LOGAN

Kayla sits up on her elbows and her eyes are wide. “Maybe you should answer it? What if it’s an emergency or something?”

“Fuck.” I’m annoyed. I hurry and pull some clothes out of a drawer and close the bedroom door behind me. Honestly, what the hell is so important at four in the afternoon?

I open the front door and I’m shocked when I see Maggie standing in front of me.

“Oh, hey,” I say, stepping outside, barefoot.

“Is it a bad time?” she asks.

I don’t answer, because the truth is not something I want to explain to her right now. I haven’t dated anyone since we broke up, and I’m not sure what her reaction would be. Some words are better left unsaid, which I learned a long time ago.

“Right. My boss gave me today off so I thought I would look at houses sooner than next weekend. My parents took Skylar to the pool so I have some extra time.”

I cross my arms across my chest, still not sure why she’s here, exactly. I’ve never been her backup plan for anything, not since we separated at least. She doesn’t ask me to join her though, so I’m curious as to what she wants. Maggie looks over her shoulder at the Mustang sitting in the driveway and I know she wants to ask me who it belongs to, but doesn’t.

“Clearly, I came at a bad time, but I looked at the house by the elementary school that you recommended. I just wanted to let you know.”

She pulls a key out of her pocket and dangles it in the air. Happiness exudes from her, and it genuinely makes me happy, too, because everything is finally falling into place after six years of it being a tug of war. Plus, that means Skylar will be less than ten minutes away from me always.

“That’s great. When can you start moving in?” I ask, leaning against the door.

“Next weekend. Is it okay if Skylar stays with you like we discussed?”

I nod. “Her room should be ready by then.”

“Perfect. Well. I guess I’ll let you get back to your business. Sorry for stopping by unannounced.”

There are things I want to say, but I refrain. “No problem. I’ll see you next weekend.”

Maggie gives me a smile before walking away, and I can see a pep in her step as she walks to her car. I wave to her as she backs out of the driveway. Letting out a sigh of relief, I walk back inside the house and see Kayla fully dressed sitting on the couch.

“Hey,” I say.

She’s not upset, but she’s not where I left her. “Logan. Are you sure you’re up for this?”

I sit next to her on the couch. “What do you mean, this? You?”

She nods.

“Angel.” I brush my thumb across her cheek and force her to look into my eyes. “Do you know how long I’ve been waiting for this—for someone like you?”

She swallows hard, sucks her lips into her mouth, and shakes her head.

“Years,” I say truthfully. “Too fucking long. I never thought I’d be in a relationship again, but spending time with you has shown me how much I’ve been missing with you. The first day I met you, I knew you were special. Your hair was up off your shoulders and you had that red lip classic look going. You were so sweet and kind and beautiful. I knew then I was a goner. It was just a matter of time.”

“That’s when I knew you were trouble,” she laughs.

Her big brown eyes meet mine and she steals my breath because she’s so damn beautiful in a natural way, without even trying.

“Drug addicts keep drugs at a distance because they’re weak and have no self-control. You have always been my drug, Kayla Sinclair. You’re so fucking addicting,” I say.

“I just don’t want you to feel like you’re rushing into things with me. If you’re not ready to–”

I take her face in my hands and kiss the fuck out of her and she sinks into me. “I can’t imagine you being with anyone else. I don’t want you to be with anyone else but me. You’re mine, Kayla. You never have to be alone again.”

She places her hand over her swollen lips and a single tear streams down her face. I wipe it away. “Please, no tears, Angel.”

“I promise no more tears. But we should finish the rest of the house before taking any breaks.” She wiggles her eyebrows at me.

“Fine, but then you’re all mine.”

“Deal.”

Every time I walk into my house, I’m blown away by the transformation. The difference is day and night and I will forever be thankful for all the hard work and planning Kayla put into making this space a home. It’s completely opposite from the sterile hospital vibe I had going on before.

Every day since Saturday we’ve talked and texted and had dinner a few times. I’ve been putting in extra effort and even built Skylar a swing and slide set that’s now in the backyard. She’s going to be so excited and I can’t wait to see happiness radiate from her. Friday night Kayla comes over and we do pizza and a movie, which is quickly becoming one of our traditions. This time we watched Elf with Will Ferrell and I laughed my ass off. It might be one of my favorite Christmas movies now.

I wake up Saturday looking forward to the day. After Kayla and I grab a quick lunch, I head home, and soon afterward Maggie pulls up. She walks Skylar to the door and I bend down and give her a hug.

“Hey, baby. I’m so happy you’re here.”

“Me too, Daddy! It’s going to be fun!” Skylar turns and gives Maggie a hug then goes inside. I can hear her talking to Herman and it warms my heart. They’ve already become friends, I’m sure of it.

“We’re going to try to get everything situated this weekend. The movers have already delivered everything; my parents are helping me put it all up. If anything happens, please call me, okay?”

“You know I will.” I hate how she insinuates that something will happen when Skylar is with me. I understand why she acts like that, but I’ve returned Skylar to her without a scratch for years. It’s frustrating.

Maggie walks away and I shut the door. Skylar is on the floor and Herman is licking her to death as she giggles.

“That’s Herman. He’s our dog.”

Her face lights up and she hugs his neck. He’s eating up all the attention and his tail hasn’t stopped wagging since Skylar arrived.

“Daddy, this is where you live?” She stands up and walks around. “I like it here.”

I grab her hand and lead her down the hallway. Her backpack is swung over her arm. On the door, Kayla had Skylar’s name placed in glitter letters.

“That’s my name!”

“It sure is. Go ahead, go inside.”

Skylar turns the doorknob and she screams when she sees the pink and purple room, the rug, the bed, and all the toys and books. She goes to the stuffed animals and starts pulling them down.

“This is mine, Daddy?”

“Yes, baby. It’s all yours. This is your room when you stay with me, which will be a lot more often now.”

She runs to me and tries to wrap her arms around my legs to hug me. I bend down and pull her into my arms. “I love you, baby.”

“I love you too, Daddy. I love this room, too.”

“That’s great! Now, one more thing I have to show you.”

Skylar follows me through the house and Herman falls in line beside us. I slide open the patio door and Skylar takes off running toward the swing set. Herman runs around the yard as Skylar chases him. The two of them run so much they wear each other out in a matter of thirty minutes. Happiness fills my heart. This is what I’ve always wanted, a place where my daughter can play and stay with me, another place she can feel at home, and it’s all because of Kayla.

––––––––

KAYLA

I want to call Logan and see how it’s going but I also want to give him his space. I seriously cannot wait to find out how Skylar liked her room. It was one of the most fun remodels I’ve had, mainly because the parent didn’t ask for Gucci and Louis Vuitton curtains, towels, and bed spreads. If I have to do one more remodel for a spoiled trust fund kid, I might scream.

Keeping myself busy, I spend most of Sunday cleaning and washing the dogs because they got into something in the backyard and smelled like trash. After everything is tidy and the dogs are clean, I decide to take a shower. Just as the water rushes over my body, the shower curtain moves and I see Logan’s face. My heart races because he scared me to death.

“What the hell!” I say, with my hand over my heart. “You have to warn a girl.”

“I said your name five different times and texted you that I was on my way. But honestly, I can’t complain at the view I’m getting right now.”

“Then why don’t you join me, Detective?”

“You did mention the shower before,” he says in a husky voice, stepping inside, already hard. I take a ragged breath as the water runs over me and just like that our hands are roaming each other’s bodies. His lips circle my ear, slide down my neck, stomach, and continues until he’s on his knees.

“I have to taste you,” he says lifting my leg and placing it over his shoulder, flicking his tongue against my clit. I sync into him as he devours me, going fast and slow, creating a rhythm with his mouth that my body almost can’t handle. I throw my head back, steadying myself against the wall when he places a finger inside. The build happens quickly in the pit of my stomach, but he doesn’t allow me to succumb to the impending orgasm.

“So greedy,” he growls as he stands and turns me around so my eyes are facing the wall. His hands touch every part of my body and I lean my back into his chest, allowing the beads of water to pound against my breasts.

Logan takes both of my hands in his and presses them against the wall, then grabs my hips and pulls me back toward him. I raise my ass in the air, and he circles my opening with his hard cock. I’ve completely given into him, heart, body, and soul, and I stand on edge, waiting to feel him deep inside and make me whole again. My body begs for him and my frustration is evident as he teases me to the extreme.

“Tell me what you want, Angel.”

I look at him over my shoulder. “I want you to break me.”

“I don’t come with a warning, Angel. Maybe I should.”

Logan bites his lip before he pushes deep inside me and I feel like I really might break in two. I moan out in relief as he slides completely out and takes me again. His fingers dig deep into my hips and I try to take control but he doesn’t allow me too, which turns me on even more. Logan takes it slow, and with each thrust I moan out, begging for more.

“You don’t have to beg me, ever. I’m going to make you come so fucking hard, but when I want you to,” he whispers in my ear as I pant for relief.

My body shudders wanting every inch of him. Even when I have him, it doesn’t ever feel like enough. Logan grabs my ass then reaches around and places pressure on my clit, making me lose myself completely on his dick. As my body releases, he grabs hold of me, and tenses. “Kayla, I’m about to—.”

I buckle beneath him, finally able to take control as he loses himself. I turn around and he places his head on my shoulder, trying to catch his breath.

“What are you doing to me?” he asks, kissing my neck and nibbling on my ear. All I can do is smile because I know exactly what he’s talking about. Logan takes the bar of soap in his hands and proceeds to wash my entire body. He massages my muscles, and I watch as soap suds trail down my body and splash on the floor. I return the favor and wash him as well. My hands trail over his muscles and I pay extra attention to his perfect ass, playfully taking handfuls of it. Once the water turns cold, we get out of the shower and dry off.

I can’t stop looking at him. He’s perfection and though it’s still odd, he’s mine. I keep waiting to wake up from this fantasy, because for so long, he’s all I’ve ever wanted, exactly like this. Logan puts his clothes back on and kisses my forehead before we walk out of the bathroom.

“Addicting,” he says following me into my bedroom. “I’m ready for round two.”

“Already?” I laugh.

He looks down and he’s hard as a rock and I’m not complaining. Hell no. Soon he’s taking off his clothes and we go for a quickie. Afterward, I lay in bed comfortable in Logan’s arms and I don’t even want to get up. My body is revolting against everything but him, a sensation I can’t recall ever having with anyone else. He’s already stolen my heart. What am I talking about? He stole it a long time ago.

“Have you eaten dinner yet?” he asks giving me a quick smack on the lips.

“Do you count as dinner, because if so...”

“Want to do takeout or go out? I owe you big time.”

I laugh and sit up, my face close to his. “For what?”

“For the smile on my little girl’s face when she saw her room. She cried when she had to leave today. And that trundle bed was perfect for Herman. He didn’t let her out of his sight the entire time she was at the house. They’re the best of pals.”

I can’t hide the smile on my face. “Aww. this makes me so happy. I’m glad it worked out, and I can’t believe she cried.”

Logan pulls me on top of him, until my face is hovering above his. “Let’s go out tonight. What are you in the mood for?”

I smile against his lips. “What about seafood?”

“Perfect.”

I climb over him and put on a sundress that hangs off my shoulders and leave my hair down. Logan gets up and takes the dogs out while I finish getting ready. Soon, we’re leaving and heading toward The Boiling Point, a quaint restaurant downtown. The drive over I feel nervous. We haven’t really gone out in public together, like on a date. It’s all very new to me. As we continue down the road, Logan grabs my hand and interlocks his fingers with mine and it feels comfortable and right. We chat about Skylar and I love the way his face lights up when he mentions her to me. He’s carefree and happy and though his guard isn’t completely down, I’m okay with where we are.

We walk in holding hands and sit in a booth toward the back of the restaurant. It doesn’t take long before we order our food and it’s even quicker coming out. We eat and drink and have a wonderful time with each other. Throughout the night we exchange glances and smiles and my heart is so full by the time we leave, that I can’t stop smiling.

“What?” he asks when we’re outside walking toward the car.

“Nothing.” I shake my head. “It’s just, it felt like a real date. One I wasn’t trying to run from or hide in the bathroom. I didn’t have to find an excuse to leave or hope some Knight in shining armor would rescue me.”

“It was a real date; the first of many, many more.”

Logan opens my door and while he walks around, I pull out my phone and text Courtney quick, double checking that it’s really Courtney I’m about to text.

As soon as Logan starts the car, I burst out laughing.

“Do I even want to know?” He gives me a side glance as we travel back toward the house.

“Just thinking about the party. Want to wear matching ugly sweaters?” I ask, just testing him.

“If you’d like me to, I will. Just for you though.”

“Seriously? I was just kidding, but now...”

Logan looks over at me with raised eyebrows. “Don’t make me spank you for that.”

“I might like it though.” I lick my lips and wink at him.

Soon we’re pulling up to my house and we sit in the driveway for a moment.

“Logan.” I turn my body so I’m practically facing him. “Will you stay with me tonight?”

He pretends like he’s thinking about it then smiles. “You must really want that spanking now.”

I lean over until my lips are so close to his that I can feel his breath brush against my skin. “I’ll take that as a yes.” And that’s all it takes for him to nod.

We walk inside and I let the dogs out. I watch them for a moment as they run around the backyard chasing each other and hope they settle down before coming in; otherwise, Logan will have to hear me yell at them all night for being rowdy.

The three of them come running inside. Adam grabs a squeeze toy and squeezes it until my brain feels like it’s going to explode as Kristoff and Philip fight over a rope toy. They’re in a feisty mood tonight.

Logan and I sit on the couch and I can’t stop yawning. It’s been a long day full of activities and I’m exhausted. I’m sure the glass of wine I had at dinner didn’t help.

“Want to go to bed?” I look up at him with pleading eyes.

“Sure.”

I turn off everything and the boys come running toward the bedroom. They jump on the bed, leaving no room for Logan and he stands there waiting.

“Apparently, they don’t like sharing you either,” he jokes, moving Kristoff out of the way.

I laugh because it's so true. Logan pulls me into his arm and I inhale his scent. One I've already grown accustomed too. “Goodnight. Thank you for a wonderful night.”

“Always.” Logan leans down and kisses me so soft and sweet that I let out an audible sigh before slowly drifting off to sleep. “Goodnight, Angel.”

With the sun blaring through the window and waking me up, I realize I forgot to put on my sleeping mask. I roll over and reach for Logan but the bed is empty, again. I suck in a deep breath and can smell fresh coffee brewing. I get out of bed just as Logan is delivering a hot steaming cup to me.

“Coffee,” I grumble. “My lifeblood.”

He chuckles and kisses me. “Did you sleep okay?”

I glance over at the clock and I’m earlier than usual on a Monday morning. “I usually do when you’re in my bed.”

I stretch and start slipping on some clothes so I’m halfway decent. “I need to walk the dogs before work.”

“I already fed them and let them outside. I’ve got plenty of time this morning so I’ll join you.”

I grab the leashes and Logan snaps them on the dogs and takes all three.

“Careful, they will drag you straight to Donny’s. They’re workhorses in the morning. Amped and ready to go,” I warn with a smirk.

He thinks I’m joking until his arm is basically pulled out of socket because they are rearing to go. By the time we make it to Donny’s I’ve laughed so hard my stomach hurts. We walk in and my dogs act like they own the place, with their paws on the counter and their tongues hanging out, waiting for Donny to feed them their morning treat.

As soon as he sees me with Logan his eyes light up. “Good morning! The usual?”

“Actually, we’d like to get two cream filled donuts today. I’m in the mood.” I glance over at Logan and he smirks.

“Oh, and this is Logan, my boyfriend,” I add. Logan doesn’t even flinch at the word; instead, he smiles. It’s the first time either of us has ever used titles out loud. Donny is so thrilled that he comes around the counter and shakes Logan’s free hand. “Kayla is such a catch. Don’t ever let her go.”

“I don’t plan on it.” He gives Donny a genuine smile.

Before we leave, I turn around and mouth, Thank you to Donny. He winks and shoots me a thumbs up.

“Do you want me to take over?” I ask with a smile, knowing they’re wearing him out.

“I honestly don’t know how you handle these behemoths every morning,” he says just as the three of them see a squirrel by the fence line.

I move the arm of my shirt and flex. “Because I bring the guns.” 

Logan wraps his arm around me as we walk up the sidewalk to my house. “You’re so damn cute.”

Once we’re inside, I go through my morning routine of getting ready while I eat my donut. Logan kisses me goodbye and before he leaves I hand him the bag with the other donut in it with a wink. He pops an eyebrow, instantly getting the reference, and I don’t think it’s a memory we’ll be forgetting anytime soon.