by Stella Night
Her wolf heard him, too, as it whined and paced.
She stared after him, not really seeing him. She thought about his declaration of love. Her brow furrowed in a frown. She knew she cared about him, but was it love? Her wolf seemed to think so.
The more she was around him, the more she liked him. And she knew she really liked him. She liked being with him, liked talking to him, and working beside him. She just wasn’t sure if she loved him - yet. She should have at least told him that last night. Should have told him that just now. But no, she had to go off on him because he was doing something nice. And she had no idea why she had done so.
But what about kids? He said he wanted a house full of them. Would he be willing to settle for someone who couldn’t give him that?
Frowning, she brushed tears off her cheeks then turned back toward the kids by the river. Calling to one of the older children, Celia asked her to round up the little ones and get them ready to go back to town.
She picked up the half-eaten sandwiches and took them down to the water. Stupid man with his stupid feelings and his stupid restaurant where the other stupid restaurant used to be. Why did everything have to be so difficult?
Maybe she should just ignore the plans they had made for tonight’s dinner and tomorrow’s run. She had her work cut out for her. She was pretty sure he wouldn’t want to see her after today.
Breaking the sandwiches into small pieces, she tossed them onto the water and watched as the fish gobbled them up.
She didn’t want him to be angry with her. She didn’t understand why she was so angry with him, or even if it was him that caused her anger. She only knew she didn’t want him to leave. She couldn’t imagine not having him around.
Her wolf yipped and wagged its tail.
She was so afraid to love him, or anyone for that matter. Loving meant losing. Well, except for Josh and Ella, and little baby Eli. And Mrs. Gilbert. And … aw crap, I’m an idiot.
She wanted to talk to Mrs. G. She knew what the elder would say — Celia’s wolf had already decided her fate. But, damn it, she had to be sure.
She still had to get the little ones back to the day care center. If she hurried, she could catch Mrs. Gilbert before sunset and still have time to keep the date she had made with Logan last night. That is, if he would see her again after this afternoon.
She sent the children up the trail and told them she would meet them at the house. Then she turned to pick up the picnic basket and the blanket. She stopped and sniffed the air. She caught a whiff of someone unfamiliar, human, not wolf. She glanced around but didn’t see anyone. Maybe just a tourist at the head of the trail. She brushed it off with a shrug.
She put the rest of the food back and shook out the blanket, then folded it over her arm. When she turned to follow the little ones, she came face to face with Joe Easton.
“Hey. What’s up, Little Red Riding Hood?” He chuckled at his joke. “Waitin’ on a big bad wolf? Well, here I am.” His toothy grin showed yellowed, stained teeth. Shivers of distaste skipped up and down Celia’s spine as he stepped toward her. “You need a wolf, girl, someone who can keep you in your place. Not like that wimpy human.”
She narrowed her eyes at him. Had he heard what Logan said? Had he watched them? And there was only one way he could have approached without her hearing him. Doesn’t even have as much sense as a pup, shifting in the middle of the day. She brushed her thoughts aside as she tried to walk around him.
“Get out of my way, creeper.”
His grin widened as he took another step closer to her. “That’s not very nice, is it? Shouldn’t the Alpha’s sister have more manners when speaking to a mate? Maybe I should let him know how rude you are to me.” He took another step.
She dropped both the basket and the blanket when he reached out and grabbed her arm.
Celia smiled, letting him think she enjoyed his touch. His eyes dropped to her breasts and he licked his lips.
She used his distraction to her advantage. Her wolf took over, letting her claws extend as she moved closer to him. Hey — that’s new. She only had a moment to wonder before she acted.
She raked her claws across his wrist. When he let go, her claws ripped through his shirt, leaving four bloody gashes in his belly.
He stumbled back, his howl ringing through the woods. Then he rushed forward, hands extended to grab her. Celia sidestepped and met his crotch with her knee. He dropped into a fetal position on the ground, rolling and whimpering.
“Had enough of my lack of manners yet, ass wipe?” She picked up her belongings then leaned in close to him. “Am I in my place yet, sweetheart?” She kicked him as she stepped over him. “Oh, and when you speak to my brother about me, be sure to tell him how I kicked your sorry ass.”
Chapter 17
“Just a sec.” Logan pulled a shirt over his head then answered the knock at his door. When he opened it, Celia stood there, her face hidden behind a bouquet of bright red flowers plucked from Mrs. Gilbert’s back yard.
Her muffled voice came from behind the flowers. “Can you forgive me for being a horrible person this afternoon?”
Logan stood there for a moment, staring at the flowers. He couldn’t imagine leaving Whiskey Springs when this job was over, couldn’t imagine not having her in his life. He weighed the options — stay and put up with her moods, or leave and live his life alone. There was no way he would ever find anyone who affected him like she did.
“I don’t know, Celia. I thought we had something good going on but evidently you don’t see it that way.”
“Please?” The pleading in her voice almost took him to his knees.
“Come in.” He opened the door. “You’re not horrible, but I’m not sure if forgive you for making me come home to ham and cheese when I could have had Gemma Gilbert’s fixings.” He reached out and pulled her to him, crushing the flowers between them.
Celia hugged him. Then she pulled back and met his gaze. “I’m very sorry for the things I said. I don’t even know why I said them.”
Logan smiled, then he pulled her into the apartment and closed the door. He took the flowers from her and smiled. “I don’t think I’ve ever gotten flowers before. This is a first.”
“Mrs. G. suggested I bring a peace offering.”
“You could have brought beer, but these are nice.” He winked at her, and was rewarded with a smile. Then he grew serious. “Celia, I do think we need to talk about some things.”
Her smile disappeared. “We’re not having one of those ‘we need to talk’ things, are we?” Her hazel eyes grew wide. “Because I am so, so sorry for how I behaved today.”
“No, it’s not one of those talks.” He led her to the sofa. “Sit down. I’ll be right back.” He walked into the kitchen and pulled a glass from the cabinet. After filling it with water, he added the flowers and put them on the dining table. Shaking his head, he touched a petal and smiled. “I cannot believe you brought me flowers.”
Celia sat on the sofa, her eyes following his every move. He realized that it was the way wolves followed the movements of prey, but it was as if she was afraid he would suddenly vanish.
Logan sat on the sofa next to her and took her hands.
“I think maybe I scared you…” Logan stopped her when she tried to speak. “No, give me a minute. I may have come on too strong, too fast, but it doesn’t change the fact that I love you.” Celia’s hazel eyes grew wide and she tried to pull her hands away. “Just hear me out.” He waited for her to still before he continued. “I won’t rush you. But Celia, damn it, I know you have feelings for me.” He brought her hands up and kissed them.
“And you’re right. I do have feelings for you. Strong feelings.” She glanced down then back up at him, her eyes searching his face. “You don’t frighten me. The feelings I have for you frighten me. Honestly, I don’t know what to do.” She pulled a hand away to wipe at a tear. She laughed again. “Good grief, this stuff makes me cry. I never cry.”
Log
an leaned in to kiss her. “It’s okay. It doesn’t mean you aren’t strong.”
Celia touched his cheek and kissed him again. “I know.” She took a deep breath and blew it out slowly. “Logan, I’ve never had these feelings before. I’m not sure what name to put to them, so I don’t want to call them something they might not be.”
He put his arm around her shoulder and pulled her close. “Then we won’t name them. We will just take it day by day.”
“Did you mean what you said about living here?”
Her question took him off guard. He thought about her reaction earlier in the day. “I would like to. If it means being closer to you, yes. But I also meant what I said about opening a restaurant if I do stay.”
Celia glanced around the room and bit her lip. “I talked to Mrs. Gilbert before I came here and I told her about this afternoon. I may have overreacted a bit.” She gave him a tight smile. “Can you forgive me?”
“Yeah, I think I can. I mean, I can see how you took offense.” He took her hands. “I’m not trying to erase the Geralds or insult them. In fact, I was thinking of keep the name of the Hungry Boar and most of their menu items.”
“Really?”
Logan nodded. “Yeah. I can’t think of a better way to honor their legacy.”
“I really like that idea.” Celia snuggled against him and wrapped her arms around him. Then she sat up. “Hey, are those photos part of your investigation?” She pulled his open laptop closer to her.
“Yeah. I’m just about ready to submit my findings.”
She clicked on the mouse, enlarging one of the photos Josh had taken the day Logan’s truck burned. “I don’t know this guy.” She leaned forward and peered at the screen. “But I could swear I’ve seen him all over town the past few months.”
Logan leaned in with her. “Which one?”
Celia pointed at the screen. “This guy, standing there with the fire fighters.”
“Are you sure?” At her nod, Logan pulled out his phone to call Josh.
***
“Do you ever think about having kids of your own?”
After a short conversation with Josh, they had spent the night exploring more of each other. Talking, touching, kissing, making love. All the little things that Logan hoped would bring them even closer. They were still awake when dawn colored the sky in shades of pink and lavender.
Celia was silent. He watched as she stilled. She dropped her gaze and picked at the sheet draped around her. “That’s a weird question from a guy.” She paused for a moment. “I don’t know if I can.”
“Why?”
She shook her head. When she looked at him, tears glistened in her eyes. “I made a mistake when I was in high school and got into trouble. You know, the worst trouble a teenage girl can get into. Anyway, the doctor I went to said he made ‘a little mistake’ during the procedure. He said I would probably never be able to have my own babies.” She wiped a tear away. Then her head whipped up, her eyes on his. “Oh god, I’ve never told anyone about that. Please don’t tell anyone, especially not Josh.”
Logan took her hands in his. “Your secret is safe with me. I promise.” He pulled her onto his lap and wrapped his arms around her hips. “Do you think that might be why you like the idea of taking care of the babies?”
Celia shrugged. “Probably. I’ve always been the go-to babysitter. And it wasn’t just because I couldn’t run with them, I really enjoyed doing it. I know the daycare will help people. I like the idea of that. And yeah, I do like those sweet little hugs and kisses. Oh, and baby giggles. I can’t get enough of those.”
Logan smiled at the thought of Celia surrounded by laughing babies. “You know, you could always foster kids. I don’t know what would have happened to me if Jack’s mother hadn’t stepped in. Or you could adopt.” He dropped a kiss on her shoulder. “I’ve thought about it myself.”
Celia’s eyes grew wide with surprise. “You mean, you would want to be a single dad?”
Logan shrugged. “Why not? I mean, I’d rather have the whole kit and caboodle, like Josh and Ella. But I wouldn’t draw the line there. I think I’d make a great dad.” He took her hand and brought it to his lips for a kiss. “And I bet you’d make a great mom.”
Celia got up on her knees and leaned in. Her lips were soft and warm. “Maybe,” was all she said.
When she smiled, Logan’s heart skipped a beat. It wasn’t difficult to imagine a life with this woman. He made a mental promise to both of them that he would find a way to make that happen.
Chapter 18
Celia pulled her red t-shirt over her head then shook her hair out. She smiled at Logan, who reclined on the bed, watching her. The morning sun slid over his torso, outlining every cut muscle. She felt the fire build low in her belly again.
“So, today we have that trip to the river with the older kids, then it’s babies tonight.”
Logan sat up and reached for his jeans at the end of the bed. “Okay. I need to meet your brother this morning. What time do you need me?”
She watched him, marveling out how his muscles bunched when he moved, remembering the feel of them under her hands earlier - his broad shoulders that begged for her caress, the strong arms that held her tight, made her feel safe.
He caught her eye and winked at her. Busted! Celia grinned at him and dropped her gaze. “How about one o’clock, and I promise I won’t throw any food at you,” she said.
He chuckled as he stood and zipped his jeans. Then he crossed the room. He stood behind her and took her in his arms. Celia leaned back against him as he pulled up the bottom of her shirt and cupped her breast. She reached up to caress the back of his neck.
“Mm, you feel so good. Are you sure you have to leave now?” He kissed her neck as his other hand came up.
“Yes, I have to.” She brushed his hands away and bent to put her jeans on.
Logan grabbed her hips and pulled her up against the bulge in his jeans. “Will you wear a little bikini again?”
Celia laughed as she straightened and gently pushed him away. “Yes, I’ll wear a little bikini again.” She danced away as he reached for her. “But no PDAs in front of the kids, I mean it. Especially not in front of the teenagers.” She squealed when he caught her and started kissing her neck again. “Logan, behave yourself.”
“Aw, that’s no fun, darlin’.” He kissed her lips. Putting his hands on her shoulders he pushed her back at arms’ length. “Will you bring some of Mrs. Gilbert’s chicken salad sandwiches again?”
“You ass!” She punched him on the arm. He grabbed her and threw her on the bed. She dissolved into fits of laughter when he tickled her. “Oh, stop! Please.”
“Not until you promise to bring the chicken salad.” Logan tickled her for a moment longer before he pulled her into his arms and kissed her soundly.
“I promise.” Celia wound her arms around his neck and pulled him closer, opening her mouth to his questing tongue. Then she pulled away.
“As much as I want to stay in this bed with you all day, I have obligations, Logan Nilsson.” She punctuated each word with a kiss.
He grinned at her. “Damn, woman. It’s just that you are such a temptation.”
She giggled and kissed him again.
***
“Are you really whistling while you work?”
Celia turned toward the door where Ella stood, Eli on her hip. She smiled and shrugged. “Maybe.” She went back to stocking a cabinet with diapers.
Ella set Eli down in the toddler play area, then she walked over to hug her sister-in-law. “So, spill it. What has you in such a good mood? Or rather, who?”
“What do you mean?”
“Oh, please. It’s all over your face. What’s going on with you and Logan?”
Celia put the last diaper into the cabinet and then closed it. She walked into the kitchen with Ella following her. Pouring coffee for both of them, she leaned against the kitchen counter while Ella sat at the small table she and Logan had found
at a thrift store in Kerrville.
She sipped her coffee and watched Eli play for a moment, then she turned back to her sister-in-law. “He says he loves me.” She watched closely as Ella considered that information.
“And how do you feel about him?”
Celia walked to the table and sat across from Ella. “I don’t know. I mean, I’ve never felt this way about anyone before.” She glanced out the window into the yard, then turned back to her sister-in-law. “Were you afraid to fall in love with Josh?”
Ella nodded, dark curls bouncing around her shoulders. “Yes, I was.” Her sapphire gaze focused on Celia. “But I’ve come to the conclusion that it’s much better to be afraid of the emotion than it is to be afraid of the man.” At Celia’s frown, she continued. “But that doesn’t apply to you, does it? So yes, I was afraid of falling in love with Josh, with anyone for that matter.” She reached across the table and took one of Celia’s hands. “You have to ask yourself this: could you see a life without him?”
Celia thought for a moment, watching the baby play. Something new tugged at her heart as she watched him. She thought about what Logan had asked her. Then she turned back to Ella. “I’m not sure if I could.” She frowned again. “When did you know?”
Ella laughed softly. “When did I know or when did I finally admit it to myself?” She shook her head. “I think I knew from the moment he first touched me. But I didn’t admit it until I thought I would never see him again.” She leaned across the table and took both of Celia’s hands. “Don’t be afraid of something so profoundly beautiful, Celia. If you believe he loves you, if you believe it with all your heart, and if you cannot imagine living without him then I say jump in feet first. You may never get the chance again.”
Celia gave her a tight smile. “Carpe diem?”
Ella shook her head. “Sine amore, nihil est vita. Without love, life is pointless.”
Chapter 19
“Hey Logan! Come on in.” Josh Masters stood in the kitchen, putting dishes in the cabinet. He poured two mugs of coffee and sat at the little table. Then he motioned for Logan to sit. “Have you finished your investigation.”
