Updated Nov 27, 2025 • ~9 min read
Jo was having a great day.
Client loved her latest designs. Olive was being remarkably well-behaved. Logan had texted her approximately fifteen sweet messages before noon.
Everything was perfect.
Which, of course, meant the universe was about to throw a wrench in the works.
Jo decided to surprise Logan at the shop with lunch—his favorite sandwiches from the deli down the street. She’d texted Carlie to make sure he didn’t have a client, gotten the all-clear, and headed over.
The shop was busy when she arrived. Carlie waved from the front desk, currently helping a client fill out paperwork.
“He’s in his studio,” Carlie called. “Go on back.”
Jo headed toward the back, sandwiches in hand, smiling at the thought of Logan’s face when he saw her.
She stopped dead at the doorway.
Logan was in his studio, yes. But he wasn’t alone.
A woman sat on his work table, long legs crossed, dark hair falling in perfect waves. She was gorgeous—the kind of effortless beautiful that made Jo immediately aware of her own messy bun and casual jeans.
And she was laughing at something Logan said, hand on his arm, familiar and comfortable.
Jo’s stomach dropped.
Logan looked up, saw her, and his expression shifted immediately. “Jo. Hey. I didn’t know you were coming by.”
“Surprise,” Jo said weakly, holding up the sandwich bag. “I brought lunch.”
The woman turned, examining Jo with sharp green eyes. “Oh. This must be the girlfriend Carlie mentioned.”
“Jo, this is Marissa Smith,” Logan said. His voice was carefully neutral. “My former business partner.”
Former business partner.
Not ex-girlfriend.
So why did it feel like there was more to the story?
“Nice to meet you,” Jo said, trying to sound normal instead of like her anxiety was spiking. “I didn’t mean to interrupt.”
“You’re not interrupting,” Logan said quickly. “Marissa was just leaving.”
“Actually, I was hoping we could grab lunch,” Marissa said, still perched on Logan’s table. “Catch up properly. We have so much to discuss.”
Logan’s jaw tightened almost imperceptibly. “I have plans.”
“Oh.” Marissa looked at the sandwiches in Jo’s hands. “Well, I suppose I can join you both? Get to know the woman who finally locked down Logan Marchand.”
Finally. Locked down. Like he was some kind of prize.
“That’s okay,” Jo heard herself say. “You two should catch up. I can come back later.”
“Jo—” Logan started.
“Really, it’s fine. I’ll see you tonight.” Jo set the sandwich bag on the counter. “Enjoy lunch.”
She left before Logan could protest, practically fleeing the shop.
Outside, Jo leaned against the building and tried to catch her breath.
That was Logan’s ex. Had to be. The familiar way Marissa touched him, the comfortable body language, the “finally locked down” comment.
And she was beautiful. Confident. The kind of woman who belonged in Logan’s world.
Unlike Jo, who brought sandwiches and drowned in her own insecurity.
Jo’s phone buzzed immediately.
Logan: That was not what it looked like.
Jo: What did it look like?
Logan: I don’t know but whatever you’re thinking, it’s not that.
Jo: You don’t know what I’m thinking.
Logan: Yes I do. You’re spiraling. Don’t spiral. Please.
Jo: I’m not spiraling.
Jo: Okay I’m spiraling a little.
Logan: Marissa is my former business partner. She sold me her half of the shop two years ago. That’s it. She’s in town for a conference and stopped by.
Jo: She seemed very comfortable with you.
Logan: We dated briefly. Five years ago. It didn’t work out. We stayed friends and business partners. Then she moved to Seattle. End of story.
So they HAD dated.
Jo’s stomach churned.
Jo: She’s beautiful.
Logan: You’re beautiful.
Jo: She’s sophisticated.
Logan: You’re sunshine personified.
Jo: Logan.
Logan: Jo. I love YOU. Not her. Not anyone else. You. Only you.
Jo: I know. I’m sorry. I’m being ridiculous.
Logan: You’re being human. Can I see you after work? Talk properly?
Jo: Yes please.
Logan: I love you.
Jo: I love you too.
Jo went home and tried not to overthink.
(She absolutely overthought.)
By the time Logan showed up at seven, Jo had convinced herself that Marissa was perfect for him and he was going to realize it any second.
“Hey,” Logan said when she opened the door. He looked tired. Stressed.
“Hey.”
He stepped inside, pulling her into a hug immediately. “I’m sorry about today.”
“You didn’t do anything wrong.”
“I should have texted you that she was there. Given you a heads up instead of letting you walk into that.”
Jo pulled back. “You didn’t know I was coming. It’s not your fault.”
“Still. I saw your face. You were hurt.”
“I was surprised. And maybe a little jealous.”
“You have nothing to be jealous of.”
“She’s your ex. Who’s gorgeous and successful and clearly still comfortable around you.”
Logan guided her to the couch, sitting close. “Okay. Full story. Marissa and I dated for about six months, five years ago. It was casual. We worked together, it seemed convenient. But we never really connected. Not like—” He stopped. “Not like you and me. Nothing like us. We broke up, stayed friends, she eventually moved to Seattle for better opportunities. She still owns a shop there. That’s it.”
“Why is she back?”
“Tattoo convention this weekend. She stopped by to say hi. Catch up. I haven’t seen her in over a year.”
“She wanted to have lunch with you.”
“And I said no. Because I had plans with my girlfriend.”
“I told you to go.”
“I didn’t want to go. I wanted to have lunch with you. Like we planned.”
Jo searched his face. “You really don’t have feelings for her?”
“Not even a little bit. Jo, I barely remembered what we were like together until she showed up today. That’s how unmemorable it was.”
“But she’s so—”
“Not you. She’s not you. And that’s all that matters to me.”
Jo wanted to believe him. She did believe him. But the insecurity lingered.
“What if she wants you back?” Jo asked quietly.
“Then she’s going to be disappointed. Because I’m very taken.”
“You’re sure?”
Logan cupped her face, forcing her to meet his eyes. “I’m in love with you. Not casually, not halfway. Completely. You’re it for me, Jo Abbott. I don’t want anyone else. I never will.”
Jo’s eyes stung. “Promise?”
“I promise. Do you believe me?”
“I’m trying to.”
“Then keep trying. I’ll keep proving it until you do.”
They sat together in silence, Logan’s arms around her, Jo’s insecurities slowly quieting.
“I’m sorry I freaked out,” Jo said finally.
“Don’t apologize for having feelings.”
“I hate being jealous. It’s so ugly.”
“It’s human. You care about me. That means the possibility of losing me scares you. I get it.”
“Do you ever get jealous?”
“Constantly.”
Jo pulled back to look at him. “Really?”
“That guy at your coffee shop who always flirts with you? Hate him. The client who keeps requesting video calls instead of emails? Annoying. Anyone who looks at you too long? I want to mark my territory like a territorial animal.”
“That’s… kind of hot?”
“It’s caveman behavior.”
“Still hot.”
Logan smiled, the tension finally breaking. “We’re both disasters.”
“Perfect disasters together.”
“Exactly.”
They ordered dinner and tried to return to normal. But Jo couldn’t quite shake the image of Marissa on Logan’s table, familiar and beautiful and from his past.
Later, as Logan got ready to leave (he had an early appointment), Jo said, “Will you see her again? While she’s in town?”
Logan paused. “She invited me to drinks tomorrow. Old tattoo community thing. A bunch of artists from the convention.”
Jo’s stomach dropped. “Oh.”
“I said no.”
“You did?”
“Yes. Because I’d rather spend time with you.”
“Logan, you can go. I’m not going to stop you from seeing friends.”
“She’s not really a friend. We’re friendly, but we’re not close. Haven’t been in years.”
“Still. If you want to go—”
“Do you want me to go?”
“No.”
“Then I won’t.”
“That’s not fair. I don’t want to be the controlling girlfriend.”
Logan sighed. “Okay. Different question. Would it make you more or less anxious if I went?”
Jo considered. “Honestly? More anxious. At least right now. Maybe when I’m less in my head about it, I wouldn’t care. But right now? I’d spend the whole night imagining worst-case scenarios.”
“Then I’m not going. Easy decision.”
“You’re giving up social time for my anxiety?”
“I’m choosing my girlfriend’s comfort over drinks with people I barely know. That’s not a sacrifice. That’s basic priorities.”
Jo’s chest filled with warmth. “I love you.”
“I love you too.”
After Logan left, Jo immediately called Erika.
“Logan’s gorgeous ex showed up at his shop,” she announced.
“Oh no.”
“Oh yes. Former business partner who he dated. She’s in town for a convention. She’s beautiful and sophisticated and I’m spiraling.”
“What did Logan say?”
“That it was years ago, meant nothing, he’s in love with me.”
“And you believe him?”
“Logically, yes. Emotionally, I’m a mess.”
“That’s your anxiety talking. Logan’s proven himself over and over. He’s not going anywhere.”
“But what if—”
“No. No what-ifs. Logan loves you. You love him. Some ex showing up doesn’t change that.”
“She asked him to drinks tomorrow.”
“Is he going?”
“He said no. Because I’d be anxious about it.”
“See? He chose you. That means something.”
It did mean something.
Logan had chosen her.
Without hesitation.
So why couldn’t Jo let go of the fear?
Jo: Thank you for choosing me tonight.
Logan: Always going to choose you. Stop overthinking.
Jo: Can’t help it. It’s my superpower.
Logan: Then I’ll just keep reassuring you until you believe me.
Jo: That might take a while.
Logan: I have time. I have forever.
Jo fell asleep thinking about forever.
And trying very hard to believe in it.
Even with beautiful exes showing up.
Even with her anxiety screaming warnings.
Even with all the what-ifs crowding her mind.
She’d try to believe.
Because Logan was worth it.
And so was she.
At least, she hoped so.
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