Oh, how he loved that she was afraid of him. Smirking over her reaction, he continued to verbally go after her. “Yeah, I also heard Chrissy had herself a fine time over at Logan’s last night.”
That pissed her off. “I don’t think so, I was with Logan.”
“Oh, he may have played with you last night, but you don’t know what he did until he got to your place do you? He certainly wasn’t at dinner.”
RJ felt as if she were punched in the stomach. Her adolescent years flashed before her. So-called friends laughing behind her back, boys flirting with her, then avoiding her or seen drooling over Chrissy the next day. Could Logan have been with Chrissy?
“Yeah, that girl can turn any man’s head. You’re just fooling yourself if you think he’d want you over someone like Chrissy.”
RJ was shrinking into herself when she saw flashes of last night run through her head. Logan’s loving, both in words and touch. Could she trust that? Suddenly, there he was. Striding over towards them. Just seeing him, feeling him, gave her an emotional strength she’d struggled to find growing up.
“I think that Chrissy is the one who’s fooling herself. Logan is mine.” That last part was stated with some force just as Logan reached them. She gave him a big smile as she said it.
Logan could see the animosity flowing between RJ and her cousin as soon as he saw them. RJ looked like she was being crushed somehow and Merle was standing rigidly with his hands balled into fists. He’d quickened his pace hoping to lend support, but he was amazed when he saw her straighten while watching him and then heard her say, Logan is mine. He wanted to wrap her tightly to him with those words.
“You bet I am,” he said instead and switched his gaze to Merle. The snarl that contorted Merle’s face raised Logan’s protective instincts. Stepping up to RJ he put his arm around her waist. “Is there any doubt?”
“Look buddy, you can’t mess with both my cousins and hope to get away with it.”
Logan’s body became rigid. “What are you implying?”
“Can you deny Chrissy was at your house last night?” Merle smirked crossing his arms, settling back into his stance as he threw that dart.
“No,” Logan said and felt RJ tense under his hand. “She came over just after Brand left. Tried to come on to me. But never made it past the front door before I shut it on her.”
“Yeah, well I’m hearing a bit more went on than that, and that you were making some promises.”
Logan had never experienced such maliciousness before. If RJ believed what Merle was implying, their relationship was at risk. That was not going to happen. He’d call Brand to give RJ the timeline if necessary. He looked down at RJ. “Do I need to prove it to you?”
“Dude, you’re looking desperate.” Merle was totally enjoying this. “Must be feeling guilty about something.”
RJ was stunned by what she was hearing. She saw the plea in his eyes. Suddenly, she smiled at him. The look he gave her in return was so full of love she could almost forget Merle was still there. Twisting herself in his embrace to wrap her arms around his neck she leaned in and whispered. “You don’t have to prove anything to me.”
Logan felt his heart start beating again as the blood rushed hot through his veins. Grasping her tightly he lowered his head, capturing her lips pouring his love into her.
“You won’t win,” Merle muttered furiously as he stomped passed them into the house. Bumping Logan as he went by forcing them to break apart to regain their balance.
Logan had turned to go after him, but RJ grabbed his arms. “Don’t. Just let it go.”
Dragging his hand through his hair, Logan stared down at RJ. “How the hell did you survive that type of shit growing up?”
Shrugging she said, “I don’t know. I just retreated into myself and learned to not trust what anyone but Sandy said to me.”
Leaning his forehead against hers. “Damn, I feel bad pushing so hard and fast for your trust. Brand was right, I just didn’t understand that abused trust takes time to heal.”
“Uh, huh. Did you notice what I said a moment ago? I trust you, Logan. I might still have a problem believing some of the beautiful things you say to me but I do trust you.”
“God, I love you, Rizz.”
“Right back at you, cowboy.”
“Ready to go in?” Logan asked but paused and turned when he heard, then saw an unfamiliar truck drive up. Squinting to see into the cab, he broke into a huge grin and rushed down the porch stairs.
RJ watched, with raised eyebrows and a soft smile, as Logan gave a big whoop and wrapped the man getting out of the truck in a big hug. There was a lot of back slapping and laughing going on. Once they finished their manly hellos they walked up the stairs towards her. Having seen Jacob just once, on FaceTime, it took a moment to recognize him in person. Studying him, she saw that he was a younger version of Brand. He had the MacBride strong square jaw and lean physique. But where Brand’s face was harsh, Jacob’s face signaled a more affable personality.
“RJ, this here’s Jacob. Jacob, you remember RJ, Sandy’s sister?”
“Hey, RJ. By the looks of things when I drove up she’s more than just Sandy’s sister, bro.”
Logan wrapped his arm around RJ waist again giving her a slight squeeze. “Yeah, she is.”
“Well, then I warrant a hug don’t you think?” Jacob quipped and enfolded RJ into a brotherly hug.
Laughing, RJ hugged him back. “Welcome home.”
“Give her back,” Logan instructed playfully pulling RJ back into his arms. “Does Mom know you’re coming?”
“Nope, wanted to surprise her. Rented the truck down in Denver and enjoyed the drive up,” Jacob explained. “Is everyone here?”
“Yeah, plus some of RJ and Sandy’s family.” Logan paused not sure how to say the rest with RJ standing right there. But she took the problem out of his hands.
“And, I’ll warn you now, my mom is a clingy flirt, her boyfriend Hank is a lazy drunk, my cousin Chrissy is a bitch and other cousin Merle is mean, so watch your back.”
Jacob’s eyebrows rose higher with each description. “Whoa!”
Logan gave a slight laugh while putting his arms around RJ’s waist again. “Yeah. Whoa. But your arrival will add some more excitement to the group. Let’s go.”
As they walked into the kitchen, with Jacob behind them, Logan let out a loud, “Guess who the wind blew in.” Chaos erupted when his mother and siblings caught sight of Jacob.
20
“Can you believe the wedding is just a couple of days away?” Sandy excitedly clapped her hands as she almost squealed in delight, flopping down in a chair.
RJ and Sarah found seats next to Sandy on the little patio outside of Hannah’s Lavender House. Hannah came out with a tray holding glasses and a pitcher of iced tea. The late morning was already warm and they had just finished helping Hannah harvest lavender.
“I know. I think with this crop of lavender I can do up the bundles to help decorate for the reception,” Hannah predicted. She sat down after handing out the tea, sighing. She was tired from all the stooping and bending they did this morning. She truly appreciated the help the others gave. She was looking forward to Sandy and Clay’s wedding. Watching her brother be in love was joyous but also made her melancholy. Ever since her most recent trip to France, a couple of months ago, she couldn’t seem to find her inner balance. Apparently, it showed as Logan and Brand both tried to ask her what was wrong. Sarah tried once, but now just watched her. The blessing was that her mom never asked. Just hugged her more frequently and shared her love.
“Is everyone still good for tonight?” Sarah asked referring to their version of a bachelorette party. Sandy didn’t want to go out drinking and suggested a girls’ nights with facials, manicures, etc. Sarah volunteered to arrange it.
Sarah watched as she got slow, tentative nods from everyone. She didn’t believe in beating about the bush. The problem with being one of the youngest in a large family was you
either spoke up or you were drowned out. “What’s the problem?”
Sandy scrunched her face. “What am I going to do about Mom and Chrissy?”
“Oh. Is that all?” Sarah relaxed.
RJ gave a mirthless laugh. “Is that all? Geez, no offense, if they come I’d rather cancel. But I don’t have a solution to not invite them without causing a scene. They’ve both already asked about whether there was going to be a bachelorette party. Chrissy’s looking for a reason to go bar hopping.”
“Do you guys know, I mean really know, how lucky you are to have the family that you do?” Sandy asked.
Hannah reached over to lay her hand over Sandy’s. “Yes, we do. And now you’re going to be part of it.” She gave her a sly smile. “And, that includes you, RJ.”
“Listen up, my soon to be sister. I am a stealth master. I sneak, eavesdrop and use information to stay one step ahead. So, of course, I saw this coming. And I have concocted the most devious of plans.” Sarah rubbed her hands together in a sinister fashion.
Laughter surrounded her as she had hoped. Sitting back she waggled her eyebrows. “Wanna hear?”
“No,” Hannah teased.
“Doofus,” Sarah shot back at her sister. “So, I enlisted Mom’s help. She’s inviting Opal and Chrissy to dinner and a movie tonight. She’ll tell them that we are working on flower arrangements and cleaning out the winery’s reception and tasting rooms for the wedding reception. No offense ladies, but those two run quickly in the other direction at anything that resembles work.”
RJ stared at Sarah for a moment before lifting both of her arms, stretched them out with hands flat and bowed at Sarah as if she were mid-eastern royalty. “Brilliant, oh stealth one.”
They all laughed and raised their glasses in a toast.
“Hey, what’s so funny?” Logan asked as he and Jacob walked around from the front of the building.
The ladies looked at each other and giggled, shaking their heads at the men. “Nothing. Just being silly,” Hannah injected.
“Mind if I steal Rizz away for a few minutes?”
“Be right back,” RJ said as she stood and walked over to Logan. “What’s up?”
Logan bent and gave her a quick kiss then draped his arm over her shoulders. He led her away from the others and around the corner of the building before stopping. Crowding her up against the side of the building he leaned over and kissed her. Hard.
When they were both breathless he nibbled at her neck. “I missed you.”
Sighing, RJ kept her hands flat against the building. She knew if she touched him they would both be lost. “I just saw you this morning.”
“Yeah, but that was five hours ago.”
“Silly.” But his words warmed her soul. “Is a kiss all you needed me for?”
Logan gave her a look that made her blush. “No, but what I need you for will have to wait. I just wanted to let you know us brothers are going to take Clay into town for a final bachelor’s night out.”
RJ raised her brows. “And what might that actually entail?”
“Now, honey, don’t you be worrying. We’re only going for a few beers.”
“Sure,” she drawled while a thrill went through her at being called honey.
“Aw, you’re so cute when you’re jealous. But seriously, it’s just beers and some wings.”
“Hmmm. I’ll be late myself. We’re having our version over at Clay and Sandy’s.” She went on to tell him about Sarah’s plan to keep her mom and Chrissy busy.
“Clever. At least with Hank and Merle they don’t even try to include themselves so we’re planning on dropping off some food and beer at the RV before we leave.”
Logan heard Jacob yell for him and gave RJ a quick kiss on the nose. “I’ll see you later tonight at home, right?”
RJ’s stomach flipped nervously when he said home. She was in deep and didn’t think she wanted an out. She whispered back. “Yeah, at home.”
* * *
Chrissy sat with her knees tucked under her chin on a large flat rock, shaded by several evergreen trees and located slightly up a hill. From this position, she had a good view of the general public area. She’d watched the girls working in the lavender field then sit and talk. Envy ate at her. But watching RJ with Logan when he took her to the side of the building made her want to scream and cry. Her whole life she knew she was meant for more than the life she was living.
Now, she was watching Sandy and RJ land men that were rich and damn good looking. When Logan gave her the door, literally, she’d tried for the other brother, Brand. But he had scared her. Just looked at her like she was a piece of dirt. Sandy didn’t bother her so much but it grated that RJ could hold Logan’s attention. She always thought she was better than Chrissy. Well, she’d shown her who people loved when they were growing up. But all the men here seemed to be oblivious to what she could do for them.
“Hey,” Merle said as he ambled up the hill, huffing for breath and sat down next to her. “Saw you out here.”
Chrissy just lifted her chin in acknowledgement.
Trying to catch his breath at the higher altitude he wheezed, “How can people breathe up here?
“Guess you get used to it.”
“What’s up? You look like you’re ready to cry.”
She pointed to the group of people she’d been watching. “RJ’s got her nose so up in the air she can’t be bothered to include us. Did they ask me to help them this morning? Nope.” Of course, after helping Hannah in the field that one day she would’ve found a way around helping today. But it was a smack in the face to not even be asked.
Merle stared at the area Chrissy was pointing to. His blood was firing just thinking of Chrissy hurting. He’d always loved her. Wanted her. It killed him to watch her with all those other guys. Who cared that they were cousins? But when he tried to make moves on her years ago, she’d shut him down. It had been her eighteenth birthday and he’d wanted to be romantic. So he took her for a picnic down by the lake. But when he attempted to kiss her, she’d pushed him away and told him that it was just icky to think that way about him.
Over the years, he’d taken care of a few guys who’d used and hurt Chrissy. When he was done talking with his fists they knew better than to talk shit about her. And, he made this god-awful trip just so he could be with her. Nothing he did made Chrissy see him as he wanted to be seen by her. He was glad the men around here had no interest in her. And he totally understood her feelings about RJ. There was just something about the way she held herself away from them, as if they were scum. That ate at his gut also.
“Heard you’re getting to go out tonight instead of working on the wedding?”
Chrissy looked at Merle. “Yeah. But I’m going out with two old women. Movie and dinner. How boring.”
“Would you rather be working?” Merle asked trying to figure out what would make her happier.
Frowning, she looked at the women below. Hell, even she knew she didn’t make sense. But she knew she wanted what they had without the dirt of the work. Surely, God wouldn’t have blessed her with her looks and sexual skills if he meant for her to rot in podunkville. She saw RJ get up and start collecting the glasses on the table and continued to stew.
“Chrissy?” Merle prodded.
Blinking, she turned back to him. “Sorry. No. You’re right. I just wish RJ would stop treating me like dirt. You’d think she’d have learned she’s not better than me.”
Merle turned to stare at RJ. He thought about how she always looked down her snooty nose at them. When they had been growing up, he’d either helped Chrissy try to take her down by embarrassing her, or on occasion tried to scare her into being more respectful. Nothing had seemed to work. She just ignored them both. When she and Sandy moved away he felt nothing but relief. But now, it was like she was rubbing their nose in the dirt again. Those old feelings of anger surfaced. Maybe she needed to be reminded that she wasn’t any better than them.
21
Logan
was smiling and whistling as he hopped into his truck to go pick up his brothers. RJ had been at the house getting ready when he’d come in to clean up. He wasn’t one to look a gift horse in the mouth and dragged RJ into the shower with him. She’d giggled and laughed until he made her moan and scream. Yep, he was a lucky guy.
He saw her step out onto the porch in her short robe and wave as he started the engine. Her legs bare, long and beautiful. Her hair was still damp and curled a bit around her shoulders. She looked happy and light, somehow. Not like the woman who first came here. Heat flared in his eyes as he drank in the sight of her. He needed her with him. Like this. For the rest of their lives. Damn! He jumped out of the truck and marched back to her. He enjoyed watching her eyes widened as he jumped up onto the porch. He grabbed the back of her head and kissed her. Laying claim again to what was his.
“Whoa,” RJ stammered when they came up for air. She felt lightheaded and ready for another round with Logan after that kiss.
“Maybe that’ll hold me until later. I can’t seem to get enough of you, Rizz.” He wrapped her close to him for a minute. “Okay, I’d better get going. Do me a favor and go in the house so you don’t tempt me anymore.”
RJ felt unchained. She never thought she could be so happy. Logan really loved her. She knew then she was going to take the chance and move up here. Maybe in time, they could see if this could be something permanent.
Feeling sassy and unafraid, and maybe just a little mischievous, she walked towards the front door. She turned back around and waited until Logan got back into the truck. She heard him put the truck into gear. When he smiled at her through the windshield and raised his hand, she untied her robe and let it slip off her shoulders, falling to the ground. She relished seeing Logan’s eyes almost pop out of his head. She gave a yelp and dashed into the house when she heard him grind the gears into park, get out and charge at her.
The MacBrides Page 13