Under A Painted Sky (Spirit Warrior Series)

by Jenna Roads

  “I like all of those. I am kind of like you. I like some of all different genres.”

  After we pulled into the parking lot, we went inside and got seated in a booth. I didn’t usually eat breakfast, but today I was hungry.

  We ordered our drinks and food.

  I decided on a western omelet and Logan had eggs, bacon and hash browns.

  “It looks like it’s going to be a scorcher out today,” he said.

  “Yes. It makes me want to go swimming,” I replied.

  “Well, we could go in your pool, you know,” Logan said.

  “I think that is a great idea. We could go back there when we leave here if you want, unless you made plans we don’t need to cancel,” I said.

  “No, everything can be adjusted. I could use a swim to cool off,” Logan said.

  “Great, it’s settled,” I replied.

  Our meal arrived and we tore into it like hungry bears. We finished our food quickly and took off for home.

  CHAPTER ELEVEN

  When we arrived, someone was stalled in front of the gate. Logan got out and assisted them with a jump. When he got back in, I said, “That was so nice of you.”

  Logan said, “It was nothing. If my wife were stranded, I would sure hope someone would help her. I am just prepaying it forward.”

  We pulled into the drive and got out. Logan reached in the back to his truck box, toolbox, or whatever it’s called, and pulled out a bathing suit and a towel.

  “You really do think of everything,” I said.

  “What? I have to use these to clean the pool at times so, I always keep a couple sets in here,” he replied.

  We went inside and I told him he could change in the downstairs bathroom. I went upstairs to get my suit and a towel. I put it on and a cover-up and head downstairs where Logan had the music on already and was out by the pool. I went out and there was Logan in his black and turquoise swim trunks and my face started to flush.

  Logan asked, “Well, are you coming in?” He dived into the pool.

  I was embarrassed because our swim suit colors are identical as if we planned to match.

  I pulled off my cover and Logan did a double take. We looked like lovers.

  I slipped into the pool and let the cool water wash over me. I swam across the pool and back again.

  “This was a great idea, Isabella,” Logan said.

  “I’m glad you approve,” I smirked.

  I went and stood under the waterfall off of the rocks and basked in the freshness of the cool, clear water flowing down over my tanned skin.

  Logan came over by me. “Do you mind if I join you?”

  “No, not at all.”

  He came to the waterfall and I watch as he stood under it and the water flowed down his tan, muscular body. He did not have six pack abs, but he was built rather studly.

  Time was frozen. The next thing I knew, I lost all sense of balance and slipped from having by back leg propped on one of the rocks.

  He reached over and grabbed me and pulled me to him. My back was against his chest and I looked up at him and I squeaked out a thanks. I could feel that my face was flushed.

  Logan held me tighter and whispered in my ear, “Anytime, Isabella.” He turned me around to face him and leaned down to kiss me. My legs turned to jelly and my heart raced out of my chest. I was powerless to resist. I kissed him back hard and long and then pulled away.

  “Have I done something wrong, Isabella?” he asked.

  “No,” I replied.

  “I’m sorry. I thought you really liked me,” Logan said.

  “It’s not that. I really do like you. I just needed to catch my breath,” I said.

  “Oh, you scared me for a second there. I thought maybe I was wrong and these feelings were one-sided,” Logan said.

  “You were not wrong. I don’t know how this happened so fast, except we have spent long days together,” I said.

  “I think you are the most beautiful person, inside and out. I feel like I’ve known you my whole life,” Logan said.

  “I know, I feel like I’ve known you just that long also. Even though I have been married briefly, I never felt like this with him. This feels like something much different,” I said.

  “Any man who would leave you for another woman has got to be out of his mind, so it does not bother me at all that you were married before,” Logan said.

  “How about something to drink?” I asked.

  “That’d be great,” he said.

  “What can I get for you? I guess you know everything that is in the fridge because you stocked it,” I said.

  “Yes, I did. That is one reason I already liked you before I met you, because we have a lot of the same tastes. I’ll have water, please,” Logan said.

  “Water it is,” I said as I made my way through the patio door.

  I came back out and took the water to the waterfall where Logan was standing and gave it to him.

  “Thanks,” he said.

  “My pleasure,” I replied.

  He took a drink and then looked at me. “I’m gonna have to return your aunt’s money though. I’ve felt guilty since day one for taking money for escorting the most beautiful girl on Earth who I instantly liked,” Logan said.

  “I don’t think you should give it back. You’re doing the job she hired you to do. Besides, she talked to me on the phone the other day and wanted to know how we were getting along. The smirk in her voice told me she was trying her hand at matchmaking. Frankly, I’m glad she did. I may never have met you otherwise,” I said.

  “She really said that on the phone?” Logan asked.

  “Yes, she did. She probably wouldn’t take the money back, if I know my aunt,” I said.

  “Well, I will have to try anyway, because I am happy to take you out any time, and I do not feel right getting money for it,” he replied.

  “Have it your way,” I said.

  “Thank you very much; I do like things my way,” he said with a laugh.

  “You don’t strike me as that type. I think you are easy going,’ I said.

  “I can be, but everyone likes to have things their way when they can,” he said.

  “True. I liked meeting your Uncle Joe. He was very nice and funny. Is your father the same way he is?” I asked.

  “Yea, he is much the same, except a little more type A than Uncle Joe. He works too much and drinks a little too much tequila. His name is Warren. He likes Native American artifacts and he loves my mother. They are still very much in love. It’s embarrassing sometimes the way they carry on,” Logan said.

  “So, what about your mom?” I asked.

  “My mother is Lucinda and she is the office manager of our business. She is a little laid back, but she runs a tight ship at the office. She loves to travel, garden and cook. She also loves to shop and sneaks off to do it and never tells dad how much she spends or he would have a stroke. She simply says it is unhealthy for him to know about every dollar,” Logan said.

  “And your sister?” I asked.

  “My sister, Megan, is twenty-five and married to Jeff Barnes who is twenty-eight and they do not have kids yet. My sister is the realtor for our company and is very outgoing. She collects painted ponies. My brother-in-law is an engineer. He likes anything electronic. He also works too much. He’s a bit on the geeky nerd side, but pretty cool though, and he does love my sister. That is pretty much my whole family. What about yours?” Logan asked.

  “Well, my mother’s name is Jacqueline, but everyone calls her Jackie. She has never worked outside of the home. She stays busy with charity work and she paints a little. She has been working on several books my whole life, but I don’t think she will ever finish one.”

  “My dad’s name is William and he’s a dentist. He’s a pushover. My mom pretty much runs things at their house. His biggest hobby is speedboat racing. He treats his boat as if it was a child or something.”

  “I have one sibling, and his name is Blake. He is four years older t
han me and we are pretty close. He sells insurance. He’s not married. I think it’s because he doesn’t want to share his money and not be able to buy his toys. He, of course, says that is not true. He loves speedboat racing, as well. That is pretty much the skinny,” I elaborated.

  “I think speedboat racing would be a rush, but in the desert it is not an option for me,” Logan said.

  “I think I’m going to the lounge chair to warm up. That little breeze I just felt gave me a chill,” I said.

  “I think I will join you,” Logan said.

  We sat down on the thickly cushioned brown beach type loungers. “Heartbeat” by The Fray was playing through the speakers. I looked across at the Sandia Mountain. “Do you ever get tired of looking at that mountain?” I asked Logan. “I don’t think I ever could. It gives you an awesome perspective of where we fit in this vast amazing world of ours.”

  “I never do. I hear people say all the time that it gets old, but it does not get old to me. I have practically known my whole life that this is where I am supposed to be. I love this place,” Logan replied.

  “I understand that completely, because I am falling in love with this place as well. I love the beauty, the warmth of the adobe structures and pretty colors everywhere, the mystery of all the cultures and the people. It’s as if I’ve stepped through a time portal into a place where acceptance is the norm. So unreal,” I said.

  We talked for hours. Past lunch time and late into the afternoon. I didn’t even miss lunch. It was as if time stood still.

  Logan was the easiest person in the world to talk to. He gets me.

  Logan said, “Whoa, look at the time. It’s six p.m. already. We’d better get something to eat. How about if I leave to go and change clothes and let you change, and I’ll pick you back up in one hour for dinner?” he asked.

  “That sounds good to me,” I replied.

  CHAPTER TWELVE

  He gathered his things and left. I went upstairs to shower and dress. After my shower, I realized I didn’t ask where we were going. I thought, duh!

  I had better go with the middle of the road outfit again. I chose another sundress. It was a royal blue, low cut V-neck, gathered at the breast with a silver cascade of hearts.

  I put on cascade heart earrings and a ring. So, I’m a little obsessive compulsive with the matching thing. I’m a match freak! Everything must match. I know, I need therapy, I laughed at myself. I also have a thing for V-necks. I grabbed my sandals with heels that were black with silver circles across the top.

  I put on a little makeup and fixed my hair.

  I sprayed Unconditional Love perfume and walked through it. That should do it. I straightened the room up, gathered my things and went downstairs. I went to the back patio door to lock it, and it was open. I could’ve sworn that I closed it. I looked around and saw nothing, so I closed the door and locked it. I turned off the music as I heard Logan pulling into the driveway. I got my purse, went to the door, locked it behind me and hurried to meet him.

  Logan jumped out to open the truck door for me.

  Who does that anymore, I thought? It made me feel special. He was wearing a black shirt with the top two buttons undone and black pants. I really had a thing for men in black. I believed it was the ultimate sexy thing a man could wear. I smelled his Hugo as I got in.

  He got in the truck and looked over at me and said, “You look incredibly beautiful, Isabella.”

  “Thanks. And you look very sexy, Logan,” I replied.

  “Thanks,” he said.

  “I forgot to ask where we were going, so I hope this is okay,” I said.

  “You are perfect, Isabella, and you would be perfect in anything you wear,” Logan said.

  “Wow, that is so sweet. Where are we going?” I asked.

  “Do you like Greek?” he asked.

  “I don’t know. I’ve never had it,” I replied.

  “That settles it, then. You have to try Greek. I think you will like it. We’re going to Mykonos Café and Taverna. It’s a Greek restaurant at the foothills of the Sandia Mountain. It is very good,” Logan said.

  “Great, I love to try new things.”

  The radio was playing “Glad You Came” by The Wanted. I started singing the lyrics.

  “That’s pretty good, Isabella. Maybe you should be on American Idol,” Logan said.

  “I don’t think so. I can carry a tune, but a singer I am not,” I said.

  “Well, I’m glad you came anyway,” Logan said.

  A short time later, we arrived at Mykonos.

  It didn’t look like all that much from the parking lot, but as we started into the restaurant, it seemed to be something very special. The whole place had royal blue colored table cloths of real linen with a smaller white cloth on top of that. The light fixtures suspended from the ceiling were blue. There were blue tiles on the bar with lots of blue glass and crystal. They had candles galore. It looked like the deep blue ocean. There was even a huge beech scene on the wall with rocks on part of the bank and sand on the rest, with the ocean waves crashing the rocks and a lighthouse in the distance. It was gorgeous and romantic. There was a piano in one corner with someone playing beautiful, soft music. I guess you shouldn’t always judge a book by its cover. The place was dreamy.

  We were seated and the waiter took our drink order.

  Logan said, “Since you’ve never had Greek before, then you must try the Greek combo platter. It has some of everything and is really good.”

  “Okay, you haven’t let me down so far. I will have that.”

  Logan ordered for both of us and he got the same that he suggested for me. This was really a romantic place.

  This was way cool. I’d gotten kissed today by Logan and now I was at a very romantic restaurant with him. Could life get any better?

  “I love this place.”

  He flashed me his million-dollar smile and said, “I’m glad. It’s one of my favorites.”

  When our food arrived, we feasted. I couldn’t remember what everything was called, but it was all very tasty and looked gorgeous on the plate. The entire meal was divine. We enjoyed the music being played on the piano. The flickering candlelight glowing through the cut glass holder was captivating.

  Having Logan sitting across from me with his beckoning smile and dancing green eyes was even more captivating.

  My Aunt Carol came to my mind and I thought about how wonderful she is. I wondered what insight she held to think we were a perfect match. Was it some kind of sixth sense or ESP or something? She was pretty cool if you asked me.

  After sitting awhile and listening to the music and eyeing each other, we got up to leave.

  We got in the truck and checked our phones. I texted back four people and finished with the phone.

  When we pulled into the driveway, Logan got out and followed me to the door.

  He kissed my cheek, then said, “I had a really great time today. I had something unexpected come up and need to do some business tomorrow. Can we pick up where we left off the day after tomorrow around ten a.m.?

  “I’m fine with that, because I have a few personal items to pick up and I’ll catch up with my folks.”

  “Great. Goodnight, Isabella,” Logan called out.

  “Goodnight, Logan,” I said.

  I set the house alarm and I went into the living room to crank the stereo. I noticed the fireplace was going. I froze in my tracks.

  I yelled, “Hello? Hello?” And got no answer. I checked out the downstairs and I saw nothing. I grabbed a huge painted rock on the end table and went upstairs turning on the lights as I went. My heart raced as I climbed the stairs and entered the master bedroom. I went in and checked everywhere, including the closets and found nothing. I checked the other rooms and nothing. I went out on the veranda off of the bedroom and looked around outside. I saw nothing.

  I headed back downstairs and turned off the fireplace, which went off with no problem. I turned on the outside lights and looked out of all the dif
ferent windows and I saw nothing. I thought it was very weird. Could there have been something wrong with the fireplace? I guess I could get that homeowners book and call whoever was listed about the fireplace.

  My nerves settled back down. It was only ten p.m., so I decided to call my Aunt Carol and ask her about it. Her time would be eight a.m. in Moscow.

  Aunt Carol said, “Maybe the switch is faulty since it’s brand new. Call the person listed in the homeowner guide to get it checked. And if that doesn’t work, or if you need help, get Logan because he can take care of anything.”

  “Okay, thanks,” I replied.

  She then asked, “How are you and Logan getting along?”

  “We’re getting along perfectly,” I said.

  She squealed with joy. “I knew it! I felt so good knowing he was looking out for you. I was very comforted that you were in capable hands.”

  “How did you know? I asked.

  “Not only is he a great person, he’s handsome, charming, attentive, and capable. I felt like Logan is exactly who you needed,” she explained.

  I told her he had been so great taking me all over town and that I’ve been having such a great time. She told me she was so glad.

  I felt much better after talking to my aunt.

  I decided I was too keyed up to sleep, so I turned on the TV and picked out a paid movie. I didn’t think I could handle scary right then. I picked “The Vow” and watched the movie with a tissue in hand and decided when it was over that I could sleep.

  I checked the doors again, went up to the master bedroom, and got ready for bed. I set the music volume low from the wall panel and climbed into bed and turned out the lights.

  I woke up to what I thought was somebody softly calling my name. I sat straight up in the bed and I saw a light coming from the stairway like maybe the moon shining through the window adjacent to the stairway. I got up and went out of the master bedroom door and saw it was not. The light was coming from downstairs. I went back in the bedroom with my heart beating out of my chest and looked for a weapon just in case I needed it. I couldn’t find anything. I grabbed an umbrella from the closet and crept down the stairs with my heart racing faster and faster and my breath getting quicker. I got almost to the bottom and saw the front door was opened. I freaked out inside and tiptoed back up the stairs.