Unknown (Hooked Book 3) (10 page)

Logan glanced over in surprise. He didn’t know that Ryan was the last person he expected to see, but he ranked at least in the top ten. “Jimmy is a student of human nature,” Logan explained. “He understands everyone needs a place like this at some point in their life. Not everyone likes to party, but almost everyone needs a drink.” Honestly. Logan had no idea if that was true. He’d only met Jimmy a handful of times, back when he’d gone to the gym with Malik. The man was big and had lots of fabulous hair. Come to think of it, it was a bit odd Logan had never seen him inside the bar he owned.

“That’s probably true, considering how much Jimmy drinks,” Ryan agreed. “He also owns a club in Nashville. Apparently, he likes the party side better, since that’s where he spends his time while leaving this place to management.”

Logan looked around at the bar through new eyes. “I wonder if he’s hiring.”

“Is the River Night Brewery not all it’s cracked up to be?”

Without bothering to wonder how Ryan knew where he worked, Logan shrugged. “It’s okay. I’ve been there forever, and I make decent money. Sometimes, I wonder if a change in scenery would transform my life.”

“Do you not like your life?”

Logan shrugged again. He didn’t know how to answer that one. At one time, he wouldn’t have changed his life for the world. Now, things were a mess.

“Do you mind if I ask you a question?” Ryan asked, bringing his introspective searching up short.

“Shoot.”

“Why did you keep hanging on with Malik? I’m not trying to be rude or overly nosy. I’m just curious. You left him, so why not let go?”

As Logan thought over Ryan’s question, and Ryan ordered a beer, Logan’s mind drifted back. He’d had plenty of time to consider that question for himself over the past eight months.

“I don’t usually kiss on the first date.”

Malik continued staring at Logan’s mouth until Logan’s stomach growled.

“Guess that means I should go…” Even though Logan knew Malik was taunting him, he couldn’t stand against the man’s ploy. If he let Malik leave, he’d kick himself for the rest of his life. As Malik tensed to push away from Logan’s front door, Logan snagged the man’s shirt and held on.

“I’m still considering it.”

Malik chuckled. The sound was dark and tinged with promise. Logan was too hard to move. “You know—technically—this isn’t our first date.”

“Really?” Logan asked, hearing the hope in his voice. “How do you figure?”

Malik’s eyes flashed with wicked intent. “This is your last date as a single man.”

 Butterflies stirred in Logan’s gut at the memory. Malik still made him feel that way—giddy while waiting for that first real kiss. Pressing his hand to his stomach, trying to squelch the stirring, he focused on Ryan once more. He didn’t want Ryan thinking he’d forgotten the man’s question. There was no way around answering Ryan without being one hundred percent honest.

“He looks at me and I know I’m about to get fucked.” It may’ve been the alcohol talking, but the knowledge didn’t stop Logan from adding, “Hard. Still wearing half my clothes. Going to end up with carpet burn, without knowing how or caring. No one before or since has looked at me the way he does. How could anyone walk away from that? The intensity never lessens. We are built on a solid foundation of need and love. I know without looking that no one else could give me what I already have in him.” Heat rushed to Logan’s face as he realized everything he’d said. “Sorry. I’m not doing a very good job of explaining myself. It just didn’t seem enough to say I love him and he loves me. Even if something horrible happens and we’re never really together again, I’m not sure he can be replaced.”

Ryan shook his head. “Don’t be embarrassed. You did a great job of describing what’s it like to meet your other half. I’ve been there, and it’s scary as hell, knowing a love like that might not come twice in one lifetime.”

Although there hadn’t been an ounce of emotion in Ryan’s confession, Logan’s heart squeezed in his chest. “Oh, no. What’s his name?”

Glancing away, Ryan’s mouth turned up in one corner. He took a sip from his beer before answering. “Mine.”

With one word, Logan felt all the pain Ryan kept to himself. “What happened?”

Ryan took another long pull on his beer. “Did you like the flowers I sent?”

As far as dodging went, it was a good trick. They would definitely be coming back to that topic, but not yet. “Come on. I’m feeling all insecure here. You already know my bullshit.”

After setting his beer aside, Ryan met Logan’s gaze. It was as if Logan was staring at a stranger. “He died. Did you like the flowers I sent?”

Logan groaned. He felt sick and like an ass all rolled into one. “I’m so sorry. It never fails. Every time I get pushy, I’m just putting my foot in my mouth.”

“Nah. Don’t do that,” Ryan said, trying to ease Logan’s guilt. “Honestly, that’s the reason I got in the middle of things with you and Malik. I recognized a kindred spirit,” Ryan said with a wink. “When Chad died, it felt like everything was a huge joke—like I’d been dealt a hand of bait and switch. Sometimes I wondered if that’s the reason he loved me so hard, because fate was squeezing a lifetime of love into a few short years. That thought was scarier than any other. That’s like saying I’m doomed never have that intensity again. Like maybe I should’ve just gone with him, you know?” He visibly swallowed, as if trying to get the bitter taste out of his mouth. “But I didn’t, and I was so goddamn angry over it. I mean, how could someone love me like that and leave me in the most permanent way? When I saw the way you and Malik look at each other, it seemed wrong you weren’t together. I had to do something.”

“So you sent flowers?” Logan asked, hoping to ease some of the heaviness out of the air. He didn’t want to hear this. This was what he feared more than anything, being like Ryan. Being the one left behind.

Ryan’s expression didn’t change as he responded. “Yes, so I sent flowers. Your man needed a kick in the ass.”

The corners of Logan’s mouth turned up. “He doesn’t know. Malik thinks they were for one of my co-workers.”

A low chuckle left Ryan and a sliver of light re-entered his eyes. “Well, shit.”

In spite of the situation, Logan smiled. “Sorry you wasted your money.”

Ryan shook his head. “It wasn’t a waste. Getting under Malik’s skin was secondary to making you smile.”

Logan’s mind went blank at the way Ryan was looking at him. He didn’t know what to say.

Ryan didn’t seem to need to hear anything. “I want you to work things out with Malik.” Ryan’s expression turned hot in an instant. “But if things don’t work out the way you want, I’d love to fuck you. Hard. You’ll definitely end up with carpet burn, not knowing how or why. You’ll never wonder if I’ll walk away, because you’ll know you own me. I’m loyal like that.”

There was no horror or surprise in Logan’s heart. He wasn’t insulted. Logan simply couldn’t put words to the way he felt. No one could ever take Malik’s place, but Ryan was serious. He meant every word, and for the first time in his life, Logan believed someone other than Malik could do exactly as Ryan claimed.

“Would I own you? Or would I be filling a hole?”

“You could fill as many holes as you like.”

This time, Logan blushed. It was out of his control. “I’m being serious.”

“So am I,” Ryan argued before releasing a loud sigh. “You should definitely give me one night. I’m willing to bet good money you’d never want me to leave.”

Exasperation rose in Logan’s chest. “I’m married.”

“Not happily.”

Logan was officially offended. “I am too happy.”

Ryan’s dimples said he didn’t believe it. “Then why are you here with me, instead of at the match, supporting the man who—supposedly—makes you ecstatic?”

“Because I’m weak,” Logan said without thought.

Ryan’s expression transformed, becoming serious. “No. You’re scared. That’s not weakness. Being afraid is a survival mechanism—one you’re robbing Malik of having. Without you there, he’ll fight to win. If you showed up at every match, he’d fight to survive—scared to death of failing you.”

He’d been making a point not a pass. Ryan was a unique person to say the least. “I’m speechless,” Logan admitted, incapable of letting Ryan’s tactics go without comment. “I’ve never had anyone offer to fuck me to drive home their argument before.”

Ryan snorted. “One has nothing to do with the other. You’re gorgeous and amazing. I’d never be able to live with myself if I didn’t throw my hat in the ring while I have the chance, but you’re right. You are still married. It’s time for you to be all in or get out. I wanted you to know where I stand either way.”

“You’re the oddest man. You admit to sending me flowers—just to see me smile. Yet, you also offered to train Malik, helping him win me back. Tonight, you say you want us to work things out, but a few days ago, you stole a kiss from my husband before openly watching us together in the locker room.”

Yeah. He’d gone there. This time it was definitely the liquor talking. Heat rushed Logan’s face, but he didn’t back down.

Neither did Ryan. “No matter what your feelings are on Malik’s dumbass decisions, you’ve still showed up for him every time he’s needed you. Having witnessed his hot temper, I can’t imagine that’s been easy for you. Hell, the devastation on your face the day he introduced you as his soon-to-be ex-husband made me want to take out a few of his teeth. But the way he held onto you as y’all left the gym that day, that told a whole different story.” For a second, Ryan studied Logan’s face, as if searching for something Logan didn’t understand. When he spoke again, his voice came out husky, shocking the hell out of Logan. “Any man with blood still pumping in his veins would’ve watched you in that locker room with Malik, if given the chance I was. When you caught me, lust brought me to my feet from only the heat in your stare.” He leaned an inch closer. Logan didn’t move away. “Did you know, I jacked off in the shower next to you, dreaming I could join you?”

“I didn’t expect to find you here.”

Happiness welled inside Logan at the sound of Malik’s voice, pushing away the horror over the way his breathing had deepened at Ryan’s words. Thank God. He’d survived another fight. Logan twisted in his seat. Malik looked fine. No bruises or anything. In fact, with his well-worn jeans and fitted t-shirt, Malik looked sexy as fuck.

“Hey, baby. Why did you come if you didn’t expect to find me here? Not that I’m complaining,” Logan added as he reached for Malik.

Malik stepped between Logan’s knees, leaning in for a quick kiss. He looked every bit as happy to see Logan as Logan felt seeing him. “Not you, baby. I knew you’d be here.” He switched his attention to Ryan. “I meant you. You said you would be at the fight.”

Ryan nodded, seeming unconcerned. “I went. Sam said I could find Logan here, and—after getting a good look at your opponent—I decided I could do more good here than there.”

Logan’s gaze shifted between them. To his surprise, Malik slapped Ryan across the back. “Thanks, man. I don’t like Logan being alone.”

“How did it go?” Logan asked, incapable of standing another second without knowing. “You’re here. Does that mean you won?”

Malik’s smile said it all. He was proud. “Yep. Dude went down in the first round, three minutes in. That’s how I made it here so fast.” He lifted Logan’s glass and checked the level. “How many drinks in are you?”

“That’s my fourth.”

Ryan shot him a look of surprise.

Logan winked. Most people expected him to be incapable of holding his liquor because of his size. They’d be wrong.

Malik eyed Ryan. “How about you?”

“I’ve taken three sips of this beer.”

“Cool. So, what have y’all been chatting about?”

Logan’s brain took a dive. The only thought in his head was Ryan’s offer to fuck him. He scrambled, coming up empty. Lies popped from his mouth without any input from his brain. “Ryan just agreed to help me move my things back home tomorrow.”

“What?” Malik’s shock was every bit as massive as Logan expected Ryan’s to be. Except, Ryan didn’t bat an eye.

“Yep. I’ve got a truck and have the day off, figured I’d show my support.”

“Are you fucking kidding me?” Malik asked, sounding more excited by the minute. “You’re really coming home? Tomorrow? Like, as in the day after tonight? Seriously?”

The happiness written in Malik’s every line made it worthwhile. “Yep, all of that,” Logan agreed.

Malik captured Logan’s mouth in a bruising kiss, damn near chipping one of Logan’s teeth in his enthusiasm. He squeezed Logan tightly enough he felt something pop, but Logan refused to protest. All Logan wanted was to make Malik happy. He should’ve gone home a month ago. As they sat here now, even Logan didn’t understand why he hadn’t. Some fears ran deep.

“And you,” Malik said, nearly blowing Logan’s ear drum out as he turned on Ryan, and wrapped him in a bear hug before Ryan could get away. “You’re helping again. For real, you’re amazing, dude.”

“Call me Santa,” Ryan said dryly.

Malik’s happiness couldn’t be dampened. Logan couldn’t stop smiling from simply watching him. “This calls for a celebration,” Malik announced. “Jimmy,” Malik called at the top of his lungs, and the sexy dude with long blond hair, stepped from an office in the back, appearing shocked. Not as shocked as Logan felt, to his thinking. He’d sat there through four drinks, convinced the man wasn’t there.