Spark: A Bad Boy's Second Chance Romance (Burns Brothers Book 3)

by Gillian Archer

  Logan lifted a shoulder. “I only wish we had one in place at the restaurant for Sabrina and Wendy.”

  Wendy? What the hell had I missed? Then what Austin said sank in. “George Burns? You mean your dad? He set the fire?”

  Austin nodded while Nathan glared at the floor, his cheek flexing like he was biting back words. I could only image what they would’ve been. Nathan and his temper, especially when it came to his father, were legendary.

  Dylan looked sick. Like he might spew at any moment.

  Austin narrowed his eyes. “He’s no father of mine, but yes. He’s the one who burned down the restaurant and almost killed you.”

  “But why?” I blinked then had to pause so I could cough some more. “Was he pissed about that money or whatever?”

  Austin blinked. “What money?”

  Mom groaned. “I meant to tell you boys, your fa—, I mean George, came by the restaurant a few days ago.”

  “You mean weeks, Mom.” I cut in.

  “Right.” She sighed. “Weeks. Anyhow he came by crying about us owing him money because of our wrongful death lawsuit back in the day. I told him to eat shit. And he left spouting something about making us pay. You know how he is. I thought he was full of it. I never thought he would do something like this.”

  Austin boggled. “Fuck, why didn’t you tell us about this sooner?”

  “I meant to. I was just crazy busy with the restaurant and Sabrina and Brian—it slipped my mind. Besides it’s not like we could’ve prevented this.” Mom curled her lips in a grimace. “The cops would’ve maybe given us a temporary restraining order at best. Which would’ve done jack shit, and you know it. More likely, we would’ve gotten a court date with the promise of someone eventually hearing our case.”

  Austin shook his head. “We could’ve had documented proof of harassment.”

  “We do,” Mom frowned at Austin’s annoyance. “I called the police and made a report. I just hadn’t gotten around to filing for a restraining order.”

  “It doesn’t matter. They caught him dead to rights.” Ryan cut in, diffusing the tension somewhat. “The stupid fucker is going away for a long time. He’s violated his parole and committed I don’t even know how many idiotic felonies. He’s the state’s problem now.”

  “And ours.” Austin waved a hand to encompass us all. “You know there will be a trial.”

  Mom nodded. “And we’ll all have to testify.”

  “Hell yeah.” Nathan hooted. “I can’t wait for the opportunity to tell that fucker what I really think about him. It’ll be sweet as hell.”

  My eyes were drawn to Dylan who seemed to be oddly silent given the conversation going on. And he still looked kinda sickly. “You okay, Dylan?”

  He flinched then gave me a sad smile. “Yeah. Still kinda freaking out about what happened to you. I was so fucking worried. I’m glad you’re okay.”

  “Me too,” Maddie piped up from the back of the pack. She elbowed her way to the front of the group then leaned down and gave me a quick hug. “I was so worried.”

  “I’m fine. I swear I’m going to start charging people a dollar every time I have to remind them of that.” I shook my head. “I love seeing you, Maddie, but how did you get roped into coming here so late? Don’t you have to be at work in a few hours?”

  Maddie had an apartment in Old North Sacramento. Not the best of neighborhoods. We’d been begging her for months to move somewhere safer—even in with me if need be—but so far she’d refused.

  Her place was nowhere near the boys’ condos in Midtown, or on the way to the hospital for them, so how’d she get here?

  Maddie’s shoulders hunched. “I, uh, I’ve been crashing on Dylan’s couch, so when Ryan came over with the news, I had to come see you too.”

  “Why are you sleeping on Dylan’s couch?” Nathan asked with a thunderous frown.

  “It’s not a big deal.” Maddie bit her lip. “I’ve been having some trouble with my neighbors. It’ll blow over in a few days.”

  Translation: her neighbors had moved from dealing on the corner to dealing out of their apartment.

  “Why didn’t you call me?” I asked. “I would’ve given you my guest room, no questions asked.”

  Maddie snorted. “We both know that’s a lie. There’d be tons of questions.” She shrugged. “Dylan was there at the time, and it just made sense. His couch is comfortable enough.”

  “And I’m going to clean out the art supplies in my spare room so she can sleep there.” Dylan gave us a weak smile. “We’ll be roomies.”

  It was my turn to boggle. “What the hell have I missed? You guys are going to live together?”

  Maddie hitched a shoulder. “I didn’t want to shovel my problems onto your already heavy shoulders. It’s fine. I’ll officially move in once Dylan gets his storage sorted out.”

  “There’s no reason for you to sleep on a couch when I have an empty spare room going to waste.” Nathan waded in. “We’ll go pick up a bed tomorrow.”

  Maddie shook her head. “That’s not really nece—”

  “It’s done.” Nathan said, like that was the end of it.

  I sighed. “How about Maddie gets to decide where and how she lives, Nate? Remember how we talked about this last time?”

  “And remember how I was right?” Nathan retorted. “If she’d listened to me, she’d be living in a nice apartment a few blocks from us and wouldn’t be in this mess.”

  I didn’t think it was possible but Maddie glared at Nathan. “I’m staying with Dylan.”

  Nathan blinked. “But—”

  “But nothing. It’s done. And I don’t care if you don’t like it. I’m staying with Dylan.” Maddie stomped over to my bedside, her cheeks flaming red with anger or embarrassment for being the center of attention, I didn’t know. She bent down and gave me a kiss on my cheek. “Glad you’re okay, Sabby. I’ll see you tomorrow, okay?”

  I schooled my features into a slight smile and not the wide grin that ached to break free in light of Maddie finally standing up to Nathan. “Sure. Bye, Maddie.”

  Dylan gave me a peck as well and left with Maddie.

  I took in the rest of my family crowded around my bed and sighed. They were still here and showed no sign of leaving. Dear god.

  Logan stood up. “Thank you all for coming. Sabrina or I will call you tomorrow with the latest from the doctor. They’ll probably release her in the afternoon. We’ll let you know. But she needs her rest now.”

  Austin blinked and turned to face Logan. “I’m sorry, but who the hell are you? We’re her family.”

  “And he’s the man who loves her.” Mom patted Austin on the shoulder as she walked past him to give me a kiss. “Night, honey. Glad you’re okay. Love you.”

  “Love you too,” I replied with a smile.

  Mom turned and smiled at my remaining brothers. “Now come on, you knuckleheads. Leave her man alone and go home and get some sleep. Two of you have kiddos who will not give a shit that you were up late tonight. Let’s go. March.”

  “Night, Sabby.” Ryan said before he kissed me goodbye.

  Nathan’s eyes sparkled as leaned down to kiss my cheek. “Get some sleep.”

  “I still don’t like it.” Austin huffed after he’d said his goodbyes. “Who vetted him anyhow?”

  Just as the door clicked shut, I heard my mom retort, “Sabrina did. And that should be good enough for the lot of you.”

  Apparently some lessons would never be learned by those knuckleheads. But one big one had been learned by my mom.

  And Logan too.

  Logan smiled wearily at me then collapsed into the chair next to my bed. “And I thought my family was bad.”

  “You have no idea.” I laughed. “Come on. Climb in here with me. There’s no way you’ll be able to sleep in that stiff chair.”

  “I don’t think there’s room.”

  “For the last time, I’m not hurt. I’m fine. Just breathing kinda rough.” I proved it by coughing, the
n I narrowed my eyes at him. “Get your butt over here.”

  “Okay, okay.” Logan lifted his palms in surrender as he stood up and obeyed me. He climbed into the bed and after a little jostling, settled in on his side behind me, spooning me. His arms wrapped around me as his head dropped to my shoulder. “Comfy?”

  “Yes.” I sighed, closing my eyes. Despite the antiseptic smell and constant beeping sound of the hospital, that feeling of warmth and home surrounded me.

  We were so disgustingly sweet that even the nurse who came in thirty minutes later to take my vitals was charmed. She let Logan stay.

  “You two get some sleep,” she whispered before closing the door behind her.

  My eyelids were already heavy so it wasn’t hard to do as she said.

  Chapter Twenty-Five

  Still Sabrina

  The next morning brought all my family and the chaos that came with them. Despite Logan’s firm words about us calling them, they showed up at the start of visiting hours.

  I guess I should’ve been glad for those few hours of blissful silence.

  Because they were being anything but quiet now.

  “Have the arson police or whatever been by to get your statement?” Mom asked.

  “I SAY IT’S BULLSHIT!” Nathan shouted from the other side of the room, ripping my attention away from Logan and my mom.

  “Nathan!” My mom’s quiet, angry voice silenced the room quicker than a whiplash. “If you cannot behave like an adult, then you can leave. Sabrina has just been through hell. She doesn’t need your histrionics right now. Maddie can stay with whoever she goddamn wants to.”

  Nathan stared mulishly back but didn’t say a word.

  I didn’t think it was possible but my mom’s eyes narrowed further. “Do. You. Understand!”

  Nathan darted a quick glare Maddie’s way before meeting my mom’s eyes. “Yes, ma’am.”

  “Fine. You can stay.” Mom sat back in her chair with a sigh.

  Logan leaned closer to me and kissed the top of my head. “Are they always like this?”

  I rolled my eyes at Logan. “Welcome to the family.”

  “Nice to see you can still handle a room full of alpha men, Wendy.” My dad stood in the doorway with a short, young brunette woman, each clutching a bouquet of flowers. “I take it visiting hours are now?”

  “Dad!” I sat up with a gasp. “What are you doing here?”

  He crossed the room and dropped the flowers on a table before gathering me up in his arms. “My daughter was in a fire. Where the heck do you think I’d be?”

  Tears burned my eyes. He came!

  He patted me on the back one more time, prompting another coughing spell from me. After I’d wiped the tears from my eyes, I found him standing in front of me with his arm around a beautiful brunette.

  “Sabrina, I know this isn’t exactly the best time, but she insisted.” He paused and took a deep breath like he was bracing himself. “This is your sister Jacqueline.”

  My sister.

  I was meeting my sister for the first time ever in a hospital bed, looking like hell warmed over. I smiled weakly. “Hello.”

  “Hi.” Jacqueline waved with her bouquet. “I’m so sorry for barging in, but when Dad told me where he was going, I begged him to bring me. I just really wanted to meet you. I’m so sorry for what happened to you.”

  “Thanks,” I muttered awkwardly. This felt so weird and surreal.

  Jacqueline fidgeted, adjusting her grip on the flowers and looking as uncomfortable as I felt. Finally, she gave me a trembling smile. “I’m sorry for the way I handled the whole thing. I’ve been an only child my whole life, and it was a total surprise. I know I didn’t handle it the best.”

  I shook my head. Honestly, I didn’t have a clue what she was talking about. Dad hadn’t told me anything bad about her. So much had happened since he’d left, I couldn’t remember half of what he had said. “It’s fine. I know it was a shock. Believe me, I know. Before he showed up, I thought he was dead.”

  My mom sucked in an audible breath, and I grimaced. I didn’t mean to throw her under the bus. “Sorry, Mom.”

  “It’s all right, honey. Everyone here knows what I did.” She blinked rapidly and stared at her shoes like they were the most fascinating things ever.

  I felt lower than dirt. Turning to Logan, I gave him an imploring look. What could I do to make this better? He frowned and shrugged.

  It was my dad who stepped up, though. He crossed to Mom’s chair and rested a hand on her shoulder. “I think there’s been enough bridges burned.” He grimaced. “Sorry, Sabrina, poor choice of words. But I think we’ve all hurt enough for more than enough time. Crap, I feel like I’m screwing this up. I can’t find the right words. I guess what I’m trying to say is that I forgive you, Wendy. And I hope that you’ve forgiven me too.”

  Mom blinked up at him in amazement. “What would I possibly have to forgive you for? I’m the bad guy here.”

  Dad frowned. “For choosing her instead of you.”

  Mom flinched like that had been a physical blow.

  “I hate knowing you’d ever cried over me, and really don’t want you doing it now.” Dad brushed the tear away.

  Mom stared back at my dad with a spellbound expression. “I uh, thank you. I appreciate that. And for what it’s worth, I’m sorry, too. If I had to do it over again, I would’ve told you about Sabrina. But I’m glad you two are able to spend time together now.”

  They stared at each other in a way that said so much without either of them saying a single word.

  I had to look away because it felt so intrusive to watch them.

  I turned my head and saw the quiet acceptance in Jacqueline’s eyes, like none of this was news to her and I smiled softly. I loved that he’d told her first. He really was a standup guy.

  “Welcome to the family, Jacqueline.”

  “Thanks. I uh, I know you’ve got a lot going on, but I’m here for a few days. Maybe we can get dinner and spend some time together when you’re feeling better?”

  I nodded. “I’d like that.”

  * * *

  Logan

  They finally sprung Sabrina after lunch, and it’d almost come to blows over who got to drive her home. Until Brian and Wendy waded in, kicking her brothers out of the room and forcing them to leave.

  I got the enjoyment of loading Sabrina into my truck and taking her home.

  Sabrina cracked up as I pulled into my driveway. “Those guys are going to be so pissed.”

  “That’s the plan. Should take them awhile to figure out where I live. And this way, I can take care of my girl and my pack at the same time.”

  Sabrina rolled her eyes. “Nice to know that I rank just as high as your puppies.”

  “Well, they are ridiculously cute.” I leaned over the center console of my truck and kissed the tip of her nose. “But you’re the one I love.”

  Sabrina grinned. “I don’t think I’ll ever get tired of hearing that.”

  “Good. That’s my plan. Now stay there.” I jumped out of my truck and ran around to her side. After opening her door, I unbuckled her seatbelt and lifted her into my arms.

  “Logan!” She squealed. “Don’t! You can’t carry me. What about your skin grafts?”

  “How about you let me worry about my skin grafts, and you worry about breathing?” I retorted as I carried her up the front walkway to the door.

  She snorted back laughter. “Like you’re not going to worry about my breathing.”

  I jostled her briefly as I unlocked the front door. “Guilty.”

  She just shook her head and let me carry her over the threshold. It was nice to know I’d be able to do so when the time came. When, not if.

  I strode through the living room despite the yipping coming from the puppy corner as I made my way toward the hall and my bedroom.

  “Wait!” Sabrina hollered. “I don’t want to lie down in another bed. Can’t I camp out on your couch instead? Be with the
puppies and you?”

  “Don’t use the eyes on me. That’s not fair.” I growled. “Fine, as long as you sleep when you need to. If I find you yawning and fighting sleep it’ll be back to the bedroom with you.”

  “You say that like it’s a threat.” Sabrina giggled.

  “It’s a promise.” I grunted then set her down her onto the couch. “Now stay there, and I’ll get everything you need to make a nest. No getting up to pet the puppies.”

  “But they’re so cute.”

  “Stay. Put.”

  Sabrina grumbled as I left to grab a thick quilt, pillows, and some tissues. When I came back into the living room, she was right where I’d left her. Sound asleep.

  She stayed asleep as I arranged the pillows and quilt for her. My heart ached at the sight. I hadn’t thought it was possible to feel so much for someone now. I’d truly thought that part of me had died. It only made sense that Sabrina was the one to resurrect me after the fire. And I was so fucking thankful I hadn’t lost her last night. I don’t know what I would’ve done if…

  I couldn’t even let myself think it.

  She was here now. That was what was important. And I’d do whatever I could to make sure she never wanted for anything.

  In the meantime, I had puppies to take care of.

  An hour or so later, I felt Sabrina burrow into the quilt next to me, making those cute as hell noises she always did when she first woke up. Her soft mewls gave way to a hacking cough. I bit my lip, determined not to say anything.

  “Ugh, that part better clear up fast. It is not fun.” Sabrina burrowed into my lap. “What time is it?”

  I ran a hand over her head. Christ, I hoped I didn’t ever get used to this feeling. Because there was nothing like it on this earth. “I dunno. Late afternoon, judging by what’s on tv.”

  “Hmmmm.” Sabrina hummed. Her playful burrowing quickly evolved to hands wandering into locations they shouldn’t.

  “Oomph.” I groaned when she’d found my already lengthening hard-on. “We’re not doing that tonight, angel.”