Heart of Steel by Jennifer Probst Page A

months of hard work as she struggled to make a profit on a business she believed in, but others mocked. “I’ve reached a point where there seems to be enough demand to increase classes and hire more help. There’s so much more I want to do here. When I first decided to develop the Yoga and Arts Center I knew I wanted a place where people could escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. I stumbled upon this building when I visited a meditation retreat close by. I knew immediately this was what I had been looking for.”
     
         He watched her from across the room with curiosity. “This was an enormous undertaking for anyone. Did you have help?”
     
         The shutter dropped over her face and closed off all emotion. “No,” she said softly. “I did this by myself.”
     
         “But now you need me.”
     
         Her gaze cut to his. Fire glittered within her eyes, reminding him of emeralds catching the sun. “I needed an opportunity to show how my program could work. If you had declined my proposal, I would’ve found someone else.”
     
         He closed the distance between them. Her head tilted back to look at him with defiance. “But you didn’t.” Logan ran his finger along the side of her jaw. “You found me. You’re mine now. You belong to me.”
     
         Raw, sexual energy sizzled in the air. She fought for breath as her fingers curled into tight fists to hold herself back from touching him. She wanted him. Wanted his mouth on hers, his hands on her body, his taste against her tongue. All the weeks of abstinence only increased her hunger. Logan growled something under his breath, either a curse or a prayer, and his head lowered toward hers. His arms reached out to snag her and draw her closer and—
     
         “Chandler!”
     
         Her name echoed through the room. He released her, never taking his gaze from her face. Chandler shook herself out of the sensual spell and turned, torn between relief and regret at the interruption.
     
         Harry rushed through the entrance in his usual manner and stopped short when he spotted them. “Oh!” He hesitated. “Sorry, I didn’t know you were busy.”
     
         She waved him in. “It’s okay, we were just finishing up.” She made the introductions and watched them shake hands. Logan acted as if he was measuring up a business rival. Poor Harry looked confused. “Logan was just leaving. He doesn’t like to be away from the office for too long.”
     
         “Oh, I have plenty of time,” Logan drawled. “My schedule is clear for the afternoon. So, you’re Chandler’s lawyer?”
     
         Harry beamed with pride. “Yes, Chandler is my first official client. She was one of the only people who supported me though school. Even after I failed the bar she always believed in me.”
     
         “I gather you two are close friends.”
     
         Harry nodded. “We’ve known each other for years. Whenever I’m under pressure she helps me relax. I knew when she decided to open the Yoga and Arts Center she’d become a success. You were lucky to snatch her up before she’s in demand.”
     
         “She helps you relax with yoga?”
     
         “Sure. She also gives a great massage. Knows all the pressure points.”
     
         Chandler almost groaned. She knew her friend’s intentions were good, but the look on Logan’s face was quite distressing. He looked as if he could cheerfully strangle her friend. “Harry, is there something you needed?” she interrupted.
     
         “Want to have dinner tomorrow night? I need to talk to you about some things happening at work. Anyway, I’ve been craving Italian lately.”
     
         The room fell silent. Chandler dared a look at Logan’s face and was sorry she did. He looked ready to strike.
     
         His lean, muscled length coiled tight, as if to hold himself back. His jaw clenched and unclenched. She