Sin Bin

by Maureen Smith

  He reached out, his fingers tenderly brushing her cheek. “We were apart for fifteen years, and I didn’t know if I’d ever see you again. Hope was the only thing that sustained me.”

  Her heart completely melted at his words. Turning her face into his palm, she kissed him and whispered, “Take me inside.”

  “Hell yes.” He hopped out of the car and hurried around to open her door, scooping her up out of the seat and into his arms. She tipped her head back with an exhilarated laugh as he carried her up the glowing walkway to the front door.

  Grinning from ear to ear, he opened the door and swept her across the threshold. “Welcome home.”

  She looked around, feeling the same awe she’d felt on entering the house the first time. It was stunning. But beyond its size and magnificence, the house also had a welcoming aura. She could see herself being happy here with Logan. She could see them raising a family, making a home not just for their biological children but the children they would adopt and love as their own.

  She felt Logan watching her, waiting for her to say something.

  She smiled up at him. “It’s perfect.”

  His expression softened. “Can you see us building a life here?”

  “Absolutely, Logan. A beautiful life.”

  He beamed with joy and gave her a big kiss, then headed for the winding staircase.

  She glanced around appreciatively. “I love the furniture.”

  “They’re just placeholders, unless you want to keep everything. I wanted you to have the option of choosing the décor, so I told the interior designer to come back after the playoffs.”

  Meadow was intimidated by the prospect of decorating such an enormous house, but she kept the thought to herself. She had way more important things on her mind right now—like getting naked with her super romantic, unbelievably sexy fiancé.

  He carried her up the staircase to the master bedroom suite. It was aglow with more tea lights, causing her to gasp with delight. He gave her a wink as he crossed the gleaming floor to set her down beside a massive bed covered in luxurious linens.

  They slowly undressed each other in the candlelight, hands stroking and exploring, reveling in the feel of each other’s bodies.

  When they were both naked, Logan gazed down at her with a sensual smile. She smiled back before he picked her up and tumbled her down onto the bed, anchoring her with his delicious weight.

  Gazing up at him through her lashes, she cupped his face and slowly pulled his mouth down to hers. She couldn’t get enough of his plush lips against hers, the hot slide of his tongue in and out of her mouth. Her thighs quivered around him, and her body ached with a need only he could satisfy.

  He stared into her eyes as he entered her slowly. She nearly wept with pleasure as she wrapped her legs higher around his waist.

  He shuddered and buried his face in her neck, inhaling deeply like he needed the scent of her for his continued survival. “God, baby, I missed you,” he groaned.

  “I missed you, too,” she cried.

  He lifted his head and kissed her slowly, drawing it out as his cock plunged in and out of her. Breathless with ecstasy, she ran her hands down his back and clutched his ass.

  They rocked, grinded and surged together as their bodies grew slick with sweat and the pleasure reached unbearable heights of intensity. They exploded in orgasm and kept going, kissing and thrusting desperately, clinging to each other like two star-crossed souls who’d been separated for eternity.

  When it was over, they lay curled together, his arms holding her close.

  “Meadow,” he whispered. Just that. Just her name.

  The wonder in his voice squeezed her heart. Closing her eyes, she sighed blissfully and snuggled her cheek against his damp chest. Heat radiated from his body, cocooning her in everything strong and permanent. Everything Logan.

  He nuzzled her hair. “So how soon can we get hitched?”

  “Um…” She bit her lip. “Next summer?”

  He groaned. “C’mon, baby.”

  “Sorry,” she said with a sheepish laugh. “But you know we’ve already got a full summer ahead with Reid and Viggo’s weddings. After that we’ll be traveling and then spending a week at Viggo and Scarlett’s cottage in Sweden. Then you guys have training camp, and before you know it, the new season will be starting.”

  She could almost see Logan scowling as he grumbled, “I don’t want a long engagement.”

  “The year will go quickly,” she assured him.

  “Not quickly enough.”

  She brushed a kiss over his muscled chest, smiling when she felt him shiver against her lips. “Good things come to those who wait,” she whispered.

  “I know, angel. You’re proof of that.”

  She raised her head to smile at him.

  He smiled back, his heavy-lidded eyes gleaming with love and adoration. “We’re having dinner on the terrace. I don’t know what my chef made. I told him to surprise us. Maybe afterward we can christen the place with some bachata dancing.”

  Meadow broke into a delighted grin. “I’m totally down with that.”

  He laughed wickedly. “I knew you would be.”

  Feeling like the luckiest girl in the universe, she lifted her hand to admire her sparkling engagement ring. The huge center stone was nestled between two smaller half-moon diamonds set on a platinum band with micro-pavé diamonds.

  “This has to be the most exquisite ring I’ve ever seen,” she marveled softly. “And I love that the diamond is round. Like planets.”

  “That’s why I chose it.” Logan stroked her back. “Look inside the ring.”

  “Why?”

  “There’s an inscription.”

  “Really?” She slid the ring off and looked at the elaborate font inscribed on the inside of the platinum band. There were eight words. Four were in Spanish: Mi corazón, Mi vida.

  “My heart, My life.” Meadow swooned as tears misted her eyes. “That’s so beautiful, Logan.”

  “And so very true.” He kissed the crown of her hair.

  Grinning like an idiot, she studied the other words inside the ring: Obi m, Ndụ m.

  “I don’t recognize the lan— Wait,” she said with dawning excitement. “Is this Igbo?”

  “It is,” Logan murmured. “It says ‘My heart, My life’ in the language of your ancestors.”

  “Oh my goodness.” Meadow stared up at him, moved beyond words by the sentimental gesture. “This means everything to me, Logan. Thank you so much.”

  He shifted so that she was lying with her head on the pillow and he lay facing her, propped up on one elbow. She trembled with emotion as he stroked his hand down her cheek.

  “I’m so damn glad you came back. Not just tonight. Two months ago.” He leaned down and kissed her tenderly, staring into her eyes as he whispered, “Thank you for coming back to me.”

  She smiled through her tears. “When it’s meant to be, it’s meant to be.”

  Chapter Forty-Nine

  MEADOW

  * * *

  The day of the community fair dawned bright and sunny. A perfect Colorado day.

  Meadow arrived at the park early to meet vendors and oversee the setup of booths and carnival rides. Cassidy, Priya and several other coworkers showed up to help. So did Nadia and Bianca, which she really appreciated.

  She was bustling around double-checking things when her phone rang. It was Lucien Brassard calling to congratulate her and Logan on their engagement. She didn’t bother asking how he’d gotten her new unlisted phone number. He was rich and powerful. Enough said.

  “I saw Logan’s proposal.” His voice was warm. “Your obvious love for each other is deeply moving. I’m so grateful he has you in his life. I know you’re going to be very happy together.”

  “Thank you, Mr. Brassard,” Meadow murmured.

  “Lucien,” he corrected. “I’m going to be your father-in-law. Please call me Lucien.” He paused. “I called Logan, but he didn’t answer his phone
.”

  “He’s at practice.”

  “Of course.” Lucien sounded rueful. “Even if he weren’t indisposed, I’m sure he wouldn’t have taken my call.”

  He was right. Logan wanted nothing to do with him. His therapist had also cautioned him that contact with his father was an emotional trigger he should avoid.

  “I know I don’t deserve his forgiveness,” Lucien said quietly, “but I’m hoping he’ll have a change of heart someday. I want to get to know my son. I want to be part of your lives. And I want Logan to be integrated into the Brassard family where he belongs. I would also love to attend your wedding, but I’ll understand if my presence isn’t welcome.” He paused. “There’s a very good chance that the Leafs and Rebels will be facing off in the Stanley Cup Final. If that happens, I’d love to have you and Logan over for dinner while you’re in town.”

  Meadow frowned. “With all due respect, I have no desire to see your—”

  “Chantal won’t be here. I’m divorcing her.”

  Meadow was shocked into silence.

  “We’ve been having problems for a while,” Lucien confided grimly. “Her shameful behavior at the party was the final straw.” A note of bitter irony entered his voice. “I suppose you could say my failed marriages are karma for the way I abandoned Logan and his mother.”

  Meadow didn’t know how to respond. She was relieved when she saw one of the vendors gesturing for her attention. “I have to go, Mr. Brassard.”

  “Of course. I know you have your hands full with the community fair. I hope it’s a resounding success. I’ll be making a donation to support your advocacy efforts.”

  “That’s very generous of you,” Meadow murmured.

  “You’re doing good work. Keep it up.” Lucien’s voice softened. “If there’s ever anything you need, please don’t hesitate to ask.”

  Meadow thanked him and hung up, her mind reeling as she debated whether to tell Logan about the conversation. She didn’t want to anger or upset him. The Rebels were up by one game in the conference final. He definitely didn’t need any distractions, especially if the team advanced to the final round. It was best to wait until after the playoffs to talk to him.

  Pushing the matter out of her mind, she got back to work.

  By noon the park was packed. There were people everywhere eating, laughing and socializing while squealing kids raced from one carnival ride to the next. The air was filled with the smell of cotton candy, popcorn, funnel cake and other yummy stuff. The Dunwoodys’ food booth was a massive crowd favorite. People couldn’t get enough of their finger-lickin’ barbecue, grilled corn on the cob and spicy chili.

  When Meadow, Nadia and Bianca dropped by to say hello, Mrs. Dunwoody insisted on fixing them each a plate. The smell alone had Meadow’s mouth watering and her stomach growling. She’d been too nervous and excited that morning to eat much breakfast—unlike Logan who’d wolfed down his food before carrying her off to the shower.

  When she ate a bite of juicy brisket and groaned, Mrs. Dunwoody laughed and affectionately rubbed her back.

  After stuffing their faces, she and the girls resumed walking the fairgrounds. She was pleased to see that the demo booth was a big hit with gamers. They were lined up in droves to test-drive Gamenetic’s upcoming releases.

  A large tent had been set up for decorating and stuffing the care bags that would be donated to foster children. A panel of local artists would judge the finished bags and award prizes for the most creative designs.

  Meadow was elated by the masses of volunteers who’d showed up to help. She shook their hands, personally thanking each of them. Many hugged her and congratulated her on her engagement to Logan.

  Not surprisingly, their proposal video had gone viral. They were trending on social media, and their Twitter feeds were exploding with congratulations and well wishes. Not everyone was happy for them, of course. Heartbroken bunnies were having meltdowns and tweeting shady comments. But that was to be expected.

  Rendezvous with Rosalie had debuted with high ratings and rave reviews. The network executives were ecstatic. So was Rosalie. She’d booked Off The Grid for late June, and the Rebels promised to come on her show if they won the Cup.

  She had another reason to be walking on air. Barrett had showed up at last night’s taping, much to her surprise and delight. He’d taken her out to dinner to celebrate her new show, reserving a private room with sweeping views of the city. And now they were strolling along together, eating cotton candy and laughing as they watched Cam scamper around with his friends. The sight of the couple warmed Meadow’s heart and made her smile. She hoped their budding romance would blossom into something permanent.

  When the Rebels showed up after practice, Nadia and Bianca escorted them to a tent where a table had been set up with Rebels T-shirts and baseball hats. Before long they were mobbed by fans.

  Meadow saw the guys arrive while she was being interviewed by a local TV reporter. When she looked across the lawn and met Logan’s eyes, the brief connection sizzled through her blood.

  As soon as her interview was over, she thanked the reporter and headed across the park.

  Logan was already making his way toward her. Suddenly two small children darted across their path, squealing as they chased each other.

  “Please pardon our offspring,” Sergei and Jenna said laughingly. “They’ve had a little too much cotton candy and snow cones.”

  Logan and Meadow grinned as the couple passed in front of them holding hands.

  “You boys are just falling like dominoes, aren’t you?” Jenna teased Logan. “Hunter will be next.”

  Logan’s grin widened. “We’ll see.”

  Jenna laughed. “We’re looking forward to your big day.” She turned to wink at Meadow. “Give me a call when you’re ready to start planning.”

  “Will do,” Meadow promised. Nadia and Scarlett couldn’t rave enough about Jenna’s wedding tips. The woman had a gift for event planning.

  “Hey, kiddos! Slow down!” As Sergei and Jenna dashed after their children, Meadow grinned at Logan.

  Two steps and his long legs closed the distance between them. Her stomach fluttered as he cupped her face and brushed his mouth over hers, his kiss melting like sugar against her tongue.

  “What an awesome turnout,” he whispered between kisses.

  She beamed. “Isn’t it wonderful? I couldn’t be more thrilled.”

  “I’m so proud of you, baby. Your hard work really paid off.” He grinned. “Dirk should give you a raise. I’ll talk to him.”

  “Don’t you dare!” she warned.

  Laughing, Logan kissed her again and then took her hand. “C’mon. I want you to meet Davion and his family. They’re over there.”

  He led her back to the Rebels’ tent, where he introduced her to Lakendra Howell and her three sons. She and Lakendra hugged and shared warm greetings. Davion shook Meadow’s hand and gave Logan a look of sly approval. After answering her friendly questions, he and his younger brothers went off with Logan to grab some grub and play a few carnival games. Meadow’s heart melted as she watched them leave together, laughing and joking around as Logan palmed the back of the youngest boy’s head. He was going to be such an amazing father.

  She and Lakendra spent a few minutes chatting and getting acquainted. Lakendra told her how much the boys loved their new house and neighborhood. They were already making friends, and they looked forward to starting their new schools in the fall. As for her, she’d started her new job with The Landrieu Group and it was a dream come true.

  “Logan changed our lives,” she said with earnest warmth. “We can never repay him for his incredible generosity, and I know he doesn’t want or expect us to. He truly has a heart of gold, and he deserves every good thing life has to offer.”

  Her words made Meadow smile and fall impossibly deeper in love with Logan. “I couldn’t agree more, Lakendra.”

  Before they parted ways, Lakendra invited Meadow and Logan to dinner at her
home after the playoffs. Meadow was happy to accept.

  At three o’clock, Off The Grid hit the stage in a blast of rock ’n’ roll fervor. Meadow could hear the roar of the crowd from the tent where she was stuffing beautifully decorated care bags with the other volunteers. That was where Dirk found her.

  “Absolutely amazing turnout.” He gave her an enthusiastic high five. “You did a remarkable job pulling this all together in such a short time. We’re all super impressed.”

  “Thank you,” Meadow said warmly. “I had a lot of help. And I couldn’t have done any of it without your buy-in and support.”

  “I had total confidence in you, and with good reason.” Dirk grinned. “This is probably the most successful event we’ve ever hosted, and I know it won’t be the last with you on our team.”

  Meadow beamed, basking in his praise.

  “You’ve been hard at work all day. Why don’t you take a break and go enjoy the concert with your friends?”

  She shook her head. “I’m still—”

  “That’s an order.” His blue eyes twinkled.

  “You heard what the boss said.” Logan came up behind her, grabbed her hand and tugged her away as cheers and whistles filled the tent.

  They headed across the lawn toward the concert stage, their hands swinging between them. Several people waved to them and yelled congratulations.

  Meadow couldn’t help blushing. “I don’t think I’ll ever get used to the attention.”

  Logan brought their joined hands to his lips and kissed her knuckles. “Thank you for not making it a deal-breaker.”

  She gave him a soft smile. “Nothing would—” The rest of her response was drowned out by the opening guitar riff of a new song called “Collision.”

  The audience was on their feet, rocking out and loudly singing along. Many people sat on blankets on the perimeter of the crowd, enjoying the music a safe distance from the rowdy metalheads.

  Meadow was delighted to see her father, Trish, Santino and Roxanne lounging under a tree with Nadia and Scarlett’s parents. The eight adults were talking and laughing raucously, having the time of their lives.