Chapter 4
For the last three days Logan had walked around their property, reminiscing about the past and trying to stay focused on the future. And the future could be as bright as the sun that was rising over the horizon, but he would have to let his guilt go in order for that to happen. At this point he couldn't. The guilt, coupled with anger, was something he had tried to work through yet failed.
Leaning against the post on the porch, he looked around the property. There was an old barn, its red paint long since faded. Another project that needed a fresh coat of paint to brighten it up. To renew it, and to give it a second chance. Much like the store his sister ran, and that he would work at, he needed a second chance as well.
“Hey, muscles, here’s some coffee,” Maddy said, coming out the door onto the porch.
Smiling he turned around and took the mug that billowed with steam from her. “Thank you. You’re up early.”
“I'm always up early,” she said, going to the post opposite him.
“Since when?”
“Since forever,” she said with a laugh. He smiled, taking a sip of the coffee. No cream, no sugar, and straight from the pot was the way he liked it.
“You remembered,” he said, lifting the mug.
“Of course I did. It’s not like you’ve been away that long,” Maddy said, a smile on her face.
Logan nodded, taking another sip. “So, what’s the plan for the day?”
“Well, since the store doesn’t open up again until tomorrow, how about we go do something fun?”
“Sure, where at?”
“I don't know. Is there anything you want to do?” Maddy asked, walking over to the white wicker bench. Logan walked over and sat beside her and they both looked out over the property.
“I was looking through my clothes last night. How about we head into the city and go to the mall. I could use some new clothes.”
Maddy nodded. “Sounds good. What time is your parole officer coming by?”
“Ten. But he should be no longer than half an hour. We can be at the mall by noon, and I’ll even buy you lunch.”
“Thank you, Mr. Big-Spender,” Maddy teased.
Logan laughed. He was not a big spender, something Maddy had always tormented him about. When their parents passed on, between insurance policies, money in the bank, and various investments, both were more than set in life. Yet, neither he nor his sister lived a lavish lifestyle nor wanted it. They had been taught the important things in life—honor, love and family.
For a while they sat there, not saying a word. And in that silence knowing he was there for his sister and she was there for him meant the world to him.
“Alright, I’m going to get breakfast ready. You need to shower,” Maddy said, standing up and grabbing his coffee mug from him.
“Are you saying I stink?” he asked as he stood up.
“Maybe,” she laughed, heading inside. With a smile on his face, he went inside and headed back to his room.
***
The shower felt great, and with a towel wrapped around him, Logan took a look in the mirror. The weights in prison combined with his own routine of using his own body weight had let him maintain his physique. Maddy had asked him if he was looking for someone, and at this point he wasn't. But to have someone to talk to and maybe eventually fall in love with would be great.
He had only ever had one boyfriend, and it wasn't that serious. Numerous dates, conversations, and not much else. Then being hauled off to prison, and the year in jail before that awaiting trial, had left him no time to find anyone.
Maybe one day he would, but not now. Now it was time for Maddy, to help her heal. Though she still laughed and was the same Maddy he always loved, it was the little things he noticed she did that bothered him. Extra locks on the doors, sometimes staring off, panic and fear coming over her. All because of Tommy.
Clenching his fist as well as his teeth, Logan shook his head and tried to erase the night of Tommy's death from his memory. But he couldn't.
Heading to his room, he changed. A simple dark blue shirt, denim jeans, and an old pair of running shoes. He took a quick look in the mirror, his short hair didn't need styling.
He heard Maddy's voice as she talked to someone, and checking the clock on his bed, he saw it was twenty minutes until ten. The parole officer was early.
Hurrying out of his room, he walked out into the hallway, and then laughed. It wasn't the cop, but rather Bree standing there. For any straight man, Bree was a prize. A very pretty woman with short blond hair and a body she liked to show off with low-cut shirts and short shorts exposing her tan skin. She was also funny and smart and had been like a sister to Logan since forever.
“Holy hell, look at that bad boy,” Bree said, hurrying over and throwing her arms up to give him a hug.
“Hey, Bree, you’re looking good,” he said, returning her hug.
“Hear that, Maddy? He says I look good. I'm telling you, he wants me,” Bree laughed, and Maddy rolled her eyes. They had played this routine for years, and Logan still found himself laughing from it.
“Bree, if for some reason I ever decide to be with a woman,” he said, raising his hand up as she went to speak, “you will be the first. Of course, it’ll only be a one-night stand.”
She laughed, breaking the hug, her hand resting against his chest. “Whatever you say, stud.”
They all laughed, and then Maddy spoke up. “I swear, you two are the same, never changing.”
“So, what are you up to?” Logan asked as he headed over to the couch and took a seat. Bree wasted no time and sat next to him.
“Maddy’s going to run into town with me real quick. And well, she invited me to the mall with you guys. I’m sure you don’t mind.”
Logan looked up at Maddy.
“I figured you wouldn't mind.”
Looking back at Bree, he sighed. “I guess, if we must.” He shook his head.
“Oh, whatever,” Bree said. “You know you want me there. And I'm glad you’re getting new clothes. They definitely need updating.”
“And how would you know?”
“Well, she was helping me get your room in order,” Maddy said.
Logan laughed, then hearing the sound of crunching gravel, he stood up. The white SUV rolling up with blue lights on top meant it was time for his first parole meeting.
“Good luck. We’ll be back in an hour,” Maddy said, giving him a quick hug.
“Later, stud. I’m glad you’re home,” Bree said, then grabbed his butt.
Logan shook his finger at her with a smile as the two headed out. Walking over to the front door, he saw them get into Bree's black SUV as Brice stepped out of his.
Logan bit at his lip. The blond cop was at least a year younger than Logan. Damn, the guy was handsome, and with his clean-shaven face and smile, Logan felt something stir inside him. Feelings he had once felt, a deep attraction. As the man walked up to the porch, Logan came back to reality. This was his parole officer, and a cop, certainly not a friend of Logan's. And certainly not one to his family. His guard went up, his heart protected, his mind ready.
“Hi, Logan, may I come in?”
“Sure. It’s not like you have to ask,” Logan said, opening the screen door.
Brice walked past him, and Logan sucked in his breath. The uniform was tight on him, and the guy’s butt was screaming out to be grabbed.
“Mind if we sit somewhere?” Brice asked.
Logan felt Brice's eyes look into his. Was the man just confident, or was he feeling something as well?
“Sure. Let’s head into the kitchen,” Logan said.
Logan knew the feeling of being checked out, it was a sixth sense he had and there had no doubt he was being checked out by the man walking behind him. The kitchen was quite large with two stoves, a large island with a white granite counter top, and seating for five. The table, which could seat six, was near a bay window, allowing views across the valley.
“Coffee?”
“Please,” Brice said, taking a seat. Logan went over to the pot, grabbed two mugs, and then began pouring.
“Just black.”
Logan nodded. “Only way.”
Coming back, he handed Brice one, then sat two chairs away from him.
“Well, the purpose of this first meeting is to go over the terms of your parole,” Brice said. Logan watched as the man fiddled with the cup in his hands, as though he were nervous.
“I figured as much.”
“I'm required to drug test you randomly, so basically once a month you’re going to have to piss in a cup. Besides that, don't engage in illegal activities, drugs, things of that nature. Keep your nose clean and you’re going to be fine.”
Logan nodded, looking into Brice's brown eyes. As much as he had a distrust of police after his experience, there was something different about this one. Sure, he was young and a rookie, but there seemed to be an innocence about him, something comforting.
Something, Logan found himself attracted to.