Logan_Denver Royalty [Book 1]

by Sheridan Anne

  Shit. I still can’t believe I let that little detail slip out. I’m such a fucking moron, I haven’t even told Jaz but watching Logan’s eyes light up like Christmas was kind of worth it.

  “Come on,” Logan says as he drags me back off the lounge. “We need to clean the birdcage.”

  “I don’t want to clean it,” I groan.

  “Tough shit,” Logan says as he rubs Louie’s chest. “This little guy needs a new home.”

  “Fine,” I grunt before heading off to get all my cleaning supplies.

  I get straight into it and change the newspaper in the bottom of the cage while Logan goes about rearranging all the toys and branches within the cage, truly making it a new home for Louie. I then cut up a few pieces of fruit that I know he likes and tops up his water.

  “That’s it?” Logan asks, stumped, clearly thinking it was going to be a much bigger job than he thought.

  “Yep. I’m not one for high-maintenance pets,” I explain as I make myself comfortable and go through some stretches.

  “What are you doing?” he questions.

  “Stretching, it’s good for you,” I say bluntly. “You should probably be doing yours, too,” I remind him. “The start of the season is getting closer and you still have a bit to go before you’re completely back to normal.”

  He lets out a sigh and comes to join me on the floor. He stretches out his legs and I crawl across to help him loosen up the muscle a bit more. The second he has deemed himself fully stretched, he grabs me around the waist and lifts me onto of his lap.

  He gives me the sweetest kiss before pulling back and really looking at me. “I had a good day,” he says.

  A smile completely takes over my face and I feel like the biggest dork. “Me too,” I say as the door to my apartment flies open.

  Jaz comes waltzing in with a bottle of wine in one hand and a bag of what smells like Thai in the other. “Oh,” she says completely surprised by my house guest. “Do I need to leave?” she questions, looking extremely confused.

  “No, stay,” Logan says as he lifts us both off the floor. “I need to get going but I’ll see you tomorrow.”

  “What?” I question. “We don’t have an appointment tomorrow.”

  “No, but I get to go back to training tomorrow,” he reminds me with a massive smile on his face, looking like the most excited kid in a candy store.

  “Oh yeah,” I say, feeling like a complete idiot for not remembering, after all, I was the one who said when he could return to the ice.

  “I’ll see you then.”

  He leans in and gives me a quick kiss before disappearing out the door.

  “You’ve got a lot of explaining to do,” Jaz says as she walks straight past me and into the kitchen where she starts poring two glasses of wine. I get our usual blanket out of my cupboard and get comfortable on the lounge as Jaz comes over with the food, two forks, and the wine glasses, making me nervous for my floor.

  I dig through my bag and hit shuffle on my playlist before I get stuck into my extremely detailed recap of the past two days.

  Jaz stares at me blankly with a piece of food hanging off the edge of her fork. “Holy shit,” she finally breathes. “I’ve known you for at least four years and never have you been so wild and spontaneous with a man. It’s always carefully thought out and only ever lasts one night but this… this is not the Elle I know. I mean… did he give you something to you know… relax?”

  “No,” I laugh. “I’m not that much of a prude.”

  “Uh, yeah, you are.”

  “Shut it,” I demand. “He’s just… different. He’s fun and crazy sexy and, I mean… could you say no to that?”

  “Well, no but there’s isn’t a lot I’d say no to,” she laughs.

  “Skank,” I grunt into my food.

  She grins at me from across the lounge, totally accepting my insult. “What’s so different about him?” she questions, getting back on track.

  “I told him about my family,” I tell her.

  She sobers instantly as she looks up from her dinner. “Really?” she questions quietly.

  “Yeah, I don’t know what happened. We were just sitting around a fire talking and Jax mentioned that Logan lost his parents and I don’t know, I guess I found some sort of connection with him, that he would understand and so when we were alone it just came out.”

  “Wow, then what happened?”

  “We cuddled,” I say.

  “You cuddled?” she grunts in disgust.

  “Yes,” I laugh. “We cuddled. It was nice.”

  She rolls her eyes as she gets back into her dinner. “You and I have a very different idea of what ‘nice’ is.”

  I get back on track with my story and tell her all about this morning’s air mattress activities and then the shower activities, though, I just don’t quite let on that we didn’t actually have sex. Something feels a little too personal about it. When it happens, I want it to just be ours.

  We finish off the bottle and before we know it, it’s past midnight.

  I tuck Louie in like a good mummy and send Jaz on her way, knowing we both have work tomorrow.

  I get myself tucked in bed and instantly fall into a deep sleep.

  –––-

  I wake with a start and basically fly out of bed. Crap, what’s the time? I press the button on my phone and light up the screen. Shit. It’s past 8.30 am.

  Fuck, fuck, fuckity, fuck.

  I get up as quickly as I can and rush through the quickest shower imaginable, trying not to think about the last shower I had which was certainly a lot better than this one.

  Shit, why is my head hurting? I only had half the bottle last night. This isn’t fair.

  I jump out of the shower and throw on my work clothes wishing I had the time to wash my hair but it’s going to have to wait until tomorrow morning.

  I rush around my apartment and quickly say good morning to Louie who looks very happy in his newly decorated cage. “Morning, fucker,” I say before disappearing back down the hallway.

  “Fucker, Fucker,” Louie squawks in the highest, screechiest tone possible, probably pissed off that I didn’t let him out for his morning play.

  “Sorry, Louie,” I call out from my bedroom as I grab my phone and keys off my bedside table and search around for my handbag.

  I head up to the kitchen and bypass the coffee as I grab some lunch out of the fridge before looking longingly at my breakfast. Damn. There just isn’t enough time, I have no choice but to skip it so I’m damn lucky that Jaz came over with a late dinner.

  I rush out the door and stub my toe on the way. “Shit,” I curse as I stumble towards the lift and down to my car. Today is already shaping up to be a bad day.

  I get in the car and have to kick it over at least three times before the bastard decides to turn on but at the same time, I’m pretty damn happy it did.

  I drive out of the basement parking as a text comes through on my phone. I really don’t have time for checking text messages but if it was an emergency with Brendan, I’d never forgive myself.

  I pull over out the front of my apartment complex and search through my bag for my phone.

  Unknown – You planning on actually showing up to work today?

  Shit. I hope this isn’t someone in management.

  Elle – On my way. Who is this?

  Unknown – Your boyfriend? At least… that’s what I think I am.

  The panic leaves me instantly but then a whole new panic takes over. Boyfriend. Is that what he is?

  Elle – hmm… boyfriend…

  Logan – What’s that supposed to mean?

  I don’t reply as I desperately need to get on my way to work.

  I pull up twenty minutes later and quickly check my phone once again. I can’t help but smirk at the screen as the latest message shows up.

  Logan – Don’t leave me hanging, babe.

  I giggle to myself as I throw my phone back in my bag and rush on inside. How is it som
ething so simple as a text message can make my already shitty morning go to something so good?

  I head on in past the foyer and into the main part of the arena, hearing the familiar sound of hockey pucks slamming into the boards. I look up at the guys training as I walk around to the hallway leading to my office and have to stop in my tracks as for the first time, I see the star player in motion.

  Wow, just wow. He’s incredible. He moves across the ice and it looks as though he’s floating. I’d like to say that I’d seen some of his games on TV with Brendan before but let’s face it, I haven’t, so this is all brand new to me.

  He races up the ice with the puck firmly situated in his stick, Max attempts to step in and steal the puck from him but Logan is too fast. He rears back and launches the puck forward. The goalie attempts to block it but Logan’s hit is too powerful. The goalie flies across the ice but the puck sails right on by and into the back of the net. Max instantly scowls at him before taking off and I have to wonder if there’s something going on there… until Max’s eyes flick to me and it becomes clear as day. He’s into me.

  Ugh.

  Thoughts of Max disappear as I turn back to Logan. My lip gets sucked in between my teeth and I realise, I’m incredibly turned on. How is that even possible? I mean, do I even like ice hockey? Clearly, the feeling I’m getting in my nether regions tells me I do.

  Wait. Should Logan be training this hard?

  All train of thought is gone as he circles around the back of the net and back down the ice. His eyes lock on mine and with his smug-as-fuck smirk, gives me a wink that nearly makes me explode.

  My face instantly flames and I want to hate myself for how obvious I’m being right now.

  He skates right on by and I find myself desperately wanting him to stop. Disappointment cuts into me but it makes sense when I find Tony standing right by my side.

  Crap. How did I not notice him and how long has he been there? Did he see the flush on my face?

  “He’s good, isn’t he?” Tony questions with a hint of suspicion in his voice.

  “I’m sorry?”

  “Logan,” he states.

  “Oh, yes. I guess you can’t get this far in the NHL if you’re no good,” I say.

  “Very true,” he laughs. “So, ah, you and Logan seem to be getting along quite well.”

  “Yeah,” I say cutting myself off before I get myself in trouble. My hands start to sweat as my heart rate picks up. Crap. This is exactly what I didn’t want to happen.

  He looks me over with curious eyes and I realise it’s too late, he clearly already knows something’s going on. “Is there something going on between the two of you?”

  With a sigh, I give in and decide honesty is going to be best. “Would it be an issue if there was?” I question. “I don’t want to risk my position here.”

  He looks me over once again. He’s clearly deep in thought but the silence is killing me. “No,” he finally says. “I’ve known Logan for a few years now and I can see a difference in him. He seems… I don’t know, happy maybe? And if that has something to do with you then, by all means, you have my approval.”

  “Really?” I question as I feel the weight of the world starting to fade away.

  “Yes,” he smiles as if he has just gifted me a million dollars. “That’s not all though is it?” he says as he continues to study me.

  “No,” I sigh. “I’m concerned I’m going to be another notch on the belt for him.”

  “Look, I’m not going to lie. Logan has a reputation for being a bit of a lady’s man. Girls have always been disposable to him but that fact you’re someone that he would have to see every day tells me he sees you differently. You see, he’s very serious about his hockey career and would never jeopardise it by screwing around like that, so if you believe you can truly make each other happy, then you’d be a fool to not give it a go.”

  “Thanks,” I say sincerely as a smile comes over me. Wow, this day really has turned around. I literally have the blessing of team management to give it a go with Logan.

  So, what the hell was I so worried about?

  Tony disappears as Logan skates past once again. He gives me a curious look but I don’t give anything away. I pull my phone out and start replying to his earlier message.

  Elle – Alright, Captain, I’ll give you the satisfaction of being able to call yourself my boyfriend.

  Chapter 15

  Logan

  I get off the ice around lunch time and I’m absolutely exhausted. After having the past few weeks off, my fitness levels have severely dropped and I have a lot of work to do to get back to where I was, which is going to be extremely hard, seeing as though my leg is killing me right now. Not to mention, Max has been riding my ass all day trying to assert some type of dominance over me which I had to shut down real quick. He wasn’t thrilled about it but I don’t really give a shit.

  I’m only supposed to be doing basic training but being back on the ice and actually able to skate, felt way too good that I found it way too hard to limit myself.

  I head into the locker room and collapse onto the bench. I guess I’m heading into the gym after lunch. I strip off my gear and decide to hit the showers early. I usually can last all day without needing one but with my fitness levels down, I feel a warm shower should perk me right up.

  I grab my things and rush through a shower which manages to make me feel better but doesn’t help my leg. Hmm, I wonder if Elle is busy right now… better yet, I wonder if she’s had her lunch.

  I get myself dress and head back to my locker to grab my phone and wallet. I find a text message waiting on my phone and grin the second I see her name show up on the screen.

  Elle – Alright, Captain, I’ll give you the satisfaction of being able to call yourself my boyfriend.

  Fuck yeah, that answers that question. I am definitely heading up there and buying her lunch today and every other day for the rest of her life.

  I walk the familiar path that leads to her office and push my way through her open door to find her hunched over her desk with her head resting on her arms, half asleep.

  “Am I interrupting something?” I ask.

  She gasps as she flies up from her desk and turns to find me standing in her doorway. “Holy shit, Logan, you scared me.”

  “Sorry,” I laugh as I walk in with a limp. “You busy?”

  “Oh yeah,” she says sarcastically, “Super busy. Why the hell are you limping again?” she questions with narrowed eyes.

  “I might have over-done it this morning,” I tell her.

  She crosses her arms over her chest and I have to grin as the action pushes her tits up. “Are you kidding me?” she sighs.

  “Are you going to fix me?” I ask.

  She ignores my question as she walks towards me with a smirk. “So, what you’re saying is that you were too busy showing off this morning and training harder than you should have been or you were just looking for an excuse to come and see me. Either way doesn’t look good for you.”

  I groan as I grab her and pull her into my arms. “You’re lucky I like you,” I tell her before pressing my lips to hers. “Are you going to fix me?”

  “Depends, are you going to buy me lunch?”

  “Oh, I don’t know about that,” I tease.

  “Please,” she begs. “I skipped breakfast and ended up eating my lunch as soon as I got here,” she admits.

  “Well, you’re lucky that was my plan when I came up here…”

  “Why do I sense a ‘but’ coming along?” she grins.

  “Tell me what I want to hear,” I demand as I press her up against the massage table.

  She presses her lips together and looks up at me with those beautiful big eyes. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

  “You’re a terrible liar,” I smirk.

  She smiles, confirming what I knew was true. “And if I don’t?” she questions.

  “No lunch for you,” I tell her.

  She p
resses her hand against my chest and flares her fingers, making herself look like a seductive little vixen in the process. “You wouldn’t be bribing me, would you, Captain?” she murmurs as he reaches up onto her tippy toes and lightly touches her lips to mine.

  “You wouldn’t be trying to distract me with your wicked charm, would you?” I counter.

  She smirks as she closes that final gap between us and presses her lips to mine. I devour her like Christmas lunch as I sit her up on the massage table. I gently pull away from her. “Tell me what I want to hear,” I repeat.

  She smiles and I see her becoming shy right in front of my face. “We can give this thing between you and me a real go. You can be my boyfriend rather than my man-friend.”

  “Thank you,” I say as proudly as ever before helping her down off the table.

  I step away, ready to take her to lunch but she remains glued to the spot. “What’s up?” I ask as I turn back to her.

  She looks up at me with absolute fear in her eyes, a look that I would do anything to take away. “Don’t break my heart,” she begs.

  I pull her into me once again and look her deep in the eyes, allowing her to truly see me. “Never,” I say, letting her know just how serious I am about making this thing between us work. She nods as she accepts my declaration. “Good, now can I please feed you?”

  “I thought you’d never ask,” she says, slipping her hand into mine and taking off.

  “Slow down, babe. I can hardly walk here,” I remind her.

  “And whose fault is that?” she grins back to me.

  Fuck, I love her smart mouth. Usually, when a girl is sarcastic and tries to play cute, I can’t stand it but on Elle, I just want more, though, our first fight is going to be interesting, seeing as though we’re both sarcastic, stubborn and need to be right.

  “What was Tony saying this morning?” I question as she basically drags me out the door.

  “He told me if I wanted to screw you, to go right ahead.”

  “Seriously?” I ask.

  “Well… in a nutshell,” she smiles. “But that means I don’t have to worry about losing my job or the other guys assuming I’m a skanky hussy who gets around.”