“Christ, woman, what the hell would make you think I’d be jealous of someone I don’t even care about?”
“Then why were you so upset about her and Josh being together? You nearly took his head off. If it was a simple case of you and him not getting along, you wouldn’t have been that upset. It was that they were together that got to you.”
“Not because of Natasha.” His thumb traced my lip and, like a masochist, I closed my eyes and relished his touch. Damn it. “I don’t want anyone I don’t trust around those I love. I wasn’t trying to protect Natasha—I was trying to protect you and Oliver.”
Oh. “Right. Look, I’m sorry for thinking—”
“Don’t. I understand why you did. But please, Cassandra, what do I have to do to prove that it’s only you?”
I leaned across the center console and slid my leg over his, maneuvering slowly to straddle him. He clicked a button, and the seat went back.
“Just kiss me,” I said, enjoying making my own demands.
“My pleasure.”
“I can’t believe you talked me into this!” I groaned, walking into Haven with Hilary at my side.
Logan was right: I should’ve stayed in and cuddled with him. It was Saturday night and barely five degrees out, and the place was packed. Only for Hilary would I be out.
“Oh, come on, it’ll be fun. We can dance, and you can drink real liquor while I nurse a virgin. You got me to DD, so let loose a little. And all the while, we can pick that cow’s brain.”
“Hilary…” I warned.
“Relax. Tonight we’re gonna kill her with kindness till she either leaves or adores you too much to ever lay a skanky finger on your man.”
I handed my coat over in exchange for a ticket. “Right. I’m gonna need a drink for sure.”
Fighting my way through the dense crowd was worth it, because at the end of the bar were three stools sectioned off for us—one of the perks of dating the owners.
“What you having tonight, ladies?” the bartender, Matt, asked, leaning across the bar the instant I sat down.
“Nothing for me. She’ll have her regular—and keep them coming!” Hilary yelled over the music, a twisted smile on her face.
“Am I gonna need to be drunk to endure tonight?” I asked.
“Probably,” Hilary laughed.
“I sure hope not.”
Both our heads shot to the side as Natasha slid onto the stool beside me. “Hey, girls, hope you haven’t been waiting for me.” She held up her hand to wave Matt over, then looked back at us. “Josh kept me busy this afternoon.” Innuendo seeped from her words.
“I’m sure,” Hilary said, her smile too wide to be genuine.
“How are you feeling?” I asked.
“Better, with these.” She held up her clutch, shaking it to reveal the sound of pills rattling around.
Matt brought our drinks and smiled at Natasha. “Your regular as well, doll face?”
“You got it, babe.”
He threw her a wink. From the look of it, she knew Matt better than we did.
I grabbed my drink, swiveled around, and stood as the DJ blended Flo Rida seamlessly into his mix.
“Let’s dance!” I shouted. In two more gulps, my drink was finished, and I placed the empty glass on the bar. I snatched Hilary’s hand and led her to the floor. “You coming?” I called back to Natasha.
She held up a finger, signaling me to wait, then pointed at the drink Matt was setting in front of her. I smiled and gave her a thumbs up.
As Hilary and I pushed our way farther onto the dance floor, I threw my hands above my head and let my body follow the rhythm. The dance floor was crowded, but I hardly noticed. The music was loud and energetic, and I was feeling good as the tension trickled slowly from every inch of me.
Kat Graham’s “Power” slid on next, and Hilary and I sang along. Hilary had some outrageous moves, and was just getting into them when a tall, slender guy behind her who looked barely twenty-one slithered flush against her back, sliding his hands down her arms and hooking them onto her waist.
Hilary’s head snapped back and she moved forward at the same time one of the bouncers was on the creep, pulling him away. She flew at me, stunned as we watched the large bouncer lay into him.
“What was that about?” I asked when the guy was finally able to walk away, heading straight to the bar with his head down. The bouncer eyed Hilary once, then spoke a couple words to no one. We couldn’t hear what he said—and then I noticed his discreet headpiece.
“Caleb,” her voice grated, nostrils flaring. “I made him stay home tonight, and he wasn’t thrilled about it. Should have known he’d have eyes on me.”
“He loves you.”
Her frown lifted. “How about you have another drink for me? I need to live vicariously through someone tonight.”
I slipped my arm around her. “I’ll do my best, though Natasha might be better for you than me,” I said, watching Natasha shimmy between two frat guys who wore the biggest grins I’d ever seen. Their hands were everywhere, and she didn’t seem to mind.
“Looks like Josh doesn’t mind sharing!” Hilary shouted into my ear.
“Or he’s a fool and doesn’t know. Either way, not our business.”
Back at the bar, I ordered a shot. I tipped it back, then slammed the glass down on the bar. My lips puckered at the burn. It was rare for me to drink alone, but I went with it.
“Another?” Matt chuckled.
“Why not?” I shrugged, a lazy, quenched smile emerging across my lips.
He refilled the shot glass, but this time I took it with me to a booth in the back. Hilary and I sat, and a moment later Natasha was there sitting beside me.
“You looked like you were enjoying yourself,” Hilary said, staring at Natasha. Judgment darkened her expression.
Natasha didn’t seem to notice or care. “I was.”
I slammed back my shot the moment the waitress arrived, then ordered a vodka tonic.
“Sounds good. Make that two,” Natasha said.
The waitress looked to Hilary, who was staring past all of us. “I’ll be right back.”
She was up instantly and heading across the bar, where Caleb stood, his eyes on her. I scanned the room, my nerves spiking. Did Logan come with him?
“I don’t see him,” Natasha said.
“What?”
“Logan. I don’t think he’s here.”
“Right. Doesn’t matter. He knows it’s a girls’ night.” I peeked again in the direction of Caleb to find him and Hilary gone.
“Caleb seems like a friendly guy. Good to Oliver, from what I hear,” Natasha said, turning to face me.
The waitress appeared with our drinks, stunning me at how quick she was. “Anything else?” she asked.
“No, thanks.” I lifted my glass and took a sip before turning my attention back to Natasha. “Caleb loves Oliver. He considers him family.”
“I want Oliver to have a lot of good role models in his life, Cassandra. I don’t know much about Caleb, but I do know if he’s close to my son, I’ll be getting to know him better as well.”
I said nothing and took another sip—a bigger one this time, draining nearly half the glass. Hilary would have a real problem with Natasha cozying up to Caleb, even in the interest of Oliver. Hilary wasn’t one to trust easily, and Natasha wasn’t exactly easily trusted.
“I’ve known him most of my life,” I told her. “He’s a good guy. No need to worry.”
“That possessive, irritating, gorgeous man is gonna drive me crazy!” Hilary growled, slipping back into her side of the booth. “Seriously, can you believe him?”
“Is he still here?” I followed her penetrating stare and spotted Caleb watching us as he maneuvered toward the door.
“He’s leaving. Said he only stopped in to pick up some paperwork. I call bullshit! That bouncer called him, and he just had to come and check on me.”
“I think it’s sweet.” I smiled. “And it’s n
ot like he’s standing here hounding you. He left, didn’t he?”
A slow smile brightened her face. “Yeah. Damn it, he is sweet.”
“Or has a guilty conscience. You know, those that cheat worry others will too,” Natasha blurted out.
My head snapped her way, my jaw dropping. I started as she continued as if she hadn't just slapped Hilary in the face.
“I’m just saying—he’s hot and he’s been around the scene. I’d be careful.”
I shifted my gaze to Hilary, aware she was struggling to keep her claws sheathed.
“Caleb isn’t cheating on me, I assure you.”
Natasha frowned. “I’m sorry. That was a shitty thing for me to say. I didn’t mean it to come out that way.”
“Right.” Hilary sipped the juice in front of her.
“So how long have you and Josh been dating?” I asked, offering a reprieve from the tension.
“A couple weeks. It’s still new.”
That surprised me. As of last week, she still wanted Logan, as far as I knew.
“He still throwing all those parties at his place?” Hilary asked, an edge to her voice.
“A few. They’re fun. I’ve never spent much time in the country. It’s a different crowd than I’m used to. Josh was the first person to get me on a quad. I knew then he was what I needed…someone different than who I’m usually attracted to.” She looked back at Hilary. “What about you and Caleb? How long you two been together?”
“Long enough to know he doesn’t want anyone else,” she said defensively, then threw up her hand to flag the waitress. The young woman appeared almost instantly.
“A water. Thanks,” Hilary told her, then she was gone again.
“Water? Where’s the fun in that?” Natasha laughed.
Hilary’s eyes narrowed. I sighed under my breath, then finished off my drink and grabbed the next one.
“I’m DD tonight,” Hilary explained. “I also don’t need to drink to have a good time.”
“Right. You sure you’re not knocked up?”
Hilary paled for all of a second before composing herself, straightening her shoulders and lifting her chin. “Why? Were you hoping to go a round with Caleb after you blew through the frat boys? ’Cause I promise you, he’s not interested.”
Natasha blew out a sharp laugh. “Relax, I was joking.” She took a sip of her drink, then added, “Although it’s a shame Caleb wasn’t around when Logan and I were still together. Logan’s always had some fun friends. We all had a lot of memorable nights together.”
My stomach lurched. Had Logan shared Natasha with his friends? Would he want to share me—pass me around? No, I wasn’t even gonna go there.
“Yeah, well, Caleb doesn’t need Logan to share anything. I take care of him just fine.”
“Yet he’s still here every night, charming and eager to please. I bet your bed gets quite lonely.”
“Hey, stop it!” I snapped. The sneers they exchanged were fierce.
“No problem. So what was your mom doing at Logan’s tonight?” Hilary asked, changing the subject completely.
My body stiffened. My mom? “What? When?”
“Her squad car was pulling out of his driveway when I got to your place. Everything all right? Wasn’t sure if it had to do with…about…you know, Kurt.” Her eyes flickered to Natasha, then back to me.
I blinked, relieved when the waitress returned to take the focus off me.
“I don’t know why she’d be there,” I finally muttered between swallows, finishing off my drink before asking for another.
Kurt. I couldn’t think about him. Would my mom go to Logan with information before me? Probably—especially if she thought it’d protect me.
I pushed it from my mind. I’d ask Logan first thing in the morning.
“I’m sure it’s nothing,” Hilary offered. To my surprise, Natasha spoke up as well.
“Yeah, I wouldn’t worry about it. I’m sure if something’s going on, Logan would have told you,” she said with a small but sincere-looking smile.
“Thanks.” I took another drink and rested back against the booth.
Thankfully, the conversation took a lighter turn when a few frat guys took over the center of the dance floor. They had wild moves, and pulled girls into the routine with them one by one, tossing them around while the patrons cheered in a circle around them. I laughed with Natasha while Hilary stood on her seat hollering, enjoying the show as the young women tried to keep up with the guys’ smooth moves.
By the end of the night, I was mindlessly buzzed and barely able to keep myself upright on the dance floor. It wasn’t like me to get drunk when I was out, but between all the heated exchanges and the raucous crowd, I lost myself in it.
“You okay!?” Hilary shouted over the music.
I swayed to the music, keeping close to a brick column for support just in case.
“Yeah! Ready to go?”
She nodded. “Gonna use the restroom first. Stay here.”
I wasn’t going anywhere. A passing waitress handed me a bottle of water. Where she came from, I had no clue, but I gave her a grateful smile before taking a drink.
Hilary was back by the time the next song ended, and despite my drunkenness I knew something was wrong. I moved toward her, worried at her rattled state. She was trembling.
“What happened?” I asked, sobering instantly.
“Nothing, let’s go.” Anger edged her tone.
“What about Natasha? We can’t let her drive. She’s been drinking.”
“Fine. I’ll meet you both in the parking lot.” And with that, she was gone.
I turned around to find Natasha. My breath caught when I saw her exit the ladies’ room, looking more than a little pleased. Had they been in there together? Did something happen?
“Natasha!” I yelled, but the music was louder. I started toward her, yelling again until she finally looked my way, her smile growing.
“Hey, let’s dance!” she shouted, rolling her shoulders and rotating her hips to the beat.
“We should go. Hilary’s waiting outside. She can drop you at home.”
Natasha waved her hand dismissively. “No worries, I’ll catch a ride later,” she said, shamelessly turning her hungry gaze on a tall, built guy leaning against the wall next to her.
“You sure?”
“Positive.”
I nodded and had begun to move away when she grabbed my arm.
“Thanks for tonight, Cassandra. I don’t have a lot of girlfriends, so I appreciate you giving me a chance.”
I nodded once more with a tight smile, then headed to the coat check. I was exhausted and ready to climb into bed—Logan’s bed.
Chapter Eighteen
Running
I woke up in Logan’s arms, inhaling his masculine scent and trying to ignore the pounding present both in my temple and at his front door.
“Shit,” Logan grumbled, then flung the blanket from his side of the bed and stood.
The doorbell rang not just once, but twice in a row. My head dug further into my pillow, blocking it out.
“Stay here,” he said, crossing the room. “I’m going to kick someone’s ass.”
The banging continued between the constant rings of the bell. Someone has no patience. One of Jax’s friends, I assumed.
I rolled my head slightly, enjoying the view of Logan slipping into his white pajama pants. I smiled, memorizing the magnificent sight.
After he’d thrown the bedroom door open and stormed into the hall, I snatched my phone from the night table. My head protested the movement, so I kept it down on the pillow. I’d drunk too much the previous night, and barely recalled the drive home. Hilary had been quiet the entire time. She’d dropped me at Logan’s, and he was there in the doorway to welcome me in. The rest was a blur of pleasure.
Focusing back on my phone, I sighed. It was a little after eight o’clock, and I had twelve missed calls from Caleb and one text from Hilary.
Pani
c set in, and I instantly regretted turning my ringer off at Haven. Despite my assailing hangover pain, I sat up straight.
Nervously, I touched the screen to open the text.
I’m sorry. Don’t hate me.
As soon as I read it, I heard Caleb’s voice, loud and angry, echoing up through the floorboards.
“Where the hell is she!? Tell Cassandra I want to talk to her—NOW!”
I couldn’t hear what followed next. Logan must’ve been speaking to him, and in an appropriate indoor voice. Trembling with uncertainties, I texted Hilary back, my fingers sprinting over the keys.
Where r u? Call me asap! Caleb is here!
Something crashed downstairs and I jerked up further, sweeping my legs off the bed. My pulse raced.
“Cassandra, get your ass down here!” I heard Caleb shout, which was followed immediately by another loud boom.
Like a child heading in for punishment, I slipped on my robe, tightened its belt, and made my way down the hall. I stood at the top of the stairs, my jaw dropping at the scene below me.
A vase from the foyer was shattered across the marble floor, picture frames scattered around it. Caleb charged toward the stairs, dangerous eyes pinned on me. I froze, panic surging, ready to bolt just as Logan intervened, throwing him back.
“Don’t!” Logan threatened, blocking the first step. Then he called out over his shoulder, “You know where Hilary is, sweetheart?”
Blood rushed to my ears, loud and spiteful. She really did it—she left him. My stomach churned, hands slipping inside the pockets of my robe as I shifted from foot to foot.
“Um, I—”
“For fuck’s sake, WHERE IS SHE!?” Caleb roared. “Something’s wrong—don’t you dare lie to me! What is it, huh!? TELL ME!”
“Watch your fucking tone, or I’ll throw you out and you can find her yourself,” Logan warned him, in a voice so hard and intimidating my skin flushed with goose bumps.
Caleb was panting with rage, fists pumping at his sides. “My girl up and takes off before dawn leaving only a note, and I’m supposed to be okay with that!?”
Logan moved closer to Caleb and placed a hand on his shoulder. “I get that you’re angry and worried, but you will back off Cassandra or you’re gone.”