Shattered Treasure

by Cindy Patterson

  “I know.”

  “That’s too much.”

  He touched her arm, stopping her—leaving behind a tingling sensation on her elbow.

  “It’s yours. I wanted you to have it.”

  As she bit her lip to stifle her embarrassed smile, her gaze traveled to his chin and then farther down to the hands that had just touched her. “What’re you doing here?”

  His knuckles whitened as he squeezed his fists. “I saw those drunks at the table behind me. I waited until they left but wanted to make sure they didn’t come back.”

  An unexpected longing rose within her and she blinked before once again meeting his gaze. His dark pools of brown affixed to hers with such intensity left her breathless.

  “Where’s your girlfriend?” Her voice sounded calm, though her heart still pounded against her chest. She focused on the soft hum of leaves whistling in the wind.

  “She isn’t my girlfriend. It was a first and last date. We drove separately.” His eyebrows dipped. “I thought I would follow you home, if that’s okay?”

  He wanted to follow her home? He came back to make sure she was safe? Addison drank air into her lungs, fighting the urge to throw her arms around him.

  “Or wherever you’re going,” he added.

  She smiled at the huskiness seeping into his voice. “I’m going home.” His presence, his consideration, eclipsed all her common sense and a stupid, embarrassing question came flying out of her mouth. “How did you know they were bothering me?”

  “I was listening.”

  He took a step back when someone called her from across the lot.

  “Addison, are you all right?” One of the waiters was walking toward them. “You know that guy?”

  “Yes.” Her cheeks flamed in response. “Thanks, Tony. I’m fine.”

  “Cool, see you later.”

  Addison wiped her sweaty hands across her apron. “I never walk out by myself. I always wait for someone else.”

  “That’s definitely a good idea.” The feel of Logan’s fingers surprised her when he cupped her hand into his and gently placed the keys into her palm.

  The awareness of his fingers filled her with a strange sensation. He took a step closer, his breath warm against her skin. The nearness made her dizzy, and she fumbled with the keys, the jingle of metal breaking through the awkward silence.

  “It was all your fault she left.”

  “What?” she queried with an injured gasp but then discovered the teasing gleam in his eyes. “I was not making her happy. But I really tried to take good care of you ... and her.”

  “You did a great job. Nothing would’ve made her happy.” Logan’s smile widened as he opened her door and waited as she settled into the driver’s seat. “I didn’t know you worked here.” He paused as if he wanted to say more but stopped.

  “It’s a good job. I love meeting new people.” Most of them anyway.

  She could use that twenty dollars for buying extra snacks for the little boy in her class whose parents never packed him anything. It broke her heart watching all the kids surrounding him eating crackers, cakes and cookies while he looked on, his eyes glazing with hunger. She grasped the steering wheel and lifted her gaze toward him. “Thank you, Logan.”

  He propped a hand against her hood. “How many nights a week do you work here?”

  “Four to five.”

  “So, you stay busy too?” He glanced over his shoulder. “Working and student teaching?”

  A few of the other girls were walking out in a group and she waved when they glanced in their direction.

  “It pays for my gas.” Addison tilted her face up to him. “My aunt has been so good to me letting me stay with her. And even though she doesn’t expect it, I still try to help with groceries and stuff like that.”

  Logan spread his feet apart, lowering himself to where she could see him more clearly. “It has to be hard waiting on people who deliberately try to make it difficult. By the way, I’m really sorry about that.”

  “It’s not your fault.”

  “Well, you’re very good at it. And I’m not just saying that because I have a crush on you.” A teasing smile played at one corner of his mouth.

  She laughed out loud.

  “It’s easy to see why my family adores you.”

  She clutched her hands together in her lap. “I adore them.” And you.

  “I’m going to let you get out of here. Be careful.” He thrummed a few beats with his fingertips on her hood. “Goodnight, Addison,” he said right before closing her door.

  As he returned to his truck and pulled in behind her, his words lingered, her mind whirling in confusion.

  Logan’s headlights gave Addison an incredible sense of security. She shook her head in wonder. He’d waited to follow her home because of those guys harassing her.

  His unexpected kindness made her hope skitter all over the place.

  Her attraction to Logan Tant growing with every encounter was nothing but trouble and would surely lead to her broken heart.

  That, she could not afford.

  14

  It had been two days since Logan had seen Addison. His chances of seeing her in time to invite her to the game tonight were growing slimmer by the hour.

  Why hadn’t he asked her Friday night?

  He’d stalked the vicinity of the parking lot the same time of day he had run into her before. But she was nowhere to be seen.

  “Logan?” Matt called from across the parking lot, the look in his eyes full of disappointment. “What happened the other night, man?”

  Logan’s gut clenched. He hadn’t thought another moment about that girl. “Didn’t Meredith tell you? Since you’ve been talking to her.”

  “Not in so many words. She only said you were a jerk. What did you do to her? Were you flirting with the waitress?”

  A rush of heat coursed up his neck. “Addison was our waitress.”

  “The Addison? Oh man. My bad. I had told Meredith about you way before you ran into Addison.”

  “Good reason to mind your own business where my love life’s concerned.”

  “She’s a friend, well, more of an acquaintance of Shelley’s. You know how Shelley is. She just wants you to be happy and was only trying to help.”

  “It’s all right. No harm done. In the end, it actually worked out to my favor.” Logan’s gaze shifted across campus and he caught a glimpse of Addison walking toward Leutze Hall, across from Morton Hall—the same direction he was headed. He wasn’t about to pass up his opportunity to talk to her. “Hey, I got to go. See you later, Matt.”

  “Where’re you going?”

  “Got to go,” he turned, jogging backward, unable to hide his enthusiasm. “See you at the game.”

  Logan cut across the manicured section of lawn, desperate to catch her.

  Just before she reached the door, Logan gripped the handle, stopping her from pulling it open.

  She turned, startled, her face a lovely shade of pink. The dimple in her right cheek emerged as a soft smile played across her lips. “Logan Tant.” Something about the way she spoke his full name sounded good and right, and he wanted to hear her say it again and again.

  “Hi.” His voice was barely a whisper. Out of breath, he refueled with a lungful of air, her clean, fresh scent mingling with it. “You smell really good.”

  The pink deepened, saturating the flesh of her cheek bones. “That is the last thing I expected you to say.”

  “I have a huge issue with speaking before thinking.”

  She laughed out loud, the sound comforting. He wanted to move closer, to tread in that narrow space separating them. He didn’t want to blurt out his reason for approaching her, suddenly remembering that her boyfriend played center field. The silence stretched.

  Addison looked at her watch. “Do you have a class in this building?”

  “No, I’m headed to Morton Hall. What are you doing here?”

  “I have a meeting with my professor. I�
�m a little early,” she said, locking her gaze with his. “Did you take a full schedule this semester?”

  “No, but it feels like it. Playing ball, working, and keeping up with my classes takes so much time, especially when we’re out of town for games.”

  “Are you playing today?”

  The question caught him off guard even though it had been his main reason for stopping her.

  Although her boyfriend played for the Seahawks, Logan knew Philip didn’t want her there. He was too busy flirting with whoever paid him any attention.

  None of that mattered. Logan wanted her there and she’d given him the perfect excuse to ask.

  “Our last home game is tonight. I hope you can come. I’m sure Ami would love to see you.” So, would I.

  Addison glanced at him, her sunglasses hiding those violet blue eyes. “Are you pitching?” A tiny hint of caution broke her smile. It was so faint, he almost missed it.

  “I’m scheduled to.”

  “That would definitely help determine my decision. You’re sure Ami’s going?”

  Logan wanted to question her about her sudden unease but instead answered with confidence, “She always comes.”

  Of course, she was cautious. She was dating Philip. He shouldn’t be talking to her this way, feeling this way. But it was too late.

  “Addison?”

  Repulsion swelled within Logan at the sound of his voice. Philip was walking toward them. He needed to leave. Now. But a hidden force kept his feet planted. “I need to tell your boyfriend he should wait for you after work.”

  Addison pulled her glasses off. “No, please don’t.” Logan didn’t miss how quickly Addison’s smile diminished. And would never forget the fear that flittered across her features. “I better go.”

  Logan wanted to reach out and grab Addison’s hand, to stop her from going to Philip, but instead he took a step back. “I’ll see you later.”

  Philip never acknowledged his presence, just jogged past him and reached Addison before she slipped inside.

  “Hey, baby. I’m glad I caught you. You’re coming to the game tonight, right? I need my good-luck charm there cheering for me.”

  Logan had walked too far away to hear her reply. Good, let Philip ask her to come too. She would definitely be there now.

  His mind raced with anguish, mixed with affection. He wanted to protect her, but it wasn’t his place. It was Philip’s. Even more reason to keep his distance. He just had to figure out a way to convince his heart.

  Addison recognized the jealousy in Philip’s eyes the moment he caught her speaking to Logan.

  He crossed the short distance between them, stopping only an arm’s length away. “Why is he talking to you?”

  The coil that had been released in her chest rewound, tightening the air longing for escape. “I’m not supposed to talk to him?”

  “I don’t like it.” He grabbed her wrist.

  She snatched her hand from his grip, her pulse picking up speed. “I don’t care what you like.”

  “What has gotten into you?”

  “We broke up, Philip. Or were you too drunk to remember?” Every lie, every mental and physical attack he’d inflicted on her resurfaced, searing those fresh wounds all over again. “Why don’t you leave me alone?”

  “You belong to me, and he knows it. Him moving in on you is nothing but a game. I’m not going to let him win.”

  He ignored everything she’d just said. Why had she expected anything different? “You’re being ridiculous. I’m friends with his sister. He’s going to speak to me when he sees me.”

  “Stay away from him and his sister.”

  “No.” The thought of never seeing them again caused her physical pain. “You can’t tell me what to do anymore.”

  Students started filling the area around them, some leaning against the railing, some trying to walk past them—their presence a blessing.

  Philip seemed to physically unwind. “Are you coming to the game?”

  It didn’t matter to her that people were all around them. Fury shimmied straight through her and flew from her mouth without restraint. “Am I coming to the game? You’ve been playing ball for the Seahawks for four years and have never invited me until today.”

  “That was stupid of me.” His tone simmered to a whisper. “I didn’t think you would enjoy it. But things are different now. I want things to be different between us.”

  “There’s nothing left between us.” She opened the door to the building not caring if it slammed behind her.

  She was only asking for another confrontation with Philip, but she would let nothing stop her from watching Logan’s last ballgame.

  15

  Addison pulled on a pair of white shorts and a sleeveless brown top. Not backing down from Philip today had increased her confidence. But all too familiar with the gravity of Philip’s temper, she reconsidered her decision. And anxiety attempted to steal her joy. That was something she would not allow.

  Not today.

  Right now, her main priority was being on time. She wanted to enjoy every moment of the Seahawks’ baseball game. Slipping on her flip-flops, she rushed out the door.

  At the ballpark, Addison found a seat, the pitcher’s mound directly in her view. Her dark sunglasses hid the object of her focus from anyone sitting around her. Ami hadn’t arrived yet, but her brother had just stepped onto the mound to warm up and Addison’s pulse tripled.

  She was in more trouble than she’d thought.

  Logan paused, his eyes taking her in before the catcher called out to him. The way he looked at her unwound a whole new set of emotions. Warmth, longing, a deep-rooted ache.

  Logan made her world more vibrant, more stunning, less frightening. And she wanted more of whatever was happening between them.

  The smile behind her raging emotions mushroomed and it was impossible to hide. She lifted her bag onto her lap, searching for something, anything to distract her thoughts. Nothing worked.

  After searching for several seconds, and only after her enthusiasm weakened enough to control her expression, she looked up to find Philip standing at the fence.

  Blood heated her cheeks.

  How long had he been standing there? She stared at him, praying he wouldn’t make a scene.

  “Come here, baby.”

  “No.” She’d spent the afternoon preparing for this exact moment. The only way to get through to Philip would be persistence. She couldn’t give in. No matter what.

  “I’m not leaving until you do.”

  If she spoke to him now, maybe she wouldn’t have to after the game. Addison took the two steps to meet him at the fence.

  Philip instinctively slipped his fingers through the fence grabbing hers. She cringed.

  “I knew you would come. Wait for me after the game. I have something for you.”

  “No, Philip. I can’t.”

  “Don’t leave until I come out.”

  He didn’t give her a chance to respond. And she couldn’t scream at him across the field. More important than being civil, she must remain firm. She rolled her eyes at his false affection. Her longing to be loved had left her vulnerable to years of suffering his verbal and physical abuse.

  No more.

  She wanted nothing else to do with Philip, but he wouldn’t make it easy. Why did she keep allowing him to dictate her choices? She no longer felt anything for him.

  Not even pity.

  Logan glanced in Addison’s direction at the end of every inning longing for a chance to speak to her.

  After the game, he peeked around the dugout, hoping Addison hadn’t left. She stood by the bleachers talking to Philip. Ami stepped around the corner.

  “Hey, li’l sis.”

  “You were great.” Ami beamed, giving Logan a hug.

  He nodded quickly. Compliments made him uncomfortable. “You’re getting ready to leave?”

  “I’m waiting for Addison. She wanted to walk with me to the parking lot, but that guy stopp
ed her before we could walk away. Something’s wrong with her. She’s acting different.”

  “Like how?”

  “She’s nervous. Like more than usual.”

  Logan knew exactly what Ami meant. Addison never relaxed in his presence.

  “Do you think something’s wrong? Should I ask her?”

  “Maybe it has something to do with her boyfriend,” he said, more to himself.

  “He’s not her boyfriend. They broke up a while back.”

  They broke up? Why was she always talking to him, then? He wanted to ask more questions, but Addison was already walking in their direction.

  An uneven smile crossed Addison’s lips as she approached them. “I have to go, but thank you for sitting with me, Ami.” She glanced his way, but her gaze missed his by a millimeter. “Great game, Logan,” she said, her voice trembling.

  “Thanks.” He’d been so excited to see her. So full of plans to spend a few minutes talking to her. From the moment she spoke to Ami, and her urgency to leave, Logan knew something was wrong.

  “I’ll see you later.”

  Ami rushed to her side. “Wait. I’ll walk with you.”

  Glancing over her shoulder, Addison nibbled on her lip. “Okay.”

  He didn’t miss Addison swiping away an errant tear that sparkled under the fading sunlight. Automatically he walked faster to keep up but still maintaining a safe distance.

  Ami handed her an envelope. “This is for you.”

  Addison slowed her pace, but only a little. “What is it?”

  “My débuette presentation ball is this Saturday night. I want you to come.”

  “Me?”

  “Yes, you.”

  Logan had kept his distance until Philip’s car sped out of the parking lot. It was as if Addison noticed his departure at the same time, and she seemed to physically unwind.

  Logan quickened his steps. He wanted to hear Addison’s response. She stopped and took the envelope, her gaze fixed on her name.

  When she pulled her fingers through her hair, her blond curls bounced across her shoulders and she slowed to a stop. “I would love to, Ami. I feel so honored.”