Chapter 15
Logan gave himself a once-over in the mirror, smiling at what he saw. He had let his hair grow out a little and, now styled, it looked really good. With a dark navy-blue sweater and denims, he felt like a million dollars.
“Don't forget some cologne,” Bree said, standing next to him in his bedroom. Maddy was watching television while Bree was given him advice for the date. Though she knew who he was going with, Maddy was under the impression that is was a blind date set up by Bree through an online site.
“Good idea,” Logan said, grabbing the bottle, and wiping the dust off the lid, gave it a squirt near his neck. Setting it back down he turned towards Bree. “Well, what do you think?”
She looked him up and down. “Looking good. Now remember, just relax and have fun. I can see the worry all over your face.”
Logan nodded. Though he had been spending a lot of time with Brice, this was their first date, and he was worried he was going to mess it up.
“Alright. Thanks for the pointers.”
“Yeah, no problem. Now, come on, let’s get Maddy's opinion.”
They both headed out of the room and into the living room. Maddy rose up from the couch when they came in, and like Bree, she was still in her robe, relaxing this Sunday morning.
“Yep, looking good. And good choice keeping the five o’clock shadow. It makes you look rugged.”
Logan smiled. “Thanks. Well, I guess I better go.”
Maddy walked over and gave him a hug and then a kiss on the cheek. “Have fun, and be careful. And if you’re going to be late, call me.”
Logan laughed. “I will,” he said and then turned to give Bree a hug.
“I hope your date appreciates your butt like I do,” Bree said, slapping his ass and they all laughed.
With a shake of his head, Logan headed out the door. Bree had let him borrow her SUV, and with a smile, he hurried to it.
“Alright, Logan,” he whispered. “it’s just a date with Brice. No big deal.” He started the car up and then headed out.
***
Though Logan was typically confident in a lot of things, he was as nervous as hell now. Then he remembered who he was. Logan Chase, the bad boy of Broken Hollow. Things never got to him and he was in control. By the time he turned into the driveway, he was sitting up straighter and had a smile on his face.
But it all crumbled as soon as he saw Brice standing out by the mailbox wearing a blue windbreaker and a tight pair of jeans. He was clean-shaven and his blond hair was styled, and Logan gripped the steering wheel, hoping he wouldn’t swerve into the ditch.
After Logan stopped the car, Brice opened the door and stepped in.
“Looking good,” Brice said, with Logan saying the same.
Logan took a deep breath and then let it out as he pushed on the gas pedal.
“You seem nervous,” Brice said.
“To be honest, I am.”
Brice laughed. “I'm terrified,” he said, then they both laughed. Immediately the tension was gone, and Logan felt relieved.
“So, good news. Harry leaves tomorrow and will be gone just over two weeks. Talk about a relief,” Brice said as Logan turned, taking a back road to the highway.
“Good for you. Any plans?”
“Nothing really. Just taking more time for myself and going to talk to Carol more about some stuff around the department.”
Logan nodded. Brice had clued him in concerning Harry and his conduct at work towards Carol and other women around the town. He wasn't surprised, but he was glad Brice was trying to figure out what to do.
“From what you told me, she seems like a good woman,” Logan said, pulling the visor down. Though the temps were in the high 50s, the sun was bright.
“She is, and to be honest, we’re becoming good friends. Like we are,” Brice said.
Logan swallowed hard as he looked over at Brice and gave him a smile. “I'm not too good with words but with this being my first date in forever, I'm glad it’s with you.”
Brice smiled. “Me too. To go down this road again, well, at least I know who I’m traveling it with. I know you wouldn't hurt me on purpose.”
“Never,” Logan said, turning onto the highway. And he wouldn't. Brice was something else—smart, handsome, and caring. A person with a good heart was a rare thing these days. Most people were so self-absorbed they didn't pay attention to those around them. And though he had really never been anywhere with Brice before, Logan knew that he was respected by people.
“So, what movie are we going to see?” Logan asked as he picked up speed, the traffic on the highway light with only a few cars around them.
“I hope you don't mind, but it’s a horror movie,” Brice replied. “Halloween Hell Raisers Part Four.”
“Loved part two, but I didn't care for three.”
Brice laughed. “Awesome.”
Logan smiled. The word described Brice perfectly.
***
The movie theater parking lot was huge, and there were easily a few hundred cars in the lot. Finding a space, they got out, and Logan stretched and then stifled a yawn.
“You’re not going to fall asleep, are you?” Brice asked as they walked up to the theater doors.
“No. It’s Sunday, it’s just a natural day to feel lazy.”
“You’re telling me.”
They went to the ticket booth, with Logan insisting on buying, then headed to the concession stand.
“I just want a Coke. How about you?” Brice asked.
“Sounds good. I’ll save room for dinner.”
“Oh, we’re going to eat afterward?”
“Yeah, we are,” Logan said as they stepped forward in line. He shot his eyes down, looking over the jeans Brice was wearing. The guy had a butt that was perfectly sculpted, and Logan was tempted to reach out and grab it.
“You’re going to strain your eyes,” Brice said, snapping Logan from his thoughts and causing him to laugh. He went to deny it, but the lady at the counter greeted them.
Two minutes later they headed down to the theater, and glancing to his side, Logan smiled. “You’re going to strain your neck.”
Brice laughed. “We’re both going to walk away from this injured if we’re not careful.”
***
“Yes, sir, they should’ve bought the cosmetic kit from the lady. But they didn't. And now every Halloween she comes back to kill everyone who laughed at her,” the old man on the movie screen said.
Logan snickered, loving how the movie was still trying to establish a plot.
“You mean, that woman who came by last week, that was her?” the girl in the scene said, her voice shaky. A knock sounded on the door and the audience screamed, and Brice even jumped a little.
Turning his head, Logan watched as Brice looked intently at the screen. They were in the back row and they were alone, save the dozen or so teenagers taking up the front two rows. Logan let his eyes soak in Brice, the light from the screen hitting his smooth face. Leaning over, he whispered in his ear. “If you get scared, it’s OK.”
Brice turned towards him, their lips just inches apart. “I'll let you know.”
Logan winked at him and then turned his attention back to the screen for a minute. The movie was getting close to done, and then looking down, he saw Brice's hand. His heart went out. The hand looked lonely, and biting at his lip, he moved his own hand out and took Brice's hand in his own. Then his heart leapt as Brice's fingers interlocked with his own. It was not only hands being held, but it was a bond forming. A bond between two men, both of whom were hurting and wanted something better. And holding his hand, Logan thought of nothing better than being with him.
***
Logan pulled the SUV outside near the mailbox. They had gone to dinner after the movie, and now, sadly, it was time for them each to go home.
Putting the car in park, Logan turned in his seat, a smile on his face that matched Brice's. He wanted to reach over and give the man a kiss, just a gentle one. Instead, behaving himself and taking Bree's advice, he retook his hand in his own. “I had a blast tonight. And thanks for this. I know you’re risking a lot.”
Brice nodded. “I’m still nervous that someone could have seen us. But to be honest, even if we didn't click, I trust that you wouldn't say anything.”
Logan shook his head. “I'm not vengeful like that. You have my word, our secret is safe.”
Brice squeezed his hand, and Logan felt his heart soar and his breath catch in his throat.
“Look, I better go. Oh, tomorrow, I told Carol I would join her for lunch, so can I come by at ten or eleven?”
Logan smiled. “Sure. I hope you two aren’t getting too friendly,” he teased.
Brice let go of his hand with a laugh. “Right,” he said, his voice sarcastic. “Anyway, thanks again. I’ll see you tomorrow.”
Logan smiled as he watched Brice walk off into the dark, missing him already. With a sigh, he turned the SUV around and headed back home.