Sin Bin

by Maureen Smith

  So she wiped her tears away, took a steadying breath and went back inside the restaurant.

  Ephraim had found a small table in the corner. He shot her a disapproving look as she took a seat across from him.

  “Running after a man who dumped you? Not a good look.”

  Her hackles went up. “You know what—”

  “I’m sorry,” he mumbled, instantly contrite. “That was uncalled for.”

  “Damn right it was,” she snapped. “You don’t know me, Ephraim. Don’t presume to lecture me on matters that are none of your business. And for the record, I didn’t get dumped. So get your facts straight before you open your mouth.”

  His lips tightened at the sharp rebuke.

  A brittle silence fell between them until the waitress showed up to take their order. Meadow had no appetite, so she ordered the lightest thing on the menu.

  After the waitress left, Ephraim snatched off his glasses and rubbed his eyes in frustration. “I feel like we keep getting off on the wrong foot—”

  “Maybe because you keep inserting that foot in your mouth,” Meadow said acidly.

  He frowned and settled his glasses back into place, carefully balancing them on his nose. “During our last conversation, I told you that I’m not normally attracted to black women, and with good reason. Far too many of them are overweight and unladylike. I’m not fond of the unflattering weaves they wear, and their out-of-wedlock birth rates are a scourge on society. I cringe every time I see them stomping around with their bastard children fathered by ten different lowlifes. They’re loud and uncouth, always making spectacles of themselves. Even the educated sisters and the Bible-thumping spinsters have bad attitudes—”

  “Stop talking, Ephraim. Just stop.”

  He frowned at Meadow. “You’re offended.”

  “Can you blame me?” she raged. “You’re entitled to your views, but the way you’re generalizing black women is deplorable and appalling. I’ve met a wide range of black men in my life. Some were great, others were trash. But I would never paint them all with the same broad brush because I’m mature enough to know that people should be judged as individuals. Listening to you talk, I can only imagine what your mother would think if she knew how you feel about women who look like her.”

  Ephraim smirked. “Who do you think taught me to stay away from black women?”

  “Wow.” Meadow shook her head in disgust. “You might be well educated and successful, Ephraim, but you’re a pathetic excuse for a human being. It’s also clear that, despite your many accomplishments, you seem to be suffering from an inferiority complex. I feel sorry for you. But thank you for confirming why I could never date you.”

  “Right,” he jeered maliciously. “Because you’d rather get pumped and dumped by professional athletes.”

  The jab stung more than she wanted it to. “I think we’re done here.”

  As she started to rise from her seat, Ephraim reached out and grabbed her wrist. “You didn’t seriously think he would marry you, did you? Guys like Logan Brassard don’t settle down, and certainly not with women like you. I mean, don’t get me wrong. You’re pretty enough. But Logan has access to a plethora of beautiful women of all races and nationalities. You could never be anything more than his plaything. His jumpoff.” He sneered at her. “Don’t delude yourself into thinking you could ever have a future with him.”

  Meadow wrenched free of his grip, then reached into her handbag and pulled out a twenty, slapping it on the table with a cold smirk. “This should cover my meal. I wouldn’t want you to think I’m a gold digger or anything.”

  He scowled just as their waitress arrived with tortilla chips and salsa.

  Meadow plucked a chip off the tray, dipped it in the salsa and crunched into it. “Mmm. Delicious.” She gave Ephraim an icy smile. “Goodbye, Dr. Fleming. Good luck in life.”

  He started to get up. “Wait—”

  “Nope. You’re not worth another nanosecond of my time.” She ate the rest of her chip, winked at the stunned waitress and then marched out of the restaurant.

  She held back her tears until she drove out of the parking lot. Then she cried all the way home. Not because of anything Ephraim had said.

  She cried because Logan had already moved on to the next woman, leaving her to question how much she’d truly meant to him.

  The next day after church, she and Cam were in the basement playing NHL Hockey on Xbox. The Rebels were battling the Bruins. Cam was controlling Logan while she controlled Brad Marchand, Logan’s most hated nemesis. Every time Logan got the puck, she went on the attack—slashing and elbowing and checking him into the boards. It was petty but satisfying.

  After she received her umpteenth penalty, Cam paused the game and frowned at her. “You’re not even trying to score. You’re just hitting Logan.”

  An embarrassed flush crawled up her neck. “Stop whining,” she retorted defensively. “It’s not my fault Brad Marchand is a physical player.”

  Cam sneered. “That’s why he’s sitting at home and Logan’s in the playoffs.”

  It was such a good clapback, she felt the burn. The kid was a savage.

  “Are you mad at Logan?” he demanded suspiciously. “Is that why you’re not coming to the game with us tonight?”

  Before she could respond, Aunt Rosalie came halfway down the stairs and beamed excitedly at her. “You have a visitor.”

  Her heart skipped an irrational beat. “Who is it?”

  “Come see for yourself.”

  “Is it Logan?” Cam asked hopefully.

  “No, baby.” Rosalie smiled at her son. “But it’s someone you’ll be very happy to see.”

  Meadow and Cam abandoned their game and headed up the stairs. Cam was in front of her. Suddenly he pulled up short, his eyes nearly bugging out of his head. She soon saw why.

  Hunter stood in the living room studying the family pictures on the fireplace mantel.

  “Hunter Duchene?” Cam whispered incredulously.

  Hunter turned, his gorgeous face breaking into a warm smile. “Hey, buddy.”

  “No way.” Cam moved toward him with a look of awed reverence. “You’re the captain of the Denver Rebels.”

  “And you’re Cameron.” Hunter’s massive hand swallowed up Cam’s in a friendly handshake. “It’s great to meet you. I’ve heard a lot about you.”

  “From Logan?”

  “That’s right. He says you’re pretty awesome.”

  Cam grinned so hard his eyes almost disappeared, making everyone laugh.

  Hunter ruffled the boy’s hair before his gaze shifted to Meadow and softened. “Hey.”

  “Hey, Captain.” She smiled. “Shouldn’t you be somewhere getting ready for game three?”

  “Soon.” He returned her smile, holding her eyes. He was wearing a black Rebels sweatshirt, dark jeans and heavy black boots. Even dressed down, he exuded sophistication and raw power.

  Cam tapped his arm to get his attention. “Me and Meadow were playing NHL Hockey on Xbox.”

  “Yeah?” Hunter grinned. “Who was winning?”

  “I was,” Cam crowed before pointing accusingly at Meadow. “She kept making dirty hits on Logan.”

  Hunter winced. “Ouch.”

  Meadow’s face heated. “Those were clean hits!”

  “Nuh-uh! You were using Brad Marchand!”

  Hunter raised an eyebrow at her, his beautiful green eyes glimmering with amusement. “Marchand, huh? Touché.”

  She glared at Cam. “Tattletale.”

  Laughing, Rosalie wrapped an arm around her son’s shoulders. “C’mon, kiddo. Let’s give Hunter and Meadow a chance to talk.”

  “But—”

  “No buts. You’ll see Hunter tonight at the game.” Rosalie led Cam back down to the basement.

  Alone with Hunter, Meadow folded her arms and stood awkwardly in the middle of the living room. “Did he send you here?”

  “No.” Hunter smiled grimly. “He’d be pissed if he knew I
came to see you. But mostly because he doesn’t want us spending any time alone. He’s very possessive of you. Even now.”

  Her throat tightened. “How’d you know where I live?”

  “I got your address from his phone when he stepped away.” Hunter looked sheepish. “I’m sorry. I don’t normally do stuff like that. But desperate times call for desperate measures.”

  “I see,” Meadow murmured.

  Hunter took a step toward her. “He told me that he ran into you and the astronomy professor at a restaurant. Seeing you on a date…I’m afraid it threw him into a bit of a tailspin last night.” He grimaced. “I’m not telling you this to make you feel guilty. I just thought you should know.”

  Meadow’s throat was so tight she could barely speak. “It wasn’t a date. I ran into Ephraim at an event, and he invited me out to eat. But I have no interest in dating him or anyone else.”

  A grateful smile flitted over Hunter’s mouth. “Logan will be very relieved to hear that.”

  She jutted her chin. “But it won’t be that way forever. Eventually we’ll have to move on and start seeing other people. Clearly he’s already doing that,” she added bitterly.

  Hunter’s eyes narrowed. “What do you mean?”

  “I saw him leaving the restaurant with another woman. She was in the truck with him.”

  The anger and confusion cleared from Hunter’s face. “That must have been Cynara.”

  Meadow stared at him. “Cynara Tavárez? His sister?”

  Hunter nodded. “She’s in town. That’s who you saw in the truck. Believe me, he hasn’t moved on. Not even close.”

  Meadow felt a wave of relief so strong she had to sit down.

  “I know you were upset about him going to the party in Winnipeg,” Hunter continued quietly. “I agree that he shouldn’t have gone. But Dubinski asked him to be his chaperone, and Logan owed him a big favor. I’m not justifying his decision to go, but I wanted to give you some context.” Hunter smiled wryly. “If it’s any consolation, he had a terrible time and couldn’t stop thinking about you.”

  Meadow looked down at her lap. The explanation made her feel undeniably better. “Thank you for telling me.”

  Hunter joined her on the couch. “I want you to know that he’s trying really hard to work through his demons. He’s going to counseling and he started practicing Tai Chai. It’s still early, of course, but Sensei Tanaka says he’s already making progress.”

  “That’s good,” Meadow said earnestly. “I want him to heal and get better. Nothing would make me happier.”

  “I don’t doubt that for a second.” Hunter spoke with deliberation, choosing his next words carefully. “I know he hurt you, and I know the thought of giving him another chance scares you. I’m not asking you to sacrifice your well-being for his sake—”

  “Aren’t you?”

  Hunter stared at her for a long moment.

  She lifted an eyebrow in silent challenge.

  He ran an elegant hand through his dark hair and sat forward, lowering his voice. “The only reason I’m here is because I know you love him just as much as he loves you. I saw how terrified you were that day when you couldn’t get ahold of him and you thought something horrible had happened. I saw how tenderly you tucked him into bed and kissed his forehead. He told me how you took care of him, how you bathed him and held him and cried for him. I’ve seen him at his worst, so I never thought the day would come that I’d see him as happy and carefree as he is with you. He fell hard all those years ago, and he’s been saving his heart for you ever since. You’re the best thing that ever happened to him, Meadow. Maybe that’s an unfair burden to place on your shoulders. But it’s the truth. He’s lost without you. Completely broken.”

  Meadow closed her eyes as tears swam into them. “I love Logan,” she whispered thickly. “I love him so much I feel like I’m drowning without him. I miss him every single minute of every single day. But…I just don’t know if…” She shook her head, her voice trembling. “When he shuts down, he can be so cold and distant. When he gets like that, I don’t know what he’s capable of. That’s the way he was the day of the yacht party. So when I saw him and his stepmother together…” She trailed off and swallowed painfully. “I don’t want to get hurt again.”

  “I know, chère,” Hunter said gently. “Believe me, I know how dark his moods can be. When he retreats into that deep and unreachable place, he’s trying to escape his pain and rage. I think he shuts everyone out to protect them as much as himself. But I hope you know he would never, ever harm a hair on your head.”

  “I know. I’ve never worried about that.” She knuckled her tears away, but they kept falling.

  Hunter took a clean white handkerchief out of his pocket and passed it to her.

  “Thanks,” she mumbled with a teary laugh. “Do you always carry a handkerchief in your pocket? Or did you come prepared to reduce me to a weepy mess?”

  His eyes twinkled. “Both.”

  They shared a small laugh.

  “I know I have no right to ask,” Hunter said quietly, “but would you consider attending the game tonight?”

  She blotted her streaming eyes and swiped at her running nose. “I can’t—”

  “Just think about it.”

  “I can’t. Really. I’m volunteering at an adoption fair this evening.”

  “Ah. I understand.” Hunter smiled softly. “Sounds like a very good cause.”

  “It is. We have several children who are up for adoption. If just one of them finds a permanent family tonight, I’ll consider the event a tremendous success.” She gave Hunter a tiny smile. “If I didn’t have a prior commitment, I might have been open to attending the game.”

  He smiled, encouraged by her words.

  When the doorbell rang, she excused herself and went to answer it.

  The woman standing on the porch was the same woman she’d seen in Logan’s truck last night.

  And she was a stunner. The combination of her mahogany complexion and deep gray eyes packed a serious punch. Thick lashes, amazingly high cheekbones and full lips added to her striking beauty. Her yellow designer dress showed off her curves and brought out the glowing richness of her skin.

  Meadow found herself staring until the woman smiled hesitantly, revealing beautiful white teeth.

  “You might not remember me—”

  Meadow grinned. “Of course I remember you, Cynara.”

  “Oh, thank goodness!” Cynara Tavárez tucked her sunglasses into her hair and enveloped Meadow in a warm hug. “It’s so good to see you again! It’s been so long!”

  “Yes, it has,” Meadow agreed as they pulled apart. “How have you been?”

  “Good.” Cynara smiled softly, searching her tearstained face. “Can I come in for a minute?”

  “Sure.” Meadow stepped back, opening the door wider.

  Cynara swept into the house with a confidence that was hard not to envy. But with her looks, who wouldn’t be confident?

  She turned to face Meadow. “I’m sure you know why I’m here.”

  Meadow gave her a wry look. “I’m guessing you didn’t come to give me Igbo lessons.”

  Cynara let out a throaty laugh. “Not this time. But my brother told me about your DNA results, and I’m so excited for you!”

  “Thank you.” Meadow smiled. “I just got my results back from African Ancestry. My Nigerian ancestors were Igbo.”

  Cynara beamed. “That’s fantastic! Wouldn’t it be crazy if we were related? We’ll definitely have to talk sometime.” She turned and headed for the living room with a hip-swaying walk. “I can’t stay long. I hijacked one of Logan’s cars while he was napping, so I—” She skidded to a stop when she saw Hunter.

  Slowly he rose from the couch. Their eyes locked, electricity crackling across the distance between them.

  Meadow looked from one to the other. “I assume you two have already met?”

  “Not formally.” Hunter came forward, purpose accentuating ev
ery stride. The man was obscenely hot. Panty-melting, ovary-exploding hot.

  He extended his hand to Cynara. “Hunter.”

  She swallowed visibly. “Cynara.”

  They shook hands slowly, staring at each other with such absorption that Meadow almost felt like she was intruding.

  She was about to excuse herself when Cynara broke the handshake and stepped back, briskly clearing her throat. “I assume you’re here for the same reason I am.” She sounded a bit perturbed that someone else had beaten her to the punch.

  Hunter smiled faintly, watching her with focused intensity. “I tried to cover all the bases.”

  “Really? Did you tell her what a complete wreck he is without her?” Cynara demanded.

  “I did.” Hunter looked vaguely amused.

  “Did you tell her that he’s a good man at his core? Did you tell her that he feels like a bumbaclot for hurting her?”

  “I did.” Hunter’s lips twitched. “Though not quite in those words.”

  Cynara’s expression softened. “Did you tell her how much he loves her?”

  “I did.” Hunter held her gaze. “I told her the truth. That he was a goner from the very first moment he saw her.”

  Cynara stared at him. She looked like she’d suddenly lost her train of thought.

  Hunter looked pretty distracted himself.

  Meadow glanced from one to the other, a smile tugging at her lips.

  Cynara was the first to break their stare, taking a swift little breath and lifting her chin to a lofty angle. “It seems that you did cover all the bases. Well done.”

  Hunter smiled slowly, his intense green eyes traveling over her face as if he were trying to imprint her features on his brain.

  She pulled in another shaky breath and turned to smile brightly at Meadow. “I’d better get back before Logan wakes up and realizes his Porsche is missing. It was good to see you again, present circumstances notwithstanding.”

  Meadow smiled. “I agree.”

  “I should go, too,” Hunter murmured.

  Meadow walked her visitors to the door. “Thanks for stopping by. Both of you.”

  “I hope it did some good.” Cynara gave her a quick hug. “I’ll be around for a while. Maybe we can do lunch one day.”