Surrounded (Unsettled Series Book 2), page 13
“Call me Richard. It’s nice meeting you too.” My dad reached out and shook Logan’s hand, then turned to me. “I was just getting ready to mow the grass back here, so maybe you two should go inside.”
“Sure Dad, we’ll get out of your way. We’re actually going to head out, can you let Mom know I’ll be back later?” I rose to my tip toes and gave my dad a kiss on his cheek.
“Sure, baby girl. See you later.”
I grabbed Logan’s hand, and pulled him towards the gate, snatching the blanket my mom left on the patio swing on the way out.
Logan and I had a lot of making up to do.
Roast Chicken
Brooklyn
After making a quick stop at the gas station, I maneuvered Logan’s rental down PCH. One of the things I missed about not living in LA was that I wasn’t able to drive down PCH anytime I wanted. I could always count on the mild weather that blew in off the coast to calm my senses.
After a short while, I exited the freeway and drove the winding path towards the beach.
“Do you miss living here?” Logan asked, his gaze wandering the shoreline.
“Sometimes. Not all the time,” I replied as I pulled the car into a parking space off the street. I wanted to bring Logan to one of the places that had always held a special place in my heart growing up. This is where my dad used to bring me and Danielle on the days we were wearing on my mom’s nerves.
“It’s beautiful out here,” he said.
“It is. C'mon.” I pulled the blanket from the tiny backseat of the sports-car and hopped out. There was hardly anyone out, even though it was a Friday, but that was just the way I liked it. This was my special spot, and I liked to think that nobody else was allowed. I fanned out the blanket on the grass and plopped down, sliding my feet out of my sandals.
“What are the nuts for?” Logan asked, as I popped the vacuum seal on the bottle of peanuts I’d picked up at the gas station.
“When I was younger, my dad used to bring us here and feed the squirrels peanuts. Of course there are signs all over that say don't feed the animals, but I can’t help but to give into their cute little faces.”
“I don’t see any squirrels.”
“Oh, they’re here,” I said with a smile. I emptied a couple nuts into my palm and tossed them in the grass near the trees. As I expected, two squirrels ran down the trunk of the tree and attacked the peanuts that were littered on the ground.
“They’re quick,” Logan said in amazement, which made me laugh. He looked like he’d never seen animals before.
“Do you want to feed them?” I held out the bottle.
“Sure.” I laughed again when he greedily snatched it from my fingers. He looked like a kid with a new toy. I stretched out on the blanket, resting my face in the crook of my arm. The cool breeze whispered along my skin and ruffled my sun dress. I could feel the tiny blades of grass tickling my toes.
I watched as the squirrels attacked every piece of food that Logan threw. I liked that I could do simple things with Logan and he enjoyed them just as much as I did. Having him near me made me realize more than ever how much I’d missed him—and how my foolishness had nearly ruined things.
“Why did you decide to come all the way here, Logan?” I murmured, watching a squirrel stuff his face while standing on his hind legs.
“Did I have a choice?” he answered, not looking at me.
“Yes.”
“That's where you're wrong. I didn't have a choice. I just followed my heart. When you left me standing outside the event, I didn’t want you to walk away. I knew I wanted to keep you in my life. When we’re together, you make me feel things I didn’t even know I wanted again. That’s why I came after you.”
I let what Logan said resonate in my brain. Was I really this lucky to have a man who cared this much for me? Walking away from him would have been the biggest mistake I could have ever made. Things between us were good before the chaos, and I hoped they’d be good afterwards. I was determined to give our relationship my all.
“It means everything to me, Logan. Thank you for not giving up on me.” And I meant it.
We spent the afternoon by the beach, enjoying being together again. I didn’t want the day to end. Logan’s voice broke me out of my haze of happiness.
“The sun’s starting to go down. Why don’t we take a walk? Do you have your camera?” he asked, standing up.
“No. I was kind of in a hurry to get us out of the house,” I replied with a smirk. I sat forward just as Logan reached down to help me to my feet. The setting sun illuminated his hair and played on his face. God, he was handsome. I picked up the blanket and took his hand. After I slid into my sandals we headed towards the pathway. Logan pulled me into his side as we walked. We followed the dwindling sunset down to the sand and made our way to the water’s edge.
Logan
I pulled the blanket from Brooklyn’s grip and laid it on the sand. We sat down next to each other and looked out at the water. I leaned back and draped my arm around her shoulders.
“It’s peaceful here.” The beach reminded me of our first picnic together.
“Yeah, it’s one of my favorite places.”
Things felt so right having her cuddled into my side again.
“I missed you,” I murmured, planting a firm kiss on the side of her temple. I wanted my lips to make contact with other parts of her body, but there were a few things I wanted to get off my chest first.
“I missed you, too,” she said, looking up into my eyes. As I shifted on the blanket, I remembered I had something in my back pocket for her. I pulled out the small package Danielle had given me and handed it to Brooklyn.
At the sight of the Starburst, a surprised expression crossed her features. “My favorite,” she whispered.
“Yes, your favorite.” I leaned down and kissed Brooklyn with everything I had. Our tongues intertwined and I could feel her opening to me, wanting more. I trailed my mouth down her neck to her shoulder, biting gently before moving back up. I wanted her badly, but I needed to know that she was certain she wanted me, too. Our conversation in her parents’ backyard had been interrupted, and I needed to know what she said back there was really what she meant.
“Brooklyn?” I breathed against her lips.
“Yeah?”
I pulled back and looked at her. “I need to know for sure that you want this. That you want me. I need to know that you trust me enough with your heart that you won’t second guess me…us.” She watched me, unmoving. “I need to know that before we go further, because I’m in love with you.” I laced my fingers through her hair. “There can’t be any second guessing or regret. I have too much of that in my life as it is.”
She leaned in bringing her face closer to mine. “I want this Logan. I missed you. I missed us. I want us.” The way she looked at me pierced my heart.
“Are you just saying that because your mind is foggy right now?” I knew my question wasn’t fair. I could see the heat in her eyes. The way she wanted me at that moment made me burn for her.
“Yes…” she breathed out.
“Oh, really?” I teased, abruptly stopping my tongue from making tiny circles on her neck.
“I meant no!”
“Did you?”
“No…I meant no,” she moaned, clasping her hand around mine, urging me to start again.
I chuckled quietly against her skin. “Okay, I believe you. But just remember,” I lightly peppered her neck with kisses. “When you feel like running, don’t be afraid to grab my hand because I’ll run with you.” I somehow found the strength to pull away from her, otherwise I was going to have her undressed and underneath me in a couple of moments. I pushed myself off the blanket and stood, holding my hand out to her. “We should probably go. It’s getting dark out.”
Brooklyn’s questioning eyes darted to my face. “Oh…um.”
I loved watching her squirm under my gaze. Good. She was as turned on as I was. And I planned on giving her every last ounce of me, just not right now. When I finally slid into her, I wanted her to remember every second. I had to adjust my jeans as I thought of her sweetly surrounding me, but I was determined to play it cool.
Brooklyn
As soon as we walked back into my parents’ house, my mom tried to put us to work. She barely gave me time to introduce Logan.
“Logan, meet my mom, Marilyn.”
“We met earlier.” He turned towards my mother and nodded. ”Nice to see you again.”
“Yes, honey, I met your boyfriend,” she said, giving me one of her looks. “I was a little surprised since I had no idea that you were even seeing anyone.”
“Dad didn’t tell you?” I asked, playing along. I would use my dad as a scapegoat all day long if it meant I would pass one of my mom’s interrogations.
“Nope, he didn’t. I guess we’ll have to talk about that.” She wiped her hands on her jeans. I could tell she’d been busy all day. “Well, since you two are here, do you want to help me with some things in the backyard? I’m still trying to get the lights up. Your dad quit on me an hour ago,” she huffed, pulling at her short hair. My mom was trying a new bob cut, and it suited her.
“Of course,” Logan offered before I could turn her down. I immediately shot him a death stare. He had absolutely no idea what he was agreeing to. Before he’d shown up, I’d spent the last two hours outside trying to untangle the white lights my mom wanted strung around the gazebo. Plus, the absolute last thing on my mind was decorating the damn backyard. I hadn’t had sex in what now felt like months, and stealing peeks at Logan’s ass in his jeans was just making me want him more. I thought for sure we were going to get things going at the beach, but clearly I was wrong. Weren’t make-ups supposed to include make-up sex?
“Logan and I were going to go to dinner and I don’t know what else, so I probably won’t be home until late,” I offered. Please don’t guilt us into staying… please don’t guilt us into staying…
“Well I made roasted chicken and potatoes for dinner, if you guys want to eat that. That way you can eat and still help me.” My mom may have thought she was getting one over on Logan, but I knew better. I shot Logan a look that told him to keep his mouth shut.
“I love roasted chicken,” Logan piped up. Seriously? What man liked roasted chicken more than sex with his girlfriend?!
“Good! Let’s go to the kitchen and I’ll make you a plate.” I grabbed Logan’s arm as my mom headed into the kitchen.
“What is wrong with you?!” I hissed.
“What do you mean?”
“We haven’t seen each other in a week and the only thing on your mind is roasted chicken?” Logan’s eyes gleamed as he looked at me “Absolutely not,” he said in a low, seductive voice that sent chills racing down my spine before heading towards the kitchen. I let out a groan of frustration as I followed behind them. It was going to be a long night.
Later that evening, once the chicken had been devoured and the party tasks were done, I shifted into Logan’s side as we snuggled up on the couch. “What do you want to do for the rest of the night?” It was just a little after ten and the house was silent. My dad was sleeping and my mom finally turned in for the night after looking as though she was going to pass out from pure exhaustion.
“I’m going to head back to my hotel soon,” he answered.
“Do you want some company?” I asked hopefully. The whole time we were helping my mom all I could think about was how soon it would be before he had his hands all over me again.
He smiled at me, “I do. But as much as I’d love to have you wrapped up in my bed,” he said, playing with the strap of my dress, “You should stay here.” My heart sank a little.
“Why?”
“You came all the way here to visit your family, and I don’t want to take you away from them for my own selfish reasons.”
“That’s…noble,” I muttered, sarcasm dripping from every word.
He chucked, his laugh sexy and deep. “There’s nothing noble about what I’m thinking at this moment.” His words heated me to the core and gave me hope that we’d finally have the make-up session I was yearning for.
“What are you thinking right now? Inquiring minds would love to know,” I asked.
“That I want to see your bedroom.” Electrified excitement ran through me as I hopped off the couch. His words were music to my ears and I’d never been so happy my room was on the complete opposite side of my parents’ one story house.
Logan laughed at my enthusiasm as he stood from the couch. I hit the light switch in the kitchen and grabbed his hand to lead him towards my room. I was pretty sure whatever was going to happen in my bedroom would be the naughtiest thing I’d ever done under my parents’ roof, but at the moment the only thing I cared about was Logan extinguishing the fire that burned inside me.
As soon as I switched on the light and locked my bedroom door, Logan swept me up in his arms. I’d be a complete liar if I said it didn’t feel good to know that for once in my life, things were actually working out in my favor. Our mouths together, tongues licking, teeth nibbling, lips teasing. It was urgent and sensual all at once. He pulled away from me long enough to help me slip out of my sundress.
“I’m pretty sure I won’t forget this image anytime soon,” he said, eyeing me from top to bottom. I turned and walked to my bed, showing off the black thong that had been hidden under my dress. For the first time ever I didn’t feel self-conscious with him staring at me in the light. I was just glad that I was the woman his eyes were roving over. Within seconds, I felt his warm skin against my back as his lips left a tender trail of kisses down my spine. He let his hands wander all over my body, until his fingers found their way beneath the fabric of my panties and into my wet folds. He lowered himself behind me and nipped my backside with his teeth, sending shock waves through my body. Logan leisurely slid his fingers into me. A moan escaped as he slowly rubbed my clit. I could feel my orgasm building and my legs beginning to shake. Just when I thought I was going to lose myself in ecstasy, he pulled his hand away.
“Logan” I whimpered, turning to face him.
He stood and came to face me. “Some things should never be rushed.” He looked at me quickly before disappearing between my legs. I melted into him, as he devoured every inch of me. I was lost to him and the pleasure that he was bringing me. When Logan clamped his mouth down on my clit and sucked hungrily, I completely forgot where I was, crying out. Logan stopped abruptly and stood, clamping his hand down over my mouth.
“Baby, unless you want your dad to come knocking and throw me out for violating his daughter under his roof, you have to be quiet,” he warned softly in my ear. How in the hell did he expect me to be quiet when he was bringing so much pleasure to my body?
“Okay” I murmured against his hand.
He leaned into me, pushing me back onto my bed. “I don’t think I can make this last for as many hours as we were apart, but I’m going to have fun trying.” He ran his hand up my side. I grabbed his shoulders and brought him to my face. If the night lasted forever that was perfectly fine with me.
Flashlight…and a Map
Brooklyn
I pulled back the front door to my parents’ house, taking in every inch of Logan in loose jeans and a black tee. What he was wearing reminded me of our first official date. Only this time, he wasn’t whisking me away to Atlanta; he was standing on my parents’ porch. Music flowed from the backyard. Saturday was finally here and I could put the agony of decorating behind me. I gave my mom fair warning that I was not volunteering for the cleanup crew.
“Hey,” I murmured, stepping back to let him in. All I could really think about was last night. I guess I should’ve felt the least bit guilty about having hot sex under my mom and dad’s roof, but the reality was, I didn’t. I could have done a couple cartwheels from the way he made my body tingle. There was no way I could feel bad about something that made me feel so good.
Logan leaned in, brushing my ear softly with his lips and sending chills up my spine. “You look nice.” He ran his hand over the thin strap of my pale yellow dress. God, he was making me hot already. Last night was definitely one for the record books. It was past two am the last time I glanced at the clock. I’m not sure what time he slipped out of my room to head back to his hotel, but he looked rejuvenated and hot as hell standing in front of me now.
“Thanks,” I said, relishing in his closeness. He pulled his hand from behind his back and presented me with a single package of Starburst. I burst out laughing.
“Thought you could use a pick me up after last night. I know you’re probably exhausted.” He grinned with his signature sexy grin. I pulled the package from his hands and pecked him on the cheek.
“Let’s go back. I have a lot of people to introduce to my man.” My Logan.
“Let’s do it.” I loved that he was always up for an adventure—his biggest adventure of all being me.
I jammed the package of Starburst into my pocket and grabbed his hand, as we walked through the house towards the backyard. As soon as my sandals hit the concrete, Danielle invaded our space.
“Danielle, this is Lo—“
“You made it!” she exclaimed, staring in Logan’s direction. He nodded in acknowledgement.
“Wait, you know him?” I turned to Danielle, confused. I’d never introduced Danielle to Logan. When she didn’t answer me immediately, I turned to Logan. “How do you know my sister?”
“Danielle and Alex helped me get back to you,” he said, squeezing my hand.
“Oh. I see.” Apparently a coup had been planned behind my back, although I doubted Dani looked good in camouflage.
“Can you excuse us for a minute?” I asked Logan.
“Sure. I’ll grab a drink and go wish your dad a happy birthday.” He kissed me on the forehead and then walked away.
