by Calinda B
“James, get the fuck out of here and hit the shower. You’d better be one hundred percent at the next practice. Do you understand, son?”
“Yes sir.” He tore off the field and hit the locker room to make quick work of showering and packing up his bag. He called a cab, asking for Gus before he made his way outside to wait. He leaned back against the fence and called Drew’s phone. “Hey. How is everything going?” He relaxed as soon as he heard her voice.
“Good. Ramsey is making some calls. My clothes came and I’m getting ready to take a shower. How is practice going?”
“I’m on my way home, just waiting on the cab. It’s wasn’t going good. I have to make sure you’re okay. The cab is just pulling up. I’ll see you shortly.” He stopped abruptly.
“Was there something else?”
“No, I’ll see you soon.” He hit end and climbed into the cab. “Hey Gus.”
“Hey Logan. Short practice today?”
“Yeah, got some shit on my mind and coach told me to go home and deal with it. I’ve never missed practice before.” He glanced up in the review and saw the questions in Gus’s eyes. “Nothing to worry about, he won’t give my position away.” At least, I hope not.
“I sure hope not kid. You’re one of the best we’ve had. Anything you want to talk about?”
“Nope, just shit I have to deal with or walk away from. It’s okay.”
Before long, the cab pulled up in front of Logan’s home. He paid Gus and thanked him again before climbing out of the cab and making his way to the back door. When he walked into the kitchen, Drew stood from the table and walked to him. She wrapped her arms around his waist and laid her head against his chest. “I’m so happy your home.”
Logan felt the smile spread over his face as he hugged her back. “Me too.” He kissed the top of her head. “Where’s Ramsey?”
“Right here,” he called as he walked back into the kitchen. “Okay, I have things moving forward. Made some phone calls. And the mark will be approached tomorrow by someone that cannot be connected to us in any way.”
“Okay. No details will be given so you can’t know anything that is going on, who is involved, or when it’s going to happen. Drew, you are not going anywhere near the club for the next few days. I’m going to have someone tell the waitress you are on vacation. Your staff will give the same explanation for you not being there, if anyone contacts them.” He held his hand up when he saw Drew about to protest. “This isn’t negotiable. You can’t be anywhere near this. Logan, you’re going to meet up with your buddies as normal, day after tomorrow. It’s the night they usually show up. Little prick doesn’t know you have Drew. He’s keeping tight-lipped, and I don’t think he’s going to approach you in public because no one knows what a sick dick he is. I’m sure he wants to keep it that way.”
“Sounds like you have thought of everything. But why do I need to show up?”
“Because we want to make it look like you don’t know where Drew is.”
“Okay, but how am I supposed to act when and if the bastard shows up? I walked into his house and threatened him.”
“You ignore him. Let him dictate what happens. Again, I think he isn’t going to want to draw any attention to himself or the fact that you all had any exchange about Drew.”
Nodding in agreement, Logan felt himself feeling hopeful for the first time today. He couldn’t get over how his heart was speeding in his chest just from the touch of her hand. He’d given her an ultimatum, but he was already so deeply in love with her, his heart was going to be destroyed if she walked away.
“Okay, you two. I’m going to head home and get ready for the next few days. Drew, you lay low. Everything is in play, and I want you away from it, far away.”
Drew stood and hurried to Ramsey, wrapping him in her arms. “Thanks for doing this for me.”
“Princess, I’m doing it for all of us.” He patted her back as his face turned red. “I’m leaving now. Keep her safe.”
“I promise. Thanks.” He held out his hand and shook Ramsey’s. “Be careful.”
Once Ramsey was in his car and headed out, Logan turned to Drew. He looked down at their hands that were still entwined. Smiling, he tucked a piece of hair behind her ear. “Let’s go into the living room.”
She nodded.
Once in the living room, he motioned for her to sit down.
Drew tucked her feet underneath her and cleared her throat. “I’m sorry you had to leave practice because of me.”
“It’s okay. We have a lot going on, and this has to get finished if we are to move on with our lives. Are you sure he can get this done?”
“He’s capable of more than you would ever know. I’ve been able to go to him about a lot of things. I’m ashamed to say, I have never let him in before. I didn’t realize what a good friend he was until this. He is risking so much for me. So are you. Him I understand, you and I just met recently. Why are you helping me and risking so much?”
Logan knew he was about to go for broke. He was going to lay his heart on the line and pray like hell that she wasn’t going to stomp it to pieces with her fancy stiletto heels. He turned to face her and took her hand in his. “You got to me the first time I saw you. When you walked by my table and we made eye contact that first time, I was done. I’ve fallen in love with you, so completely and so hard that I’m not sure how I can make it if you don’t feel the same. I want you for always. But, as I said yesterday, if you can’t walk away from the life you have been living, if I am not enough for you because you’ll be bored…” He shrugged. “I’ll have to shred my heart and walk away. I can’t live like that.” He pulled away and stood up.
“You don’t have to say anything right now, but you will have to choose when this is over, and you’re safe. I won’t wait any longer than that. I can’t wait any longer than that. My career won’t be there forever and if you’re not willing to commit to me as I am to you…” He’d bared his soul to her, and now he had to brace for whatever she decided. The ball was in her court, and he was useless to say anything else. Turning, he looked out the window. The sky was bleak and grey. That’s how my heart is going to feel if she isn’t ready to do this.
“It looks like it might snow.” He wasn’t sure why he’d rambled about the weather just now. He was afraid to turn around, afraid to see her face, fearful of what he’d see in her eyes.
26
Drew sat frozen in place. He loves me? Could he really love me? She felt her heart flutter in her chest. Could she give herself to this man she’d only known for a short time? There was so much to figure out, and he was giving her so little time to do it. No decision she’d ever made had been made quickly. She’d always needed time. Time to plan and time to think. How could he expect her to make a life changing decision? What the hell was he doing, telling her he loved her? What if all this was just the adrenaline from all the shit that was going on?
Drew opened her mouth a couple of times to say something and closed it just as quickly. She was so fearful he’d turn around and see the fear in her eyes. Clearing her throat, she clasped her hands in her lap. “I have feelings for you too, Logan. I’ve never allowed myself to love anyone, heck I don’t think I even love myself. I’ve never needed anyone before. I’ve never wanted anyone in my life before.” He turned just then, and she saw the sadness in his beautiful eyes.
What am I doing? Her heart was screaming at her to tell him she loved him too, to get up and run into his arms. Her mind was screaming at her to wait. Not to do anything rash. Think things out. Her mind had always protected her in the past from making rash judgments. She couldn’t follow her heart just yet, could she?
“Can you forgive me?” she asked quietly.
“For what?”
“For being very stupid and not telling you that I think I am falling in love with you too and not running into your arms.”
“There is nothing to forgive Drew.” He smiled and opened his arms. “What are you waiting for?”
“God Drew, you make me feel things I’ve never felt before. If you are going to shred my heart, be kind and do it quickly. I will be okay. I need you to know that.” His hand gently rested under her chin, and he lifted her face and placed a kiss, soft and gentle on her lips. “Please make love to me,” he whispered against her lips.
She nodded her head slightly and smiled as he scooped her into his arms and carried her to his bedroom. Her clothes couldn’t come off fast enough. She watched with greedy eyes as he disrobed and stalked to her, lifted her in his arms, and started kissing her face and neck as he walked her backward to his bed. By the time he laid her down, she was panting.
She watched in awe as he touched her softly and gently. His beautiful blue eyes never left hers. When he finally moved his body over hers and slid so slowly into her, she moaned at the feeling of him entering and filling her so completely. As she made love to Logan, she knew this was something she was not ready to let go of yet. As she felt her body racing towards her release, she saw him smile when she crashed over the edge and shattered in the most intense orgasm she’d ever had. Moments later, his mouth crashed down onto hers as he found his release.
He rolled off her and pulled her close against his chest. “Can we just lay here for bit and hold each other?”
“I’d like that.” Truth was, she didn’t think she could move if she wanted to. She didn’t ever want to be out of his arms.
“Drew, I’m sorry I pushed you earlier.”
“You’re not pushing me, Logan. You just opened up, told me what’s in your heart, and made me see that it was okay to listen to mine as well.”
“I’m being selfish, asking you to change yourself for me. I shouldn’t be asking you to do that.”
“Logan, do you remember when we first met? You sat down at my table and started asking me a million questions. Remember I told you I led a boring life?”
“Yes. That’s what I’m asking you to change. When I met you, you hid behind your money. You were scared that I would see that the first night we met. I could see it in your eyes. That night you came here for dinner, I saw the real you. You let me in. You relaxed for the first time since I’d known you. I saw the smile really reach your eyes. I’m not asking you to give up yourself, I’m asking you to give up the façade that hides the woman I have gotten to know. That woman is bored and searching for something to give her a thrill because she is missing something inside, a part she yearns for that she’s kept hidden for so long. If you let me, I’ll promise to keep excitement a part of our lives.”
“You’re right. My life has been boring and mundane for as long as I can remember. Since I met you, I have felt more fulfilled and happier than ever before.” She pulled out of his arms and sat up. Glancing at him, she started giggling. She put her hands over her face as laughter bubbled over.
“Are you okay?” He sat up, worry clouding his features.
“I’m fine. Well, I will be fine once Scott is behind bars. But Logan, I finally have clarity for the first time in my life.”
“What are you saying?”
She saw the hope in his eyes. She got on her knees, leaned forward, and took his face in her hands. “I love you, Logan James. I’ve never been in love before, but I think what I feel for you is love. You make me feel like no one ever has. I am more comfortable with you than I am with myself.” She kissed him softly as tears of utter happiness slid down her face. “If we can fix the wrong and we can all be safe, I think I want nothing more than to spend the rest of my life making you as happy as you’ve made me. How can I feel this way about you so soon?”
She squealed as he pulled her on top of him. “Because when something is as right as this, you don’t need a lot of time to know. You just know.” He kissed her and moaned as she opened her mouth to let their tongues dance. When he pulled back, she saw happiness in his eyes. “I’ll never let you down. I promise.”
So much had changed in her life in the few weeks she’d known him, but she believed everything he said. Every touch, every kiss, she’d treasure for as long as they had. She prayed that whatever plan Ramsey had cooked up that it worked, and Scott would not be able to hurt them. “I don’t want you to go to the club when Ramsey sets things in motion. It scares me for you to be anywhere near Scott.”
“I’ll be fine. I honestly don’t think he’ll approach me. He’d have a lot to lose if he did. I can protect myself from the likes of him. My concern is leaving you alone. I’m going to have your driver come over that day so you have someone with you. I don’t trust anyone else to be involved.”
“Me either. And we can trust him. He would never betray me.”
“Good. Now, you really need to stop talking and just lay here with me. We need to get some rest. You’ve worn me out, woman.”
She giggled and scooted closer. “Oh, I haven’t even started wearing you out yet.”
His brows shot up as a wicked smirk turned one corner of his mouth up. “Don’t make promises unless you intend to keep them, princess.”
“I intend on keeping them. I just hope you can keep up. And just for the record. I hate being called princess. The only one I allow to call me that is Ramsey. So, don’t do it again.” She punched his arm.
“Duly noted.” He sighed and closed his eyes.
27
Logan sat with Tim at the same table as before. He glanced over at Ramsey, who was sitting with a young woman he’d never noticed around the club. They didn’t meet eyes or make any type of contact as Ramsey had instructed. Logan wasn’t sure who was meeting with Scott, but he knew tonight was the night. Ramsey hadn’t disclosed any information to Drew or Logan, which made both of them nervous. His phone lay on the table beside him, just in case she needed him home quickly. Sure, her trusted driver was with her, but he’d feel much better when the piece of shit showed.
Tim motioned for Brianna and asked for another house ale for the both of them before turning his attention back to Logan. “So, have you got your shit together yet? Things sucked when you left yesterday. Brent is an okay wide receiver but he’s not you.”
“I’m glad to hear that. Listen, I’ll be back for the next practice. I didn’t work this hard or this long to throw it away.”
“Let’s hope so. Can’t have my best friend being a fuck up now, can I James?” He laughed and smacked Logan’s shoulder before a serious look passed over his face. “Finish up whatever it is you’ve got yourself mixed up with, and get your damn head back in the game. Practice is in two days.”
“I’m trying, asshole.” Logan felt a smile tug at the corners of his mouth just as he glanced up and saw the elevator doors slide open. Every muscle in his body tensed as he went into high alert mode. Calm down. Shit, he didn’t need anyone to see the tension in his body as Scott strode off the elevator, a smirk on his face as he made his way to the bar.
Tim leaned over. “That guy is a cocky asshole. He’s been talking shit about Drew Taylor around the club for the last few days. He’s said some shit about you too.”
Glancing over at Tim, Logan took a deep breath trying to calm himself down. “Yeah, I heard. Been staying away so I don’t have to coldcock him.”
“So that has been the issue, huh? Sort of figured. Don’t get yourself in any trouble over him. He’s not worth it.”
“I’m not, but I’m not going to let the piece of shit keep me away from the club nor get inside my head with his bullshit.” He glanced back up, making eye contact with Scott. He watched Scott’s eyes widen for just a moment as the smirk slid from his face. He turned his face away and spoke to the host. Logan watched the host speak into his headpiece and knew very shortly that Sergio would be facing the dick and
leading him to the table that would hopefully be his end. He wanted to watch who was meeting with Scott, but he didn’t want to draw any attention to himself. He turned back to Tim and laughed. “Speaking of...”
Tim opened his mouth, closed it, and shook his head. “You don’t like that asshole anymore than most of the people in this club. I’ve heard them talk about him behind his back. He has gotten himself a reputation around here as someone to stay away from over the last few weeks. Hell, Colt and Rex won’t let Brianna or Stawcee wait on him. They do it themselves. I asked Colt about it, and he said the guy gives him the creeps. Wants his waitresses as far away from him as possible.”
“Good for them. I agree.” He glanced at the bar and noticed the same look on Colt’s face he imagined mirrored his own. “Shit, look at Sergio’s face.”
Tim glanced over his shoulder and turned around with the biggest shit-eating grin Logan had seen in years. “Oh man, it looks like Sergio would like to take him outside and pound him into the ground.”
“It sure does.” He watched with his head down as Scott was led to a table in the back of the club. He sat down with someone Logan had never seen before. He looked up just as Ramsey glanced over and winked, verifying the game was now on. “I think Scott will take himself down. He’s too cocky and he’ll screw up one day. Mark my word.” He chuckled. “Let’s put that jackass out of our minds and enjoy our meal. Did you order yet?”
“Nope, I was waiting for you. Brianna was going back to check what specials are still available tonight. You know whatever it is will be amazing.”
“I can’t wait to hear what they are, suddenly I’m very hungry.” He was too nervous to be hungry, but he had to act normal. Tim was too observant for him not to eat. Damn, it was hard acting. He didn’t know how Ramsey and Drew did it so easily.
“So, you coming with me tonight? I noticed that Drew hasn’t been around lately.”