by Calinda B
“Harris here.” A deep chuckle came through the phone. “Hey, Coach called off practice today. Something came up so he changed it to tomorrow at noon. I just got the call, so I wanted to catch you before you headed out.”
“Thanks, Tim. What happened? Do you know?” Logan tossed back his covers and sat up, mussing his hair with his hand as he tried to wake up.
“Nope. I hope nothing is wrong. That asshole never calls practice so it can’t be good, can it?”
Logan could actually hear the worry in Tim’s voice. “Same thing I was thinking. Shit. I won’t be going back to sleep now. Want to meet up at the gym and work out?”
“You can come over here if you want. You know I have an entire gym in my basement, right?”
“I know. But by the time I drive all the way there and you run your mouth for a couple of hours, I could have already worked out, come home, and showered before we ever even see your gym.”
“Fuck off, James.” Tim chuckled. “If you want to meet at the gym downtown, I’ll meet you there.”
“Yeah. I’ll see you in thirty-five minutes. Thanks for the call.” He hung up and wondered if it was too early to text Drew. Probably. He didn’t think she got up as early as him, and he didn’t want to wake her. Logan grabbed his gym bag and pulled on workout clothes before donning a pair of heavy sweat pants and shirt. Dialing the cab company, he figured he had time for a quick cup of coffee before the cab got there. He turned on his Keurig and moments later had his coffee. Damn, I love this thing. Good coffee in record time. He closed the lid on his mug and took a sip. “Perfect.”
He walked into his living room, so he could watch out the window for his cab, and wondered again what she was doing. He hoped she’d say yes to coming over for an early dinner tonight. He was going to stop at the store and grab stuff to make his homemade chicken potpie. Hell, he figured he might as well make an apple pie for dessert while he was at it. Impress her with his cooking skills if he could.
Later, loaded down with his gym bag, grocery bags, and feeling pumped from a very good workout in the gym with Tim, he made his way into the house. Once everything was where it belonged, he sent a text to Drew. He wanted to make sure she was up before he called her. He placed his phone where he could check the screen and went to work seasoning the chicken, so he could start it for his potpie. Once he had that on the stove, he cut up the vegetables and potatoes and prepped his spices. He kept his flour in the fridge so he was always ready to whip up pie crusts as needed. His grandmother had taught him all the secrets of a good cook, and he was going to try to impress the hell out of her tonight. If she couldn’t come, he’d have plenty of leftovers.
Just as he was rolling out the crust for the apple pie, he heard his phone ping. Washing his hands, he grabbed a tea towel and checked the text. Good morning Logan. Yes, I’m up now. I can’t wait for your call. He pulled up her number as he did a little victory dance.
“Good morning, Logan.”
Damn he loved the sound of his name flowing across her sweet lips. “Good morning. I hope you slept well.”
“I did. I didn’t think I would hear from you so soon. I thought your practice would run for hours.”
“Yeah, it got cancelled. We won’t know why until tomorrow.”
“Oh. Does that mean you have an early morning again tomorrow?”
“Nope, coach set the practice at noon, why?” He felt his heart skip a couple of beats. She must want to come for dinner again. He held his breath, waiting for her answer.
Her sigh was soft but he heard it. “Well, you said something about another dinner and getting to know each other…”
“Actually, that’s why I was calling you. I was hoping you would come over today for an early meal, and we could maybe watch a movie or something after.” He crossed his fingers feeling like a damn high school kid again.
“What time?”
“Would three be too early for you? I figured you could come over, and we could visit for a bit before we eat. I could serve dinner at four.”
“That sounds perfect. I’ll have my driver drop me off at three. Can I bring anything? Some wine, perhaps?”
“I have dinner taken care of. Actually, I’m making a homemade chicken potpie. Not sure what wine you would want to have with that, but bring whatever you like. We could always have it after dinner. Oh, and I’m making an apple pie too.”
“That sounds wonderful. You’re making two pies from scratch?”
“Sure, it’s no big deal.”
“I don’t even know how to make pie. I’ll see you at three. Goodbye.”
“Goodbye.” He heard her click off and let out a big whoop as he did a jig around the kitchen. Okay, I’m officially a dork. He chuckled as he went back to the pie crust he’d been working on.
Logan walked around his living room another time, moving the candles and making sure everything looked cozy and inviting. The logs were arranged in his fireplace so he could light it later for their movie. He’d laid out a couple different DVD’s so she could pick one. Crystal glasses sat on a serving tray, just in case she wanted wine while they watched a movie. The warm scent of apple spice filled the air.
The pie looked perfect. The oven was set so he could cook their dinner and they would have an hour to talk before it was time to eat. Everything was coming together as planned. He glanced at the clock and ran his hands down the front of his jeans as he waited for her limo to pull up. Should he go out or wait for her to knock on the door? He didn’t want to appear overanxious, but he wanted to be a gentleman.
He glanced out the window just in time to see her driver opening her car door for her to step out. He opened the door and stepped out onto his little porch to greet her. She glanced up and smiled. “I’m so happy you could come tonight.” He leaned forward and kissed her cheek. “Let’s get inside. It’s pretty chilly again.”
He loved the little blush that spread over her face whenever he touched her. She was the sweetest woman he’d ever met. They stepped inside as he closed the door behind them.
“Let me help you with your coat.” He slipped her coat off and hung it up before turning back to face her. “You look beautiful today.” In truth, she took his breath away. She blushed again and dropped her eyes.
“Thank you.” She stepped away and clasped her hands in front of her. “It actually feels amazing to dress down for a change.” Glancing over her shoulder, she grinned. “Something smells delicious.”
“Thanks. I’ve got to put the chicken potpie in the oven. Would you like to come with me?”
“Sure. I can’t wait to see this dinner you’ve made.” She took his hand and went with him into the kitchen. “Good lord, it smells even more wonderful in here.” Her eyes went round when she saw the apple pie sitting on the counter cooling. “That’s really an apple pie?”
“Sure, a deep dish with a crumble crust.” He crossed his arms over his chest as she leaned over and took a deep breath.
“It smells heavenly.”
His feet seemed to move on their own accord as he found himself close behind her, hands on either side of the counter. Leaning in close, he whispered, “Not as heavenly as you.”
She leaned her head back onto his shoulder, her neck exposed to him. He kissed the tender skin just below her ear.
16
Drew felt a shiver race through her body as his lips found her neck. She’d never felt like this before. She’d always been in total control of everything she did. Even with the few men she had allowed herself to have sex with, there was never anything close to these feelings. What was this man doing to her?
She turned to face him. His eyes lit up as the corners of his mouth lifted, making his dimples appear.
“What are you doing to me? I can’t seem to think straight around you.”
He laid his forehead on hers. “The feeling’s mutual. I’ve never felt like this before.” He stepped back and rubbed his hands together. “I’d better get that pie in the oven if we’re going to ea
t anytime soon.”
She felt his loss instantly. “Sure. What can I do to help?”
“Stand there and look beautiful.” He chuckled. “Seriously, if you want to get the bottle of wine I’ve opened and take it to the living room, I’ll be right there. I have a couple of movies laid out for you to look through.”
“Okay. Where are the glasses?” She glanced his way, wondering why he’d pulled away so quickly.
Glancing over his shoulder, he nodded toward the living room. “You’ll see them sitting on a platter by the sofa. I’ll be right there.” He smiled and winked at her, sending another shiver through her body. I’m so screwed. She walked into the living room and found the wine glasses. She noticed the antique tray they were sitting on and wondered if it was his grandmother’s tray and crystal. He seemed to be the type of man who would keep heirlooms like this.
She set the wine down and found the movies stacked neatly on the coffee table. She flipped through them, smiling when she realized they were all what men would usually classify as “chick flicks.” It surprised her that he had so many. She chose one she’d heard was very good and set it aside then poured wine. She took a sip and was pleased with the taste. Her phone pinged in her back pocket. Drew heard him still working in the kitchen so she pulled her phone out to check it.
“What the hell,” she whispered, seeing the text was from Scott. Opening it, a chill replaced the warmness she’d felt since arriving.
Enjoy yourself last night? You’d better hope it was worth it.
Hearing Logan’s footsteps, she quickly darkened her screen and turned off her phone.
“There you are.” She hoped her voice sounded steadier than she felt. “Would you mind if I use the restroom?”
“Sure.” He winked at her. “I’ll be right here.”
“I’ll be right back.” She walked from the room, glancing over her shoulder once before hurrying to the bathroom. Once inside, she turned her phone back on and called Ramsey, tapping her finger on the sink, praying he’d answer.
“What’s wrong, Princess?”
“What happened with Scott last night?”
“What do you mean? We played poker until one, and he left with his tail between his legs.” The deep, low chuckle came across her phone.
“I just got a text from him is what I mean.”
She heard a sharp intake of breath on the other end. “What the fuck did he have to say?”
“I just sent it to you. Tell me when you read it.”
“What the hell does that mean? Did anything happen at the house?”
“Nope, he forgot to turn on the alarm. Something he said he does when he’s preoccupied. There are no cameras inside the foyer or his upstairs rooms. I checked the room closely the night I was there. Did he see me last night?”
“He mentioned that he’d seen you sitting with that young blond the last few evenings and wondered how long you’d been talking to him.”
“Maybe that’s what he was referring to, but why send me a text about it?” She waited patiently for Ramsey to respond. “Are you still there?”
“Yes, I’m trying to think. Listen, I’m going to give him a call and see if we can get together for drinks. Make some story about giving him a chance to win back some of the money he lost so he can’t say no. Maybe I can get a better feel for where his head is. This worries me, Drew. I think that man has more than one screw loose.”
“See what you can find out. Listen, I’m on a dinner date. Text me and I’ll get back to you when I can. Thanks.”
“Be careful.”
Drew checked herself in the mirror, took a deep breath, opened the door, and made her way back to the living room to find Logan sitting on the couch. He stood and motioned for her to sit down. “Pick whichever side you are comfortable with.”
“Thank you.” She sat down next to where he’d been sitting. “I’ve never seen this movie before, but I heard it was good. Frankly, I usually don’t watch many movies. Would you mind if we watched this after dinner?” She wondered why it felt important to tell him that information about herself.
“You don’t watch movies?” He put his arm around her. “I don’t watch them a lot either. Mostly I read. Is that what you do?”
“Sometimes I just sit and contemplate things that are going on in my life.” She giggled. “Sounds stupid, doesn’t it?”
“Nope, sometimes I do the same thing. This is a good movie, though. I put a box of tissues beside you there. It’s one of those tear jerkers you hear about. Actually, they all are. We have about forty minutes until dinner is ready. Would you like to talk or would you like to start the movie? We can always pause it and finish after we eat.”
“Sure, why not start the movie?”
Logan put the DVD into the player and picked up the remote. When he sat back down, he put his arm around her and tugged her a bit closer to him. “Ok, here we go.”
Drew relaxed against him. She pushed the nagging doubt about Scott’s text into the back of her mind, promising to deal with it tomorrow. She had an airtight alibi. Her driver would say he picked her up and dropped her at Logan’s house and would testify at the time he retrieved her and took her home. Her alarms were on and the tapes could be pulled so she couldn’t be accused of leaving later on in the evening. She felt a twinge of guilt at using Logan, but he would never need to know. She’d make sure of that.
Halfway through the movie she was pulling tissues out and patting her eyes. She didn’t know a movie could cause so many emotions. She heard the buzzer on the stove go off. He paused the movie and tugged her hand to pull her up from the sofa. “Come on. You can help me set the table while the potpie cools enough to eat it.”
He pulled the potpie out. It was perfectly browned and smelled so good, her stomach growled. “Sounds like you’re hungry.” He chuckled, the sound sending a soothing feeling through her once again.
“I am, and I am so embarrassed you heard that.” She felt the heat of yet another blush spread over her face. She never blushed except when she was around him. She was having so many firsts with him.
“Don’t be. I’m happy my cooking smells so good to you. I hope you like it. My grandmother taught me when I was young.”
She opened the cabinets and found the plates. “Are these okay?” she asked.
“They’re fine. The silverware is in the drawer right next to the stove there on the left. You’ll also see two pie lifters in the same drawer, right in the front. Can you please get those out and a large knife?”
“Okay.” She glanced in the drawer, wondering what the heck a pie lifter was. She really was a spoiled rich kid. Good lord, she refused to ask him. She noticed two things in the drawer with bottoms shaped like a piece of pie. She found them. Now, she didn’t have to look like a total fool in front of him.
17
Logan glanced at Drew, watching as she pushed the food around her plate. Something seemed to be bothering her ever since she’d excused herself to use the bathroom. He certainly didn’t want to pry, but he wished she’d open up. He’d always been good at reading people, and something was off with her even though she was trying to keep things light. She’d flirted with him all evening. If things were different, he’d be responding, but he wasn’t going to let himself be drawn in that quickly.
“Is everything all right? You’re not eating very well for someone who was so hungry earlier.”
She didn’t look up as she shrugged one shoulder.
“Drew?”
When she looked up, her eyes were full of tears. She shook her head and bit her bottom lip.
Logan left his chair and knelt beside hers, taking her hand in his. “Come on, what’s wrong?”
Drew pulled her hand from his and shook her head again. “I’m sorry. Nothing is wrong. I just don’t feel good.”
Searching her eyes, he fisted his hand and nodded once as he stood and started clearing the table. “Have you already called your limo?” He could hear the sarcasm oozing from his mouth.
Leaning against his counter, he sighed before turning to face her. Drew’s eyes were guarded as she watched him. “I don’t know why you want to lie to my face. You keep this wall up around yourself, refusing to let me in. I thought in the last few days something had changed between us. But obviously, I was wrong.”
He watched her open and close her mouth a few times before she stood, shoulders back. “I’m not used to letting anyone in. What don’t you understand about that?”
“Why?” He closed the distance between them and kissed her softly before wrapping her into his arms. “I’d never do anything to hurt you.”
Drew sighed. “I know you wouldn’t hurt me. I’m not used to letting anyone in, ever.” He felt her tense up and pulled back.
“You’re in trouble, aren’t you?”
“No.” She dropped her eyes and turned away from him. “I think I do need to leave now. I honestly can’t think straight around you, and I have some pressing business to take care of.”
He walked to the sink and started rinsing off the dishes. He glanced over his shoulder in time to see her leaving the kitchen with her phone against her ear. Throwing the dishtowel down, he turned off the water and followed her into the living room, waiting for her to finish her call before saying, “I’m here if you need help. I won’t turn you away. I help my friends when they are in trouble.”
“If I’m ever in need of your help, I promise to let you know. Right now, I’m just a bit upset over a business deal that may have gone a bit wrong. Nothing for you to worry about. I’ll call you later, if that’s okay?” She placed her hand on his arm.
Logan took stock of her words and her body language. For some reason, she was not being truthful with him. Something was wrong. He nodded. “Call me later. But when you’re ready to tell me what’s going on, I promise to help you in any way I can. I hate you feeling like you have to do everything on your own.”