Inevitable

by Angela Graham

  “Let’s get some cotton candy!” Oliver exclaimed, my hand locked in his.

  I nodded in agreement and let him lead the way to the nearest stand. Logan stepped around me to order but I grabbed his forearm and pushed him to the side, catching him off guard.

  “I’m paying,” I insisted, sternly.

  Before he could argue, his name was called from behind us.

  “Logan! Hi, I didn’t think you’d be here.”

  Paying for the three sticks of cotton candy, I didn’t bother to pay attention to the female voice babbling to Logan. There had been at least a dozen women hitting on him so far that day. I handed one sticky treat to Oliver and froze mid-turn to give Logan his bright-pink bushel of fluffy candy when I saw Mackenzie with her hand placed around his arm, giggling.

  My head shot down, ice dripping in my veins and closed my eyes. Everything around me grew quiet as I willed myself to think straight. I wasn’t going to give her the satisfaction of humiliating me yet again. I righted my posture and stepped closer.

  “Here you go.” I handed Logan the cotton candy before twisting to face Mackenzie with an exaggerated contrived smile.

  “Oliver and I will walk around while you…have some fun,” I said with a bite staring back at Logan. “Take all the time you need.”

  Turning on my heel, I took Oliver’s hand to leave but Mackenzie’s shrill voice snapped out.

  “This is Oliver?” She stepped toward us ready to pounce on the poor child. “Hi, I’ve been hoping to meet you. My name’s Mackenzie. I’m a friend of your daddy’s.” She bent down to shake his hand but quickly looked back over her shoulder to Logan with a wink.

  It was then I noticed her new position caused her tiny floral print dress to rise up giving Logan a full view of a hot pink thong. I made a face, repulsed. Logan chuckled staring not so much at the desperate whore putting on a show, but at me.

  Oliver stood watching her, but didn’t shake her hand. Mackenzie didn’t seem to care as she let it fall to her side. She looked almost scary, especially to a child, with her giant grin full of teeth surrounded by bright-red lips and black eye liner. “Would you like to go ride the Ferris wheel with me? Your daddy can come too,” Mackenzie continued. She reached for his hand but Oliver took a couple steps back, squeezing my hand tighter.

  “I already rode that,” he said. “I want to play games with Cassandra.”

  “Are you sure?” she asked with a hint of desperation. She smiled back at Logan as she stood back up, not willing to admit defeat. Logan’s expression darkened as he stared at his son, reading him. “I can take you to play some games. I’m pretty good friends with some of the men running them. I can get you a prize at every one, whether you win or lose.”

  “I don’t want a prize if I lose. You have to earn it. Right, Daddy?”

  Logan nodded and walked over to take his son’s other hand. “Let’s go play some games…with Cassandra.”

  I bit my bottom lip holding back my smile as Logan led us away without another look back at Mackenzie standing with her arms crossed over her chest, her eyebrows furrowed.

  Game after game Logan won while Oliver and I found our only success at winning goldfish. Between us, we won four tiny goldfish and I had no idea where I was going to put them at home.

  “One more game,” Logan said, smiling. He walked over to the darts booth and handed the man a twenty. Taking two darts, he placed them in my hand.

  I sighed. “Seriously, you’re wasting your money.”

  “That’s for me to decide, sweetheart.”

  “Pop that one! The green one!” Oliver cheered, pointing to the center balloon.

  I held up the dart and threw it straight at the green balloon, sighing as it fell before making contact.

  Logan chuckled and Oliver slugged him playfully in the gut. “You said it’s not nice to laugh at girls!”

  He raised his eyebrows at him, looking both stunned yet pleased.

  I smiled. “Yeah, it’s not nice!” I added.

  Logan held up his hands. “My apologies. Here let me show you.” Logan stepped behind me causing every nerve in my body to come alive as he placed his arm around my waist, holding me still. His other hand covered mine over the dart.

  “Focus on the green balloon,” he murmured.

  My eyes fluttered shut trying to find my bearings when I felt his chest connect with my back. I couldn’t think, couldn’t breathe. I needed him to move away from me before I either turned around to maul him or passed out from lack of oxygen. I cleared my throat and threw the dart, failing to hit anything but the wood of the frame around the balloons and then quickly wiggled out of his hold.

  Stepping away from him, I turned to face him and shrugged. “Why don’t you try?”

  Logan looked at me, gauging my expression as the man in the booth held out two more darts. I grabbed them, thankful to break eye contact and handed them to Logan. He won three games in a row. Oliver shrieked each time applauding wildly. When Logan finished off twenty dollars’ worth of playing he chose a giant stuffed pink flamingo.

  “Here you go, little man.” Logan smiled handing it to Oliver.

  “Cassandra can have it. She didn’t win anything but fish.” He giggled. Logan joined in holding out the prize.

  “Well, sweetheart, we’d hate to see you go home empty handed.”

  “Haha.” I laughed dryly before yanking it from his grip but he didn’t release it instead he pulled me into him.

  His hot breath running over my ear, he whispered, “Thank you.”

  I stepped back when my breath caught, and watched his gaze flicker to his son giggling. Oliver was having a blast and I was happy to be a part of it. I nodded once to Logan, understanding before grabbing Oliver’s hand and skipping away for another game.

  “I’m hungry,” Oliver complained around six so I led him toward the grassy area near the parade route while Logan disappeared to retrieve something edible without sugar in it.

  “The parade should start soon. My mother is in it,” I said, stretching my legs out in front of me. The fresh cut grass mixed with the aroma from the food trucks was heavenly.

  “Really?” Oliver’s eyes grew wide, staring at me.

  I nodded, smiling. “Yeah, she works at the sheriff’s department and every year she helps build a raft.”

  “Wow, do you get to ride on it?” he asked, sitting up on his knees, intrigued.

  “When I was younger. You know I—”

  “Cassandra!” I turned to see Caleb and Hilary walking hand in hand, heading straight for us.

  We’d only seen each other briefly after school the past few days, but she surprised me by showing up on my door step the morning after Caleb’s speed dating shindig. She was so eager to spill every detail of her evening by his side that she braved my morning jog with me. Turns out, Caleb was even more of a gentleman than I realized. To Hilary’s extreme disappointment, Caleb kept his hands to himself and didn’t make a move.

  She had been hoping their date to the carnival meant she would finally have a taste of his luscious pink lips. Her words not mine and if I had to listen to her describe those lips one more time I swear I’d reconsider our friendship. The girl had it bad.

  I smiled. “Hey, I was wondering when I’d run into you guys.”

  “Caleb’s been dragging me around to every single ride they set up here,” Hilary complained, but it was clear she couldn’t be happier.

  “You know you loved it,” Caleb chuckled, brushing a strand of hair from her cheek.

  Hilary blushed and smiled. “I’m glad you decided to come. I didn’t think you would.”

  “Yeah, Oliver convinced me.”

  “So you’re here with Logan as well?” She gave me a suspicious smirk.

  “I’m here with Oliver and since Logan is his father, yes, he’s here.”

  “Logan’s a good guy,” Caleb said releasing his hand from Hilary’s and grabbing Oliver, tossing him up over his shoulders. Oliver squealed wildly as
Caleb raced across the field with him.

  “I’m glad I ran into you I have something to tell you and please don’t be mad.”

  Frowning, I turned my attention away from Caleb and his mimicking of sounds of a gorilla. I laughed. “Well, it’s too early for you to be knocked up with Caleb’s love child, so what is it?”

  “Caleb hired a new guy at the restaurant. He’s really cute and nice and—” She stopped, sucking in a deep breath.

  Oh God what did she do?

  “And?” I sat up straight, realizing where this was going.

  “He asked about you. I told him you’re single and…he wants to get together with you next Saturday night.” Her words flew out fast as if that would help convince me to agree.

  “No,” I said shaking my head.

  “Come on, he wants to have dinner at Haven, that’s all.”

  I sighed, kneading the back of my neck. “Hilary.” I pouted.

  “You have to admit it could do you good. Maybe have a carefree night to release some of that pent up frustration?” Her brows rose. “It could possibly help put an end to your indecent dreams about Logan. Unless you’d rather…” she leaned in, grinning, “go to him for help with that. I’m sure he wouldn’t mind.”

  “You’re terrible, you know that.”

  “So is that a yes? He’s really cute. I swear you won’t regret it.”

  “Hope you like corn dogs,” Logan said, walking over with Caleb and Oliver.

  “Fine, I’ll go,” I whispered. Maybe it was exactly what I needed.

  “Great. We’ll see you guys later,” Hilary said, smiling at Logan and Oliver.

  Caleb took her hand after saying good-bye and they walked away back to the busy street.

  “This looks perfect,” I said taking the enormous stick of fried food and a bottle of water from his hands. “Thanks.”

  “I couldn’t carry much more so I figured we could share some fries.”

  Logan and I sat with Oliver between us. He placed a basket stuffed full of large French fries with ketchup squirted on the side in front of us.

  “Looks good.” I smiled, snatching one and taking a bite.

  Delicious.

  “Cassandra’s mom made one of the floats for the parade!” Oliver said, before stuffing his mouth with a giant bite of his corn dog.

  “Is that so?” Logan looked behind his son to me.

  “Yeah and I was just thinking I should go find her before it gets to dark.”

  “You have to finish your food first,” Oliver said, “and promise to come back.” Logan and I laughed at his assertive tone but I quickly agreed.

  I finished my corn dog and sent a short text to my mother asking her to meet me by her raft. Logan and Oliver walked with me for a while, but introducing my mother to Logan was not in my plan.

  “I’ll be right back,” I said, walking away to greet my mother.

  I could see her standing by her float, dressed in her sheriff’s uniform talking to a guy I didn’t recognize.

  “Hey, there you are,” she said smiling at me. She pulled me in for her usual hug and then stepped back with a scrunched brow. “You must be Logan West. I’ve heard a lot about you.”

  Damn, there went that plan. How had I not realized he followed me? My mother could talk your ear off like no one else and she knew all the worst inappropriate questions to ask.

  “A pleasure to meet you, Mrs. Clarke,” Logan replied shaking her hand.

  “Call me Felicia,” she smiled, looking him up and down.

  Here it comes. I knew my mother well enough to know now was the time to retreat, but I still had a favor to ask first. Before I could get a word in she was completely absorbed in Logan.

  “So, how are you enjoying Harmony?” she asked. I narrowed my eyes at her, but she only smiled staring at Logan, ignoring me.

  “It’s lovely. I was actually born here.”

  My head cocked to the side, gazing at him. A piece of information I never knew and suddenly I found myself wanting to know more.

  “Really?” my mother asked.

  He nodded. “We moved to the city when I was still a toddler. I don’t remember it here but so far I’m quite taken with your town.”

  “Yes, it’s a nice place to live. I grew up here, as did Cassandra.” My mother finally looked at me and I noticed the spark in her eye. I grimaced.

  “So are you and Cassandra here together on a date?” she asked, bluntly.

  “Mom,” I mumbled under my breath. I placed my hand on Oliver’s shoulder and spoke up. “This is Oliver, Logan’s son. I’m here hanging out with him.”

  My mother’s smile grew wider. “I see. Well you know Cassandra is single and I may be biased but everyone in town agrees she’s beautiful. She just needs a good man in her life.” Logan smiled as my mother stepped closer picking a piece of grass from the side of his shirt. My ears smoldered as she continued. “Did you know she bakes and loves kids, she even enjoys cleaning? A natural born housewife.”

  I rolled my eyes, heat building under my cheeks. Logan nodded along, glancing at me from the corner of his eye with a crooked smile as my mother recited my qualifications as girlfriend material. It wasn’t the first time, but this was by far the worst.

  “I also caught her and Mark, her horrible ex,” my mother made a face after speaking his name, “down at the river skinny dipping once. So my daughter is no prude.”

  “Mom!” I shrieked, humiliated.

  She shrugged. “What, I worry about you, and Logan here seems very nice and handsome.” Her smile grew when she looked back at Logan. “Do you plan on having more children one day? I would love a few grandchildren running around but Cassie’s still a little young, she needs to enjoy a healthy relationship first.”

  I cringed, focusing my attention on the ground hoping to hide the flush raking my entire body.

  Logan chuckled. “Cassandra’s lovely. I’ve definitely enjoyed getting to know her.” His lips turned up into an amused smirk, his gaze shifting toward me.

  “She’s my friend,” Oliver spoke up, reminding everyone he was there.

  “Yes, I am. Which reminds me, I needed to ask you a favor,” I said glaring at my mother.

  “And here I thought you just wanted to introduce me to your handsome new neighbor.” She laughed once, completely aware of her actions.

  Plastering a tight smile on my face, I held up a finger to let Logan know I’d be a minute before grabbing her arm to lead her a few feet away. Talking softly I asked my question and smiled when she agreed. My mother walked away without another word, she’d said enough and I turned back to face the impatient child looking around for something to do.

  “All right, so I have a surprise for you.” I scrunched in front of Oliver. “How would you like to ride on the float in the parade with the sheriff and their special furry friend?”

  My mother appeared just then with a large dog from the canine unit at her side.

  Oliver’s eyes grew wide and he took off running toward the dog, eager to pet him. “Can I, Daddy?”

  “Of course.” Logan nodded, smiling.

  “All right, let’s get you up here. The parade will start the moment the first firework goes off. So say good-bye to your father and Cassandra,” my mother said, helping Oliver up on the float.

  Logan and I waved good-bye and began walking the short distance down the grassy path to find a clear spot. We found a quiet place a little ways from the road, but with a perfect view to see Oliver when they passed. I crossed my legs under me, unable to find anything to say. My mother had said enough. The longer we sat the more Logan looked preoccupied in his head.

  Between his rigid posture and silent treatment, I could sense something was bothering him. “Oliver will be fine. He’s surrounded by a dozen officers and the toughest dog in town.” I playfully nudged his side with my elbow.

  He glanced up at me, frowning.

  “We’ll meet him at the end of the parade route. My mother will keep him close, try to
relax,” I added, reassuring him.

  His worrisome expression deepened as he continued to stare at me. He looked away. “Oliver had a lot of fun tonight,” he finally said gazing at the street ahead.

  “He still is.” I smiled, hoping to see Logan do the same. Instead, his eyebrows furrowed and a heavy sigh escaped his lips. Something was wrong. Before I could pry, he cocked his head to the side staring quizzically at me.

  “I’m glad Oliver likes you…and that you’re…kind to him but…” He looked down, fidgeting with his hands placed over his knees in front of him. “Please, don’t make any more promises to my son, Cassandra.”

  “Logan, I—”

  “Just don’t,” he said, firmly closing the subject just as the fireworks began filling the sky.

  Oliver rode by waving to the crowd wearing a giant grin, my mother at his side. He looked enthusiastically happy, but I had a feeling that wasn’t always the case. Logan’s tense posture told me there was a lot I didn’t know.

  Reaching out I placed my hand over Logan’s resting in the grass beside me but kept my focus on the parade ahead of us as I swallowed the lump in my throat. “I won’t let anything happen to him when I’m around. And I won’t make any promises to him I can’t keep. You can trust me on that.”

  I could feel Logan’s gaze on me but he said nothing. There was nothing he needed to say. Oliver was a good kid and I understood why his father needed to protect him. It couldn’t be easy being a single father.

  As I removed my hand, his fingers gripped mine for a brief second. Sucking in a deep breath, I slowly pulled away to wave back at Oliver, trying to ignore the new feelings growing inside me.

  Chapter Ten

  Two Steps Back

  Having spent the entire day with Oliver and Logan at the carnival, it opened my eyes. They were a family, just the two of them. I understood how hard it could be with only one parent, but Logan was doing a better job than most men. My sympathy for him made it easier to ignore the woman sneaking out of Logan’s house while I was preparing for my jog the next morning.

  I didn’t recognize her as she walked to her car just after five in the morning, clutching her pink heels, her hair disheveled and mascara streaked down her face. I shook my head, popping my earbuds in and jogging past his property.