“Where are you parked?” Tanner asks, standing up.
“I’m in the back.”
“Okay, I’ll walk you out.”
“No,” I say, shaking my head. “That’s not necessary. I have walked out to my car many nights alone, so I’ll be fine. You stay and finish your drink. Think about what I said.”
With his hand up in the air, he signals Ian over. “Hey, man. I’m going to walk Brenna out. Can I get another one?”
“You hanging out tonight?” Ian asks, and Tanner nods his head. “Good. I have a couple of ideas I want to bounce off you.”
Just before we reach the back door, Tanner’s phone rings, and his eyes light up when he looks at the screen.
“It’s Bethany,” he says, his voice low and laced with shock.
“Answer it!” I shout, nudging his arm.
“Just give me a minute.”
He turns his back to me, putting the cell to his ear while he talks in a low voice. As much as I want to eavesdrop on their conversation, I think better of it and sneak out the back door. I really hope the two of them can get their shit together and finally be on the same page. I know Tanner is worried about Bradley’s feelings toward them being together, but if he is upfront and honest about it all, there is a good chance he will be accepting of it.
Even though I am getting out of here before midnight, I am still completely exhausted and cannot wait to get to back home and into bed. It is still such a strange feeling to be calling Logan’s beautiful house my home. Never would I have imagined living in such a gorgeous place, but then again, I could never have imagined falling in love with someone as amazing as Logan. I’m not the kind of person who ever needs someone, but without knowing it, Logan entered my life when I needed him the most.
Getting closer to my car, I reach into my purse to search for keys. For some reason, I can’t ever put them in the same place, so it’s always a task of finding them in my bag. Out of the corner of my eye, I see a dark figure moving in my direction. I pick up my pace, my hand reaching frantically for my keys or pepper spray, whatever I find first.
Suddenly, hands grasp me roughly from behind and push me up against a nearby truck. My purse has fallen from my shoulder, and my hands press against the cold metal of the vehicle while my heart beats out of my chest.
“Where is Lynne?” the deep, raspy voice asks in my ear. I recognize the voice from the man who sat at the bar, glaring at me earlier.
“I … don’t … know.” I barely get the words out and whimper when he tightens his hold on my arms.
“Don’t lie to me. That whore fucked me over, and I will get what’s owed to me, one way or another.” He presses his body into mine, smashing me further into the truck, and I want to vomit when his erection presses into my ass. “You know, you’re a lot prettier than your sister. I think we might be able to work something out just between the two of us.” His nose moves against my neck, and I do my best to move away, but the effort is worthless. Instead, I close my eyes tightly and begin to pray for help.
Whenever I think about being in such a position, a few different scenarios run through my head where I am able to escape my attacker. Never did I imagine myself frozen as I am right now.
Why am I not screaming?
Why am I not trying to fight back?
My mouth opens, but I can’t get anything to come out. I am weak and paralyzed by fear, and something unimaginable is going to happen to me because my body has given up control.
In the distance, I hear a door slam followed by a shout. “What the fuck? Get your hands off her!”
“I’ll be back,” the man says into my ear before taking off.
My body collapses, and I slide down the truck, hitting the asphalt hard. Sobs erupt from my chest, and I struggle to get my breathing under control. A hand touches my shoulder, and I jump at the contact, ready to crawl underneath the truck to get away.
“Hey, Brenna. It’s just me.” Hearing Tanner’s voice, I cry harder. He moves around me, positioning his body in front of mine. “Are you okay? Did that asshole hurt you?”
I shake my head, unsure what question I am answering, and wrap my arms around his neck, my tears soaking his shirt. Sliding an arm under my legs, Tanner stands up and begins walking back to the bar, his head moving left to right as he scans the area. He tries the handle, but the door’s always locked from the outside. I want to offer my keys, but I am still vocally challenged and don’t even know where my purse is. His hand beats hard and loud against the door, and seconds later, the door opens.
“What happened?” Lindsey asks, pulling the door wider.
“Go get Ian. Now.” Tanner keeps moving, walking past her and taking me straight into Ian’s office. He goes to set me down on the small couch, but I squeeze my arms hard around him, afraid to let go. “Hey, it’s okay. I’m not going anywhere. I will sit right here with you.” He speaks in a calm, comforting tone, and I reluctantly loosen my hold as he places me down gently.
I look at his shirt and notice the black marks all over the green material. “Sorry I ruined your shirt,” I say, surprised to hear my own voice again after all this time.
“I don’t care about the shirt. Are you okay, Brenna?”
I nod my head and try to use my words again. “I think so. Nothing really happened. I was just scared and … thank you for saving me, Tanner.” I start to get choked up again, remembering the foul words coming from the stranger and thinking about what might have happened had Tanner not come outside.
“God, Brenna. If something would have happened to you ...” He stops, his beautiful green eyes getting watery. “I should have been there.”
Before I can respond, Ian comes running through his office door. “What happened? Is she all right?”
“Some asshole attacked her in the parking lot. We need to call the police. Do you have cameras back there? He took off when I came out.”
“No, there aren’t any cameras in the back. Fuck. I’ll call the cops, and first thing tomorrow, I am having cameras installed. I’m so sorry, Brenna. Are you okay?”
I try to give a smile to ease his guilt, but it proves to be difficult, so I simply nod my head. Ian walks around his desk and picks up his phone, making the call to the police.
“Hey, Tanner?” I ask the man who is still glued to my side. “Can you call Logan, please?”
“Of course. Do you want to talk to him? I picked up your bag before we came in.” Reaching down to the floor, he lifts my black purse, setting it down on my lap.
I glance down at it, and the first thing I spot is the pepper spray, laying right on top.
“Can you just let him know that I am okay and will be a little later than he was expecting?” I lean forward, my elbows on my knees with my head buried in my hands.
What has my sister gotten herself into, and why am I being dragged into it? I hate feeling unsafe, and how long will I walk around wondering when this guy will pop out of the shadows next? What happens if no one is there to stop him next time? Was this guy responsible for the break-in at my apartment, and was he here the last time I worked when I felt in my gut someone was watching me?
Tanner makes his call beside me, never leaving me, but I don’t hear a word spoken because my mind is replaying the event outside—over and over again. I can still feel his body pressed against mine, his lips on my skin, and his voice in my head. When the fear consumed my body, and I began thinking about all the horrible things that were going to happen to me, the one thing that killed me the most was when I thought about Jane. What would happen to her, and who would take care of her? Would they place her with my mother? Or foster care? I’m not even sure which one would be worse.
It isn’t long before two uniformed officers show up and begin asking questions. Tanner stays next to me as I tell them what happened, and he squeezes my hand when I replay what the guy said. One officer has his notepad out, writing things down the entire time I speak, and the other stays focused on me as I tell the story.
His hands cradle my face as his eyes do a quick survey of me. “Are you all right?” he asks the question of the night.
My head nods as I grasp his wrists. “Where’s Jane?”
“She’s with Gabby. I dropped her off and came right here. Trevor had gotten the call moments before I showed up at their house, so he was on his way to get me.”
My gaze leaves Logan, and I look to my left where Trevor stands speaking with the other officers. I never even noticed him come in behind Logan.
“Are you sure you aren’t hurt anywhere?”
“No, just a little shaken up. Tanner ran him off before anything bad happened.”
“Brenna, do you mind if I ask you a couple of questions?” Trevor asks, and I shake my head, ready to get it all over with. “Did you get a good look at the guy?”
“He came at me from behind and …” I trail off, not wanting to relive the moment over and over. “But his voice ... I recognized it from a guy I served earlier.”
“Did he say anything to you then?”
I think back and try to remember if there was something I should have picked up on. “No. He just kept glaring at me and gave me the creeps, but with years of working in the bar, it’s not that abnormal.”
“Had you ever seen him before tonight?”
“No. Until he sat down at the bar, I’d never seen his face before.”
Trevor looks over his shoulder and calls out, “Ian, your cameras inside, are any of them directed toward the bar?”
“I have every inch of this place covered.” He moves to his desk, clicking around the computer.
“Just not the back parking lot?” Logan asks with an angry tone.
My head whips back around to him, but Ian responds before I can speak.
“Don’t think I don’t already feel like shit, Logan. It’s getting taken care of first thing in the morning.” He looks back at his computer and clicks some more. “I pulled up the time when you started. Brenna, can you point him out?”
I try to pull my hand from Logan’s, but his hold tightens. He stands from the couch and helps me up, walking with me to the other side of Ian’s desk. My eyes focus on the multiple boxes filling the screen showing the different angles of the bar.
I point my finger at the top right box. “That is where he sat down.”
Ian clicks his mouse, and the screen is filled with video from just the one camera view, making it easier for me to concentrate. The instant his form fills the empty seat, I feel sick to my stomach.
“That’s him,” I say, stepping away, not wanting to look any longer.
Logan pulls me into his arms, wrapping them tightly around me, and I collapse against him. I inhale his scent, soaking up all the comfort and safety I feel with him near. My body relaxes, and my eyes fall closed while I try to tune out everything going on around me unsuccessfully.
“Can I take her home?” Logan asks.
“Yeah. We shouldn’t need anything more from her tonight. I need to handle a few things here and down at the station, so I will catch a ride with these guys,” Trevor says, motioning toward the officers.
We say our goodbyes, and I thank everyone in the room for their help. Trevor promises to keep us up to date on anything they find out, and we leave the bar with Tanner following close behind us. In order to get to Logan’s SUV, parked out front, we have to walk through the building. Other than a brief smile to Jordan, I keep my eyes focused on Logan’s back and my hand locked with his. I can feel Tanner at my back and get a protective vibe coming from him.
Logan opens the passenger door, and I climb in, putting my hand up to stop him from shutting me in. He looks at me in question, but I turn my attention to Tanner.
“Thank you, again.”
He steps closer, and Logan moves out of his way. Reaching into the car, he wraps me in a big hug. “Call me if you need anything.”
My head moves against his before I pull away. Once he closes the door, the brothers share a moment and part ways. Logan waits until Tanner reaches his truck and pulls out of his parking spot before we move. His hand reaches for mine, and our fingers entwine. Bringing them to his mouth, he kisses the back of my hand, his lips lingering before setting them on my thigh. He doesn’t ask any questions on the drive, and I am thankful for the quiet because I know they will come.
When we get to Gabby’s, I choose to stay inside the car while he goes inside and carries out a sleeping Jane. I hate to disturb her sleep, and Gabby had offered to keep her overnight when Logan called to let her know we were on our way, but after tonight, I want her with me.
We get her settled in her bed, and I sit down next to her, careful not to wake her. She looks so innocent and peaceful in her sleep, and I wish I could protect her from all the evil in the world. Leaning down, I press a kiss to her head and stand from the bed even though I want to curl up next to her and hold her all night long.
In the kitchen, I pull a glass from the cabinet, fill it with water from the refrigerator, and take a long sip. Logan stands off to the side, leaning against the counter. He is so beautiful. Even with the furrowed brow and worried look on his face, he is the most beautiful man I have ever come across. It makes me wonder how I ended up lucky enough to have him.
I walk over to where he waits and slide my arms around his back, laying my head against his chest.
“I love you,” I say, pressing my lips to his shirt.
His arms grip me tighter. “I love you, too. Monday morning, I am putting in for time off, and we are going to talk to my uncle because I’m taking you and Jane on vacation. I had a few years shaved off my life tonight, and I think the three of us need to get away from here for a while.”
Pushing up on my toes, I kiss his cheek. “Okay.”
He pulls back and peers down at me. “Okay? That simple?”
“I would pack up and leave right now, but we can’t, so yes, I am with you on this. I will talk to Richard and see what we can work out. Right now, I am exhausted, and I have a feeling a little girl will be awake first thing, wanting to go shopping for her bedroom.”
“Are you going to feel up to it?” he asks, moving a hand to my cheek and causing me to lean into his touch.
“She has been so excited about it, and it will be a good distraction from everything going on.”
“All right. Come on, let’s go to bed.”
Chapter 18
The mall is a mad house. I don’t know what I was thinking when I suggested coming here on the weekend. Gabby mentioned a new home décor shop that had opened up with an entire section just for kids. It was my mistake for not asking for the exact location of the store so we wouldn’t have to walk clear across the mall.
Jane walks between me and Logan, holding our hands as she rambles off all the ideas she has for her room. I am hoping we can get away with a comforter set and decorations for the walls and all over the room so we can skip the painting. That is one of my least favorite things to do.
As we near the store, I see a familiar face smiling in our direction. Jane sees him seconds later, and releasing our hands, she takes off running in his direction.
“Tanner!” she exclaims when he picks her up in the air.
Seeing him is unexpected but definitely a welcomed surprise. I have a feeling he is here to check on me, and I am okay with that. Last night was something we experienced together, and it only brought us closer.
“Hey there, little lady. I came to crash your shopping day. Hope that’s okay.”
“Yes! Yes! Right, BrennBrenn? Tanner can come with us?” she asks with hopeful eyes.
“Of course, it’s okay. In fact, how about you guys go on in. I am going to run to the ladies’ room. Jane, do you need to go?”
“No, I went be
fore we left the house like you told me to.”
I laugh, thinking how maybe I should start taking my own advice. “Good girl. I will come find you guys.” I glance up at Logan. “Just don’t buy the entire store before I get back. Don’t be a sucker for those big doe eyes.”
“You know she gets me every time.” He laughs and kisses my head. “Do you want me to walk with you?” he asks cautiously, and I know he’s worried about last night. I am too, but I won’t live in fear. Besides, this is a public place filled with people, making it hard for something to happen.
“Thank you for offering, but I will be okay. Be back in a few.” Kissing his lips, I remind Jane to listen to the guys and stay with them.
Holding Tanner’s hand, she drags him into the store with Logan in tow. I still find it so heartwarming how those two guys turn into complete mush for that little girl. All she has to do is bat her eyelashes at either one of them, and they would fall to their knees for her. And she knows it too.
I look around, searching for the signs to lead me to the restrooms, hoping I don’t have to go all the way back to the food court. Seeing a directory, I walk over and check out the map. Somehow, I had already passed the bathrooms, which is probably because my head seems to be all over the place today.
Turning back around, I see the large sign across the way and want to laugh at myself for being so blind. Crossing through the middle of the mall, I stop for a family pushing three kids in a stroller. It causes an ache in my stomach and a desire for kids stirs inside me. This is what I want. I want Jane, and I want more kids with Logan. I want Logan and me to have a family of our own. The way he is with Jane, I can’t even imagine how great he would be with our children.
Pulling my eyes from the beautiful family, a flash of familiar dark hair catches my eye. Of all places to run into my sister, the mall is the last place I would expect.
Thinking my head may be playing tricks on me, I bolt for the hallway that leads to the restrooms. Pushing open the door, I search the nearly empty room and don’t see Lynne. The two ladies washing their hands grab paper towels and smile on their way out. Disappointment hits me when I realize I missed her, and it leaves me with a new string of questions.
Perfectly Unexpected Page 18
