"You're due for another pill."
I shook my head. "I'll take one before bed. I don't like feeling loopy—" He didn't give me a chance to say anything else. He was standing in between my legs, his lips on mine, arms wrapped around me. He pulled his lips away but keeps me in his arms.
"Okay. Next time you're restless baking I wouldn't mind some cookies or blueberry muffins."
I giggled. His pantry was not stocked, but it would be tomorrow and I'd make him cookies and muffins.
"Why don't you make me a list, and I'll work my way through it," I offered, playing with one of his belt loops.
"I missed this. Having someone who loves food in the house cooking. Mom put a lot of love into it. Good food. Good memories."
I tilted my head to look at him. "I know. Why do you think I spent so much time here with your mom?"
"You had a crush on me." He smiled.
Arrogant.
Even if he were unattractive like Steven Tyler and Mike Myers, I would have been over here talking with his mom. She welcomed me, bringing me into the fold of the Adams family. Taught me how to cook, or the basics of how to cook.
I giggled again. "She was a kick ass lady."
"She was, baby." He kissed my hair. "Are you good now?" I nodded. "Good. Got shit to do. I'll make a list later." Leaving his coffee cup on the counter, I watched his butt in those tight jeans go. What's the point of having a hot boyfriend if I can't perv out on his backside?
Chapter Seven
Deck the Halls
Annie and I had just finished raiding Victoria's Secret at the Southgate mall. We'd barely pulled off successful negotiations with the boys to let us shop alone. I dropped some serious money on panties and bras, more on panties than bras. It was totally worth the dip in my bank account.
We settled for Red Robin. They had a decent spinach artichoke dip. I could make it better, but for semi fast food it was pretty tasty. Annie had avoided talking about Randy all morning. The waitress brought our drinks, we ordered, and I was prepared to pull information out of her.
"What's the deal with Randy?"
She ignored the question, using her straw to stir her drink. Her whole demeanor, body language was just off. This couldn't be good.
"You can't avoid this conversation, bestie," I said. She leaned back into the booth, letting out a sigh.
"I know. I don't really know what's going on with us. We haven't talked about it."
"That's not your MO, avoiding that. What do you want to happen?" I asked.
She let out an aggravated sigh. "I know. He's handling the security issue that's part of my hesitation. Just weighing my options. What about the drama and your momma?"
Sneaky, changing the subject.
"Nathan's running interference this weekend. She showed up at Logan's, caused a scene. Logan stepped up, and I hate that he did, but he handled her better than I could have. There was a citation issued, she has to go to court. I'm not sure for what, but she hasn't been back, at least not yet."
A smirk slid across her face, and she was clearly fighting back a giggle. "Sorry, but that's awesome your mom has to go to court. You and Logan gonna make it Facebook official?"
"I'm horrible at checking Facebook, you know that. Exactly why you handle the store's page and not me."
I pulled out my phone, waving it at her, I opened up Facebook and waited for the app to load. I paused and watched her face, before continuing.
"So back to Randy. Do you like him? I mean he's staying with you."
She bit her lip.
Uh-oh.
The waitress dropped off our food, and grabbed our glasses to refill. She waited for the waitress to leave before speaking.
"After your mom stopped by, we moved to his place. His uniforms are there, just seemed easier."
I knew she was technically in the clear for her minor head injury. Yet, they were still staying under the same roof.
"I'm sorry. I don't even blame Randy for telling her I was staying with Logan."
The waitress returned our drinks, asking if we needed anything else, we told her no, so she scrambled away. I updated my relationship status then focused on my plate.
"She was pretty loud. He was beyond pissed that she woke me up."
I've never known my mom to be quiet. In fact if she was ever quiet, I'd probably find the nearest exit because hell would be freezing over and I'd need somewhere safe to hide.
"Are you guys sleeping together?"
She squeezed ketchup on her plate.
"We cuddle and make out. Haven't even hit second base. He's hot, attentive, sweet. There's potential."
I smile and eat a fry. She wanted second base. Hell, she wanted a home run with Randy.
"I get not wanting to rush it."
"That's not really the issue. I had a bad dream Monday night. He's treating me like I'm a piece of fragile glass. I think the nightmare freaked him out."
That'd freak me out, pretty sure that would freak anyone, who possessed compassion, out. She's holding something else back, I can tell.
"Talk to him, if he doesn't change his mind, instigate. We did just spend a lot of money on bras and panties."
She drug a fry through ketchup, took a bite delaying her answer. "It's Randy. It's not this high school fling I know won't go anywhere. If we date but breakup where does that leave our group? If we go the distance that means giving up my virginity, and possibly marriage, and that's a little scary."
Holy hell.
"Well, I guess Logan and I are in the same boat as for group dynamics, but it's not like we hang out as much as we use to. Although, that will probably change here soon, since Nathan's moving back."
I start digging into my burger, while Annie picked at hers.
"Yeah. I don't know. It'll most likely come up when I move back to my apartment, which will probably be when the work on the bakery is completed. Unless something happens before then. What about Christmas?"
"Absolutely no idea. I need to talk to Logan. I'll avoid my parents’ house, but I want to do something. Are you going to your parents?"
"They'll be here for New Years." She shrugged it off.
She missed her parents. I've never felt that particular feeling towards my parents. I've missed Nathan, and go out of my way to make plans to see him, or at least tried to make plans to see him. But my parents, I just felt relief being away from them.
"Logan hinted that we'll be talking about the robbery tonight."
"How'd you get out of that for this long?" she sounded irked.
I was not looking forward to the conversation mainly because Logan might lose his mind once I tell him I tackled the one guy.
"Um—I have no idea. I guess dealing with Nathan, and then Mom being her lovely self, kinda delayed it. I pretty much crashed as soon as he tucked me in Monday. I woke up in a lot of pain, and he gave me a pass. When did Randy bring it up?"
"Monday night, after the nightmare. It helped, haven't had another one. I feel safe when he's there."
Logan had been handling me with kid gloves too, but I felt safe. No nightmares, and I hope I didn’t have them, ever.
"Logan asked me to go Christmas shopping with him. What do you want?"
Logan must have asked her when I was talking to Randy about the new system.
"Pepper spray." I giggled, as Annie rolled her eyes. Saying pepper spray isn't really a joke. I wanted some to put in my purse just in case something like the robbery happens (again).
"Randy bought the pepper spray, but seriously don't you want something else?"
I wiped my fingers and tossed the napkin on my plate.
"I honestly don't know. I was going to get him some new sheets and a few extra pillows. Maybe some comfy but sexy lounge pants."
His sheets aren't bad, but guys were oblivious to nice sheets and towels. At least my ex was. He could care less that his sheets were ratty. Maybe some bamboo sheets or a really high thread count. I'd have to look around before I decide.
; "What about a gift certificate to the massage school?"
"Sounds great to me as long as it's a couple’s massage." After tucking my phone back into my purse, I finish my drink.
"Okay, give me a few more ideas, in case he rejects that one. Anything kitchen related?"
The waitress brought our check and I quickly threw my card down before she left.
"Pepper spray, spa, I wouldn't turn my nose up at a stand mixer but those are super expensive. I really don't want him to spend that much money. Plus his mom was pretty stocked on kitchen stuff so I can use that, at least for now."
"Books?" she asked again.
I shrug. "I like that used bookstore. Not sure I'll have time to read anything. Keep him from going overboard." I was with Logan to be with him, not his wallet, and I never want him to feel like I was only with him because he's well off. The ranch had been in his family for generations, and most people called that being land rich. When his parents passed unexpectedly, they were well insured. Not only was he land rich, he was not cash poor.
She laughed. "Honey, he's in deep. I doubt I'll be able to sway his love."
Shit.
"Well tell me if I need to do more than sheets and pillows."
Once my face healed, I'd figure out a way to take a picture of us and put it in a frame. Yes, like most girls I was sentimental like that. I liked looking at pictures reminding me of memories.
Although, I could check with Kevin and Courtney and see if anyone caught us on camera that weekend. The quality of the picture was what I was worried about. Any picture of us from that weekend, will be classy with the amount of alcohol involved, but it can't hurt to ask.
"You'll already be cooking for Christmas. I'm sure he'll be ecstatic over homemade food, especially if you follow his mom's recipes."
True.
"He made a list of food he wants me to make. Sorta already doing that," I admitted. Food isn't an acceptable gift to give, at least not to me. Cooking was what I did, and I wanted to give something special.
"What are you getting Nathan?" I loved shoe shopping, but gift buying I always had a hard time with. Annie's easy to shop for since we had similar tastes, but the guys, were not easy.
"Maid service?" I asked. My brother was hard to shop for, if he wanted something he just bought it. She nods.
"What about Randy? What should I get him?"
The waitress returned and I signed the slip.
"Free coffee and pastries, although that would be from both of us. I mean he's handling this disaster. It only seems fair we reward him." Giving gratis to Randy, I didn't have a problem with it.
"Yeah, we should let him be on the house permanently. I need to get him something, just from me though."
"Cologne? Or maybe buy his entry for the marathon in July. Hasn't he been training for that?" Nathan ran the half marathon a few years ago. The boys use to work out all the time in high school, around ranch chores of course. Logan even had a workout room in his house. I could only assume with Randy being in law enforcement he also took pride in staying in shape.
Annie nodded tossing her napkin on her half full plate.
"What if Randy asks me about you?" I asked.
"I'm gonna say something spa related. My face and body could use some extra TLC."
Who needed jewelry and flowers when there's a spa. I was sure some girls would want to revoke my card to the sisterhood for saying that, but I was a simple girl. As long as I had chocolate and coffee at my fingertips I was generally happy. Looking down at my watch, it's getting late.
"I still need to go grocery shopping."
We said goodbye and went our separate ways.
I tried not to think about Annie's lack of appetite. I also hoped Randy knew what he was doing in regards to Annie's needs.
Chapter Eight
There's veggies in my fridge
I rushed through grocery shopping. Owning a cattle ranch, Logan, had meat stock piled in the freezer, but not so much anything else. I grabbed the necessities. At least what I would call necessities: onion, garlic, potatoes, flour, sugar, butter, and various fresh produce. Some people have high standards about cars, or electronics, not me. I have snooty standards with food and alcohol, and sometimes shoes.
I had just finished the scalloped potatoes and meatloaf, putting them in the oven to cook, when Logan walked in. Freshly showered and smelling manly, his hair was still damp, as he opened the fridge and grabbed a beer.
"You want one?" he asked, flashing the beer can at me.
"Not yet. Maybe with dinner."
Leaning down he kissed me, briefly.
"You went overboard with the groceries," he said, in a teasing tone.
I rolled my eyes. "I did not. I can't find the cake plate with the lid, the glass one, know where it is?"
"You're making cake?" he asked, immediately perking up at the thought. He opened the pantry and pulled it down from the top shelf. No wonder I didn't see it way up there.
"Maybe." I was planning to make blueberry muffins, if there was time tonight.
"What are you making for dinner?" I took the cake plate from him setting it on the counter. It was disgusting, coated in five years of dust.
"Meatball meatloaf, scalloped potatoes, salad with ranch, rhubarb pie will go into bake once the meatloaf comes out." I smiled because his mouth was hanging open. The way to a man's heart was definitely through his stomach. Poor Logan had been surviving on his own cooking for a while.
"I'm not a big fan of salad, baby."
Tough shit was what I was thinking, but I tried a different tactic. I really thought he'd question the meatloaf, not the salad.
"But I made the ranch dressing." I flutter my eyelashes for added effect.
"From scratch?"
"Uh yeah, how else would I make it?" I put my hand on my hip for more emphasis, and glare at him.
"With one of those packet things from the store."
You've got to be freaking kidding me. Pulling out the glare, I directed it at him.
"Seriously, babe, I spent how much money going to CIA, you think I'd use a packet to make salad dressing?" My tone dripped with utter disgust.
Pulling me back into his hips, he tucked his face into my neck, giving me a kiss below my ear.
"True. Okay, I'll eat some salad," he murmured.
Damn right he'd eat some salad. I smiled because I won that small battle.
"You have two options," he continued talking against my neck. "Tell me now and I'll tell Nathan, or you can tell us together this weekend, but I won't be able to shield his reaction from you."
Crap. He was sneaky, seducing me before going in for the kill.
"Like right now?" I asked, hoping to avoid the topic.
"Yep. We have time."
Pulling away from him I leaned into the island. This allowed me to look at him head on, face to face. Quickly, I thought through my possible choices and go with the first option.
"Okay," I gave in.
With a deep breath in, I rehashed the robbery, which didn't take long. His eyes turned scary icy and cold when I admitted to tackling the smells like pee guy. He was frowning, but his eyes stayed locked with mine. I mentioned the part about Annie being more or less violated, and how she told me about her nightmare earlier today. His jaw clenched, and at that moment I was happy those men were in jail. Otherwise, Logan and Randy would be in jail for murdering them. There was a long silence as he processed all the information I had just told him.
More silence.
Scary silence.
He crushed his beer can, causing me to jump, and then threw it into the trash.
"Randy was right."
The thing with Randy was, he was extremely smart, very observant. So he stayed quiet and observed before speaking. Not only did Randy possess verbal patience, but he was quick on his feet, which was probably why he was in Law School. But in this instance I really didn't have a clue what Logan's referring to.
"Right about what exactly?"
I understood everyone's fears of what ifs, but I couldn't live like that. It happened. I couldn't change the past and react differently. I could, however, prepare for the future. If that meant taking a self defense class to put the guys at ease, then I was willing to do that.
"I'd prefer not to dwell on this shit. He's fixing the alarm system. Living in fear over this isn't going to happen. I don't want to live my life like that," I told him. That was the truth. Shit happens. I wasn't going to lose hope or change my career path over this one incident. I loved my job. I loved the bakery, and working with Annie every day.
Turning back towards me, he nodded.
"I understand. It still upsets me that it happened to you and Annie."
"I know. We've learned from it and are taking necessary precautions so it won't happen again. From what Annie said, Randy's helping her cope. That's really all we can do."
Annie barely ate her lunch, and I knew she was having a harder time dealing with all of this than I was. Yes, I was worried about Annie, but I wanted to give Randy time to help her. Maybe, I was putting too much faith into Randy, but I didn’t think I was.
"I hope there won't be a next time, but if there is, you need to call me not pawn that off on someone else. Hearing you say you're okay goes a lot further than someone else trying to assure me that you are. I'll call Randy tomorrow and see if he needs help. With the bakery or Annie."
I never thought not hearing from me under those circumstances would freak him out more, but I understood his reasoning. At the time I think I was more afraid of losing it, and it was a way to avoid processing what happened right away.
I nodded at him, then change the subject. A happier topic.
"What are we doing for Christmas?" I asked. He's lived alone a long time, and I was not sure he's open to entertaining people. His mom used to throw random parties, they were always super relaxed, fun. I doubted he had gone to the trouble of having people over since he's moved back.
Logan and Cecile Page 9
