Logan shook his head in irritation. “You’re already on your way?”
“I hope you don’t mind. It’s just that Brad was acting up again and we had to get out of there. Plus I’d already told Candice I’d come out. She sounded like she could really use a friend about now.”
He covered the low growl in his throat with a cough.
“So,” she persisted. “What do you say?”
“I say it sounds like you’re already on your way so we’ll see you tomorrow.” He couldn’t get himself to phrase it any kinder. He was annoyed. Ready to call up his folks and see if Lana and her boy could stay at their place. Besides, they’d most likely enjoy it. There were a few full-time ranch hands living downstairs for the season. She could flirt with them until the cows came home. Keep her grabby fingers off of him in the process.
Lana was squealing on the other end of the line. “Perfect. We’re so excited. Candice said maybe you could take me and Kenny out to the ranch one day and teach us to ride.”
“Mm, hmm. I better get going now,” he said, unwilling to talk about plans like a couple of girls. “We’ll see you when you get here.”
“Okay,” she said as he ended the call.
Logan tore off his shirt as he came in through the patio door. “Great,” he grumbled under his breath. “Just what we need.”
He sped through his shower in record time, thoughts of Lana lost on the outdoor wind. Logan had an evening with Candice all to himself, and he planned to make the most of it. Once dressed, he flicked off the light in his room and wandered down the hall, pausing when he saw Candice standing by the dining room table, her hand poised over the glass bowl her uncle had given them.
Her cheeks turned pink when she saw him. Was that guilt he saw on her face? “Should we draw one of these before we go?”
“I was thinking after dinner might be best,” Logan said.
Candice tucked her hair behind one ear. “It looks like someone’s been messing with these.”
Logan felt his face turn hot. How did she know? “What do you mean?”
“I mean there’s this one piece right in the center that’s standing taller than the others.”
Okay, so maybe he was the guilty one.
“I know it’s your turn to draw tonight…” She set those green piercing eyes on him. “But since you’ve been tampering with these slips, I think I’ll draw instead.”
He laughed. “Okay.”
She stuck her hand into the bowl, pinching the one next to the center slip before looking at him. “Should I pick this one?”
Logan shook his head. “No.”
She lifted her hand out of the bowl dramatically before lowering it once more. This time she snagged the one on the opposite side of the middle slip. “This one?”
“No,” he said again with the shake of his head.
Candice lifted her hand once more, lowering it slowly, and then slid the very tip of her finger along the ridge of the tall, center piece. The one he had – indeed – set higher than the rest. The naughty slip. His pulse raced as she toyed with it.
“You know what?” she said. “I think you’re right. We should go eat first. We’ll do this when we come back.” It sounded like a promise.
“Okay,” he managed through a shaky breath. “Let’s get going then.” After all, the sooner they left, the sooner they would get back.
CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE
Candice eyed the waitress as she cleared away the plates. Thanks to Logan, dessert was on its way, and Candice could hardly wait. “I don’t think we’ve shared a lava cake since the night we got engaged,” she said. It was dark beyond the window next to them, but the warm flickering candlelight reflected off the glass, enhancing the golden tone of Logan’s skin. His deep brown eyes settled on her, and Candice felt her heart thud out of beat.
He ran a hand over the back of his neck. Scratched at his jaw for a bit, and then turned his attention to a sugar packet resting on the table. As he fiddled with it, flicking the contents from one end of the packet to the next, Candice wondered just what he was holding back. She knew that look on his face, could tell that something was on the tip of his tongue. Could it have something to do with what he had planned for the rest of their evening?
She decided not to push. If he had something to say, Logan would find a way to say it. Yet as their dessert came, the conversation took a different path. One that had them reminiscing about the years in their past. The pre-trying-for-a-baby years. All the way back to when the two started dating. Just as the waitress came with the check, Logan brought up a time back in high school when Candice had gone out with a friend of his to make him jealous.
“Oh, you are wrong about that,” she assured. “My mom always said that if a guy asks you out, you should give him a chance. As long as you’re not serious with someone else.” She’d added that last part with a wink, knowing it would give her away.
Logan’s jaw dropped as he pointed an accusing finger at her. “That’s what I’m talking about. You already knew I liked you.”
“Yeah, but you hadn’t made it official,” she said while coming to a stand.
“I did after you went out with Josh.”
Candice smiled, watching as Logan stood as well. “Exactly,” she said with a grin. She planted a quick peck on his lips and giggled.
“I knew that’s why you went out with him. To get me to step up.”
She didn’t argue with him this time, only smiled as he shook his head in wonder. He handed his card to the gal up front and then turned to Candice once more.
“You’re sneaky.”
Candice let out a small laugh while slipping a hand around his arm. She pulled herself into him, feeling the bicep in his arm tighten against her cheek as he signed the check. It had been such a natural thing she hadn’t given it much thought, but it sure did feel nice – not second-guessing everything she did. Giving into the feelings she had for him.
“Admit it,” Logan said as they strolled across the lot. “You’re starting to like my truck.” He pressed a button on his key to unlock it, and pried open her door.
She rolled her eyes as she climbed onto the running board. In seconds his strong, warm hands were at her waist, helping her into the truck. Her heart raced with another out-of-beat thud.
“I think you should have gotten bigger tires,” she joked, pulling the seatbelt over her lap.
Logan surprised her by stepping onto the running board as well. The humming light in the parking lot flickered as he searched her face, his smile fading into something new. The expression felt like a plea, as if he were seeking an answer to some unspoken question in his heart.
A mass of flutters erupted deep in her stomach as he held her gaze, tilting his head toward hers as he did. He tipped to the side, brought his mouth to her ear while sweeping her hair off her neck, and then planted the slightest kiss just beneath the base of her lobe. “Thank you for coming to dinner with me.”
In one swift move he dropped from the running board and closed the door. Candice was still reeling from the effects of his flirtatious gesture when he settled in behind the wheel. She eyed him as he started up the car and fiddled with the radio. Once a soft country tune poured from the speakers, Logan backed out of the stall.
It didn’t seem fair. With the slightest touch of his lips, a few words in his deep, raspy voice, and she’d nearly unraveled. Had he done that on purpose? Known her body would react to him in such a way? Or was he clueless altogether? She tilted her head for a better look as they passed a streetlamp, and caught sight of the slightest grin at the corner of his lips.
Hmm. “You know,” she said, realizing that two could play his game. “There is something I like about this truck.” She unlatched her buckle, scooted into the space between them, and then pulled on the belt resting there. She propped herself up just enough to speak against his neck as he’d done. “I like sitting this close to you.” To add to it, Candice planted a series of feathery soft kisses to a warm, tende
r spot beneath his ear.
She turned her attention back to the road, a satisfied smile on her face.
“Oh, you are messing with fire, right there,” he warned.
An amused giggle snuck up her throat. “Am I?”
Logan nodded adamantly. “Yes, as a matter of fact you are. I know all of your triggers, Love. I can have you melting in the palm of my hand with just one touch.”
His comment trailed over her skin in a slow tease. Had her pulse kicking up as she considered how very right he was.
“Huh. But you’re driving now, so it looks like I’m the only one able to do the teasing.” She propped herself higher once again, determined to step things up a notch. What he’d said may have been true but for now, she was in control, and she kind of liked that. With less tentative movements, Candice brought her mouth to his neck once more, pleased by the spicy smell of his cologne, and pressed a longer, stronger kiss.
“Hey, that’s not really fair,” Logan mumbled, shifting in the seat.
She ignored the statement, drew her tongue along the edge of his ear, and then pinned the tender lobe between her teeth.
Logan groaned, a low and sensual growl that set her skin ablaze. Had her envisioning what might happen once they got home.
“I swear if you keep going I’ll have to pull over somewhere and have my way with you right in this truck.”
Candice actually liked the sound of that. In fact, had it not been so long since they’d made love, she might encourage that very thing. But she wanted tonight to be special. Best to hold off on the whole making-him-and-her-both-crazy thing until they got back. With that thought, Candice rested her head onto his shoulder, kept a nice hold of his bicep, and let the sparks sizzle between them. Logan had mentioned the night before that the longer you let a fire burn, the hotter the coals would get. It was true here as well. Though she was no longer kissing his skin or teasing him with playful words, the fire between them was in full flame.
As they neared home, she wondered if Logan knew what was going through her mind. Did he know she planned to make love to him that night, or was he left dwelling on what she’d said after they’d kissed on the couch? That she wasn’t sure she could recommit. His breaths seemed to come out jagged, hindered, almost letting his answer be known. He knew – just as she did – what this night had in store.
Once Logan put the truck in park, he motioned for Candice to get out on his side. She did as he suggested, sliding over to climb down when he took her into his arms. A quick kick to the truck door to close the thing, and he was making his way toward the entrance. Candice gripped onto the front of his shirt as he pushed open the door and carried her inside. But he didn’t go far. Instead he hunched down, setting her gently to her feet, and straightened back up, gazing at her through the dim light.
“If you want to play fair, you’ll let me get even with you now,” he said in a whisper. “I know we’re not supposed to be kissing and touching and all that, so I’ll just do what you did to me and we’ll leave it at that.” He didn’t wait for her to answer. Only moved in to kiss her neck, pressing her back against the door. His lips were hot, hungry, and masterful. He did know how to get even, didn’t he? And it was somehow wonderful to her that he didn’t know yet. Didn’t know she’d already given in. His tongue worked some sort of magic over her skin, causing goosebumps to ripple along her arms.
Candice’s hands moved up his back as she let out an enraptured whimper. She gripped fists-full of his hair, thrilling in the groan sounding from deep in his chest. And then her mouth was on him. Toying with the smooth rim of his ear, nibbling at his sensitive lobe, heating his skin with her shaky breaths. She was telling Logan – with the action alone – that he had already won her over.
His body pressed firm against hers as they kissed one another in turn, exploring tender spots of exposed skin around their ears, neck, and cheeks. Her, and then him – each taking time to tease and torture the other. Soon they turned into shorter, more urgent kisses, staggered between impatient breaths. She wanted his kiss more than anything in that moment. Could hardly wait another beat.
Four frantic kisses along her collarbone.
Three to his jawline.
Two short kisses on her cheek.
One at the corner of Logan’s lips.
And at last, her mouth was on his. A long awaited union that made her sigh with pleasure. Strong and thorough, powerful and complete, his lips toyed with hers. Promising everything that would come. And while part of her wanted to rush him to her room right away, the other, more mature part wanted to enjoy each blissful sensation. The smooth and silky caress of his tongue as he kissed her. The short scruff surrounding his lips, reminding her of the change she’d seen in him since their return to Montana. And the heavenly feel of his hands at her waist. Gripping. Pulling. Needing.
Suddenly he broke from her kiss. “I can’t wait any longer,” he pled between fast-paced breaths. He moved to her ear, the sensation tickling her lobe as he spoke up once more. “Tell me your ready, Candice. Tell me you want this too. Forever. No matter what happens.” He kissed her there again. Passionately. Longingly. “I want you to be mine again.”
Candice pulled back, tilting her head until their eyes met. The ache she saw in Logan’s brown eyes nearly made her weep. “Yes. I’m already yours, Logan. And I want this.” Before she could utter another word Logan covered her mouth with an urgent kiss.
When his lips left hers for a beat, Candice spoke into the heated space between them. “Take me to the bed, Logan.” She hiked her legs around him as they went, thrilling in the knowledge that somehow, they had really done it. She and Logan had made it through all the hard times in their past, and now, as he rested her carefully on the bed, tearing his shirt off with a hurried hand, they were in this together. Ready to face the future, no matter what it might bring.
CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX
“I can’t tell you how badly I want to play hooky today,” Candice said. “Just lie in bed with you all day long.” The pale morning light played across the smooth curve of her body, lighting her up like an angel. Logan missed seeing her like this. Could hardly believe the turn of events that had led him to her bed. To their bed now, as she’d called it earlier that morning.
He swept his slightly parted lips over her slender arm, pausing at her wrist, and inhaled deeply. “Okay.” He pressed a kiss to her warm, silky skin. “I’m in. I’ll call the school and tell them you’re too sick to make it. You call Earl and tell him the same thing about me.” He could see those teacher-wheels turning in her head as she contemplated. But it’s nearing the end of the school year and there’s too much to do. What if they can’t get hold of a nice sub and have to settle for one of the mean ones? I have too many papers to grade.
She licked her lips, bit on the lower one for a bit, and then looked directly at him. “Okay.”
His eyes must have gone as wide as his face. “Okay?”
“Sure,” she said with a nod. “This is kind of like our second honeymoon, isn’t it? Besides, it’s Friday. This way we get a three-day weekend.”
Suddenly it felt like Christmas Eve – one where Logan was nothing more than a boy. A very good boy who would be getting everything he desired. Including a three-day weekend with Candice.
“What number should I call for you?” he asked, reaching for the nightstand. He retrieved both phones and gave Candice’s to her.
“I have it in my phone,” she said, “so let’s just switch. You call from mine. I’ll call from yours.”
Logan shrugged, trading her phones and smiled as he scrolled through Candice’s listings. He knew his father would be onto him and Candice – that her call would tell Earl just what he and Logan’s mother had been longing to hear since the two moved back. And that suited him just fine.
Candice looked at him expectantly after he’d dialed the line. Logan put the small phone on speaker so she could hear every word.
“Wait,” she blurted out in a whisper. “Wh
at are you going to say?”
A woman answered the phone; sounded like the one who’d told him about Candice and Sam taking off together last month.
Logan cleared his throat. “Hi there. I’m calling in for Candice Emerson. She uh, came down with a pretty severe fever last night and won’t be able to come in today.”
“Oh, my,” the woman said. “That’s terrible.”
Logan locked his gaze on Candice. “Yeah. You should have seen her last night. She was so hot I had to sponge her off in the tub.”
Candice’s eyes grew wide. Her jaw dropped as she smacked him on the leg. There was a long pause on the line. “Well I hope she gets feeling better, Mr. …”
“Emerson,” he said. “I’m her husband. And I’ll see that she feels real good before I send her back to work.” He tried not to laugh at the indignant expression on Candice’s face. “Goodbye, now.” With the tap of his thumb he disconnected the call.
“I cannot believe you did that.”
Logan pasted on his innocent expression and shrugged. “What? I’m surprised at just how much of that was true. You really were hot last night. On fire,” he said with a laugh. “The bath part was true too. I just forgot to add one small request.”
She had her attention set on Logan’s phone, but with that, Candice looked up at him. “What did you forget?”
“To have her tell Sam that we’re back together.”
Candice shook her head and focused on his phone once more. It went on speaker, and Logan grinned back at her. Candice might have some sort of revenge scheme in store, but Earl was a big boy. He could handle just about anything Candice threw his way, be it sexual innuendos or other. Attempting to offend or embarrass him through his father would be a lost cause.
“Hello?” The tight, high-pitched voice of his mother bellowed through the line.
The grin fell from Logan’s face. “What are you doing?” he mouthed.
Mending Hearts: Logan's Story Page 18