Starting at her neck, he moved down her soft skin, taking care to kiss every sensitive spot as he went. She arched her back beneath him, pushing herself into him with need. Her eyes closed as her breathing picked up speed. Reaching her hip bone, he slid his tongue down along the line of her pelvis leading to her inner thigh but stopped short before reaching her core.
“Logan,” she groaned as she raised her hips to meet him, wanting to quench the heat coursing through her body.
“Tell me, Caroline.” His words vibrating against her skin as he nipped her thigh gently.
“Tell you what?” she moaned, writhing beneath him.
“You know what. Tell me your secret.” he growled this time, biting her thigh with a bit more strength, causing her to yelp with the jolt.
“You’re terrible at timing,” she laughed, her face flushed as she pushed herself up on her elbows as she looked down at him.
“We had a bet.” He grinned at her, kissing her again.
“You’re impossible,” she laughed. “I got a job as a Junior Designer for children’s books at a huge publisher.” She beamed, feeling proud as she told him.
“That’s my girl.” He smiled and then proceeded to reward her as her head fell backwards and a deep moan escaped her throat.
If this was how he congratulated her, then she planned on making him proud of her as often as possible.
Chapter Thirteen
“I’m absolutely famished,” Logan said, walking into the kitchen later that evening where Caroline was helping his mother cook dinner for all of them.
“Really? I would have thought you ate plenty earlier.” She grinned at him, giving him a devilish look as she teased him.
“You did? I told you to save room for dinner,” his mother said seriously as she turned and looked at him, frowning.
Bursting out laughing, Logan returned Caroline’s knowing look. Caroline grinned and started laughing with him, her face going red in embarrassment at his mother’s remark.
“I’m just kidding, Laura. I’m sure he has worked up quite the appetite.” She winked at him when his mother wasn’t looking.
“Oh good, we’re going to have all your favorites tonight, Logan.” His mother smiled happily and returned to her preparations.
Logan walked around the counter and came up behind Caroline, wrapping his arms around her waist and kissing her neck. She continued to work even though she let her head tilt to the side for him. They were quickly interrupted when the doorbell rang, chiming throughout the entire house.
“I’ll get it,” Logan offered as his mother smiled at him gratefully.
Caroline didn’t think anything of it as she continued to help Laura with dinner. She assumed it was one of Logan’s old band members coming to join them for dinner.
It was a little unusual that they would ring the bell since all she had witnessed was how casual and familiar all of them were with one another, but she shrugged off the thought after a second.
“Mom, can we set two more places for dinner?” Logan asked, walking back into the kitchen.
“Sure, grab the dishes from the top cabinet up there.” Laura pointed without even giving it a second thought. Caroline looked up, surprised that his mother hadn’t even questioned who was joining them.
“Who is it for, Logan?” she asked, too curious to let it go.
“Caroline, look who is here!” Aralia sang as she waltzed into the room with two people in tow behind her.
“Mom? Dad?” Caroline’s mouth fell open slightly as she paused what she was doing and wiped her hands off on a dish towel.
“ Hi honey.” Her mother, Elizabeth, smiled widely at her as Caroline walked around the counter and up to them.
“It’s so good to see you both,” Caroline said as she and her mother embraced in an awkwardly stiff hug.
“What are you doing here?” she finished asking as she turned to look at her father who was still quiet, looking morose.
“We got a visit this morning from your fellow.” He cleared his throat and nodded toward Logan, who was standing off to the side with Aralia watching the interaction, but also trying to stay out of it.
“What?” Caroline was confused as she glanced at Logan.
“He made some good points and invited us up here for dinner to see you, since it’s Christmas and all. We haven’t spent a Christmas away from you since you were born,” her mother chimed in, squeezing her hand and clearly eager to resolve things between everyone.
“You too, Dad?” Caroline looked up at her father, hopefully.
“I loved Turner, don’t get me wrong,” he started, cautioning her as he brought up her ex-boyfriend.
“But, Logan seems to have quite a good head on his shoulders and he really loves you. So, that’s all a father can hope for, right?” He shrugged, trying his best to apologize without actually saying it.
She saw Logan grinning out of the corner of her eye, but didn’t say anything. She stared at her father, playing a silent game of wills as to who would break first. He shuffled his feet uncomfortably, then sighed.
“I’m sorry for everything that I said, Caroline. I’m happy that you are interested in pursuing a career that you enjoy,” he finally said.
Caroline smiled and closed the space between them, throwing her arms around her father’s neck and hugging him.
She pulled away and looked seriously at him for a moment. “Thank you, Daddy. That means so much to me.”
“I’m really sorry for how I handled, or didn’t handle, quitting my job. I know that left you in the lurch and didn’t reflect well on you, so I really am sorry,” Caroline spoke sincerely and her mother smiled at them both.
“Is everybody ready to eat?” Logan’s mother came back into the kitchen after another trip to the dining room, interrupting them. Her father smiled and clapped her on the back, so she knew she was forgiven.
“It smells absolutely amazing, Mrs. Clay! I’m Elizabeth, Caroline’s mother.” The women shook hands and then hugged, getting to know one another.
Mickey walked in with Rock, Charlie, and Dylan, who were all covered in snow and tracking it in on their feet.
“Gross, take your shoes off in the foyer, you’re getting snow everywhere,” Aralia told them.
“Good call, she’s right, boys!” Mickey ushered them all back toward the front of the house where they had just come in.
“Maybe she should have been outside shoveling with us if she knows so much.” Dylan rolled his eyes at her as he walked out.
Aralia ignored him and followed everyone else to the dining room.
“So my parents were why you were late?” Caroline smiled as she and Logan were left alone in the kitchen for a moment.
“Aren’t you glad I didn’t tell you? You would have been worried all day in anticipation.” He kissed her cheek, wrapping his arms around her shoulders and pulling her into a bear hug.
“I would not,” she retorted, scrunching her nose up.
“Liar, liar, pants on fire,” he teased, kissing her lips this time and urging them apart with his tongue as his hand cupped the back of her head.
“You might be right about that last part.” She giggled, feeling her body warm up instantly with Logan’s kiss.
“Thank you, Logan,” she said a few moment later, tears almost beginning to well in her eyes as she thought of all he had done for her not only today, but since she met him.
“Anything for you, love. Always for you.”
ღ ~ ღ ~ ღ
“Aralia, you got a minute?” Dylan walked into the living room where she was reading two days after Christmas.
“Sure,” she sighed, putting down her book and trying not to sound irritated. She wasn’t sure why people always thought she was free when they saw her with her nose in a book. Reading was one of her hobbies, that and wine.
But when it came to the book or the chiseled, tattooed, motorcycle riding man standing in front of her, the choice was obvious.
“Can you he
lp me load the amps and instruments into the old van?” he asked.
“You want me to help you with manual labor? Seriously?” she balked, standing up and putting her hands on her hips.
He shrugged. “It’s not that hard, I just can’t do it alone.”
“What about your band mates? Why can’t they help you?”
“Rock and Charlie won’t be able to meet us before McGinny’s tonight and Logan said he had to go pick something up downtown,” he explained as she frowned.
“Fine, I will help. But I expect to get free drinks all night for this then,” she grumbled, walking past him out of the living room.
“Don’t you think if there was anyone else to ask, I would have?” he shot back, catching up to her.
“You’re a real charmer,” she replied sarcastically.
“I charmed you a few days ago.” He grinned, winking at her, full of arrogance.
She rolled her eyes at him. “That is something I really won’t miss about East Haven.”
“What?”
“Having to see you.”
“Well, sucks for you then, because I’m moving to New York City. Logan didn’t tell you?” He chuckled, picking up an amp from the front room and walking toward the door outside.
“That’s a joke, right?” she called after him, but he didn’t respond.
She gritted her teeth as she picked up a microphone stand, wanting to bash in his head with it. She was mentally kicking herself for sleeping with someone so egotistical and rude as she walked out after him.
But look at his ass, she thought.
Chapter Fourteen
“Ladies and gents, it’s been a few years since they have graced our bar, so I’m really excited for you to meet some of our local talent. Haven played here for years before the lead singer broke out into the big leagues,” the owner spoke into the microphone, introducing Logan and his friends to the crowd that had gathered.
McGinny’s was packed on the Friday right after Christmas, especially since word had gotten out that Logan Clay would be performing. The men were already set up on stage, looking like they had never been apart. Caroline smiled at Logan and blew him a kiss from the bar stool she was sitting on next to Aralia.
“I’m so excited, I’ve never heard all of them play together before,” Caroline eagerly whispered to her friend.
“Well I’m sure at least Logan will do great.” Aralia shrugged.
“Oh please.” Caroline rolled her eyes and laughed. “Stop acting like you don’t like Dylan.”
“I don’t!” she protested a bit louder than she meant to, then quickly sipped on her drink.
“Are you forgetting that I caught you guys in bed together?” Caroline countered.
“Sex is nothing, it’s just physical. Even I can’t deny that the pompous asshole is smoking hot.”
“Then why did you let him spend the night? He was still there sleeping next to you the next morning. You never let guys stay over.”
“It was an accident, I just fell asleep.” Aralia didn’t look as convincing as her words.
“Yeah, sure,” Caroline said sarcastically. “You better decide one way or the other soon or it’s going to get super awkward. He is Logan’s best friend and he is moving to the city, so I’m sure I will be around him a lot.”
“He mentioned that, thanks for giving me the heads up about that before I slept with him,” Aralia quipped, shaking her head.
“I thought it was just sex?”
“Just watch the show,” Aralia groaned as Caroline laughed, leaning back in her seat and turning their attention back to the stage.
The men were just finishing up their first song when Logan walked up to the microphone and waved to the crowd, greeting everyone.
“Hey, McGinny’s! Haven is happy to be back, even if just for a night. Say hi to my amazingly talented friends, I grew up with these men and they are solid guys. Dylan’s on drums, Rock’s on bass, and Charlie is on the keys!” The crowd roared in response, hands in the air as everyone’s excitement filled the room.
“I’m going to play my favorite song for you tonight, this goes out to my girl, Caroline. Love you, baby.” He grinned, winking at her as he pointed her out to everyone.
Caroline blushed and shrunk back into the bar, giving a timid wave. The band started playing and Logan strummed gently on the strings, dipping his head as he closed his eyes. She had heard him sing this song many times, sometimes on stage, or sometimes whispered into her ear in bed.
Each time it was beautiful, but tonight it sounded different. It was deeper, more intense in a way that she couldn’t pinpoint. It wasn’t just a song, it was a story. She felt tears pricking her eyes. It was their story.
Hazel eyes over hazelnut coffee,
her upturned nose, and her stubborn pose.
She rules the roost as she scoffs in her cup,
and rolls her eyes as if I’m not enough.
She tossed my music, like she tossed my heart,
her little button nose like a cupid’s dart.
Can’t stand her mouth because her tongue is sharp,
her words cut the strings on my lover’s harp.
Those hazel eyes hide her chained up heart,
but her play is over, now it’s my part.
I’m falling in love that brown eyed girl,
She might just change my world.
She’s the sour that made my day sweet,
the prettiest lips I should never want to meet,
and the shiniest eyes I never want to leave,
through my heart, she’s started to weave.
I’ve traveled the world and crossed the oceans,
yet I go running to her every time she motions,
I see into her heart with each look in her eyes,
Every smile on her face feels like the grand prize.
Those hazel eyes hide her chained up heart,
but her play is over, now it’s my part.
I’m so in love that brown eyed girl,
She has completely changed my world.
The music suddenly lowered in volume after the last chorus and Logan looked up into the crowd, searching for her. Grinning, he motioned for her to come forward but Caroline shook her head, terrified at the idea of being on stage.
“I’m going to finish singing the rest of this song, but only if you all can help me get my girl up on stage. I’m changing things up a little tonight,” Logan’s voice thundered into the microphone, causing her to shiver with excitement.
McGinny’s crowd was quick to help Logan and everyone quickly spotted who he was pointing at and encouraged her to get up on stage. Caroline glanced at Aralia, who shrugged nonchalantly, but looked like she was trying to hide a smile. Groaning, Caroline slid out of her chair and quickly scurried toward the front of the room. Logan reached his hand out to her and she grasped it with both of hers, letting him lift her up onto the stage.
“I’m going to kill you for this, you know I’m not good in front of crowds,” she whispered through gritted teeth to him, and Logan just laughed.
“She’s mad, folks! Thanks for helping me get her up here, and for that, I will finish our song,” Logan spoke sideways into the microphone, still locking eyes with Caroline next to him.
Caroline smiled slightly at the mention of ‘Hazel Eyes’ being their song. The music started again and she stepped back from the edge of the stage a bit, crossing her arms over her chest as if she was hugging herself. Logan kept his eyes on her the entire time, while he strummed his guitar and began singing into the microphone.
Those hazel eyes hide her chained up heart,
but her play is over, now it’s my part.
I’m still in love that brown eyed girl,
She has become my whole world.
Dear Beautiful Girl with Hazel Eyes,
in front of this crowd, my heart lies,
I’m giving you everything that I am,
all I ask in return, is for your hand.
D
ear Beautiful Girl with Hazel Eyes,
this man will love you ‘til the day he dies,
there’s nothing said that’s ever been so true,
please, Hazel Eyes, will you say I do?
The crowd was quiet as Caroline’s hand dropped down to her side, surprise on her face. These lyrics were new, she wasn’t even sure she heard him right. The rest of the band continued to play the chords, but Logan took off his guitar and slid it onto the stand next to him. He left the microphone and walked over to her, taking her hands and smiling.
“Logan?” she whispered questioningly as he knelt down in front of her on one knee.
“Caroline, it’s been an insanely amazing, painful, beautiful, perfect year since you walked into my life,” he spoke softly to her, his smile fading into seriousness. Caroline gulped as she glanced up and saw that the crowd was transfixed on the two of them, she felt her body beginning to tremble from it all.
“It took me so long to make you mine, a mistake that I will regret forever. But I won’t make that mistake again. Now that I have you, now that you’re mine, I can’t let you go. Maybe I’m selfish, or maybe that’s just love, but I know that you are it for me. I love you and will love you for the rest of my life, no matter what your answer is.” He looked nervous as he reached into his pocket, his other hand still holding hers. He pulled out a large black ring box, and flipped it open in front of her.
“Caroline Sanders, will you make me the luckiest man that ever lived and say you’ll marry me?” She could feel the tears streaming down her cheeks as she listened to him.
“Of course I’ll marry you, Logan Clay.” She sniffed, her voice shaking. Just a few months ago she’d turned down a proposal from her ex because she had thought it was too soon, but now she knew it had nothing to do with time. It was about your heart, and Logan had always had hers.