Inevitable (32 page)

“Great! Daddy wanted to watch
Rudolph
. I told him we already saw it last week though. I think he wanted to come with us.” Oliver ripped into the package, removing each car one by one. “It was so much fun and Luke was the coolest.”

I nodded nervously and chanced a glance at Logan.

“Perhaps next year we can all go together,” Logan said, his tone even, giving nothing away.

“Oliver, this is for you.” I grabbed a small gift with a bright-green bow from the small tote I brought. I wasn’t in the mood to discuss Luke.

Oliver sat up straight, dropping the toy in his hand, grinning.

“Wow, thanks!” He ripped into the paper and I watched as his smiled melted into a bored frown when he saw what was inside. “A book?”

“Oliver,” Logan scolded and offered me an uncomfortable smile. I smiled back with a shrug. I expected the reaction.

“Thanks.” Oliver pouted, setting the book aside and crumpling the wrapping paper to toss at Scout.

“Forgive him, sweetheart. He’s—”

I began to chuckle, ignoring Logan’s apology.

“Of course I got you a book. I love Dr. Seuss, plus I want you to be the best reader our school’s ever had. But I also got you this.”

With my hand still in the bag, I pulled out a larger gift. Oliver beamed, excitement dancing in his eyes, as he ripped it open.

“Legos!” Oliver squealed. “Thanks!”

A satisfied smile pulled at my lips as he tore into the box, and began scattering the tiny bags of small pieces in a circle around him.

“Are you going to help me?”

I nodded, reaching back into my bag and found the small gift wrapped in silvery-grey paper and topped with a blue bow. “Give me a minute,” I whispered, leaning forward.

I stood, and took a seat next to Logan on the sofa. “This is for you.” I smiled coyly, handing him the gift.

After endless nights spent searching online for the perfect gift, for the guy that had everything, I found my answer when Hilary and I went to the book store.

Logan raised his brows. “You didn’t have to, Cassandra.”

“Yes, I did. I’m not sure how, but you seem to have wormed your way into my life against all my reservations.” I laughed once, nibbling my bottom lip.

Logan flashed a smile, and then looked down at the gift.

I sighed, looking down at my hands. “Seriously, over the last couple of months you really have become a good friend to me.” I looked up, meeting his gaze. “Plus, I’d be sitting home alone eating my last box of Twinkies if you hadn’t invited me over today.” I grinned, nudging his arm, lightening the mood.

Logan’s expression remained stoic, his gaze searing into mine as hot and confusing as earlier. His hand reached out and my body flooded with the warmth that only he seemed capable of filling me with. I flushed from the heat as the back of his hand delicately brushed over my cheek for the briefest second.

“Thank you,” he murmured.

There was no doubt that we both felt the undeniable electricity that flowed between us. I could see it in his eyes, in his soft expression.

“Open your gift.” I breathed, desperate to break the tension.

Without another word, Logan slowly unwrapped the gift, as if he were savoring the moment.

“A book.” He smiled genuinely. “Thank you, Cassandra, truly.”

“I know how much you love to read.”

Logan held the book in his hands, his laughter filling the room as he read the title aloud. “
How to End Your Player Ways in Thirty Days or Less
. How thoughtful, sweetheart.”

I shrugged. “I figured you might be interested in…” I leaned in closer to whisper, “slowing down on the number of women you bed every weekend.” I giggled when out of nowhere a pang of jealousy ripped through my chest, surprising me.

Logan held the book in his hands, looking down at it in thought. I sat there, no longer able to laugh as I watched Logan flip through the pages. His lips pulled into a thin smile but there was something deeper in his expression. Did I offend him? I pushed away the thought. Logan was impossible to insult.

I reached for the book, flipped it open, and whispered, “You should check out chapter four, ‘How to Properly Let a Girl Down After a One-Night Stand.’”

Logan slowly raised his head; his hooded eyes looked almost disappointed. In an instant his expression smoothed into a broader smile, covering it, but it was too late. I could tell he hated my gift to him.

He cleared his throat, tilting his head toward me. He sat there, staring at me for a long moment, before finally speaking.

“You know, I’ve actually been so occupied with business and all, I haven’t entertained any women lately.” His was voice rough, serious.

I wasn’t sure how to respond. I bobbed my head up and down, unable to find my words. What did it mean that he wasn’t sleeping around anymore. Was it wrong to feel relieved?

He set the book on the couch between us and the sting of regret filled my chest.

Hilary had told me that Caleb commented on Logan not going around banging any so called ‘hotties in heels,’ but I didn’t really believe it. Why would he stop?

“Oh,” I muttered, coyly. “Well, perhaps you’ll find something useful in the book anyway.” I swallowed the large lump that had suddenly formed in my throat and slowly moistened my dry lips. I felt horrible. He looked defeated, like I just slapped him across the face. I expected it to be a funny gag gift with him making some snide comment, or perverted remark. We would tease each other about it and move on with a good laugh. So far, the complete opposite was happening. I never felt like more of a bitch.

I reached back into my bag, staring down at Oliver who was lying on his stomach, elbows propping him up, feet dangling in the air. His full attention was on building his Legos, completely oblivious to the adult conversation and thick tension a few feet behind him.

“I got you something else as well.” I pulled the gift from my tote beside the couch, feeling suddenly awkward.

Logan smiled but it still didn’t reach his eyes and untied the ribbon on his gift. “Let me guess.” He shook the box, and then whispered, “Condoms?”

I slapped his arm, and rolled my eyes.

He chuckled, taking his time opening the package. The moment he had the box opened, his smile melted into something dark and secretive.
Did he hate this as well?
My stomach dropped.

“Sweetheart…this is—” he started, staring down at the mahogany frame in his hands.

“I took it myself. Do you like it?”
Why was I so nervous all of a sudden?

He set the frame—holding a photo of he and Oliver in the midst of their straw fight at the farm—on the table beside the couch and looked back at me, smiling. It was my favorite picture and one that now hung proudly in my kitchen. In it, both of their faces were relaxed and lit with humor. It was peaceful and made me smile every time I walked past it, which is why I knew it was the right gift.

“It’s perfect. Thank you, truly.”

He stood, picking up the book I got him and placed it on the coffee table, with a thoughtful sigh. I swallowed, watching him walk across the room to the tree, where he bent down to retrieve the lone present on the thick quilted tree skirt.

“This is for you.” Logan smiled softly, handing me the snow-white gift bag filled with silver tissue paper. He sat back down beside me, staring over at Oliver.

“Thanks, but…you really didn’t have to.” I pressed my lips together in a tight awkward smile. “I’m thankful you invited me over today. That was more than a gift in itself.” I sighed heavily, my shoulders slumping forward. “I’m sorry about the book. It was stupid,” I mumbled, running my fingers over the tips of the tissue paper.

He looked up from Oliver with his eyebrows raised, his lips pulled up in a reassuring smile. “Open the gift, Cassandra.”

I bit my bottom lip and gazed back down at the stunning gift bag. It was almost too beautiful to open. Feeling no rush, I slowly pulled out the sparkling tissue and sucked in a ragged breath as I pulled out a long, black velvet box.

Hesitantly, I glanced up to find Logan watching with curious eyes. His usually confident demeanor wavered when I noticed his lowered brow.

With bated breath, I opened the lid.

“Oh my G—Logan, it’s…” My eyes grew wide, jaw falling lax at the sight of a stunning charm bracelet with diamonds set in what looked like platinum between each charm. I exhaled, my fingers ghosting over of a little silver tennis shoe.

With tears stinging my eyes, I looked up. Logan reached out and took it from my hands, his eyes never straying from mine.

“The first time I ever laid eyes on you, you were jogging with your friend, Hilary,” he murmured. I lowered my gaze back to the tiny shoe and smiled.

“The first time I ever had the pleasure of hearing your voice,” he titled his head in thought, “you ended up tripping and needed bandaged.”

His finger brushed over the tiny silver Band-Aid. Tears began pooling in my eyes. His gift was unlike anything I ever expected. I wasn’t sure what to think or even feel in that moment.

“The first time I knew you were more than a pretty face,” he smiled, his thumb caressing my cheek for the briefest moment, “you brought Oliver and me muffins.” His voice cracked and I bit my bottom lip as he touched upon the tiny muffin.

The burn of a stray tear as it slipped down my cheek pulled my gaze to my lap. Quickly, I wiped it away.

Next, he held up the miniature swimming pool in his hand and I laughed, looking up at him.

“This one speaks for itself, sweetheart.” His smile widened into a broad grin. “It was a night I’ll never forget…and one I wouldn’t mind experiencing again next summer.”

My head shot down, heat creeping up my cheeks. I shook my head, chuckling.

“This,” he held up a music note, “is for the first time we danced.” He lowered the bracelet and looked me in the eyes. “I wanted you that night, Cassandra. More than I’ve ever wanted any woman. But I’m thankful every day that you wouldn’t let me have my way.” He sighed. “We wouldn’t be here today if I had slept with you then.”

He looked back down, frowning. “I can’t image you not being here today.”

My heart swelled helping me find my voice.

“The pumpkin patch,” I said, running my fingers over the shiny jack-o-lantern.

“Yes, the first day I realized I wanted nothing more than to protect you. From your ex, from anyone that could hurt you.”

I smiled, his words soothing every part of my soul.

“The carnival.” I smiled, remembering our day together. The charm was of a Ferris wheel and the only one that was gold.

Logan took my hand and clasped the bracelet around my wrist. He looked up at me, my hand still in his.

“The first day I knew Oliver was falling in love with you.”    

I smiled, tilting my head over to Oliver. His Lego set nearly finished. Logan’s fingers gently clasped my chin, pulling me slowly back to face him.

“I was scared, Cassandra. Terrified.” He sighed, his expression pained. “The following few days after the carnival, I brought home women trying to…push it away.” His hand fell, releasing my chin.

My face scrunched in confusion. “Push what away? Me caring for your son?”

“No.” He gently shook his head. “My feelings for you.”

I closed my eyes, and inhaled a deep breath, willing the tears at bay. “Logan—”

“I get it, I do. I’m not good for you. But just know, please know…” a slow smile brightened his face, “you’re important in my life, Cassandra. You’re my best friend.”

Chapter Twenty-Four

Vulnerable

C
hristmas in the West home was one I would never forget as long as I lived. Oliver and Logan were a family so in love with life and each other it left my soul utterly sated when I went home that night. Against all my reservations and reasoning, I was falling in love with them more and more each day. But now as the holiday season came to an end, I couldn’t deny my feelings any longer.

I wanted Logan West. No longer was it a passionate seduction my body craved. There was an insatiable need growing inside me that only one man could fulfill. It consumed me in ways I never dreamed possible. He was all I could think of, dream about. He was it, everything I had ever wanted.

“Come on, since when do you take this long?” Hilary complained.

Pulling myself from my daydream of telling Logan I wanted to try us, I took one last look at my reflection in the mirror. I felt like a new woman. I gave my hair one more tousle, smiling at the glitter Hilary ran through it minutes earlier.

With a confident strut, I stepped into the living room.

“Hot damn, girl!” Hilary smiled. She was sitting on the armchair in my living room slipping on black glittery heels. They added that extra sparkle to her red low-cut body hugging mini dress.

“You’re sure it’s not too much?” My nerves peeking through. I felt beautiful and sexy but completely out of my comfort level.

“It’s freaking gorgeous!” Her smile grew wider. “You look stunning and there is no way Logan won’t be drooling all over himself when he sees you in that.” She laughed. “Looks like the tables have turned, huh.”

I nodded with a smile, slinking down to the couch across from her and slipping into my nude heels. “So, you and Caleb are good?”

“I have never been happier. He’s amazing. I mean, I always knew that, but he’s so kind and loving and the most unbelievable kisser.” She slumped back in the chair, swooning like a lovesick puppy.

“Yeah, I got it. You’re falling in love.”

She sat up, her eyebrows lowered. “No! I mean no…I don’t…oh my God.”

I chuckled softly. “Why are you freaked about that? It’s what you always dreamed about.”

Hilary looked up at me, gnawing on her bottom lip. “I just…” She sighed. “I’m not falling in love with Caleb.”

“Um…you sure about that?” I chuckled, bemused.

“Cassandra, I’m already in love with him.” Her words came out slow as if she was realizing it while speaking.

“Oh.”

“I know, right. We haven’t even slept together.”