LOGAN

In a panic, I wake up breathing hard. For a moment, I don’t know where I am, but then realization sets in as I look around the room decorated with pictures of Kayla with her animals. Not to mention the dogs scattered around the bed. I lay back down, heart pounding, and try to catch my breath. I’m at Kayla’s. In Kayla’s bed. Memories of last night flood in like snapshots from a camera, which cause me to smile. That happened. All of that happened. And I’m wondering if I’m stuck in a dream.

Kristoff notices I’m awake and decides he wants to jump around at the end of the bed. Kayla’s dogs are trained; if they even suspect you’re awake, they know it’s time to go outside. I whisper for him to stop so he doesn’t wake Kayla who is peacefully sleeping next to me.

“Just one sec,” I whisper again as he moves closer to me. Rolling over on my side, I take the moment to admire the beautiful woman that’s sleeping naked next to me. Her skin is smooth like silk and she looks so peaceful with the sheets sloppily wrapped around her body.

Groaning at Kristoff, who is brushing his cold nose against my back, I turn and point my finger. Being a terror, he jumps off the bed with a bark and waking the rest of the little monsters. They bolt out of the bedroom, and I hear their nails tapping across the wooden floor. Though I know they’re antsy in the mornings, I take another brief minute to kiss my Angel on the forehead before quietly slipping out of bed.

I slip my boxer shorts on and head toward the back door. Once I open it, they all take off running outside. Fog still covers the grass and the early morning sun is barely awake. The dogs are in a special kind of mood this morning, and I hope they aren’t extra hyper when I feed them. Maybe they believe everything is back to normal, too. It’s been awhile since I’ve stayed the night, and before everything happened it had become our routine to take turns sleeping at each other’s houses. I’ve missed this; all of it. Deep down in my heart, I know it’s not the same, but just for today—for these few minutes—I want to pretend it is.

Once the dogs are finished with their morning sniff and pee ritual, I pour food into their bowls and throw a few treats around the house, hoping it’ll keep them busy. As they eat, I walk quietly back to the bedroom where Kayla is still asleep. I crawl under the sheets and she moans against my cold body before she settles back to dreamland. Wrapping my arms around her, she leans into me and her bare ass presses against my morning wood.

“Fuck,” I whisper under my breath, wanting to touch her all over, but trying to keep some sort of control. I’m halfway tempted to take care of the urge myself, but I hold off.

“Mmm,” she moans again, and the quiet sound of her voice drives me crazy.

Rolling over, her eyes flutter open and she instantly smiles. The activities of last night are still present on her face and swollen lips.

“Morning, Detective.” Her voice is low and sultry as she lifts the sheets to get a good look at what she was pressing her ass against. I’m rock hard, but it shouldn’t come as a surprise that Kayla does that to me.

She lifts her eyebrow and licks her lips.

I smirk. “Morning, babe.”

“Can I have you for breakfast?” she asks, her nipples creating tall peaks under the sheets, and I know there’s no way I can deny her. When it comes to Kayla Sinclair, I’m weak as fuck. I’d give this woman whatever she wanted, whenever she wanted it.

I don’t even have to answer before she has my cock in her hand, giving me long strokes. Leaning against the pillows, I can watch her. Seductively, she scoots her body down the bed and when she places me in her mouth, I know it won’t take long before I’m losing control again. My cock throbs as she licks from the bottom of my shaft to the tip and pays extra attention to my balls, before placing them in her mouth. She’s never done that before, and I’m shocked at how much she’s enjoying this. Her tongue is warm and wet and drives me to the edge. It almost becomes too much as she takes her time sucking and stroking and humming against my cock. Running my fingers through her hair, I let out a groan knowing she needs to stop now before it’s too late.

“Fuck, Kayla.” I let out a moan, closing my eyes and leaning my head against the pillows.

As soon as I take my eyes off her, she crawls up my body and straddles me. She’s pure fucking perfection as her wet pussy swallows me whole. Kayla’s head rolls on her shoulders as she takes me all in. Rocking her hips, she rides me slowly, then aggressively. Leaning forward, I grab her nipple between my teeth before sucking and gliding my tongue against it. Though I allow her to take over, I place my hands on her hips, steadying her before my thumb rubs over her clit as she fucks me with raw emotion. Her pants and moans quickly fill the room, and I know I won’t be able to hold back much longer as her pussy squeezes my dick. She throws her head back, losing herself on me.

“I’m not done with you yet,” I whisper, which causes a devious smile form across her swollen lips. I move her from my body and flip her over on all fours.

“How hard can you fuck me?” she asks, with her ass in the air. “Can you break me, Detective?”

Her wet slit glistens and she’s soaking fucking wet. Teasing the outside of her opening with the tip of my dick, she tries to force me inside.

“You’re a greedy little thing,” I growl before smacking her round perky ass. “Some things don’t change.”

I smile as I remember how wild it makes her when a little pain is mixed with her pleasure. Before I give her what she wants, I run my finger down her wet slit before placing it inside. She looks over her shoulder at me and I place that finger willingly in my mouth, tasting her arousal. Not being able to hold off any longer, I grab her hips and thrust inside her with one long stroke. Moaning out in pleasure, begging for more, she buckles beneath me. Pressing her ass against me, she wants it as hard as I can give it to her.

“Don’t hold back,” she begs between pants, and within seconds, an orgasm sneaks up on her and takes over her body. “Oh my...” she says, burying her face in a pillow, riding the orgasm as far as it will take her.

My movements become more rhythmic along with our breathing.

Her pants sound like music to my ears and for the second time in twenty-four hours, I lose myself in her.

After we’re cleaned up, we lie in her bed like a tangled mess and stare at the ceiling.

“Well, I’m done for the day,” Kayla says with a laugh. I open my arms and she allows me to hold her. Like old times, she draws shapes on my bare chest.

“Let me make you breakfast,” I tell her, running my fingers down her arm.

She looks up at me and lays her head on my chest, listening to my heart. I wish I knew what she was thinking. Just as that thought crosses my mind, she pops her head up and her gaze meets my eyes.

“Okay, but today I want to play a game.” She smiles like she’s up to something.

“A game?” I ask her with a lifted eyebrow.

“Yeah, it’s called, Ask Me Anything. There’s things I want to know about you, since you basically know everything about me already. So, a question for a question. And you have to be completely honest no matter what.”

I search her sweet face, knowing this will make her happy and agree to play the game.

“So, for twenty-four hours, we can ask each other anything. No lying. And I don’t care what the doctor says. I need to know things. Deal?”

“Deal,” I say, pinching her ass and causing her to squirm and laugh. “Now let me cook you breakfast.”

––––––––

KAYLA

I’ve experienced the most mind-blowing sexcapades of my life in the last twenty-four hours. This morning, I don’t know what came over me. It was more than a want with Logan; it was an internal need so strong that it took over my mind and body. However, I’m not complaining at all. Though the chemistry between us is evident, the emotional bond isn’t quite there yet. However, the physical attraction is overpowering, and I don’t want to hold back those desires any longer.

I stand in the kitchen and lean against the counter as he makes bacon, eggs, and a can of biscuits I didn’t even know I had out of my fridge. I find myself admiring all the muscles that cascade down his back. His pants haphazardly hang from his hips and I can’t stop gawking.

“Okay, I’ve got my first question,” I tell him. He turns and looks at me with lifted eyebrows and a smirk, then goes back to cooking.

“Go for it,” Logan says, and I can tell he’s smiling even though I’m back to staring at his cute ass.

“Have you ever been in a serious relationship before?” I ask.

“Yes. Once before. It didn’t end well though. But we’re kind of friends now.” He doesn’t say anything else about it. His answer is short and to the point, and I don’t want to pry too deep so I take it at face value, but I’m sure he’s referring to his child’s mother.

I move around the bar until I’m closer to him and snake my hands around his waist. Logan stills, then relaxes. Honestly, I haven’t shown him any real affection until last night so I’m sure my touch is a shock.

“So, my turn to ask you a question?” he asks, as he piles bacon and scrambled eggs on our plates along with biscuits. I nod with a smile before grabbing forks from the drawer and sitting at the table.

Logan sits across from me with messy hair and kind eyes. My heart does this flutter thing and I wonder what all this really means.

“You said I could ask anything?” Logan asks before cutting a biscuit in half and eating it.

“Yep, anything,” I say with confidence since he already knows everything.

He hesitates for a moment and it starts to make me a tad nervous. “Why didn’t you tell me or anyone your birthday was on Christmas day? You love that holiday so much.”

I tuck my lips into my mouth wondering if this game was the best one to play, considering I don’t remember everything I have or have not told him. Honestly, I believed it would be easy since I thought he already knew everything there was to know about me. But obviously, there are some things I kept from him. To give me more time to gather my thoughts and words, I chew slowly.

“Honestly?” I ask.

Logan nods.

“My birthday was never a big deal when I was a kid. No one cared. After years of not celebrating my birthday, I realized that it wasn’t important. Christmas always came before the foster kid. So, instead of making a big deal about it, I learned at a young age to not say a word and just pretend it was another day and enjoy the little happiness I had. I don’t know why I didn’t tell you. It probably didn’t cross my mind, honestly. Old habits die hard, I guess.” My answer is raw and true, and I see a sparkle of pity in his eyes before I change the subject. I dislike that pity. Always have.

“Breakfast is delicious. Thank you. Can’t remember the last time I had a meal like this,” I say.

“Trust me when I say this was a normal occurrence.” Logan winks at me, and that’s when I feel a cold nose brush against my leg. “Go on!” I tell the three dogs that are crowded under the table waiting for a single morsel to be dropped.

“So, it’s my turn to ask another question now! What’s one of the biggest regrets of your life?” I ask.

“Allowing you to go into that house that day.” Logan doesn’t hesitate before answering. “If I could change it all, I would in a second. Consequences of the job be damned.”

My heart does that flutter thing again, and it slightly confuses me because I find myself wanting to feel those unknown feelings. It’s obvious he’s so damn perfect for me. I don’t have those deep emotions for him yet, but I’m willing to work toward what we had. They’re somewhere inside me. I just hope what I can give him right now is enough.

“So, what do you want to do today?” Logan asks.

“You,” I slyly throw in. “And that was a question so it’s my turn again!” I stand up to place my plate in the sink and he gets up laughing and comes after me. As soon as he starts tickling me, the dogs begin to bark.

“No fair guys. You’re supposed to be on my team,” he tells the dogs, placing his plate in the sink. He then takes the opportunity to grab at my waist and pull me close, causing me to let out a playful yelp.

“They’re always team Kayla,” I say, trying to tickle him back but his stomach muscles are too hard, and he doesn’t seem ticklish at all.

His eyes seem to darken and he bites the corner of his lip. “I’m always team Kayla, too.”

“Do you have any plans today?” I ask, staring into his eyes.

“That’s a question, and no. Just to be with you. Let’s go somewhere.”

I nod with a smile. “I’ll go anywhere with you.”

Logan searches my face before leaning over and placing a soft kiss on my lips. I breathe him in, all of him, and I know exactly why the previous me fell so hard. No matter what, he seems to put me first—over himself—and tries to make me happy. Logan Knight is truly selfless.

After I see my reflection in the mirror and realize I look like a sex-crazed mess, I tell him I’d like to take a shower. Instead of waiting around for me or even joining me, he decides to go home and take care of Herman.

“I’ll pick you up in an hour or so,” Logan says, leaning against the door as the steam fills the bathroom.

“Okay, I’ll be ready! See you soon.” I finish washing soap suds from my hair and rinsing off my body that’s sore from where he’s been. It’ll be awhile before I forget what happened between us. It’s almost as if our hearts built a bridge to each other, while trying to mend the broken one.

Once an hour passes, the dogs start barking and Logan shows up wearing workout shorts, a T-shirt that hugs him in all the right places, and Nikes. I look down at what I’m wearing, a sundress and sandals and realize we’re both dressed for two different occasions.

“I should change, shouldn’t I?”

He laughs. “Yeah, I want to take you somewhere. Workout clothes and shoes.”

“I’m going to trust you on this one,” I say, walking to my bedroom finding some comfortable shorts and a tank.

Stepping into the living room, I see him playing with the pups and it makes my heart swell. He looks up at me like I’m his world and I feel guilt wash over me, but I hurry and push it away.

“I’m ready!” I tell him excitedly, wondering what he has planned.

As soon as we step outside, I’m greeted with a warm, sunny day.

“I couldn’t pass up this weather.” Logan turns and smiles at me. I don’t even argue as I follow him to this car. We drive across town and head outside the city.  For a moment, I have no clue where we’re going until we drive up to a trailhead that says Sierra Buttes Lookout Tower. I look over at Logan like he’s lost his mind.

“We’re about to hike a freaking mountain?” I ask.

He scrunches his nose and laughs. “Trust me.”

And I do.

As soon as we park, Logan grabs a backpack and takes water bottles from a small ice chest in his backseat. Looking at the trail and the sweaty faces of the people who are finishing, I feel a little intimidated. I’ve never done anything like this before; at least, I don’t think I have. Logan grabs my hand, kisses my forehead, and we make our ascent up the trail.

“It’s worth it. I promise,” Logan says each time I’m ready to turn around, but he’s supportive and motivating so I keep going with him by my side.

A few hours pass and my legs and lungs are burning, but when we make it to the top, I lose my words and thoughts. Beauty like this can only be seen from up here, above the tree line. A chill from the cool air floods over me as I look out at the peaks and valleys below, and that’s when Logan takes my hand. There are stairs that lead up to an even higher lookout, and even though my legs are screaming in protest, I decide to trust him. By the time I get to the top, I’m breathless. The view of the lakes below is worth every second of pain it took to get up here. The sun reflects off the blue water of the lakes that’s surrounded by green rolling hills. Logan and I stand there together, our arms brush against each other and we enjoy the silence.

He places his arm around me and I lean into him. “It’s beautiful,” I whisper, finally able to find my words.

“I thought you’d enjoy this. Before I joined to the military, I’d hike this every weekend. It helped me clear my mind and get my thoughts straight. It was almost like my sanctuary. When I was thinking about what we’d do today, I knew I wanted to take you here. It’s peaceful. There’s a strange calm about it all,” Logan says with his arm still wrapped around my shoulder.

We stand there for what feels like hours, though only minutes pass, and breathe in the fresh air while taking in the view. I never want to forget this.

As we look out at the lakes, Logan turns to me. “I do have one more question. One, that if you don’t want to answer, I understand. Especially if we’re going to try to start over.”

I swallow hard, feeling a lump lodge itself in my throat. Taking a drink of water, I stare into his bright green eyes and nod.

“I don’t know how to say this,” Logan hesitates. “I was in your garage getting Christmas ornaments for you for your Christmas in July party, and I came across some adoption papers. I shouldn’t have looked at them and ever since I did, I’ve felt like a major asshole. But I did. I just want to know...”

Time feels like it’s standing still, and I try to think of how to explain this. So much has happened since the adoption that I don’t even know where to start.