by L. P. Dover
He started to put on his helmet and stopped. “Then I’ll take you back on mine. Your choice, Kassie.” When I didn’t move toward my bike, he set his helmet down, no doubt living up to his word. He’d strap me down to his motorcycle if he had to.
Rolling my eyes, I took a deep breath and got back on my bike. “Fine, I’m ready. Let’s go.”
Logan
By the time I got to my cabin, the sun began to go down. Micah sat on my front porch steps, tapping his watch. “Took your time, didn’t you?” he shouted. I shut off my bike and hopped off. “How did sweetcheeks take your apology?”
Huffing, I took my helmet off. “She didn’t. But at least she didn’t slap me, which was what I expected.”
Micah burst out laughing. “There’s still plenty of time for that. When are you going to see her again?”
I stormed past him toward the door. “Fuck if I know. She doesn’t want to be anywhere near me. I screwed up big time.”
Micah followed me into the cabin. “Yeah, you did, but I bet she doesn’t know the whole story, does she?”
“No,” I grumbled. “I was about to tell her, before you interrupted me.” There were things Kassie didn’t know, times when I did come back to tell her the truth, only to find her with someone else. After the last time, I’d figured she’d completely moved on. It was best to leave her be.
“Sorry, man. You picked a hell of a time to get back with your girl.”
I rolled my eyes. “I’m not trying to get back with her. She deserved the truth and I wanted her forgiveness. Looks like that’s not going to happen.”
He slapped me on the shoulder. “Give it time. I’m sure things’ll work out.”
“I sure as hell hope so.” My phone beeped with an incoming text.
Richard: Everyone’s gone. Meet you here.
Me: Be there in 10.
“He’s ready?” Micah asked.
“Yep, let’s get our shit and go.” Hurrying to my room, I grabbed my bag with all the equipment. I had five cameras that were left over from a case I solved over a year ago. They came in handy every now and again. I could watch the feed from my laptop or phone anytime I wanted.
Micah opened the door when he saw me approach and I locked it behind us.
“So tell me what happened today,” I said. He hadn’t been able to tell me much over the phone, since he’d been with the Hendrix racers at the time.
Micah groaned. “First off, let me say, most of the cocksuckers out this way are nothing but limp-wristed bitches. It took all I had not to beat the shit out of a few of them.”
I chuckled. “Not exactly the kind of people we’re used to.”
“No shit. I don’t see how any of them could be the ones we’re looking for.”
“True, but sometimes the worst ones are the people you least expect.” We’d seen it numerous times in our line of work.
“After tryouts, I rode to that hangout you told me about. I was invited to a party this weekend by Jacob Privette. Looks like word of my riding got around to the Hendrix team.”
I had no doubt. “Where is it at?”
A wide grin spread across his face. “Brad Hendrix’s house. I’m ready to get a good look at the cocky bastard.”
I scoffed. “Not much to see. He’s an ass.”
“Do you think he has it in him to kill someone?” he questioned.
We pulled into the shop’s parking lot and rode around to the back, so no one would see my truck from the road. The lights were off, but Richard stood by the back door with a flashlight.
“Don’t know, but we’ll be ready if he is.”
“How long are we gonna keep this charade up? We can’t stay undercover forever. What if whoever’s responsible doesn’t lash out again?”
Sighing, I shut off the truck and opened the door. “Then I guess we go home. Someone wanted me gone years ago and they achieved it, until now. With bringing me and Ethan back, I’m hoping it gets this person mad.”
“How long?” he asked, pushing the issue.
I wanted to say until the fucker was caught, but there was no telling how long that would be. “A month. Two, tops,” I replied.
He nodded. “All right. At least with riding, the chicks will be plentiful. I’ll see what all I can find out this weekend.” We hopped out of the truck and walked over to Richard, who held his hand out to Micah.
“It’s nice to meet you. I’m Richard.”
“Micah,” he said, shaking his hand. “Sorry for being a dick at your tryouts. It was all part of the plan.”
I snorted. “Tell that lie to someone who believes it.”
Richard chuckled. “It looked believable. If I didn’t know you two were partners, I would’ve thought you were enemies. You’re a good rider. Donnie was impressed with you.”
“He’s the owner of DB Racing, right?”
I nodded. “Yep. He’s a good guy.”
Richard opened the back door. “Donnie’s excited to see you again. He’ll be by the track tomorrow. We have a race to practice for. Think you can be ready in a week?”
Micah grabbed my bag and clapped my shoulder. “He’ll be ready. The boy’s been dying to race for years.” He winked at me and disappeared inside the shop.
“I’ll be ready,” I said, stepping past him into the building. “Where’s our first race?”
“Virginia speedway.”
I’d ridden at that track more times than I could count. “Excellent. I’ll make sure my bike is race ready.”
“You know we have mechanics who do that, right?”
“I know, but if someone got to my bike before, they can do it again. If I’m going to race, I’m going to be the only one allowed to work on it.”
He nodded in agreement. “As you wish. I’m just glad to have you back . . . even if it’s only temporary.”
The words made my chest ache. I hadn’t realized how much I missed being a part of the team, or being on this side of the state. Charlotte, North Carolina had been my home for so long, I’d grown accustomed to city life. How was I ever going to go back?
The answer was simple . . . I didn’t want to.
Kassidy
“I can’t believe he’s back,” Madison squealed.
I had to hold the phone away from my ear. “Yes, unfortunately.”
“How can you say that? You’ve been in love with him forever. Now that you know he didn’t actually want to break up with you, that has to mean something, right?”
“No. That’s where you’re wrong. He’s been gone for eight years. Things have changed.”
“You’re single as fuck, sis. The only thing that’s changed is that we’re older. Do you know if he’s seeing anyone?”
Blowing out a sigh, I leaned my head against the couch. “Why, so you can play matchmaker? No thanks.”
“No worries. I’ll ask him myself when I come into town this weekend. You might be mad at Logan, but I’m not. What he did years ago sucked, but he did it for you. I’m sure he has reasons why he never came back, right?”
“I guess. I don’t know.”
She scoffed. “You didn’t even ask him?”
“I did, but he never answered. Besides, all of this is easier said than done. You weren’t the one who had her heart broken.” I bit my tongue as soon as I said it. The line went quiet and I felt horrible. “Sorry, Maddie. I wasn’t thinking.”
“It’s okay. I guess it wouldn’t be so bad if I didn’t have to see him all the time. Luckily, this weekend I get a break. It’ll be nice to spend time with you.”
“I feel the same way.”
Maddie had been dating Dallas Easton, one of the NHL’s star goaltenders for the Charlotte Strikers, on and off for a little over a year. She’d wanted to be exclusive, but he couldn’t handle the commitment. With her being a sports reporter, she had no choice but to still interview him after the games. I’d seen her on TV with him, and as her sister, I could see the pain on her face. I couldn’t imagine having to do that with Logan.
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“I’m sorry I didn’t make it to Levi’s funeral. I know you needed me.”
I did, but I understood she had a job to do. “It’s okay, I had Sean. And speaking of Sean—you’re never going to believe this—Angela knows about me and him.”
She gasped. “Oh my God, are you serious? What did she say?” Maddie was the only one who knew we had an intimate past. She’d walked in on us making out on more than one occasion.
“She gave us permission to see each other if we wanted. Of course, I said no. Sean and I are over. I love him, but not like that.”
“Holy shit, that’s insane,” she exclaimed. “I wonder what he’s going to say when he finds out the truth about Logan?” I groaned. He wasn’t going to like it. “Do you think he’ll get pissed? I’ve seen the way he still looks at you. You might not be in love with him, but I can’t say the same for him.”
“I don’t want to think about that. I’m actually trying to set him up with Janie. You remember her, don’t you?”
“Oh yeah, she’s nice. I think she’d be good for him, if he can get over you.”
“I agree. Wish me luck on it though.” I glanced at the clock and it was getting late. “All right, Maddie, I’m gonna head to bed.”
“Okay. Can you do me a favor though?”
“What?” I had a feeling it was going to be more of a demand than a favor.
“Please talk to Logan. Like really talk to him. From what you told me, you’re not the only one who got hurt. Logan’s a good guy. If you hadn’t snatched him up all those years ago, I definitely would have. He’s more my age than yours anyway.”
Just the thought of her going after him pissed me off. “I don’t think so, Maddie.”
“See? You’re angry. That means you still care. I knew once I sparked a bit of jealousy, you’d think differently.”
I rolled my eyes. “Goodnight, sis.”
She burst out laughing. “Night, Kass. See you soon.”
We hung up and I looked at the clock again. I wasn’t tired, and I needed more answers. I initially thought this afternoon’s talk with Logan would satisfy my need for closure, but it didn’t. I wanted to know everything.
Heart racing, I hurried to my room and grabbed a thin coat. “I can’t believe I’m doing this,” I said. Once I tied up my shoes, I locked the door behind me and opened my garage. Instead of riding my motorcycle, I decided to take the dirt bike. If I took the road, it’d take me longer than it would to get through the woods.
I started up my dirt bike and let it warm up while I geared up with my helmet and gloves, making sure the light attachment for my helmet was charged. Logan was in for a surprise. He knew I could ride on the road, but I bet he’d never guess I could ride the dirt too. My bike was ready, so I took off through the woods, the light on my helmet guiding the way across the trail. It was dark and a little chilly as the wind blew past me, but it was exhilarating. The night was clear and the moon shone overhead, casting the trees in a mystical glow. It was times like this that made me appreciate what I had in life, even if there was a lot of heartache and pain.
Logan’s cabin was up ahead and there weren’t any lights on inside, but there was a truck in the driveway with a bike covered in the back. Knowing my luck, Logan probably finished up at the shop and went out with one of his old friends. If that was the case, it was my fault for not letting him know he could see me tonight. Now I was desperate to see him.
I parked my dirt bike in back and slowly walked around to the front of the house. It was strange being there. I hadn’t gone anywhere near his place since he left. The owners had rented it out over the years, but it’d stayed vacant for the last four months, almost as if it waited for him to come back.
Everything looked the same, even the blue and yellow flowers on the front porch, in their large pots. If my memory served me right, there’d be a spare key under one of those pots. Most likely the same key I used to use to get into the cabin so long ago. For a moment, I was tempted to find it. Instead, I walked around to the back and laid down on the hammock to look up at the stars. It’s going to be a long night.
Logan
“You gonna go over and see your girl?” Micah asked.
We pulled down my gravel driveway and I parked beside his truck. “Thinkin’ about it. But she won’t be too happy if I break in again.” I got out of the truck and he walked over to his.
“Break in? Are you shitting me?” he said, bursting with laughter.
“Nope. It was the only thing I knew to do. Then I chased her down the road.”
He opened his door and hopped in his truck. “I love girls who know how to ride. I wouldn’t let her slip away again. Just go up to her and tell her everything.”
I nodded. “I will.”
His truck rumbled to life and he backed up. “Good luck, Chandler.”
“Same to you! Don’t get into any trouble.”
“Where’s the fun in that?” He waved his hand out the window and disappeared down the road.
It was late, but I didn’t want to wait any longer to see Kassie. I was ready to tell her everything. Hurrying up the stairs, I stopped when a twig snapped to my right. I looked over and there she was. I wanted to take her in my arms and never let go, but all I could do was stand there as she slowly approached me. If she only knew how much I hated myself for leaving her.
“Your car’s not here. You didn’t walk, did you?” I asked.
She shook her head and pointed behind her. “My dirt bike’s out back. I rode through the woods.”
“Jesus Christ, Kassie, what are you thinking? It’s not safe to ride around at night by yourself.”
Her lips pursed and she stood her ground with the exact same defiant look on her face I’d seen plenty of times before. “I’m not the same girl you knew eight years ago, Logan.”
I glanced up and down her body, remembering all too well what it felt like to touch her. I’d give anything to touch her now. “That’s definitely apparent. You seem to be even more stubborn now.”
A small smile spread across her cheeks. “I am.”
She followed me inside and I shut the door behind us. Everything looked the same as it did the last time she was there. It made me wonder what memories were going through her mind.
“Want anything to drink?” I asked.
She glanced at me over her shoulder and shook her head. I walked past her into the kitchen and poured myself a glass of water from the sink. She sat down at the bar and I took the seat beside her. I waited for her to look at me, but all she did was look down at her clasped hands. Her knuckles were almost white from clenching them so hard.
“Tell me everything, Logan. I need to know what happened between us. I keep trying to tell myself it doesn’t matter, but it doesn’t work.”
It turned out, the answer to her question was right in front of us. Opening my laptop, I tapped the keys to awaken it. “You might think I haven’t been around the last few years, but I have. You didn’t see me, but I saw you.”
Her head jerked up and she gasped. “What?”
I nodded. “Many times. I’ve come back many times, Kassie. I watched you graduate.” Her lips trembled. “I even came when your mother passed away.”
Tears fell down her cheeks, but her gaze never wavered. “How is that possible? I would’ve seen you.”
“I’m good at staying hidden.” She looked skeptical, so I turned my laptop toward her. “I’m sure you can figure out which folder is yours.” It was the one labeled with her name.
She looked down at it, then back over at me, her gaze narrowing. It didn’t surprise me when she clicked on another folder, the one labeled Wyoming.
I watched all the pictures pop up and smiled when her mouth gaped. She looked at the pictures, closed her eyes, and studied them again. “Am I seeing things?”
I laughed. “I spent a lot of time in Wyoming, with my friend Blake and his wife, Hadley. You might know her as Hadley Rivers?”
She gasped, her eyes lit wi
th wonder. A small smile spread across her cheeks and for the first time since being back, it gave me a sliver of hope. It was good to finally see a real smile on her face. “Are you kidding me? She’s my favorite country singer.”
Grinning from ear to ear, I pulled out my phone and showed her a picture of me and Hadley, standing in her barn with my arm around her shoulders. We were covered in dirt.
“How did you meet her?”
I set my phone down, her body so close her thigh touched mine. “I was called in to help her when she had to go into hiding. I escorted her to Wyoming so my friend, Blake, could bodyguard her. He was so pissed at the time.”
“Why?”
I smiled, remembering everything about that day. “He felt like being a bodyguard was a joke, especially to a spoiled brat. Little did he know at the time, she was anything but that. I’d gotten to know her during our travels.”
“And then he fell in love with her?” she added.
“Yep, like I knew he would.”
“Wow,” she murmured in awe. “I bet you get to see a lot of amazing things.”
I nodded. “And a lot of bad. My job isn’t glamorous, Kassie. I go after the worst of the worst. I’ve seen more death than you could imagine.”
She swallowed hard. “Have you killed people?”
I stared into her eyes, then turned my head. I didn’t like the killing part of my job, but I had no choice. “Yes,” I admitted honestly. “Sometimes, it’s either kill or be killed. It’s part of my job.”
She rested a hand on my arm and I closed my eyes, wishing like hell I could pull her into my arms. “When you were in college to earn your degree, I never thought about what being an agent would entail. I guess I never could imagine you killing anyone.”
I opened my eyes and turned my body toward her, resting my hand over hers. She sucked in a breath as I trailed my fingers up to her face. “Does it scare you that I’ve killed people?” I asked.
She leaned into my touch and closed her eyes. “No.”
“Then why are you shaking?” Her whole body trembled under my touch. The last thing I wanted was for her to see me as a murderer. I did what I had to do to stay alive and bring people to justice.