Logan and Cecile

by Ryleigh Rhodes

  "Have to say, Annie, I much more enjoy playing drinking monopoly with you. I actually have a chance at winning." She smirked at Nathan.

  "Aw. Would you like me to let you win?" She mockingly asked, knowing Nathan would take it as an insult if she slacked off.

  Nathan scoffed, and said, "No."

  I giggled at their banter, and crawled into Logan's lap to snuggle. My legs were hanging over the side of the chair, my shoulder dug in by his arm pit, and I rested my head close to his neck.

  "I don't wanna see that either," Nathan said, nodding towards us.

  "Guess you'll learn to knock from now on and you won't walk in on it," Annie sarcastically replied, rolling the dice.

  "Yes, please knock from now on," I said this as my face blushes, causing Randy to laugh. Annie rounded her shoe around Go, landing on Community Chest. She pulled a card shows Nathan, and he cursed as he hands her fifty dollars.

  "You didn't drink, cheater," Nathan accused, rolling the dice. Annie took a long pull from her wine glass, and waited.

  Nathan landed on Park Place, which Annie owned and had two hotels on. See, Rain Man of Monopoly. Nathan owed three thousand dollars. After a short silence, he gave in throwing his hands up in defeat.

  "You win. I'm going to bed," Nathan said, storming off down the hall. Giant man child. Annie and Randy quickly put away the game. Ty's sleeping on the couch in the game room, and he headed that direction.

  "'Night," Annie said.

  "'Night," I replied. I was about to stand to head back to bed. Logan's arm go under my knees and he stands. Logan carried me to his bedroom, and gives me a very Merry Christmas!

  ######

  My internal alarm was set to bakery mode. I still managed to sleep in, but it's early. I pre-assembled the cream cheese pumpkin loaves yesterday. I put those into the oven to bake, and threw together ingredients for hot chocolate in a Crock Pot and plugged it in next to the coffee that's currently brewing.

  I set up a little station with peppermints, marshmallows, caramels, and other ingredients people put into their cocoa. Along with Bailey's and Kahlúa. It was cold outside. I have absolutely no where to be except cuddled besides Logan, and I could enjoy an adult beverage along with my snuggles.

  There's fresh fruit salad and French toast muffins. Pulling the leftover spinach artichoke dip out, I set it up to warm. I could be the Crock Pot queen there were so many in the kitchen right now.

  Logan greeted me with a kiss, bringing my body alive. His arm wrapped around my chest pulling me backwards. While holding me to him, he waits for the coffee to finish. "Nathan and I are going to check the horses before breakfast. I want to keep a close eye on Ebony." Ebony's a gorgeous dark bay quarter horse, a seasoned mare, but Logan dropped some major cash on stud fees to breed her. He was monitoring his investment.

  Nathan and Ty made their way into the kitchen. Ty went right to town, grabbing a muffin. At least we wouldn’t be eating leftovers for days with him around.

  "I'm waiting for coffee then we can go," Logan told Nathan. Nathan grunted in response.

  "There's cocoa warming up too." Once the coffee pot beeped the vultures swooped in. Once Logan filled his travel cup full, he leaned down planting a kiss at the base of my neck. When the others were ready, he gave my cheek a chaste kiss.

  On a sigh, I watched them leave. Once they're gone, I doctored some coffee for myself. If we didn't have guests I'd be in the barn with them.

  Close to an hour later, the guys still hadn't returned. I would be lying if I said I wasn't a tad bit worried about Ebony at this point. Annie and Randy were filling their coffee mugs, as Kev and Courtney joined us in the kitchen.

  "Good morning," Courtney said.

  Smiling, I returned her greeting.

  "Where's everyone else?" Kev asked.

  "They're checking Ebony, but they've been gone a while. I'm not sure what exactly is going on." I hoped nothing bad.

  "I'll go check. Want to go Randy?" Randy agreed.

  I filled a thermos full of coffee handing it to Randy. They layered up, and left us girls to our own devices.

  Filling up a small plate, I motioned towards the living room. "Let's go claim the TV."

  "We should watch Love Actually. They're not here to say no," Annie sing-songs the last part, flashing the DVD at me. Of course she'd bring it with her. Looking over at Courtney, I waited for her approval. When she smiled, I nodded my approval. We settled in the living room with our beverages and waited for our men to return.

  Half way through Love Actually, they returned.

  "Ebony had a colt." I tilted my head back to look at him, and he had this grin spread across his face. He wound his way around my legs, sitting next to me on the couch. Leaning over his lips met mine. The kiss was light and teasing. Reluctantly, I pulled my lips from Logan's.

  I was finally at that point in my life, where I was comfortable.

  Happy.

  Confident.

  Sure Logan and I would have our ups and downs, but with our friends and family as a support system. We could overcome anything. My mom's small-mindedness didn't matter. I'd accepted the fact that she'd never change. Which sucked for her, because she'd have a limited role in my life from now on.

  Chapter Eleven

  New Year’s Eve

  First Night in Missoula was a community event that offers a variety of entertainment, I hadn't attended in years. Tyler and Nathan agreed to meet up with us later. I closed the bakery at the normal time, allowing Annie to spend the day with her folks. As soon as I entered my apartment, I indulged in a power nap.

  I was not asleep nearly long enough when I felt Logan settle in behind me. His lips caressed my cheek, and I grumbled as he snuggled deeper into my back.

  "How long do you need to get ready?" he asked, I nestled deeper into my pillow.

  "We could just stay in and cuddle." I threw the idea out there fully knowing it wouldn’t fly. Nathan would be pissed if we bailed on him.

  "I'd love to do that, but Nathan's expecting us. I'm starving so whenever you're ready we can go eat." He laid kisses from my ear down my neck.

  "I need to shower. I smell like sweat, coffee, and cake." It was bad, I could smell myself.

  "Go shower." Turning my chin towards him, he leaned down brushing his lips against mine. After a few more pecks, much to my dismay, he pulled away.

  "You could join me," I said, grinding my butt against his groin. I could feel his excitement pressing against my bottom.

  "Tempting, but then we'd really never leave." He swatted my butt, leaving me in bed. Slowly rolling out of bed, I headed to the shower. My hearts not really in it, but I primped for Logan. Forty-five minutes later we're out the door, heading to dinner.

  ######

  My feet hurt from the culmination of working all day and walking around First Night. We'd been here for two hours already, and still haven't managed to catch up with Nathan. I finally spot Nathan and Ty up ahead, but I feel a slight tug on my hand, and turn around to see Logan down on one knee in the snow.

  What the—

  Holy shit, he's holding open a ring box. My eyes widen as my mouth gaped open, and I feel slightly nauseous.

  "Cecile, I love you. I want to spend the next fifty years with you by my side. Will you marry me?"

  Logan's holding my left hand, my other hand shoots to cover my mouth. Shocked does not accurately describe everything I'm feeling. Don't people normally live together before this step? My eyes jump from his face to the ring and back.

  "CiCi, baby?"

  "Yes," I whisper. My hips slide onto his thigh, cupping his cheek with one hand, my other goes around his shoulders. Leaning in I kiss him.

  "Ready to go home and celebrate?" he asked, against my ear. His warm breath against my ear, made my heart beat faster. Sex with my fiancé, um—yes!

  "Yes. I'm suddenly feeling energetic." He smiled, slipping the ring on my finger. It's gorgeous, solitaire rectangle diamond. I just now notice the box. The notorio
usly famous vibrant blue Tiffany's box. He had to have this planned for a while. Missoula isn't super small, but he'd have to go to Denver or Canada to get the ring, unless he ordered it online.

  "Tiffany's, huh?" I asked, and he looked uncomfortable.

  "Yeah. I may have asked Annie for some suggestions." Seems little Miss Annie was keeping a lot to herself lately.

  "Take a pic so I can send it to Annie." Handing my phone to a reluctant Nathan, I leaned back into Logan smiling, and hold up my newly adorned hand. He takes the picture, handing my phone back to me. I forwarded the picture to Annie via text message.

  Me: I said yes! Ohmygod!

  Annie: It's gorg. Congrats lady!

  Me: He confessed you helped. busted bitch

  Annie: You like it right? That's all that matters. go enjoy your Fiancé

  Me: Wish you and Randy were here too!

  Annie: me too! <3 you!

  Me: xoxo

  "Ready to go home? I have another present to give you." He asked, digging his fingers in at my hip. I smiled. We have some celebrating to do.

  "I don't need another present. But, yes, my husband-to-be. I'm ready to go home!"

  ######

  Everything about Logan made me writhe in the best possible way. How'd I get so lucky? I found a man who worshiped and respected me. Not only did he adore me, but he was fantastic in bed. Maybe I should play the lottery. Logan certainly wasn't lying when he said he had a present for me. We barely made it into my apartment before we started shedding clothes.

  Rapidly disappearing clothes plus uncontrolled lust equals Logan and I having wall sex. I was not a prude and I've had sex pressed against the wall before, but that experience sucked in comparison.

  Logan was beyond good at it, maybe it was our chemistry, but wall sex was now in my top three favorite positions. With my legs still wrapped around his hips and my hands clinging to his shoulders, he walked us to my bedroom, toeing the door shut.

  Without breaking our connection, he climbed into bed, and we continue our celebration.

  Round two, we took our time exploring each other's bodies slow love making. It was even better, than before. With my body and mind, both content, I peacefully drifted to sleep.

  We're naked laying side by side, I was in his arms. A vase of red roses sat on my nightstand. I hadn't noticed the red roses earlier because he was rushing me to get ready. That and I was dog-tired and hungry to boot.

  "I do have another present." He winked. Opening the drawer of my nightstand, he handed me another blue Tiffany's box.

  I took it but hold off on opening it. "You know I don't need gifts like this right?" Part of me wanted to refuse to open it. Mainly because I loved him and I didn't want to be showered with expensive gifts. I mean a once in a lifetime engagement ring, yes.

  He tilted my neck up until my eyes meet his. "It's something small you'll want to have at work." What kind of jewelry would I want to have at work?

  "If it's obscene I'm making you return it." He brushed my hair off my shoulder.

  "You'll like it. I promise." Closing my eyes, I sighed. I decided to give in. I opened my eyes and untied the box. It's a plain silver chain, with a small circle hanging on it. Looking over at him, I wait for him to explain.

  "When you're at work about to get your hands dirty. You can slip off your ring, and open this circle latch. That way you won't have to worry about losing your ring, or damaging it."

  Huh. That was pretty thoughtful. At work I was usually in the zone, and I would probably end up misplacing my ring, just because other things are a priority. Like making money so I can eat and pay rent.

  "Thank you." I'd barely mumbled before he kissed me. I mean kissed me open mouths, thrusting tongues, hot, wet, deep kiss. Which led to round three, and I promptly slept like the dead after.

  Chapter Twelve

  Valentine's Day

  The bakery has been packed all day. Even with eight inches of snow on the ground, the roads are plowed, we've still been wall to wall customers most of the day.

  Pure chaos.

  Chaos meaning busier than Christmas time. I've made so many dozens of chocolate covered strawberries. Chocolate cheesecakes, chocolate truffles, red velvet cupcakes filled my life the past forty-eight hours. I will be happy not making them again until next year. So much red food dye splattered around my kitchen. It was insane.

  I'd prepped for three days, and still wasn't fully prepared for today. I was beat. Beyond beat. My feet and back were throbbing. I wanted a long hot shower, and a full night's sleep. Logan and I, along with Nathan and Ty's help, were moving the rest of my stuff out of my apartment.

  I'd delayed moving in until after Valentine's day. Logan being Logan, had to finish moving my stuff in today. I don't have a lot of stuff, mainly clothes and kitchen gadgets, at least that's in my favor. The cowboy's down at the bunk house wanted my couch, but not my tiny dining table. Logan dropped the table off at the Salvation Army.

  Arriving at my apartment, I found Tyler and Nathan taping up the last kitchen box. Logan's boxing up my closet, heaven help me, I'm sure it's a disaster. I was thankful I don't have a ton of sex toys hiding around, although I'd been tempted to buy one a few years ago, I refrained.

  The only thing left to pack was my bathroom. I was dragging ass, I haphazardly tossed everything into two boxes and haul them into the living room.

  We'll come back tomorrow to clean, and pick up my car. No way in hell was I driving anywhere else tonight. As soon as we get to Logan's, I was sulking in the shower and going to bed. The boys wanted to do this all in one day, that's on them.

  Tyler came back inside. "Are those ready?"

  "Yeah. I'm waiting in the truck." Pushing past Ty, I walked outside. After pulling a chocolate turtle cheesecake and a dozen chocolate covered strawberries from my car, I settled into Logan's truck. The turtle cheesecake was for Ty and Nathan to split. The strawberries are for Logan. I rested my head against the window. I had been awake since three a.m., and I slept on the couch in the office last night. Being on my feet running around all day, my steam had officially run out.

  Logan finally gets in and started the truck. "Babe, you need to buckle in."

  Leaning back, I find the buckle and clicked it. "For the record I really don't like you right now," I said, leaning back into the cold leather seat. Grumpy was the nicest word to describe my mood right now.

  Reaching over he grabbed my left hand, fingering my empty ring finger. Tilting my head I look over at him, and he arches a brow at me. Silently asking me, "where the hell is my ring?" Pulling the chain out from under my shirt, I showed him the ring. It's safe, in the circle clasp of the necklace. He turned his focus to driving.

  "I know you're tired. There's a present waiting for you at home. And, we'll unload everything while you unwind." He smiled to me and winked.

  I snorted. Flirting wasn't going to magically make me energetic enough for nookie. Well maybe after a nap. "I'm grabbing a beer, taking a shower, then going to bed. Wasn't planning on helping you unload."

  He was excited to have me moved in, I get it. I do. I was excited as well, but there's only so much go, go, go, a girl can handle.

  It felt like I barely close my eyes, when Logan nudged me saying, "We're home." Gathering my purse, and the pastry boxes, I headed inside. The boys followed behind me. Setting the boxes down on the counter, I opened the fridge and grabbed a beer. Ty and Logan put boxes down and go back out.

  Nathan grabbed the beer out of my hand, causing me to glare at him. I grabbed another beer, opening it taking a quick drink to claim it as mine.

  "There's a cheesecake for you and Ty. The strawberries are for Logan," I mumbled, pushing the boxes in the fridge. "I'm taking a shower then going to bed. For the love of everything that is holy, do NOT wake me up."

  "You got it, and only because you brought me a cheesecake." He winked at me then takes a pull from his beer.

  "You better share it with Ty." Walking back to Logan's bedroom, wel
l our bedroom now, I shut the door behind me. I had slowly been leaving clothes at Logan's. It was easier than packing a bag, and we knew I was eventually moving in.

  Throwing my purse on the bed, I pulled pajamas from my side of the dresser. I walked into the bathroom and shut that door as well. Surely two closed doors will assure I won't be disturbed. Going to the double vanity, I set my beer down, slipped off my shoes, I stripped down to my bra and panties.

  Looking over I see a blue Bath and Body Works bag perched on the side of the bath tub. Must be my surprise. I move closer and notice it's not just one bag either. There's three bags. Digging in I find several bottles of bubble bath, all flower scented. No cucumber melon or other similar food scents. Brownie points to Logan for that.

  I turned on the hot water in the tub and pour in a generous amount of lavender chamomile bubble bath. I browsed through the last bag and find a lavender candle. There was also some sea salt scrub, and other spa like items that I leave in the bag. Opening a few drawers I found some matches and light the candle. Stripping quickly, I settled into the tub.

  It was pure heaven. I sipped cold beer, while relaxing in a hot bath.

  Logan came in eating a strawberry. He offered me one, and I shake my head. I was drinking beer for one. And two, I had eaten so many of those today, if I eat another I'll likely be sick.

  "As soon as I pry myself from the tub, I'm landing in bed, and not moving until morning."

  "You don't want to hang out?" Lazing around with Logan I could handle, but not much more.

  "You wanted to do this over a holiday knowing I'd be worn out from work. You know I love Nathan and Ty, but I need sleep. I need to be able to function tomorrow when we go back and clean."

  Walking over to the tub, he sat on the edge towards the middle. His hand makes lazy patterns on my calf slowly venturing up. "I hired someone to clean, so we have all day tomorrow. Nathan and Ty are going to drop your car off sometime tomorrow." So worth giving them a cheesecake.