I’m glad that she met someone, I hope he treats her right. She’s a great friend, more than a friend, I consider her my only family, and I want her to find the happiness she so definitely deserves.
Four days have passed since I was a creepy stalker lurking (well not really) by the barn staring at Logan’s house. Four day’s since I had little Cody in my home. Four day’s since I stepped outside my cottage. Jenny told me it’s not healthy to stay in and be so isolated. But honestly I have been working on my jewelry. All right, and hiding out.
She jokes that I was going to get Scurvies from lack of Vitamin C. I then explained that the sun gives off Vitamin D, and you get scurvies from lack of fruit and vegetables. Which I eat, along with my cookies!
It’s Saturday morning, so I have the whole day ahead of me. Although I have been a hermit for days, I got lost in my art of jewelry making. This enabled me to finish numerous pieces that needed final touches here and there. I was even able to pack up the jewelry in my signature cream boxes with a lilac bow. I will bring everything to the town Post Office on Monday.
I look forward to visiting with Maggie afterwards to show her some of my pieces, and maybe even ask her to go to lunch with me. I’d like to make a friend here; I am finding myself feeling lonely after Jenny pointed out that I shouldn’t seclude myself.
A firm knock on my door causes me to jump. I am definitely not expecting anyone so this surprises me. So much so that my body jolts and my head turns to stare at the door wondering if I imagined it. I quickly do a mental inventory of what I am wearing. Feeling grateful that this morning I showered, shaved, and got dressed in clothes rather than pajamas.
My cute pink capri pants fit me nicely, they are form fitting and hug all my curves. I topped this with a cream colored tee shirt with lace cap sleeves. I threw my long hair in yet another pony tail. It’s too hot to wear it any other way.
I head to the door and look out the small window next to it. I can’t see anyone. Maybe I did imagine it. Then the loud knock comes again right by my head. Obviously whoever is there is standing right up against the door. I wish there was a peep hole like our place in New York. I know I have the window right next to the door, but whoever is out there will see me staring out. And what if I don’t want to answer it. I see a huge chestnut horse tied to the wood fence around my front porch. I don’t think a murderer would ride a horse over. But what do I know, maybe that’s how they commit crimes here in Texas.
Whoever is there is getting impatient and knocks again, a little louder. “All right, all right. I’m coming. Hold your horses.”
I chuckle to myself. Hold your horses, or should I say horse. Ughhh. I need a life.
I open the door and all the oxygen is sucked out of me. Not from the heat this time. Leaning against the doorframe is Logan. How one man can be so good looking is beyond me.
I take him in, all of him. His height, his broad shoulders. The short sleeved grey henley that is stretched across the muscles of his chest. Slowly my eyes move down to his brown leather belt adorned with a hammered silver belt buckle. This is on a pair of beat up blue jeans that mold to his thick thighs. Slowly I move my eyes lower to his brown cowboy boots that are crossed at the ankles. I realize I haven’t said anything but stand here ogling my landlord.
Even though my eyes would like to take their time moving back up to take in all that is Logan on a return trip up his body. I shake my head and quickly look at his face.
“Uh, hi.” I am able to stammer out. I feel my cheeks start to burn with embarrassment. Thankfully Logan just smirks at me and ignores that fact that I was just checking him out.
“Hey Laura.” Is it bad that I even find the gruffness of his voice sexy as sin? “Wanted to come by and thank you for taking care of Cody the other day. He had that damn stomach bug so I have been home taking care of him or I would have come sooner. Everything that you did for him…” Logan looks to the side measuring his next words. I wait, while soaking in his thanks. Quietly, almost a whisper he finishes, “He couldn’t stop talking about you.”
“He’s a great kid. I remember being left at the nurse’s office in school and just wanting to be home.” I don’t know why I shared that. I don’t share anything personal about myself.
“Well darlin’, I’m grateful that Cody didn’t have to wait in the nurse’s office. Sounds like you had everything under control. Knowing exactly what he needed.”
I look away. I don’t want Logan to read the sad expression I know is covering my face. He can use his detective skills and read me like a book. I can’t go there, not now. Not with Logan standing on my front porch.
I turn sideways so as not to see Logan staring at me, “Is that your horse?” I quickly ask motioning to the horse that is obviously his but hopefully being successful in trying to change the subject.
Logan stares at me for a moment too long, probably realizing that I am changing the subject. He decides to let me off the hook, at least for now by turning to look at his horse. “Yeah, that’s Magic. She’s the gentlest horse on my ranch.” Logan rubs the horses head with his strong sturdy hands. Hands I wouldn’t mind on me. Wait. What?
“She’s beautiful.” My voice cracks, probably from my x-rated thoughts. I clear my throat and admire the horse from a distance. The horse although huge, is absolutely stunning.
“Yeah, beautiful.” Logan whispers in a husky voice. This causes me to pull my gaze away from his horse and look at him.
Looking at Logan, I realize he said that staring right at me. My cheeks turn red again and I quickly look away.
“Thought I’d come by and take you for a ride. Show you my land, the land you’re now living on.”
“When you say ride, are you talking about a car, or the horse?”
“Darlin’, you can’t explore the ranch in a car. So yeah, I meant the horse.”
“Oh, no way, no thanks. Not going to happen.” I am shaking my head back and forth so hard I will be surprised if I don’t give myself whiplash. And what about his skinny minny blonde girlfriend, I’m sure she wouldn’t want me riding off into the sunset (well, not that it’s sunset, but you know what I mean) with her man.
“Why not?” Logan asks clearly confused.
“You want me to get on that, that huge horse. It could stomp on me, throw me, it’s so, so big.”
“When is big a bad thing?” Logan asks smirking at me. A devilish glint in his eye.
I look away again, my face now flaming. There is no way he misses my blush, I feel my ears burning.
“A woman who blushes, I didn’t think there were any left.” He say’s out loud, but mostly to himself.
I’ve ignored everything so far so why not this comment too and ask, “How’s Cody feeling?” Changing the subject, yet again.
“He’s fine now. Sweat out his fever the other night. Wants to eat everything in site, claims it’s to make up for not eating much for a few days. But he’s on a bland diet, much to his disappointment at least for today.”
“That’s smart. I guess you don’t want a repeat of the blue ice pop incident. Sorry about giving him that by the way.”
“Nothing to be sorry about. You were amazing with him. Thank you for the Tylenol, it came in handy. I’ve been meaning to ask, why did you have child…..”
Whatever blush I had going leaves me quickly as all the blood rushes from my face. I know my face lost all color and I feel the need to hide. “Um, I think I should go in.”I start to stammer, “Thanks for asking if I want a ride, but uh, no thanks.” I turn to go back inside. Logan reaches out and gently grabs my hand halting my endeavor of escape. My hand feels warm like it belongs attached to Logan’s. This immediately stops me in my tracks.
“Sweetheart.” Logan pulls my hand so I move a little closer to him. At the same time his eyes are searching.
Shaking his head he softly requests, “At least come meet Magic. I promise she won’t hurt you.”
“Well, all right, but I’m not getting on her.” I say while e
yeing the horse. It’s not like I’m afraid of horses per say, it’s just I don’t want to get on its back. But this is definitely the closest I have ever been to one.
Logan grabs my hand gently to pull me towards him and Magic. It feels so good where his skin is touching mine. His hand is so warm and big, it engulfs my smaller hand completely. The thought of ‘I don’t want him to ever let me go’ slips through my mind. I have never had such a strong attraction to a man in my life.
We stop in front of Magic. She huffs at me. Logan pets her head and talks softly to her. Now I’m jealous of a horse, maybe I do need to get laid. Or at least find the box my vibrator is in and take care of things myself.
As Logan rubs his horses head he turns and asks me gently, “You look scared, did you have a bad experience with a horse before?”
I look at Logan and my eyes warm and my lips tip up at hearing the genuine concern in his voice. “No, this is the closest I have ever been to a real horse.” I start to feel more comfortable being next to Magic.
Logan smiles, “OK darlin’, put your hand under her nose, let her smell you.”
Logan takes my hand and puts it under Magic’s nose. She smells me. It tickles. This causes me to smile. Not a fake smile I have mastered. A real smile.
“Perfect, just like that. Here I have a treat for her. You can feed it to her.” With that Logan takes a small apple out of the side sack on Magic.
He hands it to me. I hesitate.
No, I actually freeze solid and look at Logan like he’s completely absolutely lost his ever lovin mind!
“Hold your hand flat with the apple on it. Right under her nose. Keep your hand flat, you don’t want to lose any fingers.” See, he’s serious, he wants me to put it in my hand, a hand I have grown quite fond of the past twenty-seven years. I’d rather not have his horse gnaw it off my body.
I lose whatever courage I gained with the vivid image of Magic gnawing off my hand to a bloody pulp. I clear my throat so I sound strong when I declare, “I don’t think this is such a good idea. You give her the apple. I better get insi…” I turn to leave and Logan puts his arm around my waist.
Looking down at me I just stare into his eyes. “Honey, trust me.”
I will do anything he asks while he’s holding me looking at me like that. Even have my hand painfully chewed off by a giant horse.
Unfortunately Logan lets go of me and places the apple in my hand. He gently guides my hand under Magic’s nose. She eats it. I did it! I look and count. I still have my whole hand and all five fingers. It tickles. I find myself smiling up at Magic.
“Just like that, good job darlin’.”
I smile at Logan who is on the other side of Magic, petting her back and closing up the bag he procured the apple from. I feel bold and put my hand up to pet his horse too.
As soon as I do Magic turns to me and makes a snorting noise. It frightens me so much I feel my heart actually drop into my stomach and my entire body jolts backwards quickly. I lose my footing. This happens so quickly, yet I see it all in slow motion. Logan is reaching for me but I am out of his arms length. I fall backwards and my head hits the ground with a thud.
**********
I wake up feeling funny. I don’t remember going to sleep. I look up to see Logan’s face barely an inch from mine.
“You’re back.” Logan say’s while looking at me gently.
“What happened?” I ask while attempting to sit up.
“Lay back honey, you took a spill. Magic was just saying hello to you but you got scared and fell. I tried to get you before you went down, but you were too far from me. I’ll have to keep you closer to me from now on.”
What did that mean? My head hurts too much to analyze that at the moment. I do realize we’re in my cottage and I am laying flat on my couch.
“Did I pass out?”
“Yeah, but you didn’t pass out, you clonked your head and got knocked out. I carried you in here. I think we should take you to the hospital, you may have a concussion.”
I concentrated on my body taking inventory of how I feel. Reaching behind my head I felt the goose egg of a bump and wince. But it wasn’t a concussion. I already had one of those and there is no mistaking it. This will be a doozy of a headache, but I know it’s not a concussion.
“It’s not a concussion. Just a bad bump.” I declare. Logan looks at me quizzically.
“Honey, let’s get you checked out. You don’t know, it may be one. I’ll run up and grab my truck and take you to the hospital.”
“No. I’ve had a concussion and this definitely isn’t one. Just a bad bump and a little headache.”
“You’ve had a concussion?” Logan asks looking angry and concerned.
Crap. Me and my mouth.
I try to sound stern when I answer, “Yeah, and this isn’t it. I’m not going to the hospital Cowboy. I just need a few aspirin.”
Logan looks at me like he wants to ask more but doesn’t. He also looks like he wants to laugh when I called him Cowboy. Good thing, because I’m not sharing. I just wish he would get out of here. He’s too close. He smells too good, and he’s making me feel things I never did.
“I’m fine, really.” I sit up.
Logan puts one of his hands on the back of my neck and one on my shoulder helping me sit. His expression is filled with worry.
Still with a concerned look he asks one last time, “Are you sure, we could just run by the hospital…”
“NO!” I yell, and then wince. Note to self, when recovering from hitting head, hard, do not yell under any circumstances. Even when it’s not a concussion.
Logan looks taken back from my outburst, he narrows his eyes just a bit trying to figure me out. With a soft voice, which is so sexy I can actually feel my sex quiver, he asks, “Are you afraid of hospitals? I’ll stay with you, I promise.” His warm hand is now holding onto mine. It feels so safe and comforting. I feel like a school girl, giddy from the cute boy holding my hand. Except I am definitely no school girl with the thoughts that are running through my mind. Besides, Logan is no cute boy. He is a hot alpha sexy cowboy who is in danger of being jumped by a horny born again virgin just waking from her long libido nap.
I quickly close my eyes, erasing these thoughts. He must think I am an idiot. He already has a child, I bet he’s regretting coming over here today. He doesn’t need an adult around who he probably thinks is just acting like a child. Refusing to get checked out.
If only he knew my last memory of a hospital. Lying in the bed hearing that my sister and niece had died. Taken from me, in the blink of an eye. One moment they are with me in car. The next moment, gone. Forever.
“Laura, darlin’, you with me?” Logan squeezes my hand bringing me out of my daymare.
I focus on Logan, I can’t go down that path right now. Later, when I’m alone I will let myself think of what I have lost, not now in front of Logan.
Softly I answer, “Yeah, I’m all right. Just have a headache. And no, I don’t like hospitals. Long story, not one I want to think about. Please can you just let it go?”
Logan looks like he wants to question it.
I look at him and plead, “Please.”
“I’ll let it go for now. Let’s get some aspirin for that head of yours.”
He get’s up and makes his way into my bathroom like he’s been in it a thousand times. This may be true, only with a different tenant. I wonder who this Sue woman is who lived here before me. So to change topics I ask, “Who was Sue?”
Logan tells me from the bathroom as I hear him opening the cabinets looking for aspirin. I can’t even help him because I have no idea where I unpacked it. “She lived here before you. You met Jonsie, (he doesn’t wait for my response) Sue is his cousin. She was between jobs and needed a place to crash. I had this place, so she stayed. She sometimes looked after Cody for me while she was here. Sue got married and is now living in California.”
Oh, why do I feel relieved that it wasn’t an old lover? Logan returns
with a few aspirins in his hand and a cup of water. “Here you go.”
“Thanks.” I take it and lay back on the couch. Logan pulls over the chair and is right in front of me, scrutinizing my face.
“You sure you’re ok? Maybe I should check out the rest of you to make sure you’re not hurt anywhere else.” He looks so concerned. It’s nice to have him look at me like this. It’s a big difference from his scowl.
I give him the most reassuring look I can muster through a headache, “I’m sure. Thanks.” I ignore his ‘let me check the rest of your body comment’, I’ll do that when he leaves. Make sure there are no bones sticking out from my skin. “So far I feel fine except for a little headache.”
“You’re sure? Because I may not be a doctor, but it would be fun to play one.” Logan smirks at me. I know he’s kidding, trying to make me smile. But there is a look on his face that tells me he would enjoy “checking my body out”.
I really just want him to leave, he’s too close and if he doesn’t back up I can’t be responsible for what I’ll do. And I have to remind myself that he’s a taken man. A man with a woman and a child. He’s just being nice to me.
“I’d give a mint to know what you’re thinking.”
I look away, if he knew what I was thinking he would kick me out of his cottage. So I lie, “Nothing, I think I’m just going to rest for a bit.”
“Ok, honey, I’m gonna let you do that. But I’m checking up on you in a few hours.”
“Logan, you don’t need to do that, it’s just a bump.” I argue. Really I can argue about anything. It’s a talent.
Logan shakes his head and stands. He looks at me and declares, “No arguing about it. I am checking in with you. Rest, I’ll be back in a bit.”
I lay down and Logan brushes the hair off of my forehead. It was such a tender move that I feel the tell tale sting of tears in my eyes. Hold it together Laura I chastised myself. I close my eyes so Logan doesn’t see. Then I feel Logan put something under my arm and walk out.
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