Shattered (Willow Creek Book 1)

by A. K. MacBride

  "You gonna keep giving me grief or are you handing over that pie?"

  Chase handed me the pie but kept a grip on the plate. "She's not like the women you're used to, Logan."

  "Figured as much." With a pull, I retrieved the plate from Chase and promptly forked a large piece into my mouth. Irritation grating on me like sandpaper to my bones.

  Chase sighed, "I meant, you have to approach her differently. She's skittish. Reminds me of a stray that hasn't had too much human contact. If you crowd her with your loud personality, she's gonna tuck her tail between her legs and hightail outta here, or she's gonna bare her teeth and attack."

  Swallowing half-chewed pie chunks, my head snapped up, and I stared at my brother, "Did you just compare her to a dog? And you say I have issues?"

  "I'm trying to give you advice, dumbass." Chase slapped a palm against my shoulder blade. "If you want her to notice you, you have to be smart about it. Subtly plant yourself in her daily life. Coax her out of her shell."

  Animal analogies aside, my brother had a point. I didn't know a damn thing about being subtle, but I'd do just about anything to get Harper's attention.

  I liked the reflection staring back at me, not because it was beautiful, but because it didn't resemble the weak person I had once been. Gone was Sarah Mercer. In her place a woman who was finally happy. Assuming the identity of Harper Evans had been a lot easier than I'd thought it would be.

  I'd even managed to keep off Drew's radar for six years. That could also have to do with the fact that I never stayed in one place for too long. Life on the run was not the life I'd wanted for Flynn. I'd give just about anything to provide that boy with the stable home he deserved. But if Drew somehow found out about him-

  I couldn't even bear to think about that.

  Forcing the melancholic thoughts out of my brain, I gathered my thick hair and pinned it into a messy knot on top of my head. Happy with my appearance, I padded to the nightstand to grab my phone. Movement from beyond the window caught my eye, and my gaze automatically snapped to it.

  No matter how many times I'd been privy to my neighbor returning from his morning run, I would never get used to it. My interest in men had been severely lacking until I landed in Willow Creek. The big grizzly of a man known as Logan Jackson had kick-started my heart within seconds of introductions.

  His warm whiskey-eyes and easy smile had turned my insides to mush so fast; it terrified me. Reason warned me that it'd be in my best interest to avoid him at all costs–not an easy task when only a measly fence separated us, and he insisted on taking his morning run in nothing but basketball shorts and trainers.

  Even from as far away as I was, I could still see his dripping wet chest heave due to his strenuous exertions. With an equal amount of fascination and awe, I watched his back and shoulder muscles bunch as he dragged a towel over his drenched neck. I'd fantasized about feeling those hard muscles beneath my fingertips more times than I cared to admit.

  I could only imagine the things he could do with his big, manly hands. Or the words he'd whisper with his sexy, raspy voice. The feel of his beard as he scraped it along my skin…

  Fantasies were all I allowed myself to have. I had to think about Flynn first, and it would be unfair to let him get close to someone when I knew that we'd be leaving again in a couple of months. Which was sad really because Willow Creek was the first place to feel like home.

  "Mommy!" As if the thought of him alone roused him from his deep slumber, Flynn came barreling into my room, his arms outstretched and hair standing in every direction. Straight away, I dropped to my haunches and braced for the warm body that launched at me.

  "Hey, baby." I pressed a kiss to his soft cheek and inhaled his scent. My boy. "Did you have good dreams last night?"

  "Mmm hmm, I was flying."

  "Wow, flying, huh? That must've been amazing."

  I could feel my smile grow wider as my little boy tried to describe his dream in the only way a preschooler could—in great detail. He was just a little thing, but he'd impacted my life in such a large way. Without knowing it, he'd saved me. His presence had given me the strength to get away from an abusive husband and start fresh.

  Life hadn't been easy. We'd lived in various shelters over the years. I'd worked dead-end jobs and moved more times than I could count. But, I had Flynn.

  "I want pancakes for breakfast." His little voice pulled me from my thoughts.

  "Do you now?"

  Flynn's blue eyes sparkled and his face split into a wide smile. "Chocolate chip pancakes."

  "Pancakes it is."

  After dropping Flynn at preschool, I made my way to work. Like every other morning, I stopped by the animals first before getting everything ready for Chase at the clinic. Dozer's hoarse bark reached my ears before I was even within visual distance.

  "Good morning to you too," I crouched in front of the pup's cage and was instantly rewarded with doggy kisses. My heart bled for every animal in the shelter. How people could just abandon their pets without a thought, boggled my mind completely. Maybe one day, when running was no longer needed, I could find a nice big place and adopt as many animals as possible. Flynn would love that.

  When all of the animals were fed and loved up, I headed for the clinic only to find that Chase was already there.

  "Morning," he always greeted me with a warm smile on his face. Out of the three brothers, Chase was the only one with whom I could have a conversation with. He was open and friendly, and I'd felt at ease in his company within days of meeting him. Maybe because there was no spark, he was nothing more than a friend.

  Eli, the oldest of the Jackson brother—also the town Sheriff - made me feel uncomfortable. He always stared at me with a suspicious glint in his eye. I was confident that the man did not like me at all. And then there was Logan. The only man who'd succeeded in waking my body up with nothing more than a look.

  Yes, Chase was undoubtedly the safer option.

  "You're here early," I said as I rounded my desk and stabbed my computer's power button.

  "Yeah," deep frown lines formed on Chase's forehead. "Had to pick up an abandoned kitten early this morning. Poor girl has it rough. She's missing a leg and her sight."

  "Oh, how sad." I busied myself with pulling the day's patient files. "I didn't see a newcomer in the den." The den was the building that housed all the animals that either needed forever homes or were there to be looked after while their owners were away.

  "She's in the kitchen. I wanted to give her some food and water, but she refused to go near the bowls while I was there." Chase pulled the appointment book closer and scanned over it.

  "We did good this weekend. Enough funds were raised to care for the animals for another couple of months, and a few pups were adopted."

  "That's great."

  Chase tapped the wooden surface twice. "You've done good work here, Harper." As I watched my boss disappear down the hall, I couldn't stop the smile from spreading on my face. Being appreciated felt amazing.

  The morning flew by in a blur, and before long it was time for lunch. Hungry, I pushed out of my chair at the same time as the little bell above the door chimed. With my butt halfway off my seat and my body still awkwardly bent over, a pair of soft brown eyes locked onto mine.

  On cue, my heart kick-started, and it just seemed to thump faster as Logan steadily ambled toward my desk. The man moved with an unapologetic swagger. Each step exuded confidence and pure masculinity.

  When he came to a stop in front of me, my nostrils flared as his manly scent assaulted my senses. Something woody and spicy and, because he was the town mechanic, there was the slightest hint of motor oil too. It was all very appealing to me. He seemed like a man who knew how to work with his hands. And, I'd like to have those hands-

  "Hey, Sugar. Chase in?"

  If I was capable of blushing, my cheeks would have burned bright red. Luckily for me, and thanks to Drew, I'd mastered the art of schooling my expressions a long time ago. S
traightening to my full height—which was a measly five foot four—I braced my fingertips on the edge of my desk.

  "No, he left a couple of minutes ago. Mr. Henderson's mare has difficulty calving."

  As casual as can be, Logan ran his palm over his beard and scanned the empty waiting room. When those soul-searching eyes of his landed on me again, his lip quirked into a small smile. "Maybe you can help me then?"

  "Uh…sure. What can I do for you?"

  For a long second, he just stared at me, his lip twitching as if he was holding back a full-on grin. "I'm looking to add to my family."

  Momentarily stunned into silence, I blinked a couple of times, looking like a loon in the process. "Uh…" and apparently I'd forgotten how to speak too.

  "Wanna adopt a furry companion, Sugar. Can you help me or is it just my brother who handles re-homing?"

  Right. Logan wanted to adopt. That, I could handle. "No, I can help you." I stooped and pulled a stack of papers from the middle drawer, placing them in front of Logan when I rounded my desk.

  "You'll have to fill out these forms and Chase will do a home-check first. But let me take you to the den-"

  "No need," Logan interrupted. "If he hasn't found a home yet, I want Dozer."

  "Well, alright then." I bent over my desk to retrieve a pen and when I turned back to Logan, I could've sworn he was checking out my butt. Before I could say anything, though, he plucked the pen out of my hand and started scribbling on the papers in front of him.

  With his face a mask of concentration, I pretended to busy myself, but instead, I took the time to study him up close. If ever someone could be called moving art, it would be Logan. His colorful skin fascinated me. Intricate designs started at the back of his hand and traveled the length of his corded arm, disappearing beneath the material of his fitted black tee. I knew, from watching him return from his runs, that his back and torso also held more ink.

  In my late night fantasies, I'd imagined myself running my fingers over every line then following the same path with my tongue.

  "That all you need?" His thick, raspy voice cut through my thoughts as he pushed the papers back toward me.

  Giving them a quick once over, I nodded. "Looks good. I'll hand it over to Chase and he'll give you a call."

  Just as his brother had done earlier in the day, Logan tapped the desk twice. "Thanks, Sugar. See ya around."

  It was only when the bell chimed, signaling his exit, that I slumped back in my seat and sighed. If only things in my life were different.

  I needed a distraction.

  Logan had been stuck in my head since I'd seen him before lunch. While grabbing items off the shelves, I decided that cooking dinner for Lizzy and Flynn was just the thing to take my mind off of my too-damn-sexy neighbor and sex—or more specifically, sex with said neighbor.

  After I'd grabbed all the ingredients I needed for my spaghetti and meatballs, and a few extra necessities, I paid for the goods and hugged the brown paper bag close to my chest as I walked to my car.

  I was so focused on where I was going that I didn't notice the stick in my way until it was too late. The lip of my sandal got caught, and I stumbled forward sending my groceries flying through the air with my body following suit.

  With outstretched arms and palms facing down, I managed not to hug the concrete with my face. On my hands and knees, I breathed a heavy sigh. I was about to throw my head back and laugh at myself when a pair of black boots came into view.

  I had a sinking feeling that I knew who those boots belonged to. Utterly mortified, I slowly let my gaze travel upward over the fit legs covered in denim. My suspicions were confirmed when I found Logan Jackson with an outstretched arm and a grin on his face. First, I slammed into his back on Saturday, and now, two days later, I was one with the ground again.

  My eyes flitted between his hand and his face. I genuinely didn't want to touch him because I just knew it'd affect me in some way. But refusing his help would also be rude. With an internal sigh, I slipped my hand into his.

  His calloused palm scraped along mine and enveloped my hand in warmth when he closed his fingers. I hadn't expected his grip to be strong but yet gentle at the same time. I made the mistake of looking him in the eyes when he pulled me to my feet. I swear he could see all my secrets. It was a little unsettling.

  "Thanks," I muttered. Needing space from this man, I pulled my hand free at once and started picking up my scattered groceries.

  "Lemme help." I didn't have time to decline his offer because he was already retrieving some of the fallen items. Luckily the paper bag was still intact, so we could load it up again.

  We had picked up most of the stuff when I noticed him frowning at two boxes in his hands. I followed his gaze and almost gasped out loud. In one hand he held my box of tampons and in the other my wax strips.

  "You can just toss those in here." Embarrassed out of my mind, I held the bag toward him.

  Logan's eyes lifted to mine, his brows still slightly drawn together, and then they set off at a leisurely perusal along the length of my body. All I could do was try to not fidget on the spot.

  "Right," the thick rasp of his voice rolled over my skin. Stepping toward me, Logan carefully dropped the two boxes into the bag. "You need help to get that to your car."

  "I'll manage."

  He gave a slow, contemplative nod, and I quickly added, "Thanks for the help."

  "You be careful now."

  I gave him a quick smile that probably looked more like constipation than gratitude before I hurried to my old Nissan. Only when I slid in behind the steering wheel did I allow myself to let out a breath. I couldn't have embarrassed myself any more even if I tried.

  At least I wouldn't have to worry about avoiding Logan; he'd likely cross the street whenever he saw me coming. Shaking my head at my silliness, I stuck the key in the ignition and turned it.

  Nothing.

  "No, no, no. Please don't start this crap today. Not. Today." I sucked in a breath and tried the key again.

  Nothing.

  "Stupid car." Reaching into my back pocket, I pulled out my phone just to find it in the same state as my piece-of-crap Nissan—dead. "Are you freaking kidding me?" Just as I dropped my head in defeat, two taps sounded against my window. I didn't want to, but I chanced a look, anyway.

  Sure enough, there was Logan motioning for me to roll down the window. Reluctantly I reached for the handle and moments later the piece of glass separating us disappeared.

  "Pop the hood, Sugar."

  With no other choice, I did as I was told and watched Logan stride toward the front of my car. For what seemed like ages—but were possibly just minutes—he fidgeted under the hood. When his head popped back out, I could tell by the look on his face that the news wasn't good.

  "She ain't taking you anywhere tonight."

  This time I didn't hide my sigh or my groan. "What's wrong with it?"

  "So many things," Logan shook his head. "I don't know how you've managed to keep her running this long. C'mon," he opened my door and waited.

  "What are you doing?"

  "I'm offering to drive you home."

  "I can't just leave my car here and weren't you on your way into the shop?"

  Logan reached into the car and peeled my fingers off of the steering wheel before tugging on my arm. "I'll get Brett to come and tow your car."

  I eyed him suspiciously as I slid out of the vehicle. Logan seemed unfazed, though, as he shut my door and moved to the trunk of my car.

  "And your shopping?" I asked.

  "Nothing that can't be done tomorrow." After he'd retrieved my groceries, he tilted his head to the right. "I'm parked this way." With that he strode toward his car, leaving me with no other option than to trail behind him.

  Once we reached his truck, Logan placed my groceries in the back seat and then held the passenger door open for me. "You don't have to take me home. If I could just use your cell to call Lizzy real quick, she can come and pick m
e up." He didn't answer. Instead, one thick, dark eyebrow arched while he cocked his head to the side.

  That look was enough to send liquid heat racing through my veins. Without another word, I climbed into the cab and waited as Logan rounded the vehicle to fill the space beside me.

  "Do we need to pick up Flynn from Zelda's?" His question came just as we exited the parking lot. Willow Creek was a small town, so it wasn't strange for Logan to know where Flynn was in school.

  Shaking my head, I answered, "No. Lizzy picked him up earlier; they're already home." I never knew how having a friend could add to my life until I let Lizzy in. It had taken her months to get past all my walls, but when I eventually opened up—just a little—I was rewarded with a great friendship.

  Silence stretched between us, and I didn't like it. It gave me too much time to think. And way too much time to stare at his big hands gently curled around the steering wheel or at the strand of hair falling across his forehead. What I really wanted to do was reach over, brush it away from his face and bury my fingers in his thick mane.

  Get a grip, Harper. "What made you decide to adopt?"

  Logan's eyes flicked to mine for a second before returning to the road, and the corner of his mouth pulled into a smile. "I get lonely in that house by myself, figured I need some company."

  Him, lonely? Yeah, I seriously doubted that. He likely had a long line of women just waiting to keep him company. I wasn't a betting woman, but I'd put all my money on the fact that not a single one of those women left his bed unsatisfied. With that ridiculously in shape body, he most certainly had stamina for days. And I wasn't even going to get started on what those big hands of his could do. I was obsessed with them.

  "I think the better question is why don't you have a backyard full of animals?" The sexy rasp of his voice stopped my mind from getting too carried away and forced me back to the matter at hand and a question I definitely didn't want to answer.