins just asked you a question.”

She couldn’t look at him. She focused her attention on the woman who was standing up. “I’m sorry, can you repeat that?” Her voice sounded stronger than she felt.

“What was it like being stranded with Mr. Logan Tremont?”

Lily pushed her hair back behind her ear. “Mr. Tremont saved my life on more than one occasion. I will forever be grateful to him for that. He was a perfect gentleman.”

“So are you trying to say there weren’t any sparks flying between the two of you? Because you both seem very familiar with each other.” The meaning of her question wasn’t lost on anyone.

Lily paused for a second before answering. “Mr. Tremont has a fiancé. Our focus was a lot more basic like surviving our situation.”

Logan called on another reporter. “George Pataki from CBT News.”

“Great. Glad you’re both back safely. Mr. Tremont can you shed any light on the rumor that the incident on the boat was no accident? I have information that suggests, Mr. Jackson Laws – the owner of the yacht - may have been the target. It appears he discovered a massive embezzlement scam going on within his company and was about to expose it. Wasn’t he scheduled to be on the trip, then canceled at the last minute?”

Logan didn’t want to address this, but it was going to be common knowledge in all of the papers tomorrow. “I can’t confirm or deny, but you are correct that you will receive more information about that situation tomorrow.”

Lily couldn’t believe her ears. Her hunch was right. It took everything within her to keep the blank expression on her face. Someone purposely tried to hurt them. That revelation took her breath away.

George directed his next question to Lily. “Is it true that you discovered the initial discrepancies, Ms. Huntington?”

She relied on the discretion that she would have shown for any of her clients. “I’m afraid I can’t disclose any information regarding the financial matters of my clients.”

For Lily, the rest of the press conference went by in a blur. When it was over, she and Logan were whisked away into the same private room they’d been in before. However, this time, they had a few minutes alone.

He knew Lily wouldn’t have been too surprised to learn about the embezzlement scam with Jackson’s company, but Logan knew the real reason she was so upset. He decided to ignore it. “I think that went as well as it could.”

Lily whispered. “I didn’t know someone tried to purposefully hurt us.”

He sighed. “I know. I was only made aware a few days ago when my attorney called to inform me that the perpetrators are going to be brought up on charges tomorrow, for the embezzlement and for attempted murder. I was going to tell you but…” He hesitated. “There was too just too much going on. Now that everything is out in the open, hopefully, our plan will work and maybe you can go out for groceries or coffee in peace.”

“I . . . I didn’t know you and Bree were still engaged.”

Logan exhaled. There goes his plan or ignoring the elephant in the room. “What was I supposed to say to the press? I was trying to tamp down questions not create more.”

Lily turned big brown eyes toward his. Her voice was soft. “I wasn’t prepared for your answers.” He knew she was hurt, but he also told the truth. Lily continued. “Now that it’s just us, can you answer me this question?”

Logan nodded.

Lily wrapped her arms around her body. “Am I holding on to false hope?” Her long lashes framed her glassy eyes. “I know you love Bree, Logan. If she is truly who you want. I won’t stand in the way of that.”

When he didn’t respond, Lily took that as her answer. She looked away. “I understand.” Her smile was shaky. “I should go.”

Lily didn’t take two steps before Logan reached out and pulled her into his arms. He kissed her with all the pent-up emotion he held inside. She held on tight and returned his kiss just as eagerly. After a few moments, Logan pulled back slightly then whispered against her temple. “Lily, I can’t let you walk out of my life.”

She looked up into his eyes. “You can’t have us both.”

“I know that. I’m not trying to play games or hurt anyone. I just need a little more time to figure this out. Can you just give me a little more time?”

She bit her bottom lip. What was she supposed to do? She loved Logan with everything within her, but someone was going to be hurt. Could she really walk away before she knew who his heart belonged to? Her voice was so low he almost couldn’t hear her. Simply she said, “Okay.” Lily didn’t know if she was making the biggest mistake of her life. She just knew that she loved Logan and wanted badly for him to choose her in this god awful love triangle.

Bree wanted to be alone when she watched the press conference between Lily and Logan. If he didn’t want her by his side, then this was the best option. She was tired of the pitying looks from her friends and family.

Her stomach was in knots as she stood in their bedroom watching unable to breathe. Bree had known that Lily loved him just as much as she did, but now so did the world. Her emotions jumped through the television.

Logan’s expressions were a little more guarded. But, Bree watched him carefully. She knew him. Every time he raised that left eyebrow or did that little smirk thing when someone asked a question that made him uncomfortable, Bree knew. She’d known all of his little quirks and mannerisms. That’s what happens when you’re with someone long enough. You can read them like a book. It was one moment during the press conference that Logan glanced at Lily, even though it was brief, she had to sit down.

He loved that girl. Bree had known all along. Up until this point, she had been able to ignore it and the sick feeling it produced in the pit of her stomach. Every time she remembered seeing them together for the very first time it made her ill; how familiar their bodies were when they casually touched. She wasn’t stupid. Bree had known they’d had sex. She’d rationalized it because they were in a life-threatening situation. Understandably, Logan wasn’t thinking clearly, so she would forgive him. Logan was a lot of things, but he wasn’t a cheater.

Briefly, Bree closed her eyes as the tears leaked down her face. He loved her too, she knew that. She also knew their love wasn’t a burning hot kind of love. It was more of a slow simmer born of comfortableness and familiarity. Was that enough? She didn’t know. He hadn’t been eager to share her bed again since he’d been home. He’d only been home a few days but still. He hadn’t stepped foot into their apartment other than to grab a few clothes. He had been staying with his parents while he tried to
figure things out
.

Bree opened her eyes when she heard him say that they were still engaged. Technically, that was true. She still wore her ring, but they hadn’t really discussed it. The night he’d arrived at the island from being rescued, when they were finally alone, he hugged her tightly. He began to tell her how sorry he was for everything.

Before the words left his mouth, Bree knew he was going to apologize for his relationship with Lily. She pressed her fingers to his lips. “
Shhhh
. I don’t care what happened on that island, Logan. You’re home, and you’re safe. That’s all I care about. We can forget about everything and start over fresh.”

Logan kissed the tips of her fingers. “Bree, I wish it were that simple.”

Hopeful she responded. “It can be.”

“I have feelings for her.”

Bree lowered her gaze. “I can see that.” Her words were measured. “Is she who you want?” When he didn’t respond immediately, she began to take off her engagement ring. Logan stopped her by placing his hand over hers.

“I haven’t made that decision, Bree. I know I don’t have any right to ask, but please, give me some time.”

Almost as light as a feather, Bree placed her lips on his. She spoke in barely a whisper. “I’ll wait for you forever, Logan.”

Hearing her say those words made his heart twist. Loving Lily would break Bree’s heart, and loving Bree would break Lily’s heart. Logan had no idea what he was going to do.

Bree’s phone rang just as the press conference was over. She answered. “Hello.”

“Is this Bree Michaels?”

She didn’t recognize the voice. “Yes, I’m Bree Michaels.”

“Great. I’m Jennifer Diggins with the Chicago Thunder Newspaper. We would like to get a statement from you regarding the Lily Hutchinson and Logan Tremont press conference.”

Bree thought long and hard for a moment about not making a statement. “All right. What would you like to know?”

“Great. First, why weren’t you at the press conference, and did you watch it?”

“I wasn’t at the press conference because you guys have been trying to stir up drama when there isn’t any. Had I attended, I could see the split screens now. Me on one side, and Logan and Lily on the other. We’ve all been through enough.”

“Okay. Understandable. Did you at least watch it?”

“Of course, I watched the press conference. I was glued to the television just like everyone else.”

“It was riveting television that’s for sure. I’ve been doing my own digging. This didn’t make the press conference, but did you know Lily’s parents were killed less than a year ago? The young woman has been through a lot. Anyway, I know why I would be glued to the tv, but why would you be glued to the television? Hasn’t Mr. Tremont talked to you about Ms. Hutchinson?”

Bree hadn’t known. Her voice was somber. “Yes, Lily has been through a lot this past year.” Bree exhaled. “The bottom line is I hate that Lily and Logan have been subjected to so much scrutiny since returning home after a two-month absence. They don’t deserve this. I think they both should be given the space they need to decompress and get reacquainted with their loved ones. I was glued to the television, because I wanted to make sure they were both okay, especially Ms. Hutchinson. She’s not used to being in the press.”

“So are you saying you don’t feel threatened by the bond that Mr. Tremont referred to between himself and Lily Hutchinson?”

“
Threatened
? No. As far as I’m concerned, they did what they needed to do to keep each other alive. If anything, I’m grateful to Ms. Hutchinson because they are both back safe and sound. You can ask me as many questions as you’d like to try and dig up dirt. There isn’t any. Logan is an amazing man. I trust and love him with all of my heart and can’t wait to become Mrs. Tremont.”

Before Jennifer could ask her next question, Bree interrupted her. “I think I’ve said I’ll I wanted to say. Congratulations on the exclusive because this will be my one and only statement regarding the subject.”

“Thank you for your time, Ms. Michaels.”

Bree hung up the phone. In some ways, she meant every word. She just hoped and prayed that Logan loved her enough to still want her as his wife.

Present Day

Logan watched Lily walk out the door. His chest felt as if someone held it in a vise. Everything in him yelled
go after her and don’t let her go
. How could he? He’d made promises to Bree.
Dammit,
they were engaged!
He’d known her for almost ten years. How could two-months erase that history? The date of their wedding was set, the dresses were ordered, and Bree was wearing his ring. He’d made the only choice he could, hadn’t he?