Brooke kept herself busy spending time with her mother, or taking walks, or riding. It had been four days since she'd run into Logan at the deli. And she'd thought about him ever since. She tried to push him out of her mind, but he was persistent. If she could keep him tucked in a back corner somewhere, even, she could deal with that. But no, he just wanted to take it over. So she'd decided to go for a ride and clear her head.
Now, riding atop Gypsy, she headed out to the tree line and disappeared into the woods. There were paths, wide ones, branching out in various directions. Brooke knew these woods like the back of her hand. She'd spent countless hours every day as a kid exploring them, her and Karissa and the MacKenna boys. Their land bordered the MacKenna property and was divided by a stream. They'd swam in that stream and played in those woods all of their lives. For easier access, their dads had even built a wooden bridge that crossed it.
Brooke had given herself to Logan for the first time in these woods. They'd made love underneath a huge willow tree near the south bank of the stream. It had been summer. August, she remembered. They'd been dating for nearly two years, and they both knew it was time. It was Logan's first time, too. They were two young lovers sneaking away for a few stolen hours. They'd come to the willow tree near the stream many times after to be alone and to share moments of passion.
Something moved skittishly across the path, startling her, and she relaxed when she realized it was only a rabbit. She continued on, urging Gypsy forward. When she reached the clearing, she walked Gypsy slowly. She came to the old willow tree, and just sat there for a minute. She loved the sound of the water, and the sounds of the animals.
Brooke was about to urge the mare on when, out of the corner of her eye, she caught a flash of movement. She squinted in the bright sunlight, trying to focus, and realized that it was Logan, sitting on a boulder on the opposite bank. A pretty black dog, a Lab, Brooke noted, sat leaning against Logan's legs, his big head in his lap. Logan absently patted it. He looked deep in thought, and Brooke didn't want to be intrusive. She turned to steer her mare back toward the path, but something startled the horse, and she whinnied nervously while dancing sideways.
Logan's head shot up at the sound. Brooke's eyes locked with his as she tried to calm the mare. He hesitated briefly, then stood up and started across the bridge that led to her side of the stream, his dog loping along at his side.
He stopped a few feet in front of her. “Hey there,” he said, with that rich and masculine voice of his. Brooke couldn't get past the sound of it. “What are you doing out here?” He eyed her curiously. She's so damn beautiful, was all he could think. He wondered if she even knew.
She swung her right leg over the horse's hind quarters and, with her knees slightly bent, slid to the ground. She tilted her head as she looked up at him. “Riding. You?”
“I come out here from time to time. It's peaceful, and I can think,” he answered, smiling.
His dog stood in front of her and licked her hand. She bent down to pet him, scratching his ears and his chin. He loved it, and thumped his thick tail on the ground rapidly.
“Aww, aren't you a sweetheart?” she said, laughing when he gave her his paw. “And what's your name?”
“His name is Koty,” Logan offered. “He loves attention. He'll let you do that all day long.”
“He's so friendly and so gentle,” she said, looking up at Logan. “How long have you had him?”
“Two years. Since he was a pup.”
“You're such a handsome fellow,” she cooed. Koty licked her face happily. “I've always wanted a dog,” Brooke said, thinking of how much fun it would be to raise one from a puppy. “I don't know what it is about them, but I love Labs, in particular.”
“They're great dogs,” Logan said, bending over to pat Koty's huge head. “They're loyal and they have a nice temperament. He's just a big baby, really” Brooke could hear the affection for Koty in Logan's voice. “He likes you.”
“The feeling is mutual.” Brooke scratched his ears one last time before straightening and giving her attention to Logan.
Brooke watched the way his eyes, the brightest green she'd ever seen, sparkled in the sunlight. “I haven't been out here in years,” she said, wistfully.
He believed that to be true. She'd hardly been back to Angel Ridge at all over the past eight years. He could probably count on one hand how many times, and he knew he was the reason why. But she couldn't run away from him forever. This was their second encounter in just days. She had to have known that eventually they were bound to cross paths, and it appeared that they would be doing exactly that for the foreseeable future.
Brooke wanted to say a million things to him at that moment, and nothing at all. Her emotions, already in overdrive, played tug-of-war inside her.
“It's good to see you, Brooke” He meant it. He'd thought of her often over the years, wondered how she was, if she was happy. He also wondered whether or not there was someone in her life who had replaced him, someone she loved the way she'd loved him once. He supposed it didn't really matter at this point. It wasn't as if he could do anything to change it. But it had always occupied his mind. He knew he had no right to ask her.
“Is it?” she asked. “Because I have to be honest, it's a bit awkward for me. I would imagine it is for you, as well,” she added. She spoke so softly then that he had to strain to hear her over the sound of flowing water.
“Maybe a little, but I'm a big boy, Brooke. I think I can handle it.” He caught the mild irritation that flickered in her eyes. As quickly as it had been there, it was gone. Logan wondered if he'd imagined it.
“It would probably be best if you and I come to an agreement,” she stated, unconsciously twisting the delicate gold ring that adorned her finger.
“An agreement, huh?” he repeated, both amused and annoyed. “And what type of agreement would that be, Brooke?” He couldn't wait to hear this.
“That we stay away from each other,” she replied. “I think we should respect each other's personal space.” The look that crossed her exquisite face had challenge written all over it. Logan would have been intrigued if he wasn't already irritated as hell. She had nerve, he'd give her that.
He smiled then, slowly. “Tell me, Brooke, would I be in your personal space if I were to do, say, this?” he asked, moving in closer to her so that their faces were only inches apart. He could hear her breathing deepen, and sensed her nervousness even before her eyes betrayed her.
She watched him carefully, her blue eyes darkening. She could feel his breath fan across her cheek, sending a shiver down her spine. His lips were so close that they nearly brushed hers, and she was sure she could see the intent in his eyes. She prepared herself mentally for his kiss. He hovered there for several seconds longer.
“See you around, Brooke,” he whispered against her lips, then turned on his heel, making his way back over the bridge with his dog in tow. She was completely dumbfounded. She glared at the back of his head as he retreated. Fury bubbled up inside her as she replayed the entire scene in her head. She didn't know why she was more annoyed, because he had the arrogance to mess with her head like that, or because he hadn't kissed her after all. Either way, she found herself cursing Logan MacKenna.
She mounted her horse and waited until he disappeared into the woods before turning and guiding Gypsy toward the path. How dare he mock me? she thought, and fumed all the way back to West Wind Ranch.
Brooke couldn't remember when she'd enjoyed a Saturday more. She'd spent the day with Karissa, shopping in Missoula. They'd hit just about every store in the mall, and Brooke had found some really great new outfits. And of course, shoes to go with them. Oh, and a new bikini, a handbag, a bottle of some very great smelling perfume, a gorgeous pair of gold hoop earrings, and a few paperbacks for her reading pleasure because, well, who didn't love a good romance?
They had lunch at a nice little Italian restaurant in the city called Casa Italia. Brooke ordered the chicken fettuccini al
fredo with fresh broccoli and sun-dried tomatoes; it was out of this world. She was completely stuffed.
If she wasn't careful, she'd have to pour herself into the pretty new bikini she'd bought. She hadn't exactly been keeping up on personal fitness the past couple of weeks, just the few times she'd run. But it had been so hectic, between her mother's surgery and trying to settle in. She really had to make a conscious effort to exercise. She considered getting a membership at the fitness center in town. That way, she would be able to use any of the machines she chose and take advantage of the swimming pool they were sure to have. Yes, that was it. She put it on her mental to-do list for Monday morning.
Stopping for a few minutes at one of the fountains, they took a seat on a nearby bench. Brooke's feet were killing her. They'd done a ton of walking and her heels were probably not the wisest choice of footwear. She toed off her shoes and absently rubbed her feet.
“Why don't we go out tonight for a while?” Karissa suggested. “To Locomotions,” she quickly added when Brooke shot her one raised eyebrow.
“Don't tell me it's karaoke night. Because I'm warning you right now, I don't do karaoke,” she stated, emphatically. Karissa just smiled.
“Oh, God,” Brooke groaned. “Forget it.”
“No, karaoke is on Wednesdays. On Saturday nights there's a live band.” Brooke eyed her, skeptically. “Come on, Brooke. When's the last time you went out and just let loose and had some fun?” Karissa wanted to know.
Brooke thought about it. It had probably been a couple of months. The last time she could remember was going out for a ladies' night in Los Angeles with Ashley and one of their other girlfriends. It had been at least a couple of months, sadly.
“When's the last time you did?” Brooke wanted to know. Karissa smiled.
“I get out now and then. I have fun.”
“What, do you have some scheduled for next year?”
“Oh, you've got jokes.” Karissa smiled and bumped Brooke with her shoulder. She hadn't been out in months, but Brooke didn't need to know that. “Please,” Karissa begged.
“Oh, okay,” Brooke said, giving in.”But just for a little bit.” Brooke laughed when Karissa threw both arms around her for a hug. She was like a little kid anticipating her first taste of candy.
Brooke was just putting her earrings in when Karissa tapped on her bedroom door and then walked in.
“Oh my God!” she exclaimed. “You look gorgeous. Absolutely gorgeous.”
She twirled her finger in the air, indicating that she wanted Brooke to do a complete turn-around. Brooke turned in a circle, showing off her assets. Her dress, white and form-fitting, hugged every curve of her body. It was strapless, and clung to her breasts and hips flatteringly, stopping at the middle of her thighs. A strip of golden skin was exposed on each side where the dress was slit from just above her hip to just beneath her underarm. She wore gold sandals, the straps wrapping around her ankles. The pretty gold hoops were the perfect finishing touch. Her dark tresses cascaded down her back.
“You don't think it's too much, do you?” Brooke asked.
“Absolutely not, honey. It's perfect. Every man there is going to be fighting over you.”
“Well then, it's too bad that I'm not looking for a man, isn't it?” Brooke couldn't have been more truthful. She was tired of men and relationships. She wanted some peace in her life. More peace, less drama. It was just too bad that it always seemed to be the other way around. She took one last look in the full-length mirror before giving herself a nod of approval, and turned to her sister. “Let's do it.”
When Brooke pulled her car into a vacant parking space in the lot next to the club, it was only 9:00.The place was jam packed. The music could be heard from outside. It was deafening. “I don't know if this was such a good idea,” she said, beginning to feel a bit uneasy. Karissa grabbed her hand and dragged her inside.
Brooke didn't think she'd ever seen so many bodies crammed into one place at one time. She glanced over at Karissa, and her sister explained, “A live band is a big thing around here. It brings everyone out.” She smiled. “You're gonna have a great time, you'll see.”
Somehow Brooke doubted that. They squeezed their way in at the bar to order their drinks. There were elbows everywhere, and Karissa was nudged forcefully into the guy next to her. He was tall, and his arms came around her as she fell into him. They were strong, well-muscled arms, Karissa noticed. And tanned. Her eyes were level with the broad, muscular chest that he had to go with the great arms. He wore a blue cotton V-necked shirt.
“I'm so sorry,” she exclaimed, and looked up to see Seth staring down at her.
His arms were still wrapped around her and their bodies pressed close. And it was one hard body, Karissa discovered. She could feel the heat rush to her cheeks.
Oh God, how mortifying.
Seth noticed her blush, and thought he could feel her body humming with nervousness. A body that was soft and warm, he noticed. He liked the way she felt in his arms.
“You can throw yourself at me any time, sweetness,” he teased. She laughed nervously, and he let her go. She was just a little bit disappointed. “Who are you with?” he wanted to know.
Karissa tugged on Brooke's arm, who had her back turned to Karissa while some bulked-up guy flirted with her. Brooke excused herself, thankful for the getaway. She beamed at Seth.
“Well, hey there handsome,” she said.
“Hey, Brooke,” he shot back, not in the least bit affected by the compliment. He knew she didn't mean it suggestively. They'd always been just friends. Brooke had always belonged to Logan, and that's simply the way it was. “Where are you ladies sitting?”
“We just got here,” Karissa answered.
“Why don't you hang with us?” Seth offered. “We have a table in the back, out of the way. It was the last one.” He smiled unapologetically.
Brooke and Karissa looked at each other in silent agreement.
“That sounds great,” Karissa said.
Seth nodded, and led them through the club to a corner in the back. The table was empty at that moment. Brooke spotted Chase at the pool table, a buxom blonde draped over him. He seemed to be enjoying himself just fine. Brooke looked around, and saw no sign of Logan. He'd never been into the bar scene, anyway, so she assumed he wouldn't be there. She was relieved.
She took a seat across from Karissa, who had already seated herself next to Seth. Hmm, she thought to herself. She'd gotten comfortable and sipped her drink, watching Chase annihilate his opponent at pool. His blonde bimbo, who she'd heard Chase call Candy, headed to the ladies room, and Brooke wondered who she was exactly. Surely not his girlfriend.
Brooke was enjoying the music the band was playing, and was beginning to think that the night wouldn't be so bad after all, when a sudden movement to her right had her glancing over just as Logan slid into the seat next to hers.
Of course he would be here, she thought. This is fate playing a cruel trick on me.
He held his hands up in the air as if to proclaim his innocence. The look on his face was comical, and Brooke couldn't help but laugh.
“Is this your idea of us maintaining our own personal space?” he wanted to know.
“Funny,” she said. “I didn't know you were here. I don't remember the club scene being your thing.” She was only mildly annoyed with him still for his behavior the day before at the stream.
“It's not.” He took a swig of his beer. “I only stop in once in a while with the guys.”
She raised a brow in question, and he said, “I got sucked into celebrating with Seth and Chase tonight. Seth just landed a big contract that's been in the works for almost a year. It's huge for him.”
“That's great,” she said, genuinely happy for Seth. Glancing across the table, she noticed that Karissa and Seth were deep in conversation and laughing together. Her sister was obviously having a good time.
Logan leaned a little closer. “I don't remember the club scene being your th
ing either, yet here you are.”
He watched her closely, enjoying the view. She was gorgeous. All he could see were long dark waves and lots of exposed golden skin. The combination was sexy as hell.
“Rissa dragged me here,” she said, “mostly against my better judgment.”
Chase, having beat the pants off his opponent, made his way back to their table. He took one look at Brooke and mimed a thudding heart with his hand.
“Holy hell, you're smokin hot,” he said, eyeing her appreciatively. “What are the chances of you and me getting out of here together?” he asked, a wicked grin on his face. She laughed, and standing up, kissed his cheek.
“Slim to none, honey,” she said, and winked at him.
She headed for the bar on legs that were tanned and endless. All three of them watched her, as well as a dozen other guys who were standing around. There were a few loud whistles, and some catcalls. She ignored them all. None of it sat well with Logan. His mood darkened a little, and he imagined that it would feel good to knock some of their block heads together. He brooded into his beer instead.
For the past half hour, Brooke had been making her way around the club, stopping to chat with old friends that she hadn't seen in years. Everyone was so nice and friendly, as if time hadn't passed at all. She heard someone shout her name, and turned to see Paige Foster waving and heading in her direction.
“Oh, my goodness,” Paige said, hugging Brooke. “It's so wonderful to see you.”
Brooke hugged her back tightly. “It's great to see you, too.” Paige had always been a genuinely nice person. Brooke had been lucky to have her for a friend. Brooke stood back and got her first good look at Paige. “Oh, you're expecting! How wonderful, Paige! Congratulations!” Brooke kissed one cheek, then the other. She was truly happy for her childhood friend.
Second Chance at Love (The MacKenna Born & Bred Trilogy) Page 6
