Winter Ice

  But, oh no. She wasn't just helping with the wedding, now she was in the wedding, too.

  Just because one of Lissa's college friends had to beg off due to a difficult pregnancy, leaving an opening for a bridesmaid.

  How fucking convenient. And Lissa just had to ask Sophie to take her friend's place. To which, he'd heard, Sophie had readily agreed.

  Now he had to avoid his own family to keep from running into her.

  Why couldn't she stick to her own life and her own friends?

  He knew why. Because she was trying to ingrain herself into the Storm family and become part of them. And nothing he said to his family dissuaded them from accepting her.

  "You look like a grumpy, old bear."

  He looked up to see Kaitlyn leaning in the doorway. She strolled in and slipped into one of the chairs across from his desk.

  "What do you want?"

  Her lips curled into a smile. "And you sound about the same. What's wrong with you lately?"

  As if she didn't know. "Are you here for a reason?"

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  "Not that I need one, but yes, as a matter of fact I am. I need you to sign these contracts."

  She slipped a folder in front of him. He scanned the contracts and applied his signature, then slid them across the desk. "I have a secretary, you know. You could have just handed these to Delores."

  "I could have, but then I wouldn't get to visit with you, since you've been in hiding the past few days. Care to talk about it?"

  "With you? Hell, no."

  "Want to hear about the wedding plans?"

  Like he had a choice? "Not particularly. I know when the wedding is. I'll show up on time."

  Rolling her eyes, she said, "There's a lot more to it than just showing up and you know it. The rehearsal dinner is tonight."

  "Do I need to be there for that?"

  "Logan, you're the best man. Not only do you have to show up for the rehearsal so you know what to do, you also have to give a toast at dinner tonight."

  "I'm busy."

  "You're being a dick. Now stop it and tell me why you're avoiding all of us."

  He shook his head and looked down at his paperwork. "I'm busy."

  Kaitlyn crossed her arms. "You're avoiding Sophie."

  His gaze shot up at that remark. "No, I'm not."

  Relentless, she said, "You like her. Really like her."

  "No, I don't. I really don't. And I wish all of you would quit trying to throw us together."

  "If you'd pull your head out of your ass, you could see she's in love with you. And the reason you're so grumpy is because you're in love with her."

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  There were times he regretted working in the family business. This was one of those times. "Kait, I'm not in love with Sophie. In fact, I'd be really happy if I never had to see her again. And the more that the rest of you parade her around in front of me, the worse it's going to get, especially for her."

  "Aww, you're trying to spare her from the heartbreak, aren't you?"

  "Yes, actually, I am. If you'd let me."

  Kaitlyn snorted. "Your ego is as huge as the planet, Logan. How can you let someone down that you've never even given yourself the chance to know? If you did, you'd see what the rest of us see."

  He leaned back in the chair. "Okay, tell me. What would I see?"

  "Sophie has a beautiful heart. She's kind, unselfish, sympathetic and genuinely honest about every aspect of her life. She accepts those around her, especially us, and you know what I mean by that. Plus, she has a keen insight into human nature and a magic that's as strong, if not stronger, than ours."

  That was quite a testimonial, but he wasn't going to bite. He already knew the great things about Sophie Breaux. Didn't mean he had to follow formula and fall madly in love with her.

  That, he refused to do. "Which is precisely why she's not the right woman for me.

  You know how I feel about our powers, Kait. I don't acknowledge them, I don't use them, and I sure as hell don't want to be with a woman who has her own."

  "I never knew you to be so afraid, Logan. You're one of the strongest men I know, second only to Dad. The fact you're turning tail and running because a woman interests you...well, frankly, it surprises me."

  He refused to allow Kaitlyn to bait him into doing something stupid. "Don't you have work to do?"

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  "Everything's ready for the dinner." She shook her head and stood. "If you keep acting the way you've been, Logan, you're going to end up alone and miserable. Give Sophie a chance. I know you feel something for her."

  Glaring up at her, he said, "Do you know how tired I am of people telling me how I feel?"

  She stepped toward him and reached for his hands. "Who and what we are should be embraced and celebrated, Logan. We've been given a very special gift."

  "More like a curse."

  She hugged him, then stepped away. "There are times I feel very sorry for you, mon frere. I love you, and you know that. But you're passing up a chance at love, at happiness. Opportunities like that are rarer than you think. You are as deserving of love as anyone, Logan. Open your heart, before it's too late."

  She turned and grabbed the folder off his desk, then left, shutting the door behind her.

  Silence surrounded him, her words echoing over and over in his head.

  Madness. He dismissed Kaitlyn's lecture. Kait loved the idea of love. She lived for romance and everything magical about it and the family's powers.

  That wasn't him, and no one could make him be someone he didn't want to be.

  Or feel something he didn't feel.

  Returning to his paperwork, he tried to study the budget numbers, but finally gave up.

  So his family didn't understand him. No surprise there, since he didn't understand himself.

  If he was honest, he'd realize that he'd missed Sophie these past few days. Despite his objective of getting rid of her, the fact that she hadn't tried to see him...was damned irritating.

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  Several times over the past few days he'd had to stop himself from walking by her shop, or driving out to her place at night.

  What the hell was wrong with him anyway? She was doing exactly what he hoped she'd do--staying away from him. And now that she had been, he wanted to see her.

  Disgust filled him.

  What the fuck was it going to take to satisfy him?

  Would he ever be happy?

  *

  Sophie took a deep breath and walked into the church, bowing and making the sign of the cross with the holy water before walking up the aisle toward the group assembled there for rehearsal.

  She still couldn't quite believe she had been asked to participate in Lissa and Aidan's wedding. She'd felt so incredibly honored when Lissa had asked her to step in for her friend who was too ill to make the trip. Lissa had even apologized profusely for asking at the last minute, but Sophie had been thrilled.

  She'd never been a bridesmaid before, and was really looking forward to it.

  Although walking down the long church aisle right now while Logan glared at her wasn't exactly a great start to the evening.

  She hoped she'd dressed appropriately. Lissa had told her they'd be having dinner at the hotel afterward, and it was a semi-fancy event.

  Of course, Sophie had nothing semi-fancy in her wardrobe, but Shannon had come to her rescue and loaned her a formfitting cocktail dress. The halter-style dress fit her snugly, though. She couldn't even wear anything underneath it or else lines would show.

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  Nothing like wearing a dress, high heeled shoes and nothing else. At least she had a long coat on to ward off the chill in the air tonight.

  So why was she trembling as she made her way down the aisle?

  "Sophie!"

  Lissa ran up and hugged her. Shannon followed suit, drawing her rai
ncoat open and whistling. "Wow. Now that dress fits you, honey."

  Flushing, she chewed on her bottom lip and glanced at Logan. His gaze raked over her, starting at her face and ending at her feet. She felt the heat from his eyes even though more than ten feet separated them.

  Lissa made introductions. Of course she already knew most of the wedding party, since Shannon, Kaitlyn, Logan and Max were part of it. Her partner down the aisle was Brett McGregor, Aidan's best friend from college.

  Brett was very attractive, with dark, brooding looks that made her think of Heathcliff from Wuthering Heights. She sensed a tortuous soul within him, and felt guilty for her magic invading his emotions.

  Sometimes what she tuned into couldn't be helped.

  "Nice to meet you, Brett," she said, wondering what it was about him that made him hurt so deeply inside. He masked it well, though, offering her a bright smile that didn't quite reach his whiskey-colored eyes.

  "Great to meet you too, Sophie. Aidan didn't tell me I'd be partnered with such a knockout."

  Determined not to spend the entire night blushing, she laughed. "Now why do I have the feeling you say that to all the girls?"

  "Because he does," Aidan said, peering over Brett's shoulder. "Or at least he did in college."

  Brett arched a brow and sniffed, feigning shock. "Have no idea what you mean. But now that you mention it, I haven't hugged your sisters yet."

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  She grinned as he hugged Shannon and shook hands with Max. Her eyes widened when his hug for Kaitlyn was much more subdued. Kaitlyn cocked her head to the side and studied Brett as he walked away, her brows knit in a tight frown.

  Sophie wondered if Kaitlyn sensed the same things within Brett that she had.

  Kaitlyn seemed very astute and in touch with people's emotions. In that, they were kindred spirits.

  But it wasn't her place to pry. She didn't even know Brett McGregor, and she'd make sure to keep her instincts closed where he was concerned. Whatever it was he bore within himself, it wasn't something he wanted people to know about.

  She also met two of Lissa's cousins, Sean and Loretta, also part of the wedding party.

  "Where are your parents?" she asked Lissa.

  "Aidan's mom and dad are picking them up at the hotel. They flew in just this morning."

  "How long are they staying?"

  Lissa rolled her eyes. "I'm actually surprised they even came, being the busy professional couple they are. They're just going to be here until right after the wedding.

  Mom has to finish her dress fitting and such, so that's why we're having the rehearsal a couple days before the wedding instead of the night before. So many details and Dad just couldn't get away from the firm soon enough to get them out here too many days before."

  "And how are you doing?" she asked Lissa.

  "Perversely calm, actually," she said, her gaze flitting to Aidan. "Everything is as it should be."

  Sophie felt that, too. "You're right. It's all going to be fine."

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  Lissa hugged her. "I can't thank you enough for stepping in for Susie. She felt awful about having to drop out, but she's having a really tough time with morning sickness and just didn't think she could handle it."

  "It's no problem, as I've told you a hundred times. I'm just honored you thought to ask me."

  "Well, you're practically family already, Sophie."

  If only that were true. Judging from the daggers shooting from Logan's eyes, she'd never be officially family. She'd done her best to keep her distance from him the past week, despite the intense desire to see him.

  Hoping that he'd see the light and come to her, she'd been disappointed when he hadn't called or come by the shop. Her nights had been fitful at best, and she hadn't slept well.

  The visions had returned, and were growing stronger. She hadn't shared that with anyone, especially Angelina. The last thing Angelina needed to worry about was some impending disaster right before her son's wedding.

  Speaking of Angelina, she strolled through the doors of the church, laughing gaily with a lovely woman about the same age. Introductions were made and Sophie met Lissa's parents.

  She'd been there thirty minutes and had spoken to everyone...except Logan, who avoided her like she had some communicable disease. When she moved over to one side of the church, he went to the opposite side.

  Really, this was getting ridiculous.

  Father John, the parish priest, called everyone to attention and began to give instructions.

  "Come on, belle femme, let's dazzle them together up the aisle."

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  Sophie turned and smiled at Brett, then linked her arm in his and walked down to the foyer. Logan, as best man, would be paired with Shannon, the maid of honor. She felt his eyes on her back as they made their way to the church entrance.

  Father John explained who would walk first and when, and they began to practice as the organist played music. The men would walk down the aisle with the women, except for Lissa, of course, who would be accompanied down the aisle by her father, while Aidan waited at the altar.

  The music began and the parents went down first. Lissa's cousins followed, then Max and Kaitlyn.

  Sophie met Brett at the door. He lifted her hand and kissed it, then graced her with a dazzling smile. "Ready, beautiful?"

  A quick glance at Logan showed him to be less than pleased with Brett's flirting.

  Good. She winked at Brett. "I'm all yours."

  They walked slowly down the aisle, then parted as they reached the entrance to the altar. Sophie turned and watched Logan and Shannon walk together.

  His jaw was clenched tight and she felt the anger simmering underneath.

  But was he angry at her? And why? Because Brett had flirted with her?

  Maybe there was hope after all.

  Once rehearsal was over, they piled into their cars and headed over to the hotel for dinner.

  A private ballroom had been set aside for dinner. She was assigned to sit in between Brett and Max, as they were seated according to their pairings for the wedding.

  Logan ended up sitting directly across from her at the long table.

  Brett held out her chair and she scooted in, trying for a smile in Logan's direction.

  Nothing. No smile, barely a nod to acknowledge her.

  Yes, he was definitely pissed off.

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  Winter Ice

  Well, let him be. She'd done nothing wrong. She'd stayed away from him and he hadn't made a move to see her, which meant he wasn't interested.

  And she wasn't the kind to play games to make him jealous, so she was pleasant throughout dinner with both Brett and Max.

  "Do you live in New Orleans, Sophie?" Brett asked, refilling her wineglass.

  "Yes. I live right outside the city, actually. How about you?"

  "Yeah, I live in New Orleans. So, tell me, what do you do for a living?"

  She heard Logan's snort and refused to look over at him. "I own a shop in the Quarter. I tell fortunes and provide various items to those who practice magic."

  Brett's brows lifted. "No kidding? That sounds great. So, are you magically inclined?"

  "You could say so. Do you believe in magic?"

  His eyes darkened. "I used to. I don't anymore."

  Again, there was the pain she'd sensed within him earlier.

  "That's because there's no such thing as magic," Logan added.

  Shannon elbowed him in the ribs and Kaitlyn coughed. Sophie didn't respond at all.

  He was trying to bait her into an argument, and there was no way she'd let herself fall for it.

  Fortunately, Galen stood and tapped his water glass with his spoon, gathering everyone's attention.

  "To my children, Aidan and Melissa. I wish you happiness, health, and please give me grandchildren before I die."

  They all broke out into laughter. Then Logan st
ood and raised his glass to the couple.

  "It is said that love is all sustaining, in both good times and in bad. I know that we've all seen that with the love our parents have for each other. The unconditional 101

  Jaci Burton

  love they gave to all of us and have taught us to share with others. May your home be filled with never-ending love, and may the circle of your hearts never be broken."

  Sophie was in awe of his words and near tears from the sincerity in his voice. What he'd said felt to her as if he'd spoken from his heart.

  Was he acting, or did he truly believe in the power of love? He certainly hadn't yet demonstrated a profound belief in love.

  At least not with her.

  Maybe that was the problem. Maybe she was the problem. Was she beating her head against an icy, impenetrable wall?

  "You're second-guessing yourself again," Angelina whispered when she hugged her.

  "Probably. I just don't know, Angelina. He's so...angry."

  She shook her head. "A defense mechanism. He's trying to convince himself that he doesn't need you, and to do that he has to find some kind of fault with you. Be patient."

  "I'll try."

  "Try harder. Go talk to him. You look beautiful tonight."

  She grinned. "Thank you. Okay, I'll give it a shot."

  Logan didn't see her approach as he listened to Max and Brett engaged in conversation.

  She stopped behind him, not sure how to begin or what she'd even say to him.

  This was a really bad idea, and she felt stupid.

  But then Max and Brett moved away and he turned to her, arching a brow.

  "Hey," she said, then mentally kicked herself. Brilliant opening line, Sophie.

  "Hey. You look...nice."

  "Thanks. So do you."

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  Okay, now they were reduced to polite pleasantries. She had to think of something, and fast.

  "I'm surprised you aren't hanging out with Brett. You two seemed to hit it off tonight."

  She tilted her head, unsure of what her next move should be. She decided to go with honesty. "Would it matter to you if I did?"

  "Do you want to?"

  "I asked you first. Would it matter if I did?"

  He opened his mouth to speak, then shut it quickly. Finally, he said, "I don't know.

  Maybe. Brett's not for you, anyway."

  "You don't get to decide who's for me and who isn't."

  "Trust me, Sophie. He isn't ready for a woman in his life."

  "Why not?"

  "I can't say. Just trust me. Brett isn't the right man for you."

  "Then who is, Logan? Or do you just want me away from everyone you know?"