Logan worked like a man possessed. After the fourth day, his muscles remembered what it was like to follow the routine of a professional athlete. If she hadn’t held him back, Logan would have pushed even harder. Claire reminded him that she was the expert. He had to trust her to bring him along at the proper pace. There had to be a progression or he risked hurting himself. An injury at this point could set him back or worse, derail him altogether.
“Slower, Logan.” Claire put a hand on the free weight, stopping his upward motion. “This isn’t about how many or how fast. It’s like sex. The more time you take going up and down, the better.”
“Christ, Claire.” Logan shot her a disbelieving look. “I almost dropped this sucker on my foot. Save the sex talk for when I don’t have thirty pounds of solid iron in each hand.”
“Sorry. Forget I’m here. One more set of ten.”
Claire circled Logan, observing his technique. She wanted to make sure the weight was neither too heavy nor too light. Noting his movement was smooth and easy, she stood back and admired the view.
For her, there wasn’t anything sexier than a fit man pushing his body to the limits. Unless that man was Logan.
He still sported the long hair and beard. Though Claire looked forward to seeing his clean-shaven face, she had to admit there was a certain appeal to his current look. Rugged. Manly.
Sweat saturated Logan’s gray t-shirt. A corresponding dark line ran down the back of his baggy shorts. Now, all Claire wanted to do was lick the salty heat of his skin – every firm, muscular inch of it. Her mouth watered as she watched his arms flex, straining as he finished the final rep.
Claire breathed as hard as Logan, but for a very different reason. Today was the day. Time to speed things up. Those condoms were finally going to see the light of day.
“Are we done?”
Unaware that he was about to get lucky, Logan lowered the barbells to the ground.
“Good work, Logan. Put the weights away, and then hop up on the table.”
Surreptitiously, Claire slipped a few foil packets out of their box, putting them into the pocket of her sweats. She filled a tray with the usual creams and oils before closing the cupboard.
“Aren’t you going to tell me to get naked?”
“At this point, that should go without saying.”
Having already toed off his shoes, Logan toyed with the band of his shorts, a crooked grin on his lips.
“I like hearing it.”
So he wanted to play. Claire was fine with that. Setting the tray by the table, she put her hands on her hips, giving him a long, thorough once over. My, oh, my. He was fine indeed.
“Off with the shirt and drop the shorts, Price. Let me see what you’ve got.”
“I’m packing, Ms. Thornton.”
Claire’s gaze dropped to the noticeable bulge between his legs. She licked her lips in anticipation.
“That must be painful. It might be better if we start with you face up today. I wouldn’t want you to hurt yourself.”
Logan shed his clothes without further delay. He was on his back before Claire could do more than smile at his alacrity. Just as eager, she picked the bottle of lotion she had been saving for just this occasion.
“You should be proud of your progress, Logan.” Claire warmed the cream in her hand. “In less than a week I’ve seen real progress in the flexibility and strength in your knee.”
Moving to the head of the table, Claire massaged Logan’s temples.
“Your program is the reason.” Logan sighed with pleasure. “Nothing I tried on my own had anything close to this kind of success. You should be proud of yourself, Claire. This program has the potential to help a lot of people. Not just athletes.”
Claire’s hands moved down Logan’s neck, smoothing the knotted cords. Reaching as many people as possible was her ultimate goal. She had dreams of clinics all over the world where trained associates would bring a better quality of life to their patients. Gaige had let her start the dream. Her time with Logan expanded it on a daily basis.
The progress they made with his body was a big part of it. Then there was the personal side. Logan listened. He wasn’t all about himself, his problems, or his injury. He encouraged her to share her own deepest hopes and fears.
In the short time she had known Logan Price, Claire had opened up in a way she never thought possible. She told him about her childhood in Iowa. The abandonment of her mother, her distant father. The fact that she hadn’t kept in touch with her family.
For the first time, Claire realized how much of that pain she still carried with her. And how talking about it, with Logan, lightened a place deep inside. A place she had avoided for way too long.
“That smell.” Logan took a deep breath. “Mmm. It’s new.” He breathed in again. “Nice. What is it?”
Pleased that he noticed, Claire smiled.
“It’s my own blend. Citrus, mainly. A blend of herbs and spices. And,” Claire whispered in his ear, “a secret ingredient.”
“Something else is different.”
Logan rolled his head in a slow circle. As always, Claire’s ointments, combined with her magic hands, soothed his muscles. Relaxed his mind. Stirred his body. However, today he felt… more. The fragrance filled his senses.
No, not filled. Cleared. That was it. While his body relaxed, his mind became sharper. He was attuned to her every touch. Before, as Claire massaged his tired muscles, his mind would float. Today, it focused on what she was doing. It was almost as though he was probing his flesh – assisting. Crazy. That wasn’t possible. Was it?
“It isn’t a hallucinogen, if that’s what you’re worried about.”
“Not worried. Curious.”
Logan slowly opened his eyes, his gaze meeting Claire’s. The instant, startling connection made them both gasp.
What the hell?
“Claire—”
“I don’t know, Logan.” Claire began massaging his arm, moving to the side of the table, her eyes remaining locked with his. “This is a new blend. The idea is to focus the patient’s mind. I have a theory that if a person can picture a specific place that needs healing, their mind can aid in the process. The herbs and spices are meant to be a natural aid to help the brain concentrate.”
Claire smoothed the cream over Logan’s hand. She laced her fingers with his.
“This isn’t just concentration,” Logan said. He tugged until she sat on the table. Hands still joined, he kissed the back of hers before resting them on his chest.
Over his heart, Claire noticed. She was certain it was an unconscious gesture.
“Has anyone else used the lotion?”
Claire nodded. “I tested it on a few friends. I gave them all a sample and a questionnaire. It was very informal.”
“And?” Logan rubbed a circular pattern on the back of her hand with his thumb. “What were the results?”
“Encouraging,” Claire said. “They all reported greater concentration. I hoped to do something official at UW next fall. If the grant I’ve applied for comes through. It will be tight, if I get the Knights job, but I can do both.”
Logan didn’t doubt it for a second. Claire had drive and ambition – with the talent to back them up. What he wanted to know right now was what the hell was happening between them?
“This didn’t happen to anyone else?”
“Not even close. We seem to be unique.”
“I could have told you that.” Logan slipped his fingers into her hair, pulling her face close to his. “I’m not going to use the cream as an excuse, Claire. Our connection has been there from day one.” He softly kissed her. “Maybe your concoction heightened it. It didn’t create it.”
Claire felt Logan’s challenge. He dared her to excuse it away. Claire did not intend to do so. She knew when something was real or an illusion. This was the realest she had ever felt. Not because of the cream, because of Logan.
This time, when they kissed, it was deeper, stronger than ever
before. Claire let go, falling into the moment. The outside world ceased to exist.
“You’ve been very patient,” she whispered, her lips leaving his to trail along his firm jaw. She glanced at his erection. Impressive. “I need, Logan. Now.”
Claire transferred the condom from her pocket to Logan’s hand. She wasn’t going to get all cute at this stage. He was much more experienced at putting one on than she was. They could play with that some other time. Today, she didn’t want any mishaps that would slow them down.
“It’s been a while,” Logan said with a teasing smile. Belying his words, in no time flat, he had the packet open. Deftly, he rolled on the condom. “Guess it’s like riding a bike.”
“I’m not going there. I never found a bicycle seat very comfortable.”
Claire undressed quickly. In her haste, her sports bra went sailing across the room, landing neatly on the doorknob.
“Bet you couldn’t do that again if you had a hundred shots.”
“Do you want to watch me toss my bra while we play a weird game of horseshoes, or do you want this?” Claire took hold of his erection. “Inside of me.”
Logan’s answer took her breath away. In a flash, their positions were reversed. Flat on her back, Claire let out a delighted laugh.
“Move that fast on the football field and you’ll be an all-star in no time.”
Logan nuzzled Claire’s neck. He knew what she liked. There was a spot, just behind her right ear that if he bit, she would…
“Logan!”
…go crazy. He smiled against her soft, fragrant skin. The sound of Claire’s passion was the most potent aphrodisiac. Better than any drug. Natural. Strong. Addictive. Now that he’d had a taste, he never wanted to give it up.
“Speaking of having a taste.”
“Mmm,” Claire sighed. “Were we speaking of that?”
“Where’s your mind reading ability?”
“It stops working when you do things like that. My whole brain short circuits.”
“That’s fine. You don’t have to think about this. Just feel.”
That she could do. Happily.
Claire raised her arms over her head, gripping the table. Her fingers dug into the soft leather. The position left the long length of her body open to Logan and his wicked, wonderful mouth.
“Why do you taste better than anyone I’ve ever known?”
Logan asked the question while making a feast of her breasts. He ran his tongue between gently sloping mounds before drawing one hard, cherry-colored nipple into his mouth.
“It’s the herbs.” She gasped the words. He wanted to ask questions? Now? How was she supposed to answer when her brain swirled a haze of pleasure?
“The same ones you give me every morning?” Logan bit her sensitive flesh, sending a jolt through her entire body then centering between her legs. “I like the smoothie. Vanilla and…?”
“Mint!” Claire cried out when his fingers pinched the other nipple.
“Right,” Logan whispered against her skin, “Spread your legs, Claire.”
That sounded good. Claire welcomed Logan’s weight. She ran her foot up the length of his calf. The coarse hair against the sensitive bottom of her foot was one more stimulant, one more building block to the growing pressure inside of her.
“You are so slick.” Logan teased her, the tip of his erection sliding up and down her folds. He ran a finger between her legs, holding her gaze as he slowly licked off the juices. “It can’t just be the herbs. It’s you, Claire. Sweet, sweet Claire.”
His mouth took hers. She could taste a bit of herself, but Logan’s flavor burst across her tongue. Claire would know it anywhere. Blindfolded, if she were asked to kiss a hundred men, she would pick him in an instant.
“Open your eyes, Claire.”
“Hmm?” Claire did as Logan asked as her tongue gathered one more taste from her lips.
“Watch. Stay with me.”
Logan slowly entered her body. Inch by tantalizing, agonizing inch. Claire tried to urge him on, her legs twining with his, her hips pushing forward. She was strong, but Logan was stronger. He controlled the pace. The dark, rich color of his eyes looked almost molten, holding her gaze.
Mine.
For a moment, Claire thought he said it aloud, so clear was the word. Logan rotated his hips, the angle of his entry shifting slightly until he was deep, deep inside of her.
“Can you feel that, Claire?” Logan demanded, his breath rushing over her face. “Tell me it feels good. Tell me you never want it to end.”
“Never, Logan. Never.”
With a grunt of satisfaction, Logan’s thrust became harder, faster. The release they both craved came rushing at them in a downpour that burst over them at the same moment. Bright lights danced in front of Claire’s eyes. They seemed to come directly from Logan. Another gift from this extraordinary man.
As he had on the way up, Logan held her as she floated back down to Earth. His strong arms wrapping around her. He gently disengaged from her body, yet Claire still felt connected. There were no words to explain it. She just knew. With Logan, she would never be alone again.
CHAPTER NINE
THE STEAM FROM their recent shower filled the bathroom air.
Claire walked around Logan, lifting his hair. Wet, it hung several inches past his shoulders. Thick and healthy, she had become fond of running her fingers through it whenever the impulse hit her.
With a sigh, Claire picked up Logan’s comb.
“Are you sure about this?”
“It’s my hair. My beard. My decision.”
“I know.”
“Then what’s the problem?”
Claire didn’t know. She had known for some time that this moment would come. She thought the beard would go before Christmas. Then when New Year’s passed and the subject hadn’t come up again, she figured he’d changed his mind.
A cold, wet January was followed by a windy February, and then a strangely mild March. It was the middle of April. Claire and Logan’s routine was a satisfactory one. They worked out every day. Shared meals, went for runs. They spent almost every evening at Lefty’s Pub – every night in each other’s arms.
No one questioned Claire’s presence. She eased into Denville like a native. Jonas accepted her. That was clear. The change in Logan since her arrival had been remarked upon by more than one person.
In truth, the whole town was amazed at the transformation. Gone was the grumpy, forlorn ex-football star. In his place, a man who seemed to be embracing his life. The dark circles were gone from under his eyes. His body had filled out, losing that lean, gaunt look. Best of all, Logan no longer ran in the middle of the night. Those days were a thing of the past.
The residents of Denville attributed all of this to Claire.
What surprised Claire was how much she enjoyed small town life. She liked getting her gossip from Rhonda. The waitress was never at a loss for new information – always delivered with a lack of cattiness that she admired. Rhonda liked to talk. Talking about her neighbors was second nature. There was nothing malicious about it. She was simply spreading the news
When Gaige talked Claire into spending six months in the sticks, making a new friend hadn’t seemed likely. Rhonda was a bonus. Along with Logan, this assignment had turned into more than she ever dreamed.
She liked Denville. She liked Rhonda. And surprise, surprise, she liked Logan’s beard.
“If you really want to get rid of it, I’m happy to oblige. It’s just…”
Logan sat on a chair, a large bath towel around his neck. Claire had used a safety pin to hold it in place.
“What?”
“Why now?”
“It feels right.” Logan shrugged. “I can see the end, Claire. In December, training camp seemed so far away. No matter what I told myself, I wasn’t ready to believe. Not entirely.”
“We’ve known each other four months.”
“The best four months of my life.” Logan took her ha
nd. “You brought me back to life, Claire. When I woke up this morning, I knew it was time to take the next step.”
Suddenly, Claire understood. The beard represented the Logan who had given up. Now that he truly believed, there was no longer a place for it in his life.
Claire picked up the trashcan, handing it to him.
“Hold this under your chin.” With the scissors, she made the first cut. “Time to stop hiding.”
It had been a while since she shaved a man. Almost ten years by her estimation. Luckily for Logan’s face, the process came back to her quickly. Once the longer hair was trimmed, she lathered his face.
The brand new safety razor removed the hair with little problem. By the time she was halfway through, Claire had found her rhythm. She ran her hand over the shaved skin. Smooth as silk. And not a nick in sight.
“I’m surprised you’re so calm.” Claire moved to the other side of Logan’s face.
“Why?”
“I have a sharp object in my hand. If I slipped, the loss of blood could be significant.”
Logan tipped his head to the side. Eyes closed, he was completely relaxed. For months, he had trusted Claire with his future. The results were beyond his wildest imagination. She shared his bed. His home. His life. Letting her near his throat with a razor seemed as natural as breathing.
“You have a steady hand, Claire.” Logan lifted one eyelid. “You don’t look nervous.”
“I’m not.”
Claire surprised him by closing her mouth over his. Automatically, Logan’s hands went to her hips.
“Time to play?” he asked. As always, his body’s response to her was instantaneous.
“No.” Claire pulled back. “Just a thank you for trusting me.”
“Well, thank you.”
Claire resumed shaving him, humming some happy tune.
“I do, you know.”
She paused the razor under his nose.
“You do? Do what?”
“Trust you.”
Claire smiled. “I know.”
“You can trust me.”
Frowning, she stepped back. “You don’t think I do?”
Logan hadn’t planned to start this conversation now. He’d been thinking about it for several weeks. Claire was such an open person. She was funny and bright. She made friends easily. His father adored her. And Logan…? He couldn’t imagine his life without her.
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