Shattered Treasure

by Cindy Patterson

  Logan watched her, a heap of satisfaction expanding in his chest at her response.

  “What should I wear? What’re you wearing?”

  “The freshmen and seniors are presented during the first part, so I have to wear a formal gown, but there’s a dance afterwards.”

  “So, a dress for me?”

  From where he stood a few feet away, he listened to their conversation. He already knew Ami’s plan.

  “Anything you wear will be beautiful. I was hoping we could spend the day together getting ready. We could get our hair done and a pedicure.”

  “That would be fun.” Addison glanced at her feet, her smile thinning into a straight line. “Oh, wait. I forgot. My aunt has to borrow my car Saturday.”

  Logan took a step closer. “I’ll swing by and pick you up.” The words were out before Logan could reel them back in. He’d have to share her with his whole family Saturday. Riding together would give him a few minutes alone with her.

  “You don’t have to do that.”

  “I don’t mind.” He cut her off, but then softened his tone. “I want to.”

  Addison stared at him, a hundred questions in her distracted gaze. “Thank you, Logan.” She agreed, though her response dripped with apprehension, and she seemed so unsettled. “I’ll see y’all later.”

  He had to find out why.

  Waving at Ami and her brother, unable to voice another syllable, Addison hurried to her car, hoping to hide the heaving motion in her chest.

  “Addison, wait.”

  She turned and gave Logan time to catch up. Instead of his face, she focused on his damp hair curled beneath his ball cap, his neck glistening with sweat, his white Seahawks T-shirt. Prayed the tears building in her eyes wouldn’t escape.

  He said nothing at first but walked along beside her until they reached her car. “What’s wrong?”

  Throat constricting, she met his gaze. “Nothing, why?”

  “You seem upset.”

  He was too gentle, too compassionate, too handsome for any of this to be real. “I’m fine.”

  “So, you usually cry for no reason?”

  Regaining a trace of control, she smirked. “Actually, I do. Sometimes.”

  “Well, that sucks.” The lightness in his expression instantly shriveled the dejection wrestling for her attention. “I don’t like seeing you cry.”

  Changing the subject would be her only escape from falling into him and never returning. “I’m so glad I came. It was a really good game.” Her hand involuntarily reached for his arm. “You’re really good, Logan.”

  It was a bad habit. Touching him. But she couldn’t help herself. Addison looked away from his scrutinizing gaze.

  “Is ten okay?”

  “Ten?”

  “Saturday morning?”

  “Oh, sorry. Yes, ten is great.” Addison glanced at the invitation.

  “It starts at six.”

  “So, I should plan to be gone most of the day?”

  “Is that okay?” Logan shifted, closing some of the space between them. “Will your aunt be okay with that?”

  “Yes, she made an appointment to get her car worked on this Saturday. So as long as she can use mine ...”

  His expression softened with confused interest.

  The last thing she needed was for Philip’s other teammates to tell him she was standing in the parking lot with Logan. But somehow, at this very moment, she didn’t care. And none of what happened when Philip approached her as soon as the game ended mattered. Not now. Her complete focus had shifted to this time with Logan. And she clung to the moment as if her life depended on it.

  “Lucky for me.”

  “What?”

  “Because of her appointment, I have a good excuse for picking you up Saturday.”

  Keeping silent, she ground down on the overzealous smile pleading to burst through.

  “Either way, I would’ve figured it out ... siphon out your gas, something.”

  With that, she lost control and her smile raced upward and mushroomed into a full-blown laugh.

  He joined her in laughter, and even though they had reached her car, he made no move to open her car door. And neither did she.

  “I’m looking forward to Saturday. I love your sister.” She relaxed into a grateful smile. “I love your whole family.”

  “The feeling’s definitely mutual. I’m glad you came to the game.”

  “They didn’t have a chance. Not with you on the mound.”

  He smiled, though she could tell he was fighting against it. His humbleness was completely adorable.

  “I hate I missed the rest of the season. I really enjoyed watching you ... the Seahawks ... play. And now it’s over.”

  Her statement didn’t seem to affect him, because they stood in silence for several seconds. But then he straightened his ball cap and something in his expression changed.

  “Can I ask a personal question?”

  Oh no! A vision of her journal between his hands clouded her concentration. Had he read any of it?

  “Ami said you and Philip broke up.”

  “Yes. It’s been over awhile.”

  “You were crying before. Did he do something?”

  “No,” she lied. She wouldn’t drag Logan into her problems. He and Philip were teammates and she didn’t want to cause adversity between them. There had to be a way to handle Philip herself. Logan’s sincerity moved her. Then a whole new batch of tears spilled over onto her cheeks. “Oh my gosh. What is wrong with me?”

  “What is it? What happened?”

  “Nothing. See, I told you I cry for no reason.” With no warning, more emotion welled up in her chest. “Sometimes ... I get overwhelmed with—”

  Before she knew what was happening, Logan pulled her against him and wrapped one arm around her, his other hand resting softly against her head. He kept silent while securing her in his embrace.

  After a full minute of bawling for no one reason, she pulled back. “I cannot believe I just did that. I am so embarrassed.”

  “No, please don’t be. I’m glad you feel comfortable with me.”

  “I wouldn’t go so far as to say that.” She feared her tense laugh revealed her discomfort. “I mean, look at me. I’m a nervous wreck around you.” She was talking way too much.

  “Me? Really?” Logan lost that look of confidence.

  She pressed the invisible wrinkles from her top, until she realized she was drawing unwanted attention to her trembling fingers. “Yes, but at the same time, I feel like ... I don’t know. Ami’s right. You’re something special.” In his presence she rambled with no restraint. She could talk to him forever.

  He leaned backward, his arms outstretched. “Now I’m worried. I hope that’s a compliment.”

  “Most definitely a compliment.” Addison lifted onto her tiptoes and kissed him on the cheek. Both of his hands rested on her arms. That simple motion balanced her yet comforted her at the same time. When both of her feet were once again planted on the ground, a tremor traveled down her spine.

  I kissed him.

  Her action was forward. But there was no ounce of disapproval in his expression; instead she found unmasked affection. Shocked pleasure traveled through her veins at a rapid pace.

  “I better go,” she said.

  When she settled in the driver’s seat, Logan leaned inside the car, propping his arm on the back of her seat. “I’ll see you Saturday at ten.”

  It wasn’t until he walked away that she scanned the parking lot to see how many of his teammates saw them. There were no other vehicles. Only Logan’s truck.

  How long had they been talking? Time seemed to stand still in his presence.

  16

  Friday morning, Addison called Taylor. It had been too long since they’d spent time together aside from work, and Addison needed her help.

  Taylor agreed to meet her at a secondhand store across town. This had nothing to do with Logan, Addison reminded herself. It was all about
Ami. But each thought of him triggered new emotions. One in particular she could do without.

  Queasiness.

  Looking through the window of the shop, she admired a black cocktail dress with shimmering beads across the neckline, wondering if Logan would like this on her.

  This was not the time to fall for someone, but her heart wasn’t cooperating. Last night, Logan never once glanced into the stands during the inning. But as soon as the last out was called, his eyes searched the bleachers and didn’t retreat until his gaze connected with hers.

  Images of Logan throwing strike after strike from the mound infused every inch of her thoughts. His long, strong body slinging every ball with all his effort, his whole being revealing his strength. A strength that didn’t take advantage of a weaker species but a strength that exposed a rare power. A strength that wouldn’t dissipate. Even when a batter got a hit, or when a runner stole bases, Logan handled the setback with impressive composure.

  The exact opposite of Philip who threatened and punished when he didn’t get his way.

  She drifted into a shadowy daze, and Addison wasn’t sure when her thoughts merged from reality to daydreams.

  “That would look beautiful on you.”

  Addison turned to find Taylor leaning over her shoulder. “Don’t do that.”

  “What’s this all about?”

  Addison drew her lips into an exaggerated line. “Ami’s débuette dance.”

  Taylor propped her hands on her hips. “Logan Tant’s sister?”

  Flames of heat rushed up Addison’s neck.

  “That’s interesting.” Crossing her arms, Taylor tilted her head. “And what’s this about you going to two ballgames without me?”

  “I know. You don’t know how close I came to make you come with me, but I didn’t want to drag you into all the drama with Philip.”

  “Philip?”

  “Yes, Taylor. He plays for the Seahawks too.”

  “I know that. I was just making sure he wasn’t the reason you went.”

  Addison avoided anything deeper than a friendly chat. “Stop teasing me. I’m already a nervous wreck.”

  “I want to hear every detail.” Taylor narrowed her eyebrows.

  Addison inhaled an exaggerated breath. She adored her friend and wanted nothing more than to spill her heart. “I’m going for Ami.”

  “But he’ll be there.”

  A wistful smile curved Addison’s lips. “Yes, he’ll be there. He’s picking me up.”

  “He as in Logan?” Taylor’s words came out slowly, matching her shocked stare.

  “I told Ami I wouldn’t have a car and he offered.”

  Taylor grabbed her arm. “So, you and Logan will be alone?”

  A flutter tickled her stomach and she gave into her laugh, feeling lighter than she had in months. “Yeah, for a total of ten minutes.”

  “Not if he drives really slow.”

  Addison’s boisterous laugh turned all heads their way. She wasn’t sure whether to look forward to or dread that sixth of an hour.

  Over the next few hours, they skimmed through a dozen different choices, while Addison told her all about Logan showing up at her table with a date, then waiting for her after work, and their talk yesterday after the game.

  Choosing the first original black cocktail dress hanging in the window, Addison approached the register.

  “Have you talked to Philip?”

  “I told you, I officially broke things off with him.” Taylor didn’t voice her opinion. But Addison knew more than anyone how Taylor felt. “I know what you’re thinking, but things used to be different. He wasn’t always ...” She paused, choosing her words carefully. “Like this.” Shame almost strangled her for once again defending him and discounting her own fear.

  “You did the right thing. I’m so proud of you.” Taylor moved around so they were standing face-to-face. “Hey, stay firm in your decision. You’ve given that boy more than enough chances. He’ll have to give up eventually.”

  Addison swept her into a hug praying she was right. “I haven’t seen or heard from him since the last game,” she said, talking to herself more than Taylor. Maybe he had already given up. “Thanks for coming, Taylor. You’re the best.”

  “I can’t wait to hear all about your night dancing with Logan.”

  Addison rolled her eyes. “Yeah, right. That will never happen.” But that didn’t stop her heart from fluttering at the possibility.

  Saturday morning, Logan was early. But only by a few minutes. He hadn’t been able to wait any longer to drive to her house.

  And now he was here. His awareness heightened when Addison stood from the rocker on the front porch as soon as he pulled into the drive. He parked and jumped from the truck, hurrying to take her things.

  “Good morning.”

  A shadow of a smile spilled over her lips as she accepted his offer. “Hi.”

  He extended his arm and tossed her lightweight bag over his shoulder. “Is this everything?”

  The brilliant violet color of her eyes sparkled. “Yes, but you don’t have to carry my things.”

  He sighed. “I’m trying to be a gentleman.”

  “I haven’t met many of them.” Addison’s hand flew to her mouth. “I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have said that.”

  “Don’t be.” He wanted to say more but stopped. He could only imagine how rude Philip could be. But it made him wonder about her father. Had she been referring to him as well?

  They rode in silence for a few minutes when he could think of nothing sensible to say, but his time alone with her was running out. Ami would snatch her away as soon as they arrived. This was his only chance and he was wasting time.

  “How long have you lived in Wilmington?”

  Logan could feel her sudden movement. He’d startled her. He glanced over to find her looking at him. Her presence did strange things to him, things he’d never experienced, things he could get used to.

  “I moved in with my aunt when I started college. What about you? Have you always lived here?”

  “My whole life. It’s a shame we’ve both been at the same college for four years but are only now meeting.”

  She smiled but it was restrained, wounded. And he was certain it had everything to do with the accident.

  Of course, his attempt at flirting would backfire. He wasn’t sure what to say but needed to say something. “What about your parents? Where are they?”

  “My Mom and Stepdad live in Raleigh. Me and my sister moved in with my aunt when I started college. My sister was still in high school, but it was better ... she didn’t want me to leave without her, so my aunt took us both in. Then my sister was killed in a car accident two years ago.”

  “I’m so sorry.”

  He pulled his truck onto his mother’s street. His time was almost up, but this isn’t how he’d expected their conversation to end. Addison said nothing for several seconds and the silence was deafening. “Someone at the station told me about the accident, and then our preacher mentioned it. But I didn’t realize it was your sister until Ami told me and I put the two together. I had just lost a ... friend and was still hurting, so when I heard about the accident, I know this is going to sound crazy, but I prayed for you, every day. Even before I knew you.”

  She said nothing for several long moments. “I don’t know what to say. That’s the sweetest thing anyone has ever done for me.”

  The slight break in her voice brought his gaze to hers and after parking his truck, he turned to fully face her.

  She focused on her feet. “Thank you, Logan. I’m so sorry about your sister, for—”

  He ached for her and instinctively took her hand. “I’m sorry for the way I treated you.”

  A soft sigh escaped, and her dimple flashed within her tender smile.

  Logan wanted to pull her to him, to hold her in his arms. “There were so many things wrong with the way I treated you. But if it’s okay with you, I would love to start over?” He gently squ
eezed her hand. He wanted to caress the softness of her skin but stopped himself, though he didn’t let go. “I’m Logan Tant. Will you save me a dance tonight?”

  17

  “It was a good idea to save this for last,” Addison announced, leaning back in the cushioned massage chair, her feet soaking in warm bubbling water. She held the pink polish embedded with glitter.

  Would Logan like this color, or would he like something more natural? It didn’t matter. He wouldn’t be staring at her toes.

  “Zach’s coming. I invited him.”

  Addison shook her thoughts away. This day was for Ami. “Zach? The guy who most definitely isn’t your boyfriend?”

  “Yeah, we’re just friends.” Ami unleashed a grin. “But I’ve had a crush on him since he moved in next door.”

  A crush. The same thing Logan had teased her about. Warmth spread through the cold recesses of her heart at the memory.

  Brimming with anticipation, Addison shifted to look at her. Ami was adorable with a few strands of her golden locks pulled back with a single bobby pin. “Does he know?”

  “No, he’s a dufus.” Ami’s smile swiveled into a frown.

  Addison bit her lip to hide her own smile. “But you still like him?”

  “We’re really good friends, but that’s all.”

  Addison tipped her head, suddenly eager to meet this young man. “Maybe he likes you too.”

  “Nope. He’s never asked me out and is constantly telling me about his girlfriend problems. If only he’d see what’s right in front of him, I’d solve all his girlfriend problems.”

  Addison’s much-too-loud snicker turned several heads in their direction. Addison couldn’t remember having more fun.

  After her toenails were painted, she wobbled to the manicure table with Styrofoam dividers between her toes. The young man looked at her for instruction, holding the nail polish toward her.

  “No color.”

  He nodded and started on her unpolished nails. Ami sat next to her wearing a crooked grin.

  “How old is Zach?”