Just as Logan is about to speak, there is a knock on the door.
Saved by delivery.
With a kiss to my head, he stands and answers the door. After signing the receipt and taking the bag from the young boy, he returns to the couch. We both take a little bit of each meal he ordered from my favorite Chinese restaurant around the corner. It’s way more than the two of us can eat, but Logan said he ordered a variety since he wasn’t sure what I liked. It was perfect because I loved everything he picked.
We have eaten our fill of Chinese and return to lying together on the couch with Logan’s arms wrapped around me. I am so lost in the movie and the relaxing motion of his fingers gliding up and down my back that I nearly miss hearing my phone’s beeping from the coffee table.
I glance at the time on the cable box, and it’s after midnight. Not many people would be texting me at this time, and when I consider the possibilities of who it could be, I sit up and grab the device.
My heart drops as I read the message.
Lynne: Can’t do it anymore. Come get her. Tell her I love her.
It’s followed by a second message. This one an address.
I quickly dial her, and it goes straight to voicemail. Hanging up, I try again, and it’s the same result. Three more times go straight to voicemail.
“Brenna, are you okay?” Logan asks, placing his hand on my shoulder, and I jump at the contact. I had momentarily forgotten he was even here, much less right behind me.
“Umm, I am sorry to do this, but I have to go,” I say, still clutching the phone tightly in my hands.
“Go where? What’s going on?” he asks, his eyes full of concern.
“I’m not really sure. My sister has been acting weird ... well, she’s always acting weird. She just sent me a message that I don’t quite understand, but from what I can gather, I need to pick my niece up. So I am unbelievably sorry, but I really have to go.” I am rambling and can feel my panic level begin to rise. I have to get to that little girl, and there is no telling what kind of situation she is in.
“Okay. I will drive you,” he offers, but I don’t want to involve him in my sister’s mess.
“No, you don’t need to do that.”
“I want to,” he insists. “Where is she?”
Reluctantly, I reopen the message and show him the address when I get the feeling he isn’t going to back down. He looks at it briefly, pinching his brows together.
“Are you serious?” he asks, and I nod. “This is the worst part of town, and you were just going to go alone?” His voice is raised, almost in a scolding tone, causing me to flinch.
“I have to; Jane needs me,” I plea, my eyes burning with the threat of tears.
Logan pulls me into his arms and kisses my head. “I’m sorry, babe. Come on, let’s go.”
He leads me out the door, and my mind runs aways with different scenarios of what Lynne has done this time. She always finds herself in trouble, but I have never received a message like this from her. I knew the instant I recognized the address that whatever it was had to be bad. You don’t go into this neighborhood and come out unscathed.
The car ride is a blur, and I don’t remember much after climbing inside. I am lost inside my head, worrying about Jane and Lynne. I notice Logan making a couple of calls, but I pay no attention to his conversations.
Pulling up to the house, I look around and spot a patrol car across the street. A man in street clothes steps out and walks in our direction, causing the people hanging around outside the few houses on the street to quickly make their way indoors.
“Oh, God,” I breathe out, thinking maybe this is worse than I thought if a cop is here.
“It’s okay.” Logan’s hand squeezes my bare knee. “He’s with us.”
I nod my head, opening the door as Logan does the same. We meet in front of the Range Rover, and the guys talk among themselves while I survey the area. The house that the address led us to is pitch black, showing no movement inside. A cold chill rushes down my spine, causing me to shiver. Looking away from the house, I step back toward Logan, and he wraps his arm around my shoulder.
I pull my phone out and try to call my sister one more time, but much like before, it goes straight to voicemail.
“Still nothing?” Logan asks.
I shake my head. “No, it must be turned off. Do we just go knock on the door?”
“We don’t do anything. I think it’s best if you stay in the car and let us handle this.”
“No way. You can’t make me sit out here and do nothing. If Jane is in there, she isn’t going to feel comfortable leaving with two guys she doesn’t even know. I’m going with you.”
He looks over at the officer, who nods his head. “Fine, but stay close. There’s no telling what or who is inside.”
Logan’s hand is gripping mine tightly as we approach the house. The officer bangs on the door loudly, announcing we are there for Jane.
It’s dead silent, and the only thing I hear is my heartbeat vibrating through my body. Time ticks on, and it feels like an eternity before the knob is turned and the door creaks open.
Jane stumbles out, looking half asleep and confused, holding her favorite pink blanket. I race forward and pick her up, enveloping her securely in my arms.
“BrennBrenn, Mama said you would come get me.” She circles her little arms around my neck, resting her head against my shoulder.
“Of course, I would, sweet angel.” I hold her tightly and kiss her head over and over again.
Logan steps up and wraps an arm around my back. “Let’s get out of here.”
I nod my head, turning back to the direction where we parked. I keep my eyes trained forward, not wanting to look around any more than I already had. My stomach is in knots just being in the area.
When I reach the car, I stop abruptly, causing Logan to collide with my back. “I just realized I don’t have a car seat.” I turn to face him, seeing the unnamed officer standing behind him.
Logan looks back at the other man, who steps closer. “Considering the circumstances, and the fact that I want to get you guys out of here as quickly as possible, we will overlook that. Buckle her in the back and I will follow you guys home.”
“Thank you.”
Logan opens the door and helps me situate Jane in the back seat.
“I will be extra careful getting us back to your place,” he says, noticing the worry on my face.
My eyes close as he caresses my cheek with the back of his hand, getting lost in his touch. “I trust you.”
He smiles, brushing his lips against mine softly before closing the door and getting behind the wheel.
We are several miles away when a question comes to mind. “Hey, Logan?” I ask quietly, careful not to disturb a sleeping Jane.
“Yeah?” His eyes meet mine briefly in the rearview mirror.
“Who’s the cop?”
“Oh, sorry, I guess with everything going on I skipped introductions. That’s my cousin, Trevor. I called him on the way because I wasn’t sure what we were going to be walking into.”
“Thank you. For everything.”
“You don’t need to thank me, Brenna. I am just happy I was there and able to help. I hate the thought of you going to that house alone. Do you know where your sister is?”
“No, and there really is no telling with her history. I’ve always had these high hopes for Lynne, especially after she became a mom, but she refuses to change.” I look down at Jane as she sleeps peacefully without a care in the world. “I don’t want her to have the same childhood as we did, you know. She deserves so much more than that.”
“I asked Trevor to keep this off the books until I spoke with you. I wasn’t sure what you wanted to do. He can make a report about your sister’s message and where we found Jane. It would make a good case to get her removed from her mom’s custody.”
Memories invade my head of the times Child Protective Services came to the house to investigate our home life. We ha
d missed too many days of school because our mom couldn’t wake up and get us there. The caseworkers never did much and didn’t stick around long enough to get any hard evidence against her. The cases were always closed, and we remained in her care, causing me to lose a lot of faith in the system.
I can’t imagine going through the process of trying to have Jane removed, only for them to return her to her mother after a short period. Thoughts of all the home visits and court dates that would be wasted led me to my decision.
“I need to think about it. I want to talk to Lynne first and find out what’s going on.”
“Whatever you want.”
Logan parks his vehicle and jumps out. Opening the back door, he helps me exit with Jane sleeping in my arms.
Walking up to my apartment, I make a silent promise to this sweet angel in my arms to do everything within my power to keep her safe. Even if that means involving CPS and dealing with the stress and aggravation bound to come along with it.
Chapter 6
A foot to the ribs wakes me up, and when I see the little girl sleeping next to me, the night before comes rushing back. When we made it back to my apartment last night, Logan came up to make sure we got in safely and didn’t need anything. There were many things I needed, but I didn’t dare mention any to him. It was enough that our date night was interrupted and he had to accompany me while I picked up my niece, who was practically abandoned by my irresponsible sister. There was no way I would ask him to make a run to the grocery store because I didn’t have any food in my kitchen. I decided once Jane woke up in the morning, we would take a trip into town and pick up the necessities.
Careful not to disturb her, I climb off the bed, replacing my body with a pillow to keep her from rolling off. Grabbing my phone from the nightstand, I exit my room, quietly pulling the door shut.
Since there was no way I could go to work this morning, I called April last night and left a message informing her I had a family emergency and wouldn’t be able to fill in at the law firm. After placing the call, I silenced my phone, not wanting it to go off and wake Jane during the night. Unlocking the screen, I find a message from Logan, but nothing other than that. I try calling my sister, and just like the other times, it goes straight to voicemail. Without leaving a message, I disconnect the call and open the text from Logan.
Logan: I hope you were able to get some sleep. Let me know when you’re up.
I check the time stamp and see he sent the message over an hour ago. It was after one by the time we got back with Jane, and it took a while for my mind to settle enough for me to fall asleep. Now, it is just a little after eight, which means I didn’t get a whole lot of sleep last night.
Good morning. Thanks again for last night. It really means a lot.
He responds almost instantly as if he was waiting for my text, which makes me smile.
Logan: Anytime. Are you up for visitors today?
When were you thinking?
Logan: I’m actually outside right now.
He’s here?
Now?
I look down at the long shirt I am wearing that falls midthigh. My hair is on top of my head in a messy bun, and I don’t have a stitch of makeup on. This is a terrible time for visitors, especially when that visitor is Logan Tate.
I am still staring at the phone in my hand when I hear a knock on my door. Suddenly feeling completely underdressed, I glance from the front door to my bedroom door, wishing I had thought to grab a pair of shorts on the way out. I don’t want to go back in the room and risk waking up Jane.
Giving up hope of looking presentable, I trudge over to the door and open it, surprised to see Logan with his arms filled with grocery bags.
“What is all that?” I ask, tugging at the hem of my shirt, trying to pull it down farther.
“I knew you would have a lot going on today, so I ran to the store and picked up a few things I thought you might need.” Smiling wide, he slowly rakes his eyes over my body, stopping when he reaches my thighs. Pulling his gaze back to mine, he lifts the bags in his hands, and I wave him inside.
Entering the kitchen, he begins to empty the contents of the bags onto the counter. There is milk, juice, and all kinds of snacks and other food items. I am frozen in shock as I watch him move about the small place, putting all the cold items into my empty refrigerator.
“You didn’t have to do that,” I say to his back and watch him flinch, knowing it came out harsher than I intended. Having people do nice things for me is not something I am accustomed to.
Turning around, he walks over to where I am leaning against the counter with my arms crossed over my chest in a defensive stance.
“I know I didn’t, but I wanted to. It is one less thing you have to worry about today. I’m sorry if I overstepped.”
“No, I’m sorry.” I drop my arms in defeat and lower my head. “You have been so amazing, and I’m being a bitch. I just hate not being in control of things, and right now, not knowing what is going on is killing me. Thank you, Logan, for last night and for all this. I appreciate it more than I can express.”
Reaching out, he pulls me into his arms and lifts my chin until our eyes meet. “There is no need to keep thanking me, Brenna. I know we haven’t had a chance to discuss what this is between us, but you should know I want to give this a shot and see where it goes.”
“You do?” I ask, unable to believe this man before me is saying these words.
“Yes. This isn’t just some fling for me. I’m not that guy. Look, I’m not trying to push you to make any decisions, but if you don’t want the same things, just let me know.”
Instead of answering, I wrap my hand around his neck and stand on my toes, bringing my lips to his. He responds instantly, circling his arms around my middle and pulling me against him. His tongue runs against my lips, and I gladly open, allowing him access. A sudden rush of heat floods my body as his fingers slide along my thighs, teasing the hemline of my shirt.
A door creaking open sets off an alarm in my brain, and I jump away from Logan as if I’m on fire—which I am. He smirks and backs away to stand on the other side of my kitchen, which suddenly feels smaller.
Little feet patter against the floor, and Jane comes around the corner, carrying her blanket. Her brown curls are sticking out on the sides, and her big brown eyes are moving back and forth between me and Logan.
“Good morning, sweetie,” I say. Pulling her attention away from Logan, she walks over to me and leans against my legs. Lowering myself to her level, I sit on my knees and hold her hand. “This is my friend, Logan. He was with me last night when I picked you up.”
She looks back at him, her expression full of curiosity. She doesn’t seem to be afraid and isn’t hiding, which I find to be a good sign. Logan, on the other hand, appears to be slightly nervous and unsure of what to do next. His eyes meet mine in question, and I just nod my head in encouragement.
He walks toward us and lowers himself to the ground as well. “Hello, Jane. It’s very nice to meet you.” He reaches his hand out for hers, but surprising us both, Jane launches herself into his arms. Before I can blink, he’s embracing her, one hand rubbing her head.
I have never witnessed her take to someone so quickly, especially a male. She has always been more standoffish when it comes to men. If I wasn’t already there, watching this encounter would bring me to my knees.
She whispers something into his ear before pulling away. Logan nods, and she returns to my side.
“I’m hungry, BrennBrenn,” she says as though nothing is out of the ordinary.
“Go have a seat at the table and I’ll bring out some breakfast.”
Logan and I both rise to our feet and watch as Jane skips out of the kitchen.
“She sure is something else.”
“Yeah, you could say that.” I laugh, filling a bowl with the cereal Logan delivered. “What did she say to you?” My back is to him as I add the milk, but I can feel him as he approaches.
He places
his hands on the counter, caging me in with my back to his front. “She thanked me for last night. I have spent mere minutes with that little girl, and much like with her aunt, I would do anything for her.” His lips press against my neck, and I take a sharp breath at both his words and touch.
Reaching around me, he grabs the milk and returns it to the refrigerator, pulling out two bottles of water. He holds one out to me, and I accept, kissing his cheek. With Jane’s cereal in hand, we join her at the table and enjoy a few moments of silence while she eats.
In the past few days, I’ve had so many changes in my life that it is getting difficult to keep up. I still can’t believe Lynne would leave her daughter in that house with God knows who.
Was she inside when we showed up?
Why did she turn her phone off?
I have so many questions, but knowing my flake of a sister, they will all go unanswered. Even after she finally shows up, she will skate around the issue and never give the full truth—she never does.
“Jane, sweetie,” I say and wait for her eyes to meet mine. “Do you know where your mommy is?”
She wipes her mouth, catching little drips of milk. “She said she was sick and needed to see a doctor.”
“Was there anyone inside that house with you last night?” Logan asks.
“Mommy said he was her friend, and he would watch me until you showed up,” Jane explains as if it’s no big deal she was left alone with a strange man in the middle of the biggest drug neighborhood around here. The innocence of a child.
My gaze meets Logan’s, and he looks just as worried as I am. Anything could have happened to her last night. What was Lynne thinking? She wasn’t, of course; she never does. I plan on wringing her neck when I finally see her again. She told Jane she was getting help, but who seeks professional help in the middle of the night? Not to mention, how could she afford it? Plus, if that were the case, why not just come to me? Bring Jane here and explain what the deal was. You don’t just abandon her in a crack house and depend on me to pick her up. What if I was working and unable to leave and get her? All the terrible what-if possibilities run through my mind, and I feel the sadness mixing with the anger.
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