My Sassy 5

I was buried in emails when a soft knock sounded on my office door. I looked up to see Logan leaning against the frame, a hint of mischief in his eyes.

“Busy?” he asked.

“Always,” I replied, not breaking stride on my keyboard. “What’s up?”

He stepped inside, looking oddly formal, even a little nervous, which caught my attention. Logan Pierce wasn’t one to fumble over words. He waited until I looked up, raising a brow, before he said, “I wanted to ask if you’d join me as my date for a fundraiser event tomorrow night.”

His words hung in the air, and I blinked in surprise. “Date?” I repeated, as if testing the weight of the word.

“Yeah,” he said, smiling. “It’s a charity event at the Met. Black tie, very much a who’s-who situation. I thought you’d make a better impression than anyone else I could bring.” He gave me a slight smirk, though I could tell he was waiting for my answer.

I leaned back, crossing my arms. “And you think it’s a good idea to bring a colleague as your date to something like this?”

He shrugged. “Why not? We’d be going as colleagues and partners on the project, of course. It just happens to include fancy attire and good food.”

I gave him a skeptical look. “Logan, you’re asking me to show up with you on your arm at one of the most exclusive events in the city. People will talk.”

His eyes held a challenge. “And are you worried about that?”

I swallowed, forcing myself to stay calm. “Maybe a little. I’m not a fan of being the topic of gossip.”

“Then we’ll just give them something better to talk about.” He smiled, his eyes warm. “Aliyah, I’ll admit it. I could take anyone, but I don’t want to take anyone. I’d like to go with you.”

He had a way of saying things that made my heart race, despite myself. I looked down, fiddling with my pen, before finally nodding. “Alright. As long as we’re clear on one thing—this is strictly professional. You know that, right?”

Logan’s grin grew wider, and he gave a nod that was way too smug for my liking. “Crystal clear.”

Aliyah sighed as she really didn't want to go but in the end, she said yes. Well, it's about work and it will not harm her in any way.

I went to see my father for this event and to my surprise, Dad doesn't care at all. This is new! I was ready to rebut since my dear father doesn't like it when I am exposed to everyone but as soon as this dear father of mine, heard about me being with Logan at an event, he readily agreed without hesitation.

In the end, without anything that could hinder, m father did not do something to make it hard for me.

As we walked into the grand hall of the Met, I couldn’t help but feel everyone’s eyes on us. I’d spent a little more time than usual getting ready, but I didn’t expect the reaction. Logan’s hand rested lightly on my back, guiding me through the crowd, and his touch was a constant reminder that I was stepping way out of my comfort zone.

The event was stunning—waitstaff glided by with champagne, soft jazz played in the background, and the room sparkled with chandeliers. I stole a glance at Logan, who looked every bit the powerful billionaire in his black tux, and tried to ignore the warmth that spread through me as he guided us towards a group of people.

As we made our rounds, I realized the effect of Logan’s attention. People were curious, casting lingering glances, whispering as we passed. A few of Logan’s colleagues greeted me with surprised smiles, eyes widening as they glanced between us, and I felt a strange thrill knowing I fit so naturally by his side.

“You’re stealing the spotlight,” Logan murmured as we paused for drinks.

“Me?” I scoffed, pretending I hadn’t noticed.

He chuckled, giving me a look that could’ve melted ice. “Told you it was a good idea to bring you. You fit right in. Honestly, I couldn’t imagine anyone else here with me.”

I felt my cheeks warm, brushing it off with a smirk. “Glad I could do you proud."

He leaned in close, his voice just a murmur. “More than proud. You’re perfect, Aliyah.”

I met his gaze, heart thudding in my chest as our eyes locked for a long moment. The noise and people around us faded, and for once, I didn’t care who was watching.

The evening was in full swing, with guests mingling and the buzz of conversation filling the air. Logan and I were just finishing a conversation with one of his business partners when a well-dressed man with a smug grin walked over and clapped Logan on the shoulder.

"Logan, my man!" he said, giving me a curious glance. “Didn’t expect to see you with such…lively company tonight.”

Logan gave a polite smile, but before he could respond, the man turned his full attention to me. "And who might you be?" he asked, the question clearly more directed at Logan than me.

I felt the annoyance bubble up. Nothing irked me more than people talking about me like I wasn’t standing right there. Straightening, I turned my gaze directly on him, a pleasant but unmistakably pointed smile on my face.

"She might be Aliyah Whitmore," I said, arching a brow. "I could have sworn we’d been introduced already, but I’m happy to remind you personally.”

The man blinked, slightly taken aback, and Logan’s eyes gleamed with a hint of amusement.

“Oh, of course,” the friend said, stammering a little, his cheeks coloring. "Apologies, I didn’t mean to…"

I tilted my head, adding with a calm smile, "I just prefer people ask me questions directly instead of acting like I’m an accessory." I gave a small, polite shrug, letting my words sink in. “You’ll find it’s a much smoother conversation that way.”

The friend cleared his throat, glancing at Logan, who was biting back a smirk.

“Noted, Miss Whitmore,” he said with a wry smile, finally meeting my gaze. “Forgive me. Logan has clearly found himself a woman with…spirit.”

“And I’m lucky enough to keep up with him,” I replied smoothly, turning to Logan with a smile that was both demure and challenging.

Logan grinned, clearly entertained, before slipping an arm around me, his tone warm. “Aliyah’s just the kind of company I like.”

The night had been a blur of introductions and champagne, and Logan was clearly enjoying parading me around as his “date.” I could see the satisfaction in his eyes every time someone looked at us and raised an eyebrow. But when his friend from earlier sidled up again with a smirk, the conversation took an unexpected turn.

“Logan,” his friend said, grinning, “I have to hand it to you. I didn’t think you’d find someone who could match you like this. Aliyah’s got style and wit—rare combination. So… is she officially your girl?”

Before Logan could even open his mouth, I placed a hand lightly on his arm, turning my gaze to his friend with a smile that was as polite as it was pointed.

“Oh, let’s be clear,” I said smoothly, “I’m nobody’s girl. I’m here as Logan’s… colleague.” I let the word settle with a slight arch of my brow, a hint of amusement in my tone. “If he wants to change that, he’ll have to step up his game a bit.”

Logan’s friend barked out a laugh, clapping him on the shoulder. “Hear that, Pierce? You’ve got some work to do.” He shot me an approving nod. “Respect, Aliyah. You’re a tough one to catch.”

Logan let out a long, theatrical sigh, shaking his head but clearly holding back a grin. “I know, I know. It’s a challenge I’m more than willing to take on.”

I rolled my eyes, though I couldn’t quite stop the smile tugging at my lips. “Good luck, then. You’ll need it.”

Logan gave me a look that was equal parts exasperated and intrigued, muttering just loud enough for me to hear, “Wouldn’t want it any other way.”