Bayside Destinies

by Stacy Claflin

  “Don’t they have contests and giveaways?” Freya asked.

  Dakota’s eyes lit up. “There are some unbelievable ones! You have to enter them. There’s a Hawaiian honeymoon up for grabs—several honeymoon giveaways, actually. I think I saw a free wedding dress up for grabs. Some cakes. I mean, obviously, I’d love for you to get everything through me, but if you can get some freebies or crazy discounts—do it.”

  Logan just nodded.

  “When are you going to bring her to dinner?” Freya asked. “Everyone will love her.”

  “Soon. I’m just asking that you don’t tell anyone.”

  Freya pretended to zip her mouth. “My lips are sealed.”

  “Me too.” Dakota grinned and gave him another playful shove. “I never thought I’d get to help plan your wedding.”

  “Me neither,” he mumbled.

  “Make sure you come tomorrow. I’ll definitely be there, but I can’t guarantee the rest of the week.”

  “I’m not sure. Audrey might have plans already.”

  Dakota’s eyes widened. “Are you kidding? She’ll drop them for free expo tickets. Don’t believe me? Check the prices on those babies.”

  The door opened, and Mom poked her head in. “There you three are. What’s going on in here?”

  Logan shot his sisters warning glances.

  Dakota’s eyes sparkled. “You’ll find out soon enough.”

  Mom gave them all a curious glance. “I hope so. I can’t even begin to imagine what the three of you are plotting.”

  Freya gave Logan a knowing glance, and then they all headed to the full kitchen. The entire meal went by in a blur as Logan waited for one of his excited sisters to accidentally spill the beans, but they kept their word—though they both kept sneaking him knowing glances. Thankfully, nobody else seemed to notice those, or the fact that he was unusually quiet.

  Once out in his car, he checked his phone for the wedding expo tickets. That’s when he noticed a bunch of missed calls and texts. He’d accidentally set his phone to silent.

  Audrey had called him several times and then sent him a series of texts.

  I ran into your sister Freya.

  She saw the ring and asked about it.

  I didn’t know she was your sister.

  Now she thinks we’re really engaged.

  I’m sorry. I hope this doesn’t cause problems.

  If I had known she was your sister, I wouldn’t have said anything.

  Hope I’m not bugging you.

  Call me.

  His heart went out to her. As if she didn’t have enough to worry about, now she probably thought he was mad at her.

  Logan called her.

  She answered on the first ring. “I’m so sorry.”

  “It’s okay. I just got your messages. Somehow my phone ended up on silent.”

  Audrey sighed. “Freya didn’t tell your whole family, did she?”

  “No, just Dakota—the wedding planner.”

  “I am so sorry.”

  “Stop being sorry, it’s fine. But I hope you don’t have plans tomorrow.”

  “Why?”

  “Because we’re going to a wedding expo. Dakota gave us free tickets.”

  There was a moment of silence.

  “Audrey?”

  “We’re going to a wedding expo? Together?”

  “Can you go? If you’re busy, I understand.”

  “I’m free.” She laughed nervously. “How many people can say their second date was at a wedding expo?”

  Logan laughed. “Probably not a lot. So, how are you? Your ex hasn’t given you any trouble, has he?”

  “Nope. I haven’t heard from him or seen him at all today.”

  “Good. I’ll check and see if they’ve found him, either to serve him the restraining order or with the arrest warrant.”

  “Arrest warrant?” Audrey exclaimed.

  “Yeah. You filed charges against him for assault.”

  “Oh, my. He’s going to be furious.”

  “And if he’s smart, he’ll stay far away from you. At least five hundred feet, to be exact.”

  She groaned. “What time should I be ready tomorrow?”

  “Does ten work?”

  “I’ll be ready.”

  “Perfect. I’ll see you then.”

  Eleven

  Audrey tugged on the leash, trying to get Charlie to focus. “Come on, boy. I’m going to be gone all day. You have to pee before I leave.”

  Unfortunately, the dog had other plans. He wanted to chase every squirrel that ran by and sniff or kiss every person who crossed their path. Everything was more interesting than relieving himself.

  If he didn’t hurry, Audrey was going to have to text Logan and let him know she was running late.

  “Audrey,” came an angry familiar voice from behind.

  Heart thundering, she spun around.

  Bryson glowered at her, his face red and nostrils flared.

  She shook, nearly dropping the leash. Charlie was too busy sniffing a tree to notice Bryson.

  “A warrant for my arrest? Really?” Bryson waved his arms so rapidly he could have flown away.

  “I… You b-bruised my face.”

  His brows knit together. “I didn’t even hit you! I’ve never hit you—never done anything to deserve this.” He stepped closer. “Why would you do this to me?”

  Charlie rushed in between them and growled.

  Bryson stopped. “You think a dog can protect you?”

  Charlie snapped and growled louder.

  Bryson took a step back, but kept his gaze on Audrey.

  She clung to the leash. “You need to leave me alone. Just go back home to Spokane.”

  “Never—unless you’re with me, where you belong.”

  Charlie continued growling.

  Bryson eyed the dog and then met Audrey’s gaze again. “Take back the charges. Go to the police station right now and tell them you’ve changed your mind.”

  “Then you’ll leave me alone for good?”

  He narrowed his eyes. “I’m not going anywhere until you wake up and realize your place is with me. Then we can go home together and leave that mutt behind.”

  Audrey struggled to breathe. “Don’t talk about Charlie like that. And Bryson, we’re through. I’m never going to be with you again.”

  “You don’t realize how big of a mistake you’re making.”

  “Is that a threat?” She glared at him, trying to appear less intimidated than she felt.

  “Only if it needs to be. You—Audrey.” He glared at her hand. “What. Is. That?”

  The ring.

  She took a deep breath and held out her hand. “This? I’m engaged. You didn’t know?”

  “Let me see that.” He reached for her.

  Charlie barked and snapped.

  Bryson stepped back, swearing at the dog.

  “Don’t talk to him like that!” Audrey glared at him.

  He swore at her. “I’ll talk to either one of you however I want.”

  “No, you won’t. Goodbye, Bryson.”

  “If you think this is the end, you’re sorely mistaken.”

  “Says the person with a warrant out for his arrest.”

  Bryson lunged for her.

  Charlie growled and snapped at him, barely missing his arm.

  “If that dog bites me, not only is it going to be dead, but you’re going to have a warrant out for your arrest!”

  Audrey took a few steps back. “Really? After you broke the restraining order?”

  He narrowed his eyes. “I never agreed to it, so I don’t have to follow it. And I certainly don’t have to do anything you try to tell me to.”

  “You’d better not try to hurt either one of us, or you’ll pay the consequences.” She spun around and headed back to the apartment building. Her entire body shook so hard she could barely hang onto the leash.

  “You’d better sleep with one eye open!”

  Audrey pretended not to hea
r him, but picked up her pace. Thankfully, once they rounded the corner, Charlie finally relieved himself.

  She continued shaking as she cleaned up after him. The only thing that kept her from breaking down was the fact that Bryson was out of sight. He hadn’t followed her. She was safe for now.

  Not that she could relax—not after he had threatened both her and Charlie. Bryson had all but said he would kill her dog.

  Once they were in the elevator, she leaned against the wall and drew in shaky breaths. They were safe in the building. Bryson would either need a key or for someone to buzz him in, and even if someone let him in, he would need to be able to figure out where she lived and somehow get inside her apartment.

  As she and Charlie headed down her hall, Logan already stood at her door. If only Audrey could be excited. Bryson had managed to ruin that.

  Logan turned toward them with a smile, but it faded. “What’s the matter?”

  She didn’t want to talk about it. “Sorry I’m late. Charlie didn’t want to go to the bathroom. Well, not the bathroom but you know what I mean.”

  Concern washed over his face. “Did something else happen? Something with Bryson?”

  Audrey unlocked the door. She should’ve known he’d figure it out.

  “Did he show up?”

  “Yes.” She stepped inside and closed the door once they were all in. “Are you thirsty? I can get you something.”

  Logan put his hand on her bare arm. His touch was instantly comforting. “What happened? Tell me everything.”

  Audrey turned to him, and as soon as she looked into his kind amber eyes, she fell apart inside. Tears blurred her vision and a lump in her throat prevented her from speaking.

  He pulled her into his strong, warm embrace. She shook, and the tears fell freely. Logan rubbed her back and whispered that it would be okay. She leaned her head against his chest and listened to his heart beating.

  After a few minutes had passed, Audrey felt strong enough to step back.

  Logan cupped her chin and gazed into her eyes. “He didn’t hurt you, did he?”

  She shook her head. “Charlie wouldn’t let him near me.”

  “Good boy.” Logan reached down and patted the dog’s head while still holding Audrey’s gaze. “But what happened?”

  “I took Charlie out to pee, and that’s when Bryson showed up.”

  “What did he say?”

  Audrey drew in a deep breath. It was humiliating to admit any of it, but Logan only wanted to help. Judging by the intensity of his expression, he actually cared about what happened to her. “Can we sit?”

  “Of course. Can I get you something to drink?”

  She shook her head. They were in her apartment, and he was offering her hospitality?

  If she didn’t know better, she might think the engagement was actually real.

  Twelve

  A range of emotions ran through Logan as he listened to Audrey go over her encounter with Bryson. He wanted to protect her from having to deal with that arrogant jerk ever again, while at the same time, he wanted to hunt down that weasel and put him in his place.

  When she finished telling her story, she leaned against him again. He wrapped his arms around her and kissed the top of her head. “My brother-in-law is a police officer. I’m going to let him know what’s going on. First of all, they need to know that he willingly broke the restraining order. Second, they need to keep an eye out for him.”

  “I’m sorry for all the trouble.”

  “Don’t apologize for him. None of this is your fault, Audrey. I’m glad you came to me with all of this—at least I know the law. Too many people try to handle these situations on their own, and often it turns south fast.”

  She sighed. “I just feel stupid for getting involved with him in the first place.”

  “Don’t. These guys are smooth talkers. Usually, they paint a drastically different picture than who they really are, and then blindside the woman with the truth. It’s confusing, and emotionally hard to deal with.”

  Audrey leaned back and met his gaze, tears shining in her eyes. “Do you see this a lot in your work?”

  “I wouldn’t say a lot, but I’ve run into these situations more than I’d like. Once is too much.” He took her hand in his. “And it guts me to know you’re dealing with it.”

  “Really?”

  He squeezed her hand. “Yes. I can’t imagine what kind of a monster would be so cruel to you.”

  If Logan was in a real relationship with her, he would treat her like gold. Every day, he would tell her how wonderful she was—sweet, loving, beautiful, and smart. He would tell her until she believed it herself. Then he would hold her all the time and protect her from the Brysons of the world.

  Logan realized they’d been staring into each other’s eyes for close to a minute. He cleared his throat. “Are you ready to go to the expo? Dakota’s really looking forward to meeting you.”

  Her eyes widened. “What are you going to tell her?”

  “Nothing. She already thinks we’re engaged.”

  “But it won’t last. You’ll have to tell her something.”

  “I’m not worried about it. Today, I just want to get your mind off Bryson.”

  A tear slid down her face. He wiped it with his thumb, but what he really wanted was to kiss it away. To kiss her until she forgot about everything that had her worried.

  Logan rose and helped her up. “I’ll call Nico while you fix your makeup. It’s a little smeared.”

  “Thanks. For everything.” She hurried to the bathroom before he could respond.

  He stared at the closed door for a few moments before heading to the balcony to call his brother-in-law about the broken restraining order.

  Charlie followed him and licked Logan’s legs just below his shorts as he talked on the phone.

  “We haven’t been able to serve him the papers,” Nico said. “The friend didn’t deny that Bryson was staying there, but claimed he wasn’t there then and that he’d give him the message.”

  Logan clenched his fists. “Oh, I’d say he got the message all right.” He filled Nico in on what had happened.

  “Tell her to call us next time he shows up. At least we have the arrest warrant. You can give her my number if you want, but she’d get a quicker response if she calls nine-one-one.”

  “Thanks, Nico. I appreciate it.”

  “No problem. And make sure—hold on, Logan.” Shuffling sounded on the other end for a few moments. “Hey, I have to go. We’ll talk later. I’ll update Bryson’s file.”

  The call ended.

  Logan leaned against the railing and took a deep breath. His mind reeled. He was used to keeping his emotions reined in, but ever since Audrey had walked into his life, they were out of control. He wanted to beat the crap out of Bryson yet at the same time, protect Audrey, to hold her and press his mouth on hers and never let her go.

  His heart fluttered and his palms sweated at the thought of her in his arms. Never before had he wanted to kiss someone so badly. But this was a fake engagement, and they were nothing more than friends. Once the summer ended, he would need to return his focus back to his work.

  Why did that thought make him feel so awful?

  Audrey cleared her throat behind him. “I’m ready.”

  He turned around. She stood in the doorway, now wearing a short rainbow-colored dress and her hair up in a twist. Long, dangling earrings matched a necklace that rested just above the dress’ neckline.

  Logan struggled to find his breath. “You look beautiful.”

  She smiled shyly. “You think this is okay for the expo?”

  He wanted to pull her into his embrace and kiss away her insecurities. To run his fingertips along her bare arms and tell her how perfect she was.

  “Logan?”

  Without thinking, he wrapped his arms around her and placed his lips on her soft, sweet mouth. She tasted of maple and mint, and smelled like fresh summer fruit. He trailed kisses to her cheek, w
here makeup covered the bruise. Then he kissed underneath her eyes, where the tears had fallen just minutes before.

  Audrey’s hands pressed firmly against his sides and she relaxed in his arms. He returned to her mouth, taking the kiss deeper. She responded, kissing him back eagerly.

  Then he remembered this was a fake engagement. That he had to keep a level head and return to work in a couple months—undistracted.

  He couldn’t let himself fall for her. Then he might break both their hearts.

  Logan pulled back and gasped for air. “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have done that. It’s just…”

  She stared at him with an expression he couldn’t read. “Just what?”

  That was a good question. Just what? Just that he couldn’t think straight around her? That he couldn’t resist her beauty and sweetness? That he wanted to take away all her pain? Or that he didn’t want the relationship to be a farce?

  “Logan?”

  “We should go.”

  Thirteen

  Audrey leaned her head against the headrest and closed her eyes. Her heart rate hadn’t returned to normal since Logan had kissed her.

  Nobody had ever kissed her like that before. With such love and passion. The engagement might be fake, but there was no way the kisses had been. Or the intensity of his expression.

  What was going on? Was he for real? He seemed too good to be true. She half-expected to wake up and find she had never even stepped foot onto his property and reintroduced herself.

  No, that wasn’t her wake-up call. It was the fact that they were actually just friends, and that she’d have to return the engagement ring once they figured out how to get rid of Bryson.

  Logan was probably just one of those people who made everyone feel like the most important person in the world.

  Even if that was the case, she would enjoy it while it lasted. She would never find real love like that, and this would be something she could always look back on and remember. Now that she knew what it felt like to be loved and desired, nobody could take that away from her.

  It was something she’d always dreamed about. Imagined as she watched romantic movies and read novels.

  What Logan had given her was even better than she’d imagined. Too bad it wasn’t real. It was just as fake as their engagement.