by Ford, Mia
“Did she say where she was from?” I hadn’t talked to Holly too much last night.
“New York. She said the city not the state.” I chuckled as I realized what she meant. I’d played there and loved the vibe of the city, but it was nothing like this.
“I get that. It’s all buildings and people there. It’s noisy and you feel like you’re nearly invisible in the crowds.” I explained to her as I pulled into the driveway. Moira looked at me with wide eyes as I spoke, mesmerized by my words.
“You’ve seen so many places, Logan.” I heard the wonder in her voice and grinned, ruffling her brown waves.
“I’ll take you somewhere over summer break. Just the two of us. It’s been a while.” I grinned as she clapped her hands. We brought the food in and Mom added it to the counter with the salads and fresh fruit. Shelly was setting up plates, and I shook my head at her.
“What, brat?” She asked as she raised a red brow at me.
“Mom doesn’t understand how to just relax, does she? Pizza is an easy meal that requires no work.” Shelly rolled her eyes. I knew she agreed with me. I glanced around to see where Holly was, but she was nowhere in sight. I glanced back at Shelly as she sipped wine, reluctant to ask her about her friend. I was an ass about her dating hockey players even though I wouldn’t be surprised if she did a time or two behind my back.
Mom told us to start getting food, and I excused myself to use the bathroom. I knew there was one on the first floor, but I jogged upstairs to use my old one in my room. I had a lot of memories of ice baths in here from my early days of hockey as well as growing up in general. I washed my hands and dried them before walking into my old room to look around. Nothing was different at all and I shook my head slowly. My mother was a sap. I walked out of the room, bumping into someone as I reached my hands out to steady them.
“Sorry. I just came barging out of the room,” I apologized as I looked down to see Holly staring at me. Her eyes were wide and fucking beautiful as I stared at her. She was several inches shorter than I was and as athletic. She blushed as my eyes slid down her body uncontrollably. “Holly. It’s a pleasure to see you again.”
“Hi,” she stammered as she stepped out of my grip.
“Are you okay?” I asked as she nodded quickly. I felt the electricity between us when I touched her bare arms and looking into her shocked face, I knew that she did as well.
“I’m fine. I was just heading downstairs. Shelly told me that the pizza was here.” Holly moved forward, and I reached out, brushing my fingers against hers. Holly looked at me with wide eyes and I gave her the crooked smile that always won over the ladies.
She blushed and turned around to rush down the stairs. I shrugged and followed, running a hand through my messy hair. I needed to get some time alone with this girl. She was different from the others the second that I saw her even though I knew that I shouldn’t touch her. We gathered in the kitchen to load our plates with hearty slices of pizza and salad before taking a seat in the formal dining room.
Holly sat across the table and down a few seats with Shelly. She sipped wine as she nibbled on the food, listening to us talk. She was a shy, quiet girl that seemed to prefer being in the background. That was the exact opposite of my sister, who ended up moving closer to me when we got to talking about being kids. Holly still sat there, looking slightly uncomfortable as our voices rose with laughter.
I noticed when she took her plate to the sink and just disappeared. Maybe we were too much for her or perhaps it was just me. I ended up enjoying a few beers with the meal, allowing myself some freedom from my somewhat strict eating plan. When everyone seemed to be ready for bed, Mom walked over and touched my shoulder.
“Why don’t you take your old room, Logan? I don’t want you to drive tonight.” Her soft eyes were concerned, and I squeezed her hand. I knew that I could probably drive just fine, but it wasn’t worth taking the risk. Should I get pulled over, it would cause a lot of issues in my life as well as the NHL. I agreed and hugged her before walking back up the stairs to sleep in my old bedroom. I could hear soft voices in Shelly’s room, and I paused, feeling like a creep for listening. I used to do it as a joke to my sister growing up, but this was much more personal. I froze when I heard crying through the door, ready to tap on the wood or even break in. Shelly spoke, making me suspect that it was Holly. Why would she be crying?
I left after a few minutes and walked into my room. I changed into some sweats and a shirt, turning on my old TV as I settled on the big bed. As much as I loved living my own life and having my own place, it still felt good being here. I loved my family and cherished any time that I had to spend with them.
Chapter Five
Holly
I was tense during the entire meal last night. My attraction to Logan was already ridiculous but when he bumped into me last night, I nearly fell over. The heat in my body and the ache in my breasts and thighs was something I’d never felt before. His hands were warm and secure as they held me, making heat wash over my skin as I struggled to regain my composure.
The heat in his eyes threw me off, making me stumble away. I could barely speak as I rushed downstairs to try to eat food I didn’t even want now. I got enough to be polite before dragging Shelly to the end of the table far away from Logan. The wine I had in my glass helped some but as soon as she sat across from him to settle a childhood argument, I silently washed my plate and walked up to her room.
This was too much and far too fast. My family was reserved and polite. We didn’t talk like that over meals or at all if I was being honest. These people loved each other openly and loudly. They bickered as much as they laughed. I had no idea what to say around all of them and the ease with which Logan carried himself made me feel as young and naïve as I was.
Shelly came up a few hours later with some of the cake her mom made for dessert. She sat on the bed with me, glancing at the TV to see that I was watching one of my favorite movies. She smiled as I nibbled at the decadent cake, knowing that I needed quiet time a lot.
“Are you okay?” She asked as I nodded, reaching for my water bottle.
“Yeah. Your family overwhelms me sometimes. I just need to introvert for a bit.” She nodded, and I swallowed a long sip of water. There was more to it, but I held back as my eyes shimmered with tears.
“You know they love you, Holly. They love mostly everyone but you’re a part of things here.” I stared at her.
“Did they get mad that I left?” I asked as she shook her head.
“No. Of course not. They’re cool with letting people be. Just know you’re always welcome.” Shelly hugged me, and a tear slipped down my cheek.
“Is it awful that I like your family better than I like my own?” I asked as she pulled me closer. “I knew that things were going to change when I moved to Calgary but it’s so much. I found you and your parents. I found a new life.” I’d never mention the fact that I was in lust with her brother because I’d never hurt her that way. I met her first, and he was so far out of my league that it was stupid to think about.
“Things happen for a reason, Holly. My mom has told me that for years. You were meant to come here and grow up.” I laughed at her words, hugging her back. “Besides, it’s college. We’re supposed to get out of our comfort zone and take that step to be free. Not that I went too far.” Shelly laughed as I rested my head on her shoulder. “Your parents are who they are but that does not shape you. Now is the time to figure out who you really are.”
I cried a little more as we talked even though I felt so much better. Shelly always did that for me. We eventually settled into bed and finished a movie before I passed out in the comforting, dark room.
I was shocked when I left the room to see Logan jogging by the door, covered in sweaty workout clothes. I gasped as he looked up from under the brim of his hat, his eyes as stormy as they were the night before.
“What are you doing here?” I asked as he slipped the hat off, tilting his head to the side.
“Mom told me to stay since I had some beer last night. She worries and despite the fact that I’d probably be fine, I have a coach to keep happy. Hockey doesn’t have a lot of riffraff and I’d like to keep it that way.” He told me as he leaned against the wall in his clinging shirt. “I decided to go for a run like the old days here. The trails behind the house are great.”
“There are trails?” I asked as I tried to focus on what he was saying as opposed to staring at him.
“Several. Shelly should take you out there, or I will. I prefer you girls to be with somebody outside. You never know.” He shrugged, and I nodded as I imagined being out there with him. “I’d prefer to be with both of you if I have my way.”
“I’m going to get some coffee,” I stammered as he smiled knowingly at me.
“I’m going to shower but I’ll be down soon. I promised Mom I’d cook breakfast.” He looked me over in my leggings and fitted tank top as my nipples hardened painfully. Logan turned and walked into his room as I checked out his ass in wonder. I went into the guest room to pull on a loose shirt to wear downstairs, blushing as I went downstairs.
Shelly joined me a few moments later, but I was already deep in conversation with her mom. She was a warm woman that wanted to know more about me and I allowed what I was comfortable with.
“Are you close with your parents?” She asked as we sat down over coffee. I considered my answer and shook my head.
“Not particularly. They worked a lot, and I was on my own. My family is also a lot quieter.” I smiled as she laughed.
“You won’t get that here. We all let it all hang out, good or bad. I think it’s healthy to feel. I want my kids to do the same thing with a little tact in other situations.” Her mom winked at me and looked up as Shelly walked in.
“Morning, ladies. Where’s the coffee?” She asked as we both laughed. Shelly got a cup and sat with us as she glanced around the kitchen. “Are we having pizza for breakfast?”
“Your brother is cooking for us this morning,” Linda announced proudly as Shelly’s mouth dropped open.
“Logan stayed?” Linda nodded.
“He didn’t have a practice today, and I didn’t want him drinking and driving.” She explained as Shelly smiled.
“He’s making the omelets, isn’t he?” Shelly asked as Linda nodded. “I can’t wait.”
Within a few minutes, Logan came down with damp hair dressed in shorts and a clean shirt. He hugged Shelly and Linda before nodding quietly at me as I smiled weakly. He was a large presence in the room, physically and mentally. Maybe it was just me.
Logan poured coffee and got started at the stove. He stirred several eggs, adding meat and veggies as he chatted with us. He was going to go back home tonight since he had practice early in the morning on Sunday. He was also leaving for a week for travel games Monday evening and wanted to be ready. I already missed him.
The omelet was perfect and full of flavor. We enjoyed toast with it and I watched as the family bonded again. After we ate, and I washed the dishes with Shelly, I looked across the living room at Logan as he chatted with his dad. Shelly opened her mouth to speak when her phone rang on the counter and she walked over to look at the screen.
“I have to take this. It’s about a class project!!” She shot me an apologetic look before she dashed into another room and I dropped my shoulders. I took the last of my coffee to the deck, looking over the trees as I tried to make out the trails. I loved the nature aspect of Canada and longed to see more after living among buildings for so long.
“Want to go down and hike around?” I jumped at Logan’s voice before I took a deep breath.
“You were already there,” I reminded him as he took the spot beside me, leaning against the smooth railing.
“It’s just a hike. I won’t be here past tonight, so I wouldn’t mind heading down. I miss it.” Logan’s voice softened, and I looked at him to see a soft smile on his face. “It’s not the same as being on the ice. I get my peace out there.”
“I guess so. We can see if Shelly can join us,” I suggested, desperate for some company. We walked into the house to find that everyone was caught up in something and Logan raised his eyebrow at me.
“Still game. I’ll protect you.” His eyes held a challenge as I realized the only protection that I’d need was from my feelings for him.
“Let me get my shoes on. I’ll be right down,” I told him as I turned to go to the guest room. I slipped on some socks and my runners, pulling my hair up into a pony tail. It looked to be shady down there, so I’d be okay without a hat. I walked back down the stairs and Logan was tying his own shoes as I took the sight of him in. He glanced up, and I forced a nervous smile to my lips as he stood.
“We’ll be back in a bit,” Logan told Linda as she nodded behind the book she was reading. He led the way to the back door and then headed downstairs to the backyard. I glanced around to see the remains of their childhood as he opened as secure gate. “This is kind of the starting point. We can head different ways once we go down the main path a bit.”
“What’s back here?” I asked as he held the gate open for me.
“There’ are a few ponds, a gorgeous meadow and all the peace you could want. Do you want to see anything special?” He asked as I shoved the words on the tip of my tongue down.
“I just love to explore,” I was vague as I replied, and he nodded as he walked into the trees.
“Where did you grow up? I didn’t get to talk too much to you over the last few days.” He was walking with his hands shoved into his pockets as he gazed forward.
“In the heart of New York City. There was nothing like this unless you went deep into Central Park.” I joked as he smiled back at me.
“Why Canada for school?” He pressed as I licked my stained lips. I felt silly putting makeup on for this.
“I liked the idea of living here when I graduated. It was beautiful, and I didn’t feel like I was completely abandoning my parents. We’re not that close to begin with, but I visit for holidays,” I explained as he paused and turned around to face me.
“We overwhelm you, don’t we? My family, I mean?” Logan asked as I pressed my lips together. Had he overheard me this morning?
“A bit. You’re so genuine in front of each other. My family is so reserved and we never really… talk like you do with yours. I don’t know. I like it, but I don’t know what to do with it.” I looked at him as he smiled.
“You can always come here and be yourself. Mom wants people to be real and feel emotions. With you being so close to my sister, I think you’re already a welcome part of my family.” Logan stepped closer to me as I froze, seeing his eyes in the sliver of sunlight that broke through the trees. They were gorgeous, and I stared into them as he moved to stand just before me. “I know I want you around.”
“What?” I asked as he licked his lips slowly, my eyes dropping to watch him.
“I guess I like you. I’m a mature adult and don’t know how to say that the right way, but I do. I felt it the moment I saw you in the restaurant.” Logan reached out to tuck a stray hair behind my ear. “I know that you are probably off limits with the way I’ve insisted that Shelly stay away from my friends, but we’re both adults here.”
“What are you suggesting?” I asked him as he stroked my cheek with his finger.
“I want to see more of you. I know that my schedule is insane, but I can work with it if you can.” I gasped as me moved closer, brushing his mouth against my parted lips. I reached forward to circle my arms around his neck as he claimed my mouth in a warm kiss. We moved, and he lifted me against him, pressing me gently into a tree. Our kiss deepened, and I tasted coffee and cinnamon on his tongue as he slipped it against mine.
We broke apart, gasping for air as he let me slide to the ground. I felt how hard he was against my thigh as we kissed, and it made me want to throw away all logical thought.
“I didn’t mean to do that so quickly,” Logan apologized as I smil
ed weakly.
“I liked it.” He kissed me again before linking our hands and continuing down the path. “Are you serious about this?”
“I am. I know that I have a bit of a reputation, Holly. Most of that is gossip but I’ve dated, since it’s hard to avoid being in the spotlight. I still keep to being myself and learned to let the rumors go. I know who I am and what my life is all about. I did until I saw you that night, anyway.” I felt my heart soar in excitement and fear as I tried to focus on the surrounding beauty.
“Why me?” I asked as he gazed at me for a moment.
“I am a man, so I thought you were gorgeous when you walked over to meet me. From there, I sensed that you weren’t like a lot of the girls that I knew. I knew that you had depth and something more than just a girl in her first year in college. The fact that my sister has bonded to you shows me that even more. She isn’t fake.” Logan squeezed my hand, and I laughed nervously. “Neither are you.”
“I feel like I’m learning to know myself. I was raised a certain way but now being here out on my own, I know it isn’t for me. I am learning about myself.” I gazed at him. “I felt the same way when I saw you, for the record. I just thought it was the fact I was meeting such a well-known sports figure or maybe I was just caught up in the game. I wasn’t sure, but I was blown away by it.”
“I sensed that.” He told me as I laughed. Logan turned down a smaller path, and I looked forward to see lots of grass blowing in the wind. We walked quietly for a few minutes as I took this all in, amazed at what was happening. When we stepped off that path, I looked out to see a meadow with long grass and a bright blue pond. I imagined it in the spring and summer with flowers and color, but it was Fall now. Logan led me to a tree and asked if I wanted to sit down with him on the softer grass.
I nodded and sank down beside him as I took in the view. The wind was strong and a bit on the cool side. I was glad I had the sense to pull on a sweatshirt over my clothes. Logan reached out and pulled me closer to him, asking if I minded as I gazed up at him. I loved being secured against his strong body as I breathed in the scent of the outdoors and peppermint.
