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“Tonight, I’ll have you unraveled and spread over my bed for hours and hours once again.”
“Looking forward to it.” I pivoted back, landed a quick kiss to his chin, then slipped out of his arms and retreated into the bathroom.
Logan and an adorably grumpy, sleepy-eyed Oliver sat at the table while I carried over a tall stack of pancakes with strawberries sprinkled around the platter. They were from a quick-batter recipe I’d learned from my grandmother.
“Pancakes!” Oliver squealed, his tired eyes flashing bright.
Logan chuckled under his breath as Oliver shoveled a piece into his mouth the second I’d poured syrup over the top. I sat across from them both with a glass of orange juice in hand, smiling.
“Hope they’re good. I haven’t made them in a while.”
“I love ’em.” Oliver swallowed, smiling widely. “Daddy never makes ’em when I have school.”
Oh crap! I hadn’t even thought to ask what Oliver could eat. Logan had showered in another room—I’d guessed to avoid another sexcapade—and then had been helping Oliver get ready. I’d used my free time to make breakfast, since I knew they were behind schedule, and it was my fault. Not that I regretted my morning…at all.
I chanced a glance at Logan, who was placing a bite in his mouth, staring at me with amusement written over his relaxed features.
“Sorry,” I mouthed, my face scrunched with worry.
His eyes sparkled with delight, his smile relieving my anxiety. “They’re delicious. Thanks for making them—especially in a rush.”
“More syrup, pleeeease,” Oliver drawled, stretching his arm out, but the bottle sat on the other side of Logan. I had a feeling that was for a reason.
“You have enough,” Logan told him. “Let’s finish and get you to school.”
I felt worse. God knew how Oliver would act at school after loading up with sugar. Great, Cassandra.
Oliver’s shoulders fell, a pout forming as he forked another bite into his mouth. Perhaps as a method of distraction, Logan reminded Oliver to give his teacher a paper in his book bag he’d signed. Soon, Oliver started going on and on about the new class pet: a lizard named Zed.
Logan was amazing with Oliver. I already knew that, but watching their interactions at the table swelled my heart. They were totally in sync and completely natural together. The bond between them was undeniable, and Logan made being a hands-on father look easy and effortless. I knew that probably wasn’t the case, but he never seemed annoyed or bothered by Oliver.
“If the teacher picks me, I get to bring ’im home!” Oliver exclaimed.
“For the weekend only,” Logan clarified.
That didn’t faze Oliver. Whether it was for a weekend or forever didn’t matter—he was simply excited about the opportunity to take care of Zed at his house.
Logan wiped Oliver’s hands when he held them up, complaining they were sticky from the syrup but with the most natural smile. He loved his boy, and I loved them both. I couldn’t remember the last time I’d felt so at home. It was a family morning—and one that I couldn’t help wanting to experience every day.
As they carried their cleared plates to the sink, I made a mental note to ask Logan for a list of foods Oliver could and couldn’t eat. It was for while I was staying there, but I also knew I’d need it for much longer than that.
Chapter Seven
Loyalty
After a bear hug around my waist, Oliver rushed out the door, calling back for his daddy to hurry.
“Breakfast was perfect,” Logan crooned against my lips, his voice decadent. “You’re perfect.”
“You’re not too bad yourself,” I teased, my mouth brushing his.
With a low growl, he claimed my lips, his strong hands sliding through my hair. He cupped my head as he drew me closer, deepening the kiss. Passion and heat swirled within me when his tongue parted my lips and stroked my own. I ached to wrap myself around him, holding him there indefinitely. Our lips finally parted, albeit reluctantly, leaving me breathless and greedy for more.
“Drive safe,” I said in a panting whisper, my pulse racing.
“I always do,” he answered, hands still cradling my head. He pulled me in for one final kiss: a single, delicious peck that left a lasting tingle over my swollen lips. With that, he was walking away, heading out into the frosty morning.
I stood in the foyer, my skin buzzing and panties soaked, unsure what to do with the rest of my day. A run was the first thing that came to mind. It had been three days since my last one, and I needed the fresh air as badly as I needed more of Logan’s touch.
By the time I was halfway up the stairs to dress in warmer clothes, the doorbell was ringing. I halted my step and waited to see if Jax would answer it, but another ring of the bell told me that wasn’t happening. It appeared I was alone, though I hadn’t heard him leave.
The bell continued almost incessantly until I reached the door and yanked it open in a huff of annoyance, expecting to find some punk friend of Jax’s.
Instead, there stood Hilary. Redness rimmed her fury-filled eyes, dark bags underneath them. She looked exhausted, but I knew that wasn’t all she was feeling when she stormed past me and blew out a sigh.
“Well, hello!” she bit out, unwrapping the thick black scarf from her neck.
I scrunched my brow, ignoring the barb in her tone. “Why aren’t you at school? It starts in, like…” I scanned the room for a clock.
Her eyes bulged. “Are you serious right now?”
To say I’d been avoiding her wasn’t entirely true—I was simply unconsciously avoiding everyone outside the West household. I’d seen Logan pack my phone before he brought me to his house, but I’d never felt like charging it. Instead, it sat in the small pocket inside my duffle. I knew there’d be consequences, but the peace I’d experienced the previous day was worth it.
So worth it.
Slowly, I brought my attention back to her, watching as she paced. A pang of guilt hit me when I took in the paleness of her usually bright complexion. Now I was the one at a loss of what to say, so it was best to settle in and let her get it out. I knew her well enough to know I was in for it, but was somewhat surprised to see she looked almost unsure of where to start her rant.
Hilary stalked toward me with slow, determined steps. “Do you know how many times I called you, huh? It’s been three days, and I haven’t heard a word from you!”
Yeah, I’m in trouble. “I’m sorry. I figured you’d know I was here, or—”
“Or what—assume you decided to skip town? Or worse, were hiding out somewhere alone, needing me?” Her voice and head both dropped with the last two words. She was hurting, and had the tables been turned I would’ve been going out of my mind as well.
“Damn it, Cassandra.” She looked up, glossy-eyed. “I’ve been so worried.”
“I’m sorry, really. I guess I figured you’d call Logan. Caleb has his number.”
She rolled her eyes. “That’s not the point. But yes, Caleb called Logan. I damn well insisted.”
Relieved I hadn’t caused too much anxiety for a pregnant woman, I replied, “So you knew I was safe.”
“I knew you were alive.” She threw her hands in the air, getting worked up again. “If not for Logan forcing Caleb to keep me away for a couple days, I’d have come busting through that door the second I heard.”
