“Will Michael’s father be here?”
Josie looked away. “No. I called to tell him where we were staying, and he said he wouldn’t be able to see Michael this year. His wife is pregnant, and Michael’s presence wouldn’t be convenient now.” Those had been Doug’s own words.
“I see how close you and your son are. He’s a very bright little boy. I think he truly deserves the joy of having a party, don’t you?”
Wily old woman, Josie thought. How could she turn down such a kindness? How could she deny her son any kind of happiness?
“I’m touched, Elena, more than you know.”
“Should I take that as a yes?”
Josie smiled. “Yes, it’s a yes.”
They both laughed.
“Elena, have you discussed this with Logan?”
“Why, of course, my dear. He thought it was a wonderful idea.”
They leaned back to enjoy the rest of their coffee.
Elena Castillo was a remarkable woman.
Josie wished she didn’t like her so much.
“Mom, wake up!”
Josie blinked, trying to get used to the light. “Sweetie, what’s wrong?”
Michael’s eyes were lit up like Christmas lights. “Don’t we have to do something today?”
Josie glanced at the digital clock and groaned. “Honey, it’s six thirty in the morning. Consuelo probably isn’t even up yet.”
“Yes, she is. She fixed me some cereal. Then said she was going to practice using her whip.”
Josie smiled. She couldn’t imagine her friend using that big whip on anything. She wondered why Consuelo had picked such an odd hobby.
“Well, Mommy, don’t we have a lot of things to do? Do you need to go shopping?”
Josie’s eyes danced as she leaned back against the headboard. “I’ve already done my shopping.”
His eyes widened. “Already? Well, I don’t see any presents.”
“You didn’t think I was going to leave them lying around so you could find them, did you, you little imp?”
He remained silent, and Josie saw disappointment in his eyes before he looked away. He started to slide off the bed.
“Hey, where’re you going?”
“To watch TV.”
“Haven’t you forgotten something?”
He stopped what he was doing and stared at her.
“Like our little tradition?” she asked.
“I thought you had forgotten,” he said, a bit wistful.
“I’d never forget something like that, sweetheart. It’s ours alone, and very special. Now let’s see, where did I put it?”
His eyes widened with excitement. “Where, Mommy? I didn’t see anything, and I looked good.”
Josie laughed. “That’s because it’s here somewhere. Hmmm. . . Oh yes, I believe it’s—right here!” She reached under the pillow beside her and brought out a brightly wrapped gift. Happy birthday, my angel.”
Michael’s yell of glee warmed Josie’s heart. “Can I open it?”
“Of course.”
He tore the wrapping, ignoring it’s perfectly placed bow. His smile lit the room as he stared down at his gift.
“A remote control car! Thanks! Just what I wanted.” He leaned over and kissed her on the cheek.
“You’re welcome. We’ll have your birthday celebration later with Consuelo and Juana, okay?” She wasn’t really lying, she thought. Consuelo and Juana would be celebrating his birthday; only it would be at Elena’s.
“Okay.” He was already checking to make sure the car had batteries.
Josie smiled. What a wonderful child he was, and how blessed she felt to have him in her life.
Another child’s face swam before her. Stevie. Josie offered a silent prayer for his parents, who would never be able to celebrate anything with him again.
Where was Logan now? she wondered. Would he be at Elena’s?
In any case, she owed it to herself to tell him how she felt about him before she left Sandera. He had to know that she wasn’t promiscuous, and that she would never share her heart and body with a man she didn’t love, though she had come very close to sharing them with him. No one had ever made her feel the way he had, not even Doug.
Consuelo had told Michael that before they could celebrate his birthday they had to pick up a lawnmower from Diego Castillo because hers had stopped working, adding that the sooner they ran their errand the sooner they could return to celebrate. He’d fallen for the story.
Shortly after noon, Consuelo pulled into the long, circular Castillo drive and cut off the engine. As they stepped out of the car, Josie saw that the ranch was just as beautiful as she’d remembered it. She loved the pines and oaks surrounding the red-tiled hacienda. Josie could almost imagine how breathtaking this land would look during different seasons. She closed her eyes, imagining the grass dressed with dewfall and the scent of spring blossoms, picturing the fall garden just before the cold winter wrapped around everything in sight.
She saw the tree where Logan had kissed her, and her heart twisted painfully. Since the night she’d stood there with him, she had replayed the scene over and over in her mind, giving her dream a happy ending. She had fantasized about them lying in each other’s arms under that magnificent stately oak as its spreading branches provided a protective shawl from prying eyes.
Diego waited for them on the porch. “Hello, how are you?”
Josie smiled. “Fine, thanks.”
“And who have we here?” Diego asked, looking right at Michael.
Michael stepped up proudly and said, “It’s me—Michael.” He puffed out his chest. After all, it was his special day.
They all laughed and followed Diego into the house as someone’s camera kept clicking. Josie walked beside Michael, her attention riveted on his face. She didn’t want to miss one look, one gesture, when he found out what Elena had done.
Elena met them at the door and leaned down to kiss Michael on the cheek. “Welcome to my home again. Please come in, everyone. Michael, if you will go to the kitchen, Rosie has something for you. Then you can return to join us, all right?”
Nodding, Michael looked up at Josie, expecting her to go with him. Josie followed him while Consuelo and Juana were led to the family room.
In the kitchen, Rosie, Elena’s maid, smiled and wished Michael a happy birthday. She handed Michael his gift. Josie studied the small wrapped package—one tiny gift to throw him off the scent. Probably Elena’s clever thinking, Josie thought.
When they returned to Elena, she smiled at Josie and opened the sliding doors.
As soon as they entered the room, the lights came on, and everyone shouted “Happy birthday!”
Cameras flashed, and Josie became so unbearably excited that it might have been her birthday. She kept watching Michael’s face because she didn’t want to miss a thing.
Michael glanced up at his mom, his eyes dancing with delight. Josie leaned down and kissed him, struggling not to cry.
She was so intent on watching Michael that she didn’t notice Logan leaning against the wall until she looked up. Their eyes met across the room, and she suddenly forgot what she was about to say to Michael.
Donning a birthday hat, Michael preened as everyone sang “Happy Birthday.” And he opened his presents. Josie had expected only the Castillos, Consuelo, and Juana to attend the party, so she was pleasantly surprised to see Sophia. And there were at least twelve children. She remembered them from the fiesta.
Following the celebration they all went outside, where the children were treated to pony rides and a magician.
All the while, Josie smiled. She couldn’t help it. Today had to be one of the happiest days of her life because Michael was having a wonderful time.
A moment later, Josie spotted Logan speaking to Diego. She turned away. He hadn’t spoken to her, and Josie wondered if he was angry with her.
Michael let out a squeal of laughter as he was hoisted onto a pony and led around the yard.
<
br /> Josie’s heart soared. Her son looked as though the sky had opened up and God had handed him a perfect day. His eyes sparkled and his laugh was contagious, and that was all that mattered.
Logan stared at Josie, utterly transfixed, as she clapped her hands together, then touched them to her chest each time Michael laughed. He was in awe of her beauty, her kindness, and the way she showed her son how much she loved him. She was a heady mixture of innocence and temptation. She was a breath of fresh air. And before the night was over, she would be his.
He didn’t know exactly what made him so certain of that fact, except that he wanted so much to be with her. It wasn’t just physical. He found he wanted to truly be with her. He wanted to know her favorite color, what she was thinking. It was certainly a first for him, and he found it oddly exciting.
He watched as children gathered around a tree where a piñata had been hung. Michael had just been blindfolded. Logan walked over to join them.
Michael missed the first swing, and jeers broke out. He tried a second time and failed again.
Logan approached him and removed the blindfold. “I’m going to turn you around three times, and when I stop I want you to swing it like a baseball bat, as high as you can, okay? Michael nodded.
“Will you stay and watch?”
Logan’s voice was gentle. “Do you want me to?”
Michael nodded vigorously. “In case I don’t do it right.”
Logan’s heart began to melt, chunk by chunk. Against his will, he reached out and touched the youngster on the shoulder. Glancing into the boy’s face, he was surprised to find that he no longer saw his son. For the first time, as he touched Michael and stared into his eyes, what he saw was just a seven-year-old boy who craved male acceptance—a sweet little boy eager to please, and to meet life head-on.
Michael was one hundred percent original.
“I’ll be close by if you need me,” he whispered.
Michael smiled. “Okay, you can put the blindfold on me now. I’m ready.”
Cheers went up as Michael landed a hard blow and candy came raining down, to the delight of everyone.
When Michael removed the blindfold, he looked straight at Logan and gave him a thumbs-up sign.
Smiling, Logan echoed the gesture.
Josie was watching from the sidelines, surprised and a little fascinated at the interesting turn of events.
She waited for Logan to approach, but he never did. Not when she walked to the grill to get a hot dog, not when she stood by herself while the magician entertained everyone, and not when she walked to the house by herself to tell Rosie they had run out of ice for drinks.
But she knew he watched her.
Later, Elena gathered everyone together. There was one more present, she announced. Michael looked surprised. He clearly had not expected anything else.
Diego set a large unwrapped box in front of Michael. When he opened the lid his eyes grew large, and he squealed, “A puppy!”
At first, Josie thought he meant a stuffed toy. She inhaled sharply when she saw the Chihuahua. What had Elena been thinking? They couldn’t keep a dog at Consuelo’s.
When she mentioned it later, Elena assured her that Consuelo had been in on the secret.
Josie was outnumbered. She looked at Logan suspiciously, wondering if he’d had anything to do with it. She recalled the day they had been fishing, when Michael had asked Logan if he had a dog.
The day wore down, and so did Michael. When he started to nod off, Josie knew it was time to go.
“Can I stay here tonight, Mom? Menudo is tired.”
“Menudo?”
“That’s what I named our dog.”
“Michael, we don’t want to wear out our welcome--”
Elena walked up behind her. “Josie, I hope you’ll let him stay. Some of the other children will also be spending the night. He’ll be fine here. I promise.”
Josie wasn’t so certain, but after seeing how tired Michael was, she agreed.
“If you’re sure it’s all right.”
“Of course, I’m sure.”
Josie and Michael had never been separated before, and she still wasn’t comfortable with the idea of leaving him. You’re being a bit selfish, aren’t you, Josie? a small voice whispered. He’d been so happy all day. The best part of it all was that he’d been around other children his own age. She wouldn’t spoil the rest of his day.
After Elena showed them to a guest room, Josie kissed Michael goodnight and returned to the kitchen. “Rosie, can I help with the dishes?”
“Goodness, no, Señora. I’m almost through. There’s some juice and tea in the refrigerator. Just make yourself at home. I’m going outside for a moment.”
Josie nodded and headed for the fridge. She poured tea into a glass and stood there admiring the large kitchen.
Rosie had left the radio on, and a sensual Mexican ballad began to play. Josie’s body swayed to the rhythm of the music, and she sang along with the artist.
“Looks like I arrived just in time.”
Embarrassed to be caught dancing alone, Josie stopped abruptly and faced Logan. “You should do something about that nasty habit of sneaking up on people,” she said, then regretted the words. She shouldn’t be rude after all he had done for Michael.
He grinned. “You’re just too focused on what you’re doing, or you’d hear me coming.” He took the glass from her and set it on the counter. Then he took her in his arms and danced with her.
The music was too sensual, he was too close, and she was too vulnerable. When he drew her nearer though, she closed her eyes and let herself be led through the music.
Josie was tired, but not too tired to feel an anxious longing. Added to that was the excitement of the day, and she could hardly keep her eyes open.
She wanted to go home, but was too tired to tell him. She rested her head on his chest, and felt him tighten his arms around her.
“My poor tired Josie.”
She lifted her head to tell him he was right, but her lethargy and his eyes stopped her from complaining, especially when his mouth lowered to claim hers.
This kiss was different from the one they’d shared under the tree. His mouth touched hers lightly, tenderly. He reached up and wove his hands gently through her hair, tilting her head back as he deepened the kiss. His strength pulled her closer.
A small moan escaped her throat as she clung to him.
“Josie, querida, come home with me,” he whispered. Just let me hold you. I won’t do anything you don’t want me to do. This night will be on your terms.”
Oh, she was tempted, but she recalled his words that day after they’d kissed by the tree, and couldn’t possibly go with him. It would only be a temporary arrangement, he’d said.
“I can’t.”
“Why not?” he pressed. Elena told me Michael is staying the night.”
Her body couldn’t refuse. Josie pulled him closer.
“Consuelo is already gone,” he said, kissing the corner of her mouth and eyelids.
“In that case, it would be rude of me to say no, wouldn’t it? Especially since I don’t have a ride home.” She pressed herself closer.
Logan groaned. “Perhaps we’d better go now, before everyone comes inside.”
She suddenly remembered whose kitchen she was in, and pulled back.
“Josie,” Logan whispered. “Come with me now.”
She wanted to. Oh, how she wanted to go with him. Would it be so bad? she wondered. She closed her eyes for a moment, and when she opened them again he was watching her intently.
“Yes,” she whispered.
* * *
As Logan unlocked his door and ushered her into the living room, he was convinced that no other woman was as desirable or as beautiful as Josie, nor as sweet. Just one look from those dark eyes, and she had him aching to draw her into his arms.
As he’d promised, he would let her set the pace. Twice, circumstances had thrown them together–once in this
room, the other under the tree–and he hadn’t been prepared either time. Tonight, he would let nature take its course. And if nothing happened, well enough.
Have a seat. Would you like a beer, or tea?”
“Whatever you’re having.”
She sat on the edge of the couch, feeling awkward. When Logan reappeared, he sat down beside her, stretching out his long legs. He handed her a beer, and their hands touched. Their eyes met, and Josie tried not to glance toward the television set.
Logan seemed to think twice about the beers. He retrieved her bottle and placed both on the coffee table before returning his attention to Josie. His eyes became gentle, reassuring, and he reached out and touched her shoulder. His fingers caressed her lightly, moving up to cup her cheek. His forefinger made a lazy path to her bottom lip, and he stroked it.
“You have the most beautiful mouth in all of Texas,” he whispered.
Josie drew a shaky breath and leaned forward, her hand going to the nape of his neck, drawing his mouth to hers. This night was on her terms, and she intended to make full use of it.
Their lips were eager, and their hands couldn’t seem to touch each other enough, and soon they forgot on whose terms the night belonged.
Logan kissed her as though he couldn’t get enough of her lips. He reached down and unbuttoned her shirt. Sweet Jesus! She wasn’t wearing a bra. His breath was ragged as he rubbed his thumb lightly across one nipple. Josie arched her back, offering more of herself to him. His mouth took possession as he tongued and tasted her. She was so sweet, so beautiful.
Josie moaned softly, her fingers touching his hair, and she pushed closer. She felt bereft as his mouth left her nipple to take possession of her mouth again and kiss her deeply.
God, how she wanted him.
“Logan,” she whispered into his mouth. “Please.”
He pulled back slightly and looked at her, “Josie, what’s wrong?”
Her fingers dug into his shoulders. “I don’t want to wait. Make love to me. Now.”
He brushed her hair back and his lips grazed along her neck then pressed his lips to her ear and whispered “Oh, Josie, sweetheart.”
Gently, he picked her up and carried her into the bedroom. He stood her beside the bed to slowly undress her, and when he was through, she did the same to him.
Destination: Love (The Sandera, Texas Series) Page 11
