Surrounded (Unsettled Series Book 2), page 18
“Yeah, he barely lets my mom take the helm. I doubt you have anything to worry about.”
“Good.”
His father spoke again. “Boys, why don’t you help me finish untying the sails.”
“You okay with my mom and sis?”
“I got this,” I assured him. Jonathan, Logan and Scott filed behind Logan Sr. to get to work.
I fell into a nice conversation with the other ladies, but was soon interrupted by a little boy and girl patting on my leg. “What’s your name?” the little boy asked. “I’m Landon.”
I knelt down and smiled. “Nice to meet you, Landon. And what’s your name?” I asked the little girl standing next to him. She had to be about the same age as Aiden. After she spent a few seconds deciding if she was going to talk to me, she let loose. “My name is Laurelin…and…and this is my grandpa’s boat.”
“Wow, Laurelin, that is a very pretty name, and yes, your grandpa’s boat is very pretty.”
Just then, Laura came over and kneeled down next to me. “This is Uncle Logan’s girlfriend, Brooklyn. Are you guys going to behave while she’s here?”
“Yes, Mommy, I will,” Laurelin said resolutely.
“Yes, Mom, I’ll be nice to her. Can we go play now?” Landon whined, as if him not being able to run along the deck of the ship was equivalent to being denied lunch.
Laura smiled at me. “They’re too much, if you can’t already tell.” She turned back to Landon, “Go play, and don’t break anything!” In a flash the only thing I could see was the back of the kids’ life vests. “And stay away from the bathroom!” she called after them. “Sometimes they are too busy for their own good.”
I laughed, “I bet.”
“Oh, by the way, I looked at your photography site. Very impressive. I think I’m going to be buying a few things. Jonathan’s office and our bedroom need an updated look.”
“Wow, I didn’t know Logan told anyone about the business. Thanks for checking it out. I hope you see some things you like.” Logan and Alex showed me a couple ways I could grow C2. Social media, and email blasts were my new best friends. I’d also signed up to participate in a few neighborhood fairs, where I could set up a table and display my photographs. Since I was limited in what I could print up and display, I had the rest of my photos running on loop on my laptop. That way people could order what they wanted in case I didn’t have that particular print already mounted. I was lucky it was still summer. Once the weather got cold they didn’t do the neighborhood art fairs, which meant I’d need to find another way to grow sales.
“I did. As a matter of fact I also forwarded Logan’s email to a couple of my girlfriends. Hopefully, you’ll get some sales from that too.”
“Thank you, Laura. I really appreciate that.”
“Anytime. Well, I better go check and see what trouble the kids are into. It’s already too quiet on this vessel.” Laura disappeared behind the cabin door, leaving me and Olivia, Logan’s mom, alone.
“Let’s sit down,” she said, pointing towards the bench seats near the steps of the boat. “How have you been?”
I did as she suggested, then pulled my hair to one side to keep it from blowing away. “Good. And you?”
“I’m doing well. This is an exciting time for you, I’m sure. Going into business for yourself…I wish you nothing but the best. I haven’t had a chance to look at the site yet, but I certainly will.”
“Yes, it’s exciting and terrifying, but we’ll see what happens.” I just hoped that my new venture wasn’t a complete and utter failure.
“I’m sure it will be fine. I always wished I’d had the guts to open my own business, but ultimately decided to leave pounding the pavement to Logan’s father so I could stay home with the kids.”
“I can understand that.” My mom stayed home with me and Dani until we started school. It was only when I started kindergarten did she decide to start working again. “You have a very nice boat,” I observed. I really wasn’t all that great at making small talk.
“We love the boat. I like to have everyone get together now and again, even though everyone’s schedules are busy. Hopefully, we’ll be able to sail up to Canada next year after Patrick retires.”
“Patrick?”
“Logan’s father—I got used to calling him by his middle name a long time ago to keep Logan and his dad separate. Having two people in a house with the same name can get very confusing.”
I smiled politely at her comment, “Oh…yeah that can get complicated. Canada sounds amazing. I know exactly what you mean about having busy schedules. My family has the same problem, although I try to go visit every six months or so. I’m sure Laura has her hands full, and I know Logan and Scott work a lot.”
“Yeah, they do, but I’m so glad you and Logan are getting along. Even with his busy schedule, he seems so much happier.”
“Yes, things are good between us.” Olivia smiled timidly at me and I could feel my cheeks heating. I couldn’t help but wonder if she knew how things had almost ended between us.
“Good, that’s encouraging news. Logan can be so…closed up since the car accident. He used to be such a talkative, outgoing child. But now…” She shook her head. “As a mom, I just want to see all my children happy.”
“You raised amazing kids from what I can tell. And Logan has such a great heart. I just hope one day he and his father can work through their issues so he can let the pain of the accident go.” I pulled my hair back and secured it with the rubber band on my wrist. The winds in the harbor were starting to pick up.
“What are you talking about? What issues?” Shit! Shit! Shit! Me and my big ass mouth!
“I’m sorry. That wasn’t my place to say.” Even as I spoke those words I knew I’d said too much and there was no turning back.
“Brooklyn, please tell me. It’s hard to get Logan to talk to me about these kinds of things. I would just like to know what is going on with my son. I will not discuss what we talk about with Patrick or anyone else, if that’s what you’re worried about.”
I wasn’t as concerned about her spilling the beans, as much as I was worried that Logan would be pissed at me for having a blabber mouth.
I ran down the little I knew about Logan and his father’s discontent with Olivia at a high rate of speed. I couldn’t help but feel like this was going to blow up in my face, but she asked me and I didn’t want to lie to her. When I got to the part where Logan’s dad told him he was selfish and his grandparents’ death was his fault, Olivia’s breathe hitched. By the time I was finished, all the color in her face had drained. I was so glad everyone else was busy doing other things so they didn’t notice how tense our conversation had become.
“Patrick said that?” she murmured. I was pretty sure she was talking more to herself than to me.
“Yes. No. I don’t know. I wasn’t there. I don’t want to get involved, really. It was stupid of me to mention anything. It’s not my place.”
“No, I think it is your place. Logan opened up to you, and that says a lot. Believe me. I had no idea this was even going on between them. Thank you for telling me. And please don’t worry, Brooklyn, trust me,” she whispered, pulling my hand from my mouth. Now I was not only mortified that I spilled the beans, but embarrassed that I was acting like a two year old in front of his mother and chewing on my thumb nail.
“Sorry…”
‘Don’t be. I’m very glad you told me. I’ve wondered all these years why their relationship was so…distant. Patrick and Scott get along well enough, but Logan and Patrick…it’s always been different. Now it makes more sense.”
Just then the cabin door flew open and startled me. Landon popped out and turned back to tauntingly yell down the stairwell, “Na, na, na, na, na, na…”
“You’re mean, Landon. I’m telling mommy,” I heard Laurelin cry from inside the cabin.
Olivia rolled her eyes. “One thing you should know about this family—there is never a dull moment.” She patted my hand and then stood. “I’m glad you’re here.” Olivia took a few steps and then turned around to face me again. “Oh, and Brooklyn?”
“Yes?”
“Welcome to the family” she said with a warm smile.
The boats engine whirled to life and after I could breathe again, my heart sang at her words. There was no better feeling than winning over your boyfriend’s mother.
Logan
“Do you need help with anything, Logan?” Brooklyn’s mom kept buzzing around the kitchen touching everything. She couldn’t wait to surprise her daughter. It was finally Brooklyn’s surprise party and everyone was pretty excited.
We’d managed to get everything set up, although the July humidity had been unbearable earlier in the day.
“No, I’m pretty sure everything is done. The food is ready and Danielle is outside doing something…what, I don’t know” I laughed. Danielle was as nervous as her mom. These Caldwell women were hilarious. I had no idea a surprise party could be so stressful. Apparently Alex was much cooler under pressure than her best friend’s family.
“How’s the pie coming along?” I asked Richard. He’d insisted on making his prized dish for his baby girl’s birthday.
I’d arranged for them to stay at a hotel while they were in town so Brooklyn and I could have some time together tonight. I was hoping she’d be so floored by her birthday surprise—that she’d want to thank me all night long until the early hours of the morning.
Danielle walked into the kitchen from the back patio. “They’re on their way. They should be here in fifteen.”
No matter how much Brooklyn argued against it, Alex would not let her out of their scheduled spa day. My girl hadn’t been thrilled this morning when I practically pushed her out of bed and into the arms of an over-eager Alex.
I’d stayed at her place last night. I woke her up at exactly midnight and sang happy birthday to her with a cupcake and candle in hand. First she thought I was completely out of my mind, but then she engulfed me in a hug and smothered me with kisses.
Fifteen minutes went by way too quickly, and when I heard Brooklyn’s key turning in the front door, I suddenly got nervous. I hoped I hadn’t completely screwed up by planning a birthday surprise. She’d been adamant that she didn’t want a big ruckus. Of course, I’d done the complete opposite. I’d even gone out on a limb and invited my family, Trev and Mel. Everyone showed up with bells on, including my dad, which surprised me. He even brought a bottle of Champagne. Even more surprisingly, though? Everyone clicked immediately.
“L?” Brooklyn called out. I shooed everyone outside onto the back patio so she wouldn’t suspect anything. I popped out from the kitchen and greeted her and Alex as casually as possible.
“Hey babe. How was the spa?” I asked, pulling her in for a hug. I looked over her shoulder and motioned for Alex to head towards the patio. She’d been over enough times now that she knew exactly where to go.
“The spa was exhausting. All that spiritual water and massage oil. Kill me. And you sir, are on my crap list because you went behind my back and upgraded my services.” She poked me with her finger, but laughed. “I guess I can forgive you though since you’re so freaking cute in my all-time favorite jeans.” Relief washed over me, but only for the briefest of seconds. I suspected I’d be on her crap list again within the next five minutes. I hoped when she saw her family, she’d forget everything she told me about not wanting a party.
“Shut it! That was the best spa day ever,” Alex chimed in. “I’ll be right back, I need some water,” she said, heading towards the kitchen.
I laughed. “I’m sure it was fun. I know you want to go back next week.”
“No” she said, smiling. “But it was good. And thanks for the upgrade. Your heart was in the right place, as usual.” She leaned in and pecked my cheek softly.
“Well why don’t we sit out back and have a drink to celebrate your birthday?”
“Okay.”
“Is Amelia here?”
“No, I gave her the weekend off. I wanted it to be just the two of us.”
“Oh, that’s nice.”
I headed over to the fridge. “Why don’t you go out back? I’ll be right there.”
“Alright,” she answered.
I closed the fridge back, and turned to watch the moment unfold. Brooklyn walked out onto the patio and a few seconds later all I could hear was everyone yelling surprise. Seconds later Brooklyn was yelling my name in full-on hysterics. All I could do was laugh. I guess I was in more trouble than I’d bargained for.
Brooklyn
Danielle ran up to me and engulfed me in a hug. “Happy Birthday, Sis! Are you surprised?” She asked, swaying with me in her arms.
“I’m very surprised,” I replied, trying to catch my breath. We broke apart and that’s when I noticed everyone standing around smiling.
“Mom, Dad?” I asked. I could feel myself getting emotional. “You guys came for my birthday?” My voice started to crack.
“Wouldn’t have missed it for the world, baby girl!” My dad said, cocooning me in a hug. I didn’t know why but I had an overwhelming urge to cry, so I did. I’d been adamant he not throw a party because I didn’t want to be reminded I wasn’t going to see my family this year. Having a party for this milestone birthday without with me would have felt a little sad. But, of course, Logan knew that and brought them here.
“Happy birthday, honey,” my mom said, rubbing my back as my dad held me in his arms. I pulled it together, and stepped away from my dad to give my mom a tight squeeze.
Logan approached us. “Am I still in trouble?”
“Yes,” I said, wiping under my eyes for the final time. I walked over to him and he pulled me in, kissing me softly. “I love you” I whispered into his chest.
“I love you too, Starburst.”
Logan
After everyone left, and the house was quiet, we headed back outside to the patio area and settled on one of the cushioned lounge chairs.
“Did you enjoy your party?” I asked.
“I did. The endless dance lessons and candy jar full of Starburst were the highlight. I have to admit this is probably one of the better birthdays I’ve had in a while.” I pulled her closer to my chest and held her there, inhaling the fragrance of her hair. I loved the way she always smelled like tangerines and bergamot. It was like nothing I’d ever smelled before.
“I thought you’d like that.” I stroked her hair as she lay on my chest. These were the moments I enjoyed the most with her: just sitting outside, under the quiet night sky, entwined together. I loved that she didn’t need fancy dinner dates and cocktail parties to enjoy life. The fact that she liked to keep things simple is what made me want to do special things for her even more. With Amelia’s help, Danielle and Brooklyn’s mom made little treats for a dessert table. Brooklyn was excited to see mini cream cheese pies in little tart tins and her favorite strawberry cupcakes next to a huge jar of Starburst. Her dad’s pie had the prized spot right in the middle. I was almost convinced that she enjoyed the dessert table more than she liked the party, but when I caught her looking at me throughout the night, I saw the love in her eyes. She looked at me like she wanted nobody else, and that was enough for me.
“Yeah, it took every ounce of strength I had not to break down laughing during the tutorial on the proper way to Wobble.” She shook her head looking at me. “Trev is ridiculous. You know that, right?”
“I can’t argue with that.”
“What’s going on with him and Mel? They seemed kind of distant tonight.”
“I noticed that too, but I don’t really want to get involved. She’s ready for them to get married, but Trev has his own demons he has to deal with before they can take their relationship to the next level.”
Brooklyn shifted on my chest, stretching out completely and wrapping her arms around my waist.
“You know, I like being like this with you. I like being out here when it’s so peaceful.” She ran her hand down my leg slowly, making me immediately stand at attention. Her touch did crazy things to me, but her lying directly on top of my dick was enough to get me hard with very little effort.
“I like being with you too, babe” I said, caressing her bare arms, and leaning further back into the lounger.
I could feel her hand glide up my leg, and start to maneuver around my pocket.
“What are you doing?”
“Looking for my friend?”
“Which friend would that be?”
“Um, I like to call him little L. He’s my other boyfriend, you know?”
I nearly doubled over in laughter. “Little L? I’m a little offended. I don’t think there is anything little about him.”
“You’re right, but I mean I can’t call him big L, that would be odd since he is much smaller than you.” This conversation was giving me an instant hard on.
“I’m not sure I’m one hundred percent in love with that name, but I’ll let it slide for now. I think ‘little L’ heard his name being called and is now waking up.”
“Oh good, cause I’ve been waiting for him all night. I had a great time at my party, but I’m glad everyone is gone. I think it’s time for him to come out and play for a while.”
“He never turns down an invitation to a party.”
“I know…and I’m glad too.” She slid her hands up the sides of my shirt and swirled tiny circles on my lower back. The muscles in my legs and back began to tense every time the pads of her fingers made contact with my skin. My hands suddenly had a mind of their own. I pulled her up forcing her to straddle me in the chair, her legs falling open and dangling on either side of my chest.
She bent down and began to slowly unzip my jeans. The soft light from the patio lanterns illuminated her face.
“You know you’re beautiful, don’t you?” I asked, as she reached into my jeans, feeling around until she found what she was looking for.
“When I hear it from you I know it’s true.” She answered, looking into my eyes. She leaned down and planted her lips to mine. Our lips mingled together slowly, doing the familiar dance I’d grown to love.
