Chapter Two
Danielle
“Why did I think tequila shots were a good idea?” I rub my forehead, blinking my eyes open to watch the farmland pass us by. Everything is dark, and then a raccoon’s eyes reflect in the headlights. It probably won’t be long until we see a deer as well. I’ve learned to drive well below the speed limit on some of these country roads at night. You never know what kind of wildlife will run out in front of you.
Logan laughs softly and reaches into the backseat of his car, pulling a water bottle out of an open case and handing it to me.
“Thanks,” I say and go to take it from him. My fingers brush over his, and I’m almost startled by how soft and warm his skin feels against mine. I wonder if the rest of him is just as—nope. I can’t go there.
First of all, he’s my boss.
And second, what’s the point of starting a relationship when I’m not staying here forever? I’m a bit ride-or-die when it comes to dating. I either want casual, first-name-only-basis or we’re-in-it-for-the-long-haul kind of deal. Logan has long-haul potential, but I’m kind of a basket case, and he’s, well…Logan.
Handsome. Polite. A bit broody and moody, which really just adds to his charm. His t-shirts are just tight enough to show off his muscles. And that’s not to mention his strong jawline that’s always covered in the perfect amount of stubble.
Family is important to him, and he’s probably one of the most loyal people I know. He loves dogs and likes to read and—shit. I’m doing it again. I twist the cap off the water bottle and chug half of it, feeling much better once the water hits my stomach.
Logan’s place isn’t far from the bar. I know because I’ve been there before. Just never at night like this. With the intention of falling asleep there.
Which isn’t a big deal. We’re friends. And friends let friends crash at their place when they need to. I steal another glance at Logan, getting the most unwelcome feeling of fluttering in my chest. A passing car’s headlights illuminate his handsome face and I need to look away.
“Did we forget Owen at the bar?”
“He went home with some girl he met tonight. She was waiting for him to get off work.”
I shake my head, laughing. “Hasn’t he slept with most of Eastwood by now?”
“He has. I better warn your grandpa Owen’s moving into a new age bracket. He should lock things down with Adele to keep Owen from making a move.”
“You’re such a dick,” I laugh, playfully nudging Logan’s arm. His skin is warm like I imagined, and my fingers linger just a little too long. Swallowing hard, I shift in my seat and take another drink of water.
Logan messes with the radio and we drive the rest of the short way to his place listening to music and not talking. Yellow light spills from the porch and into the lawn. Logan and Owen live together in a cookie-cutter house in a newer subdivision on the outskirts of Eastwood. The house looks like it was lifted from a middle-aged housewife’s P*******t board, and is the last house I’d expect two eligible bachelors to live in.
It took me by surprise the first time I pulled up to it and was even more shocked when I went inside and saw the professional decorating. Turns out, this neighborhood was developed and built by Mr. Dawson’s contracting company. The house Logan and Owen live in now was a model home for a few years, hence the perfect design.
I wobble my way through the garage and into the house.
“Did your mom send you any leftovers?” I ask, balancing on one foot at a time to get my heels off, tossing them to the side of the door.
“Oh of course,” Logan says, striding through the kitchen, following the pathetic whimpers of his dog. “But we ate them.”
“Dang it. Your mom is a good cook.”
“We’re having lunch over there tomorrow. Come with.” The sound of a metal crate opening echoes through the otherwise quiet house. A five-month-old German Shepherd comes running out, jumping up at Logan, wagging his tail so hard he almost falls over.
“Down,” Logan tells him, holding out his hand. It’s cute, really, watching him try to be firm with the dog. He always ends up caving, like he is right now as he sits on the floor and lets the dog get up in his face.
“His training seems to be going well,” I sass, crossing my arms. “Glad you’re really sticking with being firm.”
“How can you say no to this face?” Logan pushes the dog’s ears back and then scratches Dexter’s chest, making his back leg go all crazy.
“Dexter!” I call, sinking down to my knees. Dexter, realizing for the first time that I’m here, comes barreling over. He knocks me back and I fall to the ground, laughing as the lanky pup licks my face.
“Come on,” Logan calls. “Go outside.”
Dexter bounds away, getting excited when he sees Logan holding his leash. I push myself up, going over to the sink to get something to drink since I somehow forgot about the water bottle in the two seconds it took for me to unbuckle and get out of the car. I fill a glass with water and set it on the counter. The kitchen is relatively clean today. Logan, overall, is a neat person. Living with Owen is like living with an adult-sized toddler leaving messes in every room. It’s funny, really, how they look so alike but have such different personalities.
I go into the living room, find the TV remote on the coffee table, and sink onto the couch. I have every intention of turning on a scary movie and making Logan watch it with me. But then I close my eyes, just for a second. The next thing I know, Dexter is on the couch next to me, wagging his tail and licking my face.
“Lightweight.” I feel the couch sink down as Logan sits down at my other side.
“Hey,” I grumble, slitting my eyes open. “I actually had like three drinks and a shot tonight. That’s a lot.”
“It is. I’ll change that lightweight to a lush then.”
“Asshole.” I try to throw a pillow at him but just end up smacking him in the face. I push myself up and laugh. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to.”
“Now you’ve done it.” Logan grabs another pillow and chucks it at me. Dexter gets way too excited and pounces on Logan, with one of his large paws landing right between his legs. Logan doubles over in pain, and I laugh even harder.
“Who’s the asshole now?” he chokes out.
“Don’t call Dexter-Wexter an asshole,” I gasp in fake shock and slip my fingers under Dexter’s collar, gently pulling him back and off the couch. I get up to grab the pillow I threw and trip when Dexter tries to do a flying leap back onto the couch.
I don’t know how he moves so fast, but I’m grateful he did. Because I’m still too drunk to have a good reaction time, and I’m about ready to fall backward onto the glass coffee table.
Logan’s arms fold around my waist at the last second. He pulls me to his chest and straightens up. I have one hand on his chest and the other is gripping his bicep. Which is strong. Firm. Warm, just like the rest of him.
A second passes, and we’re still standing there like this. I splay my fingers over his chest and turn my head up, looking into his brown eyes. Inhaling deep, my breasts crush against his body. His hand that’s on the small of my back inches lower and his fingertips press into my waist.
Heat flashes through me, unlike anything I’ve felt around him before. I’ve worked hard to keep these kinds of reactions from happening, but my whiskey-soaked mind has lost all its will right now.
“You okay?” he asks, though by now it’s obvious I am.
“Yeah. Lost my balance.”
“No shit.”
I purse my lips and go to shove him away. Dexter is on the floor behind him now, and Logan trips over the dog and falls back onto the couch, taking me down with him. That same heat ripples through me again, making my skin break out in goosebumps. My heart lurches and is beating so fast I’m sure Logan can hear it.
I should push him away.
Run and hide.
I definitely shouldn’t be inching closer, taking note of the way his cologne smells, or the fact that his shirt is pulled up a bit, exposing a few inches of his abdomen.
I shouldn’t want more.
Our eyes meet and I part my lips, feeling my heart beating faster and faster in my chest. I know one kiss is all it will take to change things between us, and the thought terrifies me.
My life has been one mistake after another, and each seems to try its damnedest to outdo the last. I love what we have between us. Logan is my best friend. I don’t want to mess that up.
But Lord have mercy on me right now. His heart is hammering along with mine, and he looks at me with an intensity I’ve never seen before. One that heats me from the inside out, melting the panties right off me. My face is moving slowly toward his, eyes zeroed in on his perfect lips. He closes his eyes, long lashes coming together, and inhales, pushing his chest up against mine.
And then Dexter jumps up, barking, startling us both. He runs through the living room and into the kitchen, disappearing into the small mud room to greet whoever just came in the house.
Logan’s brows furrow, and I get off of him, too drunk to think logically right now. Whiskey and tequila swirl around in my head, though it’s nothing but a small buzz compared to the way Logan just made me feel. He springs to his feet and rushes through the house, and it’s only then I remember Owen isn’t supposed to be home tonight.
I don’t remember locking the door behind us. Eastwood is a slow-moving, peaceful town, but it’s not a crime-free paradise. People break in, and there’s been a rash of burglaries lately. So far, all have happened to empty houses, but maybe they didn’t know we were home.
Suddenly, I’m scared, and I look around the room for a weapon.
“What the fuck are you doing?” Logan asks, but he seems annoyed, not terrified for our lives.
“Miranda’s sister brought some friends over. We needed a place a little more private.”
I let out a breath. It’s Owen. I sink back onto the couch, head spinning. I cup my face in my hands. What the hell was I thinking?
But also…why not?
No. Nope. No way José. I thought with my heart instead of my head my whole life and look where it got me. I’ve spent the last year making logical choices, and I’ve never been happier. Hearts are wild things needed to be confined to cages. They can’t be trusted.
“What, did I interrupt something?” Owen moves into the kitchen and immediately goes for the fridge. Most of the main floor is an open concept, and the kitchen, breakfast nook, and living room are all one big area. A pretty girl with short black hair follows along behind him, nervously looking at Dexter. The dog is big for a puppy, but he’s still in that I love everyone phase and hasn’t gotten too protective yet.
I close my eyes, feeling the pull of the alcohol making me tired. I let it lull me to sleep, passing out right there on the couch, dreaming of something other than the feelings that are taking me over right now. Though there’s just as much of a risk of dreaming about Logan and how good we could be together.
Chapter ThreeDanielle“I could get used to this view.” Scarlet lowers her sunglasses and winks at Weston, Logan’s oldest brother and Scarlet’s husband.“They do look good,” I agree, stretching my legs out in front of me. We’re lying out by the pool at Logan’s parents’ house, watching all the Dawson brothers help put in a new patio. Sweat drips down Logan’s chest, glistening in the sun. I grab my lemonade and take a big sip. I almost kissed Logan last night and watching him move heavy cement pavers is doing bad things to my head.And even worse things to my body.It’s a hot summer day, but the heat coming off of Logan is no comparison to the noon sun in the middle of June.“I’m related to them all,” Quinn says, shaking her head. “Now I know how Dean feels when Archer and I joke about hooking up.”“Oh, honey.” Scarlet pushes her sunglasses back up onto her nose. “You do not joke.”Quinn flushes a bit but laughs. “It is fun to watch Dean recoil in disgust.” A cry comes through the baby
Chapter FourDanielleMy phone sounds with an email notification. Normally, hearing that little ding never bothers me. But right now, I happen to be waiting on two important emails. I get poor service in the farmhouse, and it’s not until I went outside on my way to the barn that my email updated.I dig my phone out of my back pocket and stop outside the corral fence. All three horses are up here near the barn this evening, waiting to be fed their grain. Sundance plods over, sticking his head over the fence. I reach up, not looking as I run my hand over his soft muzzle.There’s a glare from the sinking sun, and I turn, using the horse for shade so I can read my sister’s response.That’s great! I need your measurements so I can have the dress altered for you, and I need the final count to give to the caterers. You’re single, right? Only serious plus-ones are invited since this venue is rather exclusive. You’ll share a room with another single lady. Looking forward to seeing you.-D“I’m
Chapter FiveLogan“Hey.” Danielle takes her purse off her shoulder as she walks through the back door of the bar. We’re getting ready to open, and she just got here for her shift. The heavy door closes with a whoosh behind her, sending her hair flying around her face. She reaches up to tame it, and the light yellow fabric of her sundress stretches up over her breasts. She’s not wearing a bra, and I can see the faint outline of her nipple through the fabric.I swallow hard, talk down my dick, and look away.“Hey,” I say back. “You look nice.”“Thanks. I’d say the same to you, but I don’t want to lie.” She flashes a grin and walks past me and into the office to put her purse away. I readjust the heavy box of booze I’m carrying, trying—and failing—to keep my thoughts PG.“You look nice?” Owen stands in the threshold of the kitchen, shaking his head. “At this point, I don’t think you even want out of the friendzone.”Ignoring him, I breeze right past and set the box down on the counter n
Chapter SixDanielleI’m fairly sure the reason the universe never granted me magical powers is because it knew I’d use them in nefarious ways. Like that speeding ticket I got a few weeks ago? I’d make the cop think he was giving me a ticket when all he was handing me was a blank sheet of paper. The shoes I’ve been eyeing but can’t afford would ring up at half the price and no one would be none the wiser.And this guy sitting in front of me?This lying, cheating, slimy bastard?I’d turn him into a rat. No…that’s an insult to rodents everywhere. They’re kind of cute with their little whiskers and the way they hold things in their tiny hands when they eat.Maybe I’d turn him into a worm. Oh—no, I’ve got a better idea. A stink bug that just happens to be flying over the freeway when a semi-truck barrels down the road and smacks right into him, smearing him all over the—well, now I know why I don’t have cool powers.I turn away from the table, fake smile disappearing from my face the mome
Chapter SevenDanielleI stick my fork into the cake and rest my head against the kitchen cabinet. I trade the fork for a bottle of wine and take a big gulp. I need it to wash down the taste of carrot cake. Normally, I steer clear of this stuff, but it was the only cake Walmart had in their bakery at one AM.Feeling sick from all the cream cheese frosting, I close the cake box, wipe my eyes, and push myself up off the kitchen floor. I drop my fork in the sink, take the wine, and go out onto the back porch, wanting the quiet of the night to open up and swallow me whole.Sundance is looking out his Dutch door, head hanging low and his lips slack. He’s nearly asleep, but he perks up and nickers softly when he sees me. I chug another mouthful of wine, grab a pair of flip-flops, and walk through the damp grass to the corral. I spill a bit of the wine when I climb through the wooden fence, and Sundance tries to lick it off my arm when I get to his stall.“I’ve made a mess of things again,”
Chapter EightLoganI’ve never so much as seen a photo of Danielle’s sister, but I know that woman standing there has to be her. They look alike, with the exact same shade of blue-green eyes. Her sister’s are heavily lined in dark liner, topped with fake lashes so long it’s a wonder she can see anything in front of her.Danielle stammers but holds her ground.“Well, then show me your ring,” her sister spits in a tone that borders on mocking. She knows Danielle isn’t really engaged and made the whole thing up. I have no idea why she did, but I’m sure it was for a good reason. Her family is judgmental and cares about appearances.Maybe her parents were pressuring her to come back home so they could set her up with another rich asshole. The thought of Danielle going on a date with some trust fund jerk makes jealousy bubble in my stomach. I need to stop giving a fuck.Danielle only wants to be friends.“I, uh, I…”Diana snatches Danielle’s hand and lets out a snort of laughter. This is ex
Chapter NineLogan“So you’re telling me that I’m going to be down two bartenders?” Owen looks up from the plate of leftovers he brought home from Mom and Dad’s.I stare at him for a good few seconds. “That’s all you’re taking away from this?”He shrugs. “Yeah. Now I have to work.”“Wow. What a crazy concept to work when you’re at work.” I take a seat at the kitchen table and pull a roll off Owen’s plate. The fucker ate the rest while I was at work. “You did hear me, right?”“Of course I heard you.” Owen sits back, looking right at me. “You know I love you,” he starts. “And I know you’re in love with Danielle, even if you’re not willing to admit it to anyone.”“I’m not—”“Lie to yourself all you want.” Owen picks up his fork. “But it’s useless lying to me. I’m the better version of you, remember? I know everything.”I let out a slow breath and go to the fridge to get the second plate Mom sent over. Well, that’s if Owen didn’t eat it too. This is one of the rare occurrences where Owen
Chapter TenDanielle“I made that lasagna you like and put it in the freezer. And the award-winning pie is in the cake stand on the counter.” I go over to the fridge, making sure it’s well stocked before I leave for the airport.“Kiddo,” Grandpa says, limping a bit as he walks through the kitchen. “I know where the grocery store is. And even better, I know how to order a pizza.”“But they don’t deliver out here,” I counter.“I have the truck.”I put one hand on my hip. “I know. I just…I feel bad leaving.”Grandpa laughs. “I have enjoyed having you here. It’s nice having the company, and it was high time someone got out Grandma’s cookbook.” He eyes the pie on the counter.“Don’t eat it all in one day,” I say with a laugh.Grandpa gives me a wink. “I’ll try my best.”Black Cat jumps up on the counter and sniffs at the glass cake stand. Good thing I covered the pie. The porch creaks, and a second later, someone knocks on the door. My heart swells in my chest—just a tiny bit—knowing that
EpilogueDanielleAbout a year later…“I finalized the menu for the bakery,” I tell Logan, watching him put another log on the fire. He comes back to the couch, picking up the papers from the coffee table, and sits next to me.“Are you warm enough?” he asks, reaching for another blanket.“I’m fine,” I tell him, though I know he’s going to keep pampering me like crazy. He’s been at it all week, and I don’t think he’s going to stop any time soon. “The temperature did plummet fast today.”“Yeah. But it’s supposed to warm back up soon.”“I’d like that.”“Gotta love the spring weather in the Midwest. It was hot two days ago and back down to freezing today.” Logan pulls my legs into his lap and starts rubbing my feet. I lean back, closing my eyes. “That feels good.”We got married in October, much to my own mother’s dismay. It wasn’t enough time to plan a big fancy wedding, but that’s not what we wanted anyway. Just a week or so after Logan proposed, we started looking around for places to
Chapter Thirty-OneDanielleLogan puts his lips to mine again, and I wrap my arms around his shoulders. I love this man so much. He is the best friend I could ask for, and the best relationships are built on a foundation of respect and friendship. We just fit together, and I know I’ll never find another person in the whole world who gets me better than Logan Dawson.Things feel the same between us, and yet everything has changed.“Do you need to go to the lawyer now?” he asks between kisses.“I should.”“Want me to come with you?”“You’ll be bored.” His lips go to my neck, and I start to melt against him. “Hell, I’ll be bored. But it would be nice to have you with me.”Logan pulls me into a tight embrace, and I rest my head against his chest and listen to his heart beating. My eyes fall shut, and for the first time since we left Hawaii, I don’t feel like I’m spiraling out of control.Things are still messy. Things are still going to hurt for a while. But that’s life, isn’t it? It’s no
Chapter ThirtyLoganI sit in the driveway, drumming my fingers on the steering wheel. I just left Danielle’s house and got home, but I haven’t gone inside yet. My mind is racing, and my heart is beating fast right along with it.I love her.I don’t want her to leave, even if it’s just for a few weeks. But I don’t want to be selfish, because she’s going through a hard time right now, and if getting away from Eastwood is what she needs, then she should go.But will she come back?She came here because her grandpa was here, and now that he’s gone…what’s going to keep her here?Me.Maybe. Maybe not.“Fuck,” I swear under my breath. For the last year I’ve wanted to tell her that I love her. We finally made love, and it was incredible. She’s incredible.We are incredible together.I close my eyes and lean my head back against the seat.And then Owen knocks on the window. “Dude, what the hell are you doing?” he asks, opening the passenger side door.“Trying to decide if I should tell Daniel
Chapter Twenty-NineDanielleI lean against the metal gate, watching the horses run around the pasture. The chickens are already fed, and the goats are grazing near the barn. It’s a little after eight in the morning, which is still early for me but not as early as Grandpa got up to feed the animals.I can handle eight AM. Well, when the weather is nice, that is. I’m already dreading having to trudge out here in the rain and snow.Logan was still asleep on the couch when I came out here, and I silently go back into the house, not wanting to wake him. He’s been my rock the last few days, and I really don’t think I could have gotten through this without him.I’m making breakfast when my phone rings, and I hurry to silence the call. It’s a local number, but since I don’t know who it is, I don’t answer. If it’s important, they’ll leave a message. And I really don’t feel like talking to anyone right now anyway.Looking around the kitchen, I feel an emptiness in my heart. I want it to go awa
Chapter Twenty-EightLogan“How’s Danielle doing?” Owen asks, moving an empty casserole dish from the counter to the sink. We’re at her house, and the service for her grandpa just ended. A few people are still at the house, sharing stories and memories. Her grandpa was respected by the town, and we are all feeling his loss. I think half the town turned up today, bringing flowers and food and giving their condolences. That’s the thing with small towns. When you know most everyone, you care for most everyone.“She’s trying to keep it together.” I open the fridge, trying to find a place to put the bowl of taco salad someone brought. It won’t fit, and I’m pretty sure the extra fridge in the basement is full already too.The last few days passed in a blur. Danielle cried, slept, and drank a lot, and then when the rest of her family came into town, the time was spent reflecting on her grandpa’s life and looking through scrapbooks. Now everything is over, and people are leaving.Stacking the
Chapter Twenty-SevenDanielleI open my eyes and roll over. I don’t know what time it is. Or what day it is. All I know is Logan is in bed next to me, and his slow and steady breathing is the only thing keeping me from falling apart. Everything happened so fast.We got to the hospital. Grandpa seemed like he was going to pull through. And then he was gone.I slowly get out of bed, needing to use the bathroom. Logan hasn’t even gone home yet since he got back to Eastwood. Everything was so perfect before, and I would give anything to go back to our last night in Hawaii.After using the bathroom, I go downstairs, following the sound of the TV. Mom is in the living room, drinking wine and watching a baking show. It’s almost four in the morning.“Mom?”“Oh, Danielle, honey. You’re up.”“So are you. Did you get any sleep?”“A bit here and there.”I cross my arms over my chest, chilled even though it’s warm in the house. Usually, we’d turn the air conditioning up before going to bed. I hate
Chapter Twenty-SixLoganDanielle is sitting in the waiting room. Her legs are curled up under her and her head is resting against the wall. She’s wearing black leggings and my sweatshirt, and my heart swells in my chest when I see her through the glass doors. I have to get buzzed into the ICU waiting area, and Danielle gets up as soon as she sees me.I take her in my arms, hugging her tight and holding her close.“How is he?”“Um,” she starts, letting out a shaky breath. “Stable for now. He was in really bad shape, and he’s so lucky the paramedics got him here in time.”“That sounds promising.”She nods. “I thought so too, but the doctor isn’t as optimistic.”“And how are you?”“I’m…shaken but okay. And I’m still just shocked to hear that he was so sick. I had no idea. I mean…I saw some changes but wrote it off as him aging. You slow down when you get old.”“He was acting just fine before we left.”“I know, and that’s what scares me.” Danielle rubs her forehead. “The doctor said he’s
Chapter Twenty-FiveDanielle“Mom.” I gently nudge her. “We’re landing.”She sits up, blinking rapidly, and looks around. Maybe she took more Xanax when I wasn’t looking, because she slept nearly that entire flight. I don’t know the last time I slept for a solid eight hours, and I know that’s entirely my fault. I stay up too late doing non-important things, like binging TV shows or finishing a book.My phone is in my hands, waiting to get the all clear to turn it off airplane mode. It’s early in the morning here in Chicago, and I’m terrified for the news I’ll get once I get service again. I pack up my bag and look out the window, feeling an odd sense of relief to see Lake Michigan and the flat, green Midwest land below us.Using my feet, I push the bag under the seat in front of me and grip the armrests. Landing always makes me a little nervous, and I don’t have Logan’s hand to hold this time.I turn my phone back on the second we’re on the ground and check for updates. A text comes t
Chapter Twenty-FourDanielleI look at myself in the mirror as I wash my hands, and for the first time in a long time, I don’t pick apart my appearance. Having my hair and makeup professionally done helps, but mostly…I look happy.Because I am.So incredibly fucking happy, and nothing can dampen my mood. Want and desire swell inside of me, and I’m going to go find Logan and take him up to our room. He said he was going to take his time with me, but I want to do the same to him.Tie him up. Tease him. Make him beg for more.I dry my hands, smooth out my dress, and go back to the reception hall. Logan is at the table, with his back to me. A smile pulls up my lips, and no matter how hard I try, I can’t stop smiling.Logan turns around, almost like he can sense me coming. He’s on the phone, and something isn’t right.“What’s wrong?” I ask, rushing over to him.“I’ll call you back,” Logan says to whoever he’s talking to.“Logan?” I’m getting a little freaked out. “What’s wrong?”“That was