Indestructible

  “You don’t know…Mark might have felt that for Julia if given the time.”

  “They dated for months. He made his choice, and one day Julia will see I was looking out for her best interest. Mark is a douchebag. My sister deserves a man that will adore her.”

  In spite of myself, I laughed. “Did you just use the word ‘douchebag’?”

  He raised a brow. “It seems I did.”

  “Wow, you really don’t like him, huh?”

  “You already know that answer.”

  I did, but I still hated that Julia was suffering because Logan’s perception of Mark was skewed due to my past with him.

  “Would you have done this if Mark and I had never dated—if he’d never hurt me?”

  “Yes.” His reply was quick, and his next words were genuine. “I met Mark the first time I came to Harmony a few months before I moved here. I know the type of guy he is, and that’s why I did it. But because he hurt you, Caleb and I settled something a while ago.”

  I winced. “What does that mean?”

  “It means Mark knew better than to speak to you at Haven the night you and Hilary came in, and he paid for his mistake.”

  “What did you do?”

  “Nothing for you to worry about. Just know I gave him a chance to fight for my sister, to prove me wrong, and he left her with only a text-message goodbye, dropping blame on me. Not that I mind, as long as he’s out of her life.”

  “Maybe he’ll come back for her—save up and return to make things right.” It was doubtful, but I’d always been a hopeless romantic underneath it all.

  “And if he does, then he may earn a crumb of my respect.”

  The whole conversation was exhausting. I didn’t disagree with Logan—Julia was better off without Mark. But of course I’d feel that way.

  I lay back, resting against his solid form, and tucked my head into the nook of his shoulder. “What about Luke? Will you run him off, too?”

  “Should I?”

  “He likes her, genuinely, and I know he’ll never hurt her if he can help it. But she’s scared you’ll do something to ruin it if she gives him a chance. That’s not fair, Logan.”

  “Her new place is almost ready. I don’t want him spending the night there.”

  I smiled, excited to see how the house turned out and whether she loved it. If she did, Logan would lose our bet and become my little whipping boy for a weekend. I still needed to decide what I’d have him do for me.

  “So that means you like Luke? You don’t still think he wants in my panties?”

  “Caleb speaks highly of him, even as his brother, and Luke’s been a friend to you. So yes, I guess that means I don’t mind him. And I won’t interfere with him dating my sister. As for your panties, he’d be a fool not to want to peek in there but a bigger fool to try.”

  Logan’s hand slid between our bodies, cupping my sex. A moan rang from my mouth, and before he could show me all that hand could do, the doorbell rang. Oliver was home.

  I searched frantically for my pants, finally finding them and rushing to put them on. Logan was at ease with his, buttoning them casually and handing me my bra.

  “Thanks,” I said, my head down, zipping my pants. The bell rang again, but we didn’t move. I dragged my gaze slowly up his smooth, bare chest to meet his soft, hooded eyes.

  “We’ll finish this later.”

  “Promises, promises.”

  Despite the frigid air early Saturday morning, I was outside, wrapped in my bulky sweater Logan had packed. I couldn’t help not minding, though, since it was hidden under a supple red coat he’d surprised me with before we’d left his house. It was made to ski in, and he assured me that by the end of the year he’d have me at his place in Aspen learning to do just that.

  Logan helped Oliver out of the car as I stared, blissfully happy. It was our first official date as a couple, and the thought warmed me. We’d been through so much, and there we were, together and in love. Who’d have thought?

  “How did you find out about this place?” I asked as I tightened my thick scarf, ready to tackle the winter weather. I headed toward the massive hill before us, carrying a small round sled. The last time I was on a sled, I could barely call myself a teenager, and it was with Hilary on a small hill in her backyard. But this seemed so much better. How I’d lived in Harmony my entire life and never known about the impressive mountain five minutes outside its town limits was both a mystery and a shame.

  Logan was beside me, holding Oliver’s hand and dragging two larger sleds behind them.

  “I have my connections,” he answered, throwing me a flirty smile and the sexiest wink.

  I laughed. “Ah. Caleb told you, huh?”

  “Actually, an employee at the paper. Said he brings his kids here every year, so I figured it was worth checking out. Impressed?”

  “Very.”

  After we reached the top of the hill, Logan placed the long two-rider sled on the ground and held it in place for Oliver and me to climb on. Oliver could hardly sit still waiting for his father to release us. I had to admit that, as I stared down the vast snow-covered hill that felt more like a rollercoaster from my angle, my nerves were buzzing with anticipation.

  “You ready?” Logan asked, adjusting his son’s hat to cover his ears fully.

  Oliver and I shouted a loud affirmation. Logan leaned in behind me and whispered, “Hold tight, beautiful.”

  His lips nipped the back of my ear, but there was no time to reward his sweetness. I had one hand around Oliver’s waist and the other gripping the rope of the sled. We flew down the steep hill, giggling at the unexpected velocity.

  My adrenaline spiked as the sled skidded gently to the side and slid to a stop at the bottom of the hill. My laughter was bordering on hysterical.

  “That was fun! Again, again!” Oliver gushed, running to the side of the hill and marching back up.

  I waited at the bottom, dusting myself off and collecting our sled. The ride was not only exhilarating, but something I already knew I’d be coming back to experience yearly.

  My hand blocked the sun from my eyes as I peered up to see Oliver standing at the top of the hill, high-fiving his father. Wow, he climbed fast!

  “Here we come!” Oliver yelled down, his hands circling his mouth to act as a speaker.

  I stood to the side, smiling as Oliver climbed onto the other sled with Logan.

  It was a picture to behold, which reminded me of the camera I’d brought. I pulled it from my pocket and took picture after picture as they flew down and wiped out at the bottom, laughing madly. The sled landed on top of them, but they didn’t seem even a bit fazed.

  Boys.

  I walked over just as Oliver jumped up, snow plastered to his snowsuit, and grabbed the rope to the sled. I watched as he struggled to tow it back up with slow trudges, extending my arm down to Logan.

  “Need a hand there?” I teased.

  “I could use more than that.” He reached up and hauled me down on top of him, ensnaring my lips with his.

  “Kids are watching,” I gasped against his warm, relentless mouth.

  “And?”

  “And your son is waiting. Come on.” I pushed off from his chest, giggling when he dragged me back down for one last peck and rolled me over in a wrestling move before leaping to his feet.

  I glared up at him from the cold snow he’d abandoned me in, feigning a pout.

  “Well come on, sweetheart. Oliver’s waiting and all.”

  I chucked a handful of snow at his boyish grin, which he only laughed at before reaching down and scooping me up.

  “What a gentleman,” I purred as he placed me upright on my feet.

  “Hurry!” Oliver yelled.

  Logan laughed, kissed my hand that was wrapped in his, and grabbed the sled I’d used. He jogged after Oliver with me at his side, relieving his son of dragging the other sled so his little feet could carry him faster back up the hill, where he waited for us at the top.

&
nbsp; “I wanna race!” Oliver squealed, hopping down on the round single-seat sled the moment Logan dropped it.

  “You’re on.” Logan sat on the other sled, his grip tight on Oliver’s sled beside him. His feet were planted in the snow on either side, holding him in place. “Come on, Cassandra. We have a race to win.”

  Until that moment, I hadn’t realized just how much I’d missed the fun-spirited Logan I’d gotten to know during the few months we were friends. His eyes twinkled up at me as an impish grin sharpened his features.

  The man was everything I would ever want, and the feeling settling into my heart at that little revelation caused my entire body to relax.

  Logan patted the spot in front of him, wiggling his brows at me. With a soft giggle, I sat between his legs and grabbed the rope.

  I leaned back and whispered, “Clever. Was this why you suggested sledding—another ploy to get me between your legs?”

  “It’s your legs I enjoy spending time between, but not while sledding.” His low, hushed voice rumbled through me and wrapped me in adoration, warming me. “Unless you’d like to come back for a midnight ride.”

  Tempting.

  “Ready!” Oliver shouted, holding the handles on each side of his sled and beaming.

  “Three, two, ONE!” I bellowed, and Logan released his hold on Oliver’s sled, giving him a head start before sending us shooting down.

  Logan’s lips were on my neck, his hands on my thighs as his thumbs traced lines back and forth over my jeans. Mixed with the adrenaline of the lightning speed, his touch had me bustling with life.

  “This is perfect,” he said, kissing up my ear when I leaned into him.

  I caught sight of Oliver sliding off to the side, hearing his animated laughter upon beating us to the bottom.

  “I won! I won!” he cheered, bouncing up and down just as we came to a stop a few feet away.

  “Congratulations, baby.”

  My stomach dropped at the sound of her voice, my body going painfully rigid. I wanted the day to include just me and my boys—she was the last person I wanted on our date. Still, I shook it off.

  “Mommy!” Oliver ran past us as Logan stood, brushing the snow from his jeans.

  I couldn’t look up at him or even blink; my entire body screamed at me not to turn around. My movements to stand were deliberately slow as Logan held out his hand to me. Why is she here? Will she tell Oliver what happened?

  It was obvious Logan could see it written all over my face.

  Taking my time, I wiped the snow from my legs, coat, and gloves—anything to stall the moment.

  “That’s what you call a sled?”

  My head shot back at the sound of Caleb’s voice. So it wasn’t only Natasha high-jacking my date—she was with Caleb and Hilary.

  My day was crashing fast. There was far too much drama wrapped in that group for me to have a fun sledding day.

  Caleb bent down and was laughing with Oliver. Hilary stared at the hill, pretending to watch the other sledders.

  Logan stepped into me when I finally stood, ran his hands up and down my arms to warm me, then leaned into my ear.

  “I invited Caleb last night, since it’s obvious you and Hilary have something to work out. But I swear I have no idea why Natasha is here.”

  My gaze met his, and I knew instantly that he spoke the truth.

  “I’m sorry,” he whispered. “I’ll tell her to leave.”

  Yes, please! my internal bitch screamed. However, as I watched Natasha climb the hill hand in hand with Oliver—with an awkward gait, no doubt from the accident, slowing her steps—my shoulders deflated with a sigh.

  “It’s all right.” I pulled on a wide, albeit thin smile. “Oliver’s happy, and that’s what matters.”

  I began to walk away, ready to climb the hill with heavy legs and a troubled conscience. I wanted Oliver to have his mother, but it still stung—though I’d never admit it aloud.

  Logan slipped his hand in mine and brought it to his lips, kissing the pads of my fingers one at a time.

  “Thank you.” His voice was so sincere, yet filled with nerves. “Now, do you plan on saying hello to Hilary or continuing to ignore her? It’s quite uncomfortable.”

  “Sure is!” Caleb said, standing closer now to eavesdrop.

  Glancing his way, I noticed Hilary was halfway across the field, heading to the restroom.

  “We’re fine, just—”

  “Just not speaking?” Caleb finished.

  What could I say? I stood there with two gorgeous yet irritated men in front of me, looking for answers.

  “Look, whatever you two are fighting about, go make up. My girl has been crying every night and she won’t say why, but I know it has to be about you. Hell, standing in that damn foyer to pick Oliver up last night made that clear.”

  “We just had a disagreement; it’s nothing serious. We’re fine, really.”

  “Bullshit!” Caleb took a step toward me, but Logan’s hand shot out to make sure he kept his distance. Caleb ignored it, his eyes hard on mine. “She’s hurting, Cassie, so whatever is going on, fix it!”

  Without another word or allowing me to speak, he turned on his heel and headed up the mountain. I hadn’t seen Caleb’s temper since I was younger, and even then it was only on display when he fought with bullies at school.

  I glanced back at the restroom Hilary was now entering. Her crying every night wasn’t about me, but it was time for us to talk.

  “I’ll be back,” I said to Logan, my nerves frayed.

  His lip curled up and I leaned forward, pressing a kiss to the corner of his mouth.

  “Take your time, sweetheart.”

  Chapter Sixteen

  Downhill

  If I knew one thing about Hilary, it was that she didn’t do well with confrontation. She’d always been one to jump into defensive mode before hearing someone out. But as many times as I’d witnessed it, I somehow forgot that little fact when I creaked opened the door to the small brick building. An unpleasant stench of sewage assaulted my senses as I entered.

  It was dark and dreary, and likely housed a few critters from the looks of it. My steps were cautious as I surveyed the small sink and three stalls. All the doors were open except one.

  “Hilary?” I moved toward the back stall quickly.

  “G-go away.” Her stutter broke into unmistakable grunts of vomiting.

  I waited for her to finish. “Hilary, are you—”

  The retching started again almost the same second it’d ceased, cutting off my words. A few seconds later, a loud, disgusted gasp of breath filtered through the door.

  I stood on the other side, uneasy at the fact that there was little I could do for her.

  “You want me to see if I can find you a bottle of water? There was a vendor—”

  The stall door flew open and I leapt back, nearly catching it in the face. Hilary ambled out, wiping her mouth with the back of her hand.

  “No, I’ll be okay.”

  “You sure?” I asked, unconvinced. Her face was pale, and beads of sweat glistened above her brow.

  “Positive. There isn’t anything left in me, so unless the dry heaves hit I should be good to go for a few more hours.” She stood at the sink, splashing water on her face.

  “Morning sickness?” My lips twisted up in a sympathetic smile.

  The faucet handle squeaked as she turned it off. She peered up at me, glaring. “Wow, you must be a genius considering its 9 a.m. and I’m knocked up!”

  A scowl scrunched my face. This was my date time with Logan, and there was no way I was going to sit there and take her attitude—especially when I had Natasha waiting on that hill.

  “You know what? I came in here to check on my best friend, not a mean bitch! So now you’re either gonna hear me out,” I stepped into her, “or I’ll march back outside and up that damn hill to let Caleb know exactly why you’ve been crying every night!”

  “You wouldn’t!” she sneered.

&
nbsp; “I would.” Those two simple words rolled out with an unyielding strength. I was done trying to be nice to everyone. Regardless of whether she wanted to hear it, I wasn’t holding back this time. “Now let me ask you: Do you really think he’ll never find out—that you can disappear for a few months and come back like everything is fine, knowing that you stole his child?”

  “It’s my choice!”

  “Really? All yours, huh?” I shook my head, dropping my gaze. “He’ll never forgive you.”

  “He’s never gonna find out!” Despite the hardness in her voice, it still cracked with rattled nerves.

  I looked at her, demanding her full attention. “Listen to me: You will regret this. Caleb wants kids someday; he told me himself. He also adores you, Hilary.”

  Her features began to soften as I continued with a gentler voice.

  “And maybe he will break your heart and leave you a single mother. But if that happens, you won’t ever have to raise this child alone. You know that. And at the end of the day, you’ll have a clear conscience. Please, just tell him the truth. Give him a chance.”

  The bathroom door swung open abruptly. Both our heads whipped in its direction as a woman sauntered in, typing away on her phone. When she looked up, her body jerked back, startled.

  “Oh, Miss Clarke! Hi, how have you been? We heard you’re coming back on Monday.”

  Her name failed me, but I recognized her as one of my students’ mothers.

  “Yeah, I am, and I can’t wait,” I replied.

  “Excuse me,” Hilary muttered, slipping out the door with her head down.

  I gave a look of apology to the woman. “I’m sorry, I have to go. I’ll see you in a couple days. Take care!” I threw out hastily as I rushed out.

  “Hilary, stop!”

  She turned back quickly. “Cassandra, I love you—I do, and I know why you’re pushing me. Honestly, I’d be trying to convince you to do the same thing, but please…I can’t be a mother.”

  She started walking away again.

  “But you’ll steal away Caleb’s chance at being a father?” I said, not bothering to whisper.

  She spun back and stormed at me. “Stop! Come on—please. Don’t do this to me.”