Bayside Destinies

by Stacy Claflin

  He returned the embrace. “For what?”

  “Bryson, of course.”

  “You can’t control what he does.”

  “But I brought him here.”

  Logan kissed the top of her head. “No, you brought you into my life. He followed you here. Big difference.”

  “But I—”

  “Logan!”

  Freya and Dakota ran over and embraced their brother. Their parents followed, also joining in the hug.

  Everyone spoke over one another. Audrey stepped back, giving his family room. Logan explained what had happened, leaving out the detail of Bryson being Audrey’s stalker ex-boyfriend.

  “So, he broke your arm?” Judy asked.

  “It’s only a hairline fracture, but I swear it’s more painful than any break I’ve ever endured.”

  “What’s the cast for?”

  “Just to protect it from more injury. It’s supposed to heal itself pretty quickly if left alone.”

  “Oh, isn’t that what happened to Haley’s sister?”

  “Yeah, I think it is.” Dakota threw her arms around Logan again. “I’m so glad you weren’t hurt worse. Who was that jerk, anyway? Some angry client or something?”

  “Something like that. Thanks for coming down, but this really isn’t a big deal.”

  “Not a big deal?” Judy exclaimed. “Some guy attacked you.”

  “He’s not without injury, Mom. Plus, after getting his stitches, he’s going back to jail.”

  “Back to jail?”

  Freya sat next to Audrey. “Are you okay, sweetie?”

  “Yeah. Just worried about Logan. I wasn’t there when it happened.” No, she’d been in her apartment, fretting that Logan was having second thoughts about their relationship. In reality, he’d been in a fistfight with Bryson, defending her. Some girlfriend she was.

  “He’s as tough as they come,” Freya assured her. “He’ll be fine. And he loves you—I can’t believe he got into a fight. That other guy must’ve been a real piece of work.”

  “You have no idea.”

  Everyone fawned over Logan for a few more minutes before going their separate ways.

  Logan put his arm around Audrey. “I don’t suppose I can get a ride back to your apartment? That’s where my car is.”

  “Of course.” She ran her fingers lightly over the soft cast. “Is this really enough? It doesn’t seem like much of a cast.”

  “It’s got some metal rods, and all it’s supposed to do is help me from making it worse.”

  She leaned her head against his shoulder. “I’m so sorry, Logan. Are you going to have to wear that thing for the rest of your vacation?”

  “Probably only a few weeks. It isn’t a big deal.”

  “Not a big deal?” she exclaimed. “You ended up in the hospital because of Bryson.”

  Logan kissed her cheek. “At least I didn’t wind up in jail for assault.”

  “But he hit you!”

  “And I returned the favor. If there wasn’t proof, it would’ve only been his word against mine.”

  “Your word means a lot more than his. People would’ve believed you. I know it.”

  “Mind if we head back?” Logan asked.

  “Sure. Be warned that my car isn’t very nice.”

  “It’s better than walking.” He gave her a teasing smile.

  Her heart warmed. They walked hand-in-hand to her little beater—at least it felt like one compared to his expensive wheels.

  “Are you going to be able to drive yourself home?” she asked.

  Logan glanced down at his cast. “We’ll find out, won’t we?”

  Once she parked in the garage, she turned to him. “What do you feel like doing? I don’t even know what you had planned for our date, because you were so secretive about it.”

  He drew in a deep breath. “Would you be terribly disappointed if we reschedule that? I’d like to just relax—maybe see a movie or something.”

  Audrey took his hand. “I don’t even know what’s being rescheduled. How can I be upset about it not happening today? We can do whatever you want."

  "I'm happy as long as I'm with you."

  "So am I." She squeezed his hand. "Should we take your car? Or I can drive. You've been through enough."

  “Actually, if you don’t mind, I’d like to watch something at your place. Just kick back and relax.”

  “That’s probably a good idea since Bryson’s on the loose again.”

  “He’s not. As soon as he’s stitched up, he should be back in jail. Could be there now already.”

  That didn’t help her to feel any better. “But what if he posts bail again?”

  “I wouldn’t count on that. He’s going to be on a No Bail Hold because he demonstrated that he’ll continue to break that law and the terms of his bail agreement. He’ll also receive a harsher sentencing for committing the same crime he was out on bail for. He actually did you a favor by showing up here at the complex.”

  She frowned. “He didn’t do you any favors.”

  Logan glanced at the cast and shrugged. “It’ll heal. I’m just glad you’re safe.”

  “I wish it wasn’t at your expense.” She opened her door. “Let’s head upstairs. I don’t know about you, but I’m thirsty.”

  “So am I, but I’ll be happy to just sit with you and watch a movie.”

  “Hope you don’t mind being licked the entire time.”

  He arched a brow.

  Audrey’s face burned. “By Charlie. I meant Charlie!”

  Logan burst out laughing.

  Thirty

  Logan fought to keep his eyes open. The medicine from the ER was making it hard to stay awake. It didn’t help that he was so relaxed watching the movie with his arm around Audrey.

  He stifled yawn after yawn, not wanting to give her the impression that he wasn’t happy to be there with her. Truth was, he couldn’t have been happier—cast or not.

  At least Bryson wouldn’t be bothering them anytime soon. No, he wouldn’t be in jail forever, but after the harsh penalties he would have to pay for breaking the terms of his bail, he would hopefully decide to head back to Spokane once out.

  Logan would see if he could pull any strings to get an order for him to return home.

  “More popcorn?” Audrey’s voice pulled him back to the present.

  “Only if you want more. I’m fine.”

  The movie was about halfway through, and he couldn’t follow it. Between the sleepiness and adjusting to the cast, focusing on anything else was out of the question.

  It was definitely a good thing he’d decided to postpone proposing. He wanted to be thinking as clearly as possible when he told her how much he loved her, and that he would do anything to make it work between them.

  He managed to stay awake through the whole movie, but barely.

  Audrey turned to him, her beautiful eyes shining. “Do you want to watch something else? I can make some actual food if popcorn isn’t enough.”

  Logan’s mind swam. If he didn’t get home to bed soon, he would either fall asleep on Audrey’s futon or worse, behind the wheel. Luckily, it was only a short drive, and he could probably make it.

  “No, it’s okay. I don’t want you to have to make anything. Besides, I should get home and rest. Rainbow—I mean raincheck—on the date?” Rainbow? It was official, he was losing it.

  He needed to get home sooner rather than later.

  “Yeah, no problem. But I don’t have to cook. I can order pizza from that little mom-and-pop place down the road. They deliver here.”

  The apartment spun around him. He leaned his head against the cushion and closed his eyes. “Can I get a glass of water?”

  “Sure.” The futon cushion shifted as she got up.

  Logan rubbed his temples and opened his eyes.

  Charlie glanced at him and lifted an ear. Logan petted him and took deep breaths. The room continued to spin.

  Was he well enough to drive home? He couldn’t rem
ember anyone at the hospital saying he shouldn’t drive.

  What medicine had they given him?

  Audrey appeared in front of him with a tall glass of ice water.

  “Thanks.” He gulped it down, his throat suddenly feeling like a parched desert wasteland.

  “Want some more?”

  He just nodded and handed her the glass of ice. After she went into the kitchen again, Logan rose to his feet and walked around the living room. His head felt a little clearer.

  Maybe walking to his car would be just what he needed in order to drive home safely. Then he could sleep off the medicine and plan their date to the lighthouse again. Next time, he’d get it right. They would actually make it there, then he would tell her how he felt.

  Something cold touched his hand. It was a glass of ice water. Audrey was trying to get him to take it.

  “Thanks.” He downed that one just as quickly. “Can I call you tomorrow? About replanning the date?”

  “Sure. I’m free all weekend.”

  “Perfect.”

  “I’ll walk you to your car.”

  He drew in a deep breath. The place was starting to spin again now that he was standing still.

  What was in that medicine?

  “Logan?”

  He stepped closer to her and tried to kiss her nose. His lips landed next to her eye.

  Focus.

  “I’ll walk myself to the car, otherwise I’ll just have to walk you back here to make sure you get here safely.”

  “But Bryson isn’t getting out. You said he broke the terms of the bail, so he can’t post it again.”

  Logan nodded, making the apartment spin again. “Right. But I’m a gentleman, so I would want to see you to your door.”

  “Are you feeling okay?” She ran the back of her hand across his cheeks and then forehead.

  He stood taller and focused on her eyes. “Couldn’t be better. I just need to get some rest after being in a fight and then enjoying the movie with…” His voice trailed away as he got lost in her eyes.

  “Logan?”

  “You. With you.” He stifled yet another yawn.

  “I’m kind of worried about letting you drive. Let me take you home.”

  He shook his head. “I’m perfectly fine. How about this? I’ll let you know when I get home safely.”

  Audrey shook her head. “I’d feel better driving you.”

  “I’ll be fine. I swear.” He kissed her cheek. “Once I get some rest, I’ll be as good as new.”

  “But—”

  “Nothing. It’s just a five-minute drive, and I’ll let you know once I’m home.”

  “Can I at least follow you in my car?”

  Logan took her hand in his. “Has everyone ever told you that you worry too much?”

  “You mean anyone?” She tilted her head. Was that a look of pity?

  “That’s what I said.”

  She shook her head. “Logan, please let me drive you home.”

  Irritation ran through him. “You don’t think I can drive myself?”

  “I think it would be better if I drove you, that’s all. Just this once.”

  “Really?” More annoyance raced through him. “You don’t trust me?”

  Her mouth gaped open. “It’s not that. You were in the ER after a fistfight. You—”

  Logan stepped back and glared at her. “I’m perfectly capable of driving myself. Would you believe I’ve never been pulled over? Not once in my life.”

  “That’s—”

  “I’m a perfectly capable driver, despite what you obviously think. I’m driving myself home. I’m not an imbecile.”

  She stepped back, tears shining in her eyes. “I just want to make sure you’re safe.”

  “You sound like my mother—that’s not attractive at all! I’m done arguing about this.” He marched out of the apartment, practically stumbling over his own two feet. “Don’t judge me.”

  “Logan, at least let me call you a taxi.”

  “I’m not leaving my car here in this parking lot.” He fumbled with the knob, threw open the door, then slammed it behind himself.

  His pulse raced as he lumbered down the hallway to the elevator. Everything looked clearer the more he walked. Why did she think so little of him?

  “See?” he muttered to himself. “I’m fine.” He dug his keys out of his pocket and managed to make his way outside and to his car.

  He’d made it to his car without incident, so he could get home just as well.

  What was Audrey so worried about?

  As he pulled onto the road, he noticed Audrey’s car coming out of the parking garage.

  She really didn’t trust him, did she?

  Audrey stayed a good distance behind him the whole way to his neighborhood. She pulled over to the curb a couple houses before his.

  Logan debated going over to her to thank her for her concern. Pangs of guilt poked him. He’d been rude back in the apartment—it had to be the medicine. It was making him feel so unlike himself.

  He decided against going over to her. She probably thought she’d been so discreet when the truth was that even with as awful as he felt, he’d noticed her right away.

  Logan cut the engine and made his way inside. He thought about texting as promised, but decided against it. She knew he was home safely. And besides, his entryway was spinning around him.

  He locked the door, set the alarm to night mode, then stumbled up the stairs, and crashed onto his bed. He fell asleep on top of the covers.

  Thirty-One

  Audrey ran her hands through her ratty hair, her fingers catching on knots. Charlie rolled over and let out a little snore, oblivious to Audrey’s misery.

  She had to go to the bathroom but couldn’t pull herself off the futon. It had been two full days since Logan had gotten mad at her and stormed out of her apartment, not texting her as promised.

  The only thing that brought her any comfort was that she knew he’d gotten home in one piece. She’d have no idea if she hadn’t followed him.

  Logan hadn’t called her all weekend. It was Sunday afternoon, and he hadn’t so much as sent a single text.

  She’d fallen asleep waiting to hear from him after following him home, then stayed in her pajamas ever since. At first, she’d chalked his behavior up to pain meds—the same reason he shouldn’t have driven himself home.

  Any pain medicines should’ve long since worn off.

  Audrey would’ve gone over herself but couldn’t bring herself to face him after their argument. What if it hadn’t been medicine, but second thoughts? Maybe after Bryson had sent him to the ER, Logan thought Audrey was too much trouble.

  She couldn’t blame him for that.

  The evening before, she’d asked Freya to check on him. She’d said he was tired, but seemed fine otherwise.

  He was okay, but were they?

  Audrey picked up her phone and went over to his number. She stared at it for a few moments. Should she try calling again?

  Was he too tired to answer her calls or did he not want to? He definitely hadn’t been happy with her when he’d left the other night. That much had been clear.

  Bryson.

  This was all his fault. Not only had he followed her to Enchantment Bay, but he’d attacked Logan, and now he wanted nothing to do with Audrey. Just like Bryson wanted.

  Charlie whined.

  “It’s okay, boy.” She patted his head.

  It wasn’t okay, though. Nothing was okay. Not with Logan mad at her, or at the very least wanting nothing to do with her.

  Anger ripped through her like she’d never felt. If only she’d felt something like this when she’d been dating Bryson. She’d have stood up to him and told him where he could stick his possessiveness. Maybe she would’ve hurt him like he’d hurt Logan.

  She jumped up from the futon and went to the deck for some fresh air. Sounds of happy beachgoers drifted her way.

  The last thing she wanted was anything to do with that. Ha
ppiness was for everyone else—people with families and people who were treated well by others in their lives. Not for people like Audrey who didn’t belong anywhere and only had people in her life who destroyed it.

  She stormed inside and closed the door. The anger grew, raging through her. She now understood the expression ‘seeing red’ because everything in her apartment had a red hue.

  Charlie raced over and licked her hand.

  “Not now.” She patted his head, then hurried into the bathroom.

  Audrey showered and got ready for the first time in two days. She knew exactly what she needed to do.

  She grabbed her phone and opened the notes app. If she didn’t get it all down, she would probably forget something. It was too much to remember, especially the way she was feeling. She filled out the list, grabbed her purse, and headed downstairs to her car.

  It was time to check off item number one.

  Audrey looked up the directions to the jail—a GPS unit was the first thing she was buying as soon as she had some extra money—and headed out.

  She missed Charlie’s presence, but with her to-do list, he’d have been stuck in the car, and she wasn’t about to do that to him.

  Once she arrived at the jail, it only took a few minutes to convince someone to let her talk with Bryson. It was the waiting for them to bring him to the visitors’ area that seemed to take forever.

  Her palms sweated as she stared at the glass that would separate them. At the phone she would have to wait on hold to talk to him.

  Finally, an officer escorted Bryson to the other side. He wore an orange suit and handcuffs. He also sported several bruises and some stitches.

  Had Logan done all of that to him? Or had he also managed to anger other inmates? That wouldn’t surprise her. Bryson had the mindset that everyone needed to do what he wanted them to. No way that would go over well with anyone on the other side of the glass.

  Bryson’s expression showed his surprise. Clearly he hadn’t expected to see her.

  Good. That gave her the advantage. She would use his surprise against him and get everything off her chest while she could. Before he started talking over her and trying to guide the conversation to where he wanted it.