Sin Bin

by Maureen Smith

  Meadow grinned. “Yeah, but how often can they race around at top speeds without getting pulled over?”

  The others laughed. “True.”

  “Oh, I’m definitely not complaining,” Jess asserted with sparkling eyes. “This is the most fun I’ve ever had with a bunch of guys. These Rebels are a fucking blast.”

  “They sure are.” Bianca picked up her drink. “I just hope I can survive a whole day of their crazy-white-boy adventures.”

  This drew a fresh round of laughter.

  Next they went indoor skydiving, which was another amazing experience. Half the group—Meadow, Nadia, Jess, Bianca and Nelson—had never been skydiving before, so they were understandably nervous at first. Once they got their bearings, they thoroughly enjoyed the exhilaration of floating on a column of air while a massive fan blasted them with high winds, giving them the thrill of freefalling without jumping out of an airplane.

  Scarlett and the guys were flipping, spinning and tumbling through the air like the experienced skydivers they were. Every time Logan grinned at Meadow or took her hand, her stomach did even crazier somersaults. It didn’t hurt that he looked hot in his skydiving jumpsuit.

  When their flight ended, everyone left the wind tunnel and pulled off their helmets. Logan and his teammates ran their fingers through their tousled hair, looking like hotshot fighter pilots as they sauntered along together. A woman squealed loudly and pointed them out to other customers. Before the guys knew it, they were mobbed by excited hockey fans.

  As they were leaving the facility twenty minutes later, Viggo slung his arm around Scarlett’s shoulders and announced to the group, “Next time we’ll go skydiving for real.”

  “Yeah, baby!” Scarlett whooped excitedly.

  “Sounds good,” Nadia agreed, earning a kiss from Reid.

  “I’m down,” Meadow said, smiling as Logan nuzzled her ear.

  “Just say when,” Jess enthused, winking at Dubinski.

  All eyes turned to Nelson and Bianca.

  “I’m up for it,” Nelson said with an easy smile.

  Bianca sniffed and patted her hair. “Let me check my calendar and get back to y’all.”

  Everyone burst out laughing.

  They stopped for lunch before visiting the Children’s Odyssey Ranch, where the guys received an enthusiastic hero’s welcome.

  Several kids remembered Meadow and greeted her with big hugs that brought a lump to her throat. She hugged them back warmly, asked how they were doing and grinned at their excited chatter. She didn’t notice Logan watching her until one of the girls pointed to him and whispered delightedly in her ear, “I think Logan likes you!”

  Meadow looked over and met his eyes. His tender smile warmed her from head to toe.

  “I like him, too,” she confided, causing an outbreak of giggles among the girls.

  Nadia, Scarlett, Jess, Bianca and Nelson had never been to the ranch, so the children eagerly volunteered to give them a tour. They were joined by the ranch’s executive director and two counselors, who answered questions and provided updates as the group toured the sprawling property.

  Logan and Meadow walked close together, their bodies brushing against each other. He was carrying a small boy on his shoulders while she carried a chubby-cheeked toddler on her hip. They kept looking at each other and sharing quiet smiles. She knew he was feeling the same gratitude and joy she felt from watching the older children show off their home. Many of them had suffered unspeakable abuse and trauma. To see them happy and thriving was an unbelievably precious gift.

  The tour ended at the stables, where the stable manager brought out a beautiful pair of Arabian horses. After everyone admired and petted the horses, the guys took a few turns around the fenced corral. When two little black boys clamored for a “horsey ride,” Logan and Reid obliged them, carefully lifting each child onto the saddle before mounting the horse behind them and setting off at a gentle gallop, riding side by side.

  The children’s beaming grins were so adorable that Meadow and Nadia looked at each other and dissolved into sappy sighs, drawing laughter from the girls.

  Bianca grinned knowingly at Nadia. “How’s that two-year timeline looking?”

  “Weaker by the day,” Nadia admitted, unconsciously splaying her hand on her stomach with a smile. “Reid is wearing a sista down, y’all. Please pray for me.”

  Everyone laughed and encircled her in a supportive group hug.

  * * *

  After returning to the hotel, Logan and Meadow showered together and changed clothes before heading out to her father’s house in the black Jaguar that Logan had rented.

  He was unusually quiet on the way, tapping his fingers restlessly on the steering wheel and frequently glancing in the rearview mirror.

  Hyperaware of his every movement, Meadow turned to stare at him. “Are you nervous about meeting my father?”

  His eyes darted to her and away. “No.”

  She grinned. “Yes, you are.”

  His lips twitched. “Maybe a little.”

  She laughed, reaching over and touching his cheek. His nervousness was kind of adorable.

  “He’s a park ranger, right? He probably has a shitload of guns.”

  Meadow laughed again. “He is a gun owner. But you don’t have to worry about that. Seriously. Dad’s really cool and easygoing. He’s not gonna give you a knuckle-crushing handshake or threaten you with his shotgun.”

  “How do you know?” Logan challenged.

  Her smile wavered. “What do you mean?”

  “How many guys have you brought home to meet your father?”

  “Um…well…you’re the first.”

  “Which means you don’t know how he’s going to react to me.”

  He had a point, Meadow conceded. “Don’t forget he’s met you before. Well, technically, you guys didn’t actually meet. But he saw you that day and he knows...” How much you’ve always meant to me, she added silently.

  Logan looked at her. “He knows what?”

  “Nothing.” She smiled. “Just relax and be yourself, Logan. I’m sure everything will be fine.”

  He didn’t look reassured, his eyes narrowing as he studied the road ahead.

  Meadow wasn’t about to admit that she, too, was nervous about bringing him home. Despite the incredible night of lovemaking they’d shared, she didn’t know what the future held for them. She didn’t know what she wanted or what he expected from her. She didn’t want to give her father the impression that their relationship was more serious than it was.

  As they entered her neighborhood, Logan slowed the car and looked around, absorbing every detail. “Is this where you lived after you were adopted?”

  “No. We moved here after my mother died.” Her voice softened. “Dad didn’t want to leave the old house. But there were so many painful memories…so many ghosts. We were both hurting so much, Aunt Rosalie thought a change of scenery would help us heal and move on. So Dad reluctantly bought this house, and over time we gave ourselves permission to create happy new memories.”

  Logan took one hand off the wheel and gave her knee a comforting squeeze.

  She smiled at him.

  He smiled back before turning down her palm-tree-lined street.

  She directed him to the two-story stucco house with the red tile roof. As he pulled into the driveway, she beamed at the sight of her father trimming the manicured shrubs. He had his earbuds in and was listening to music to drown out the high-pitched whine of the electric trimmers. So he didn’t see or hear the car pull up.

  Logan climbed out of the Jag and came around to open Meadow’s door. She put her finger to her lips, gesturing for him to be quiet.

  His eyes glinted. “It might not be a good idea to sneak up on him while he’s wielding a pair of hedge trimmers.”

  His words fell on deaf ears as Meadow started across the large manicured lawn. Grinning impishly, she snuck up behind her father and tapped him on the shoulder.

  He jumpe
d and looked over his shoulder, his hazel eyes widening in shock when he saw her.

  “Surprise!”

  Harris shut off the hedge trimmers, ripped out his earbuds and turned around to stare at her. “Meadow?”

  “Hey, Dad! I’m back!”

  A broad grin splitting his face, he dropped the hedge trimmers and grabbed her in a warm bear hug. She laughed and hugged him back, savoring the earthy scent of grass mingled with his woodsy aftershave.

  “What’re you doing home?” he asked. “Is everything okay?”

  “Everything’s fine.” She pulled back and smiled up at him. He was already staring past her at Logan. There was a hint of suspicion in his eyes as he peeled off his work gloves.

  Logan stepped forward. “How’re you doing, Mr. Ryan?”

  “Good to see you again, Logan.” Harris gave him a firm handshake and clapped him on the shoulder. “It’s been a long time.”

  “Yes, sir. It has been.”

  Meadow smiled at her father. “I came home to attend Logan’s last game of the season. I would have dropped by sooner, but you weren’t here. How was the leadership conference?”

  “Good. Very informative.” Harris wiped the sweat off his brow with the back of his hand. “How long have you been in town?”

  “Since Wednesday.” She grinned teasingly. “I thought about pulling a prank by telling you that I was moving back home, but Logan said it wouldn’t be right to get your hopes up.”

  Her father laughed. “Thank you for talking some sense into her,” he told a grinning Logan. “Doesn’t she know she can’t be playing with an old man’s emotions like that?”

  “Old man?” Meadow snorted. “You’re not even fifty. Talk to me when you need a walking cane.”

  He laughed and affectionately tweaked her nose. “Let’s go inside. Trish is here—she’ll be happy to see you. Wendi too, of course,” he added as a quick afterthought.

  “Of course.” Meadow gave Logan a meaningful sidelong glance as they followed her father into the house. She’d told him about her strained relationship with Wendi, and he’d been very sympathetic.

  “They’re out back.” Harris led them outside to the wraparound deck, where Wendi and Trish were relaxing with glasses of wine.

  “Look who couldn’t stay away from home,” he announced jokingly.

  Wendi and Trish looked around, their eyes lighting up in surprise. “Meadow! You’re back!”

  “For one more night,” she said laughingly, crossing the deck to greet them.

  She and Wendi exchanged a stiff hug before Trish wrapped her up in a warm embrace and whispered conspiratorially in her ear, “I didn’t tell a soul that you were in town. And, oh my God, he’s gorgeous!”

  They pulled apart and grinned at each other, then turned to face Logan. Wendi was already introducing herself to him, practically swooning as she shook his hand with a bedazzled smile.

  “It’s so wonderful to meet you, Logan,” she gushed breathlessly. “Goodness, you’re even handsomer in person, and so very tall!”

  “Good Lord, woman,” Harris muttered with an embarrassed scowl. “Calm yourself down.”

  “What? I’m just speaking the truth.” Wendi gave a simpering laugh and batted her eyelashes at Logan. “Are any of your handsome teammates single? I’m asking for my daughter.”

  “Your daughter who already has a boyfriend,” Harris pointed out dryly. “The same boyfriend you used to love bragging about until you learned that Meadow’s dear old friend is a rich professional athlete. Suddenly Easton’s two-million-dollar salary is no longer good enough for your daughter.”

  Wendi gave him a withering look.

  He blinked innocently. “What? I’m just speaking the truth.”

  Meadow was mortified. Logan seemed amused by it all.

  Trish stuck out her hand. “Hi, Logan. I’m Trish.”

  He smiled warmly and shook her hand. “Pleasure to meet you, Trish.”

  “The pleasure’s mine,” she said with a twinkling smile. “Congratulations on winning the division and having an amazing season. I watched the game last night. You’re very good.”

  Logan’s smile broadened. “Thank you. I appreciate that.”

  Meadow sighed, slipping her arm through his. “As much as I’d love to take all the credit for your birthday gift, you should know that Trish is responsible for getting those autographed gloves from Thiago Cervantes.”

  Logan grinned at Trish. “For real?”

  She laughed, slightly embarrassed. “He’s one of my real estate clients. All I did was ask him for a favor. It was Meadow who shared your story with him. He’s a casual hockey fan, and you were already on his radar because of your Argentine heritage. But after he spoke to Meadow and learned more about you, he just had to meet you for himself. It was his decision to show up at the hotel this morning. I had nothing to do with it.”

  Logan beamed at her. “It was an awesome surprise. Truly unforgettable. Thank you for making it possible.” He looked down at Meadow and hugged her close, kissing her forehead and smiling into her eyes. “You’re the best.”

  Her father smiled at them and gave Trish a warm look.

  Wendi glared accusingly at her friend. “So you knew Meadow was in town and you didn’t tell me?”

  Trish bit her lip guiltily.

  Wendi shifted her chiding gaze to Meadow. “I know your father was out of town, but I’m offended that you made no attempt to come see me.”

  “Let it go, Wendi,” Harris gently intervened, wrapping his arm around her shoulders. “Meadow wanted to surprise me, and we both know you’re not very good at keeping secrets.”

  “I suppose that’s true.” Placated, Wendi snuggled into Harris’s side and smiled inquisitively at Meadow. “So where are you staying?”

  “The Bellagio.”

  Wendi raised both eyebrows. “Impressive.”

  “That’s where Logan’s team is staying,” Meadow explained.

  “Ah.” Wendi nodded. “You must have come home to attend their game against the Golden Knights. Oh! Does that mean you were at their big Ocean’s Eleven party last night? I saw something about it in the society column this morn—”

  “Society column?” Meadow croaked.

  “Of course. You know they always report on glitzy events attended by the rich and famous. I was running out the door so I didn’t get a chance to read the blog or look at the pictures. I’m sure there are plenty of you and Logan together.” Wendi clapped excitedly. “I can’t wait to see what you were wearing. Hope you did me proud!”

  Meadow felt lightheaded.

  Her father must have sensed her distress. “Let’s have a seat.”

  He directed her and Logan to sit on the cushioned wooden couch facing the fire pit while he, Wendi and Trish sat around them in Adirondack chairs. It was a cozy gathering with the sun setting behind the swaying palm trees.

  “So when are you two going back to Denver?” Harris asked.

  “Tomorrow morning,” Meadow answered. “The Rebels got an extra day to enjoy Vegas.”

  “Which I’m sure they did,” Wendi said with a knowing laugh. “What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas. Right, Logan?”

  “Not always.” Logan smiled as he caught Meadow’s hand and held it on his knee.

  Her father’s eyes zeroed in on the gesture. So did Trish’s.

  Wendi smiled smugly at Meadow. “I noticed you’re not wearing your glasses. I’m so glad you decided to take my advice.”

  “I didn’t,” Meadow countered evenly. “My glasses got broken, otherwise I’d still be wearing them.”

  Wendi smirked. “Well, I’m sure Logan is grateful. Don’t you agree that she looks better without them?”

  “Not at all,” Logan murmured, gazing at Meadow. “I mean, yeah, I can see her eyes a little better. But I think she’s gorgeous with or without her glasses.”

  Wendi gave him a tight-lipped smile.

  Harris and Trish exchanged pleased glances.

 
; Wendi studied Logan and Meadow, tapping her perfectly manicured nails on the wooden arms of her chair. “I must say, when I saw the two of you walking across the deck together, I thought you were about to announce that you’d just eloped.”

  Logan grinned at Meadow. “Now that you mention it, I have been trying to sneak her off to the Elvis wedding chapel.”

  “Stop playing!” Meadow laughingly choked out, her heart skipping into triple time.

  Wendi and Trish laughed.

  Harris wasn’t the slightest bit amused. “I hope you’re not serious, young man. Because I’ll be damned if I let my only daughter get married by a tacky Elvis impersonator in some shotgun wedding ceremony.”

  “Relax, Dad,” Meadow quickly intervened. “Logan was just joking around.”

  Her father didn’t look reassured.

  “They don’t have to go to the Elvis chapel,” Wendi said gaily. “The Bellagio has perfectly lovely chapels and terraces.”

  Logan grinned. “I know.”

  Harris glared at Wendi. “Don’t give him any ideas.”

  “He’s not getting any ideas. Right, Logan?” When he said nothing, Meadow elbowed him sharply. “Tell him you were joking!”

  Logan’s eyes gleamed with something inscrutable before he gave her father a pacifying smile. “I was only joking, sir. No disrespect intended.”

  Harris sent a grim look at Wendi and Trish. “We may have to keep a close eye on these kids until they leave town.”

  Meadow shook her head at Logan. “See what you did.”

  Her father eyed them suspiciously. “Why don’t the two of you stay here tonight?”

  Logan’s lips twitched. “I appreciate your hospitality, sir, but I’m afraid I have to stay at the hotel with my team. League rules.”

  Harris narrowed his eyes.

  Wendi and Trish looked downright amused.

  Meadow cleared her throat and glanced at her watch. “Well, um, we’d better head out so we won’t be late for dinner. I hope none of you have plans this evening, because we have reservations at Restaurant Guy Savoy.”