“He wouldn’t be there if he didn’t want you. Enjoy the time together—you’ll miss it after the baby arrives.” I wanted Hilary to be happy more than anything. I just wished I was alone with my man, as well. “At least Caleb and you are talking. That must be nice.”

Hilary chuckled. It was muffled and short, but I heard it. “Conversation isn’t exactly Caleb’s top priority. I’m hoping that will change soon.”

“Looks like Caleb and Logan have more in common than I realized. Where is he, anyway?” I asked.

“He ran out to grab us some dinner. So has there been any word on who killed Kurt? Caleb’s pretty insistent Logan had nothing to do with it,” she said, concern crippling her voice.

“Not yet, and no, Logan didn’t do this,” I told her, my voice rising in candor.

“I know. You got a good man. I miss you, and I’m only a phone call away. Promise you’ll call if you need anything.” Her tone grew impatient.

“Yeah, I will,” I said, unsure what had changed.

“Sorry, I have to go. He’s back.” Panic riddled her voice.

“Hilary, are you all right?” I sat up straight on the couch.

“We’ll talk soon. Love you, and take care,” she finished hurriedly, and then the line disconnected before I could respond.

Seemed I wasn’t the only one with an unconventional relationship at the moment.

After convincing myself she was safe regardless of whatever was happening between her and Caleb, I finished the day with a good book and a bottle of wine. It wasn’t until late that night when my thoughts drifted to Logan once again. And he must’ve sensed it, because my phone chimed with a new message from him at the same time.

I’m coming over.

I smiled, feeling a burden of weight lift. Finally we could at least talk.

Good. We have a lot to discuss.

Not tonight. Need to touch u. Feel myself lost in every part of that perfect body.

I never thought those words coming from him could repel me in any way, but they did. I would not be his whore. I wanted to be his everything, exactly how he used to make me feel—not just a body to be used at his convenience.

Already in bed. Too sleepy.

Looking heavenward, I sent up silent pleas that he’d see the error of his ways and offer me more. I’d even settle for cuddling as a compromise.

U can just lay there and let me play ;)

My phone was nothing but an evil nemesis waiting to be destroyed for delivering such a cruel blow. I was livid, ready to reply with words I wouldn’t be able to take back. But instead, I beat the hell out of a pillow before replying with dignity.

Goodnight Logan

I didn’t wait for his reply, but when the phone hadn’t pinged again even an hour later, it took everything I had to endure my trampled emotions. He didn’t even care enough to text back. He was either busy—the norm these days—or pissed off and ignoring me. Either option hurt.

I drew the blankets up over my head and pulled my knees to my chest, curling up in a ball and closing my eyes. Tears came and went, and before I knew it the sun was illuminating the room. I hadn’t slept more than an hour or two; my brain had refused to shut down.

Still, I was out of bed with my hair pulled up in a high ponytail. I dressed in sweats and a T-shirt, threw on my icy-weather necessities, slipped into my running shoes, and was jogging down my driveway by seven a.m. The sun was bright, and the snow that had blown in overnight was already melting.

As I neared the turnaround point on my path, I felt Logan behind me. His scent—a mix of soap and masculinity—smacked me in the face before I even saw him.

The memory I held of the first morning I’d crossed the road to head back and noticed him behind me flashed through my mind. We’d come so far from that day.

I slowed, allowing him to fall in step beside me. His stare was set ahead of him, never once turning to connect with mine.

“Hey. How long have you been back there?” My smile was friendly, my voice tight.

His entire expression was impassive and his pace matched mine, giving nothing away. It was too early to fight. Plus, I missed us jogging together, so I smiled wider and nudged his arm with my elbow.

“Fine, don’t talk to—” I started, nearly falling backward when he shot in front of me and stopped abruptly.

His eyes held mine, calculating and alarmingly dark. “Why didn’t you wait for me to join you?”

“I wasn’t sure you were running this morning.” My hands flew to my hips; I was instantly on the defense. “You haven’t for a while.” I watched while the white smoke of our breaths mingled.

“Is that so?” he asked, his voice lowering. “Or were you worried I’d just want to fuck you out here?”

I recoiled at how bitter he made the words sound. He stalked toward me, and my body stayed fixed in place.

“I know you’re mad at me and I know I’ve been a shitty boyfriend lately, but I can’t do this without you.” He caught me off guard when he gripped my forearms and leaned in, whispering, “I won’t lose you.”

“Then stop pushing me away.” My whisper trembled. “Let me be here for you.”

“You’re here now.” His breath tickled across my neck.

“It’s not enough. I want you to talk to me—to trust me as much as I trust you.” My head lowered, and his finger was right there to lift it back up so our eyes met.

“I know, but right now I need you, sweetheart. Only you.” His hands dipped down the back of my sweats, grasping my ass.

Not fair. My entire body quaked as a current shot through me. It felt so right, yet so wrong.

Logan’s eyes lit up, the stubble over his jaw scorching against my cheek. “You love me? Then trust me. Give me this.”

One hand slipped around to the front of my panties, cupping my sex that was already wet and wanting.

I couldn’t stop myself when my head lifted, my mouth meeting his. He took full control, gliding his tongue across my lips before parting them and delving in.

His arms encased me in their bulk, hands freeing themselves from my pants so he could seize the backs of my thighs. He hitched up my legs, carrying me a few feet just off the road until my back hit the trunk of a stout old tree.

“Logan,” I gasped, needing oxygen—needing him.

His mouth slid over my cheek and up to my ear, his teeth capturing my lobe and biting down. “I love every single thing about you. This isn’t just sex for me, and you know it. But right now, I need to feel you.”

“Ahhh,” I moaned, unable to control it.

His chilly hands were everywhere, ravenous as they caressed under my coat, skimmed up my stomach, then stilled briefly over the bandage hiding my tattoo.

I waited for him to say something, but he continued his ascent, his deft fingers fondling my breast. He obviously knew it was a tattoo, or else he would’ve been concerned I was injured.

His fingers made their way up under my sports bra, arousing me further and tossing all thoughts from my head. He unzipped my coat just enough to pull my breasts free, growling in approval before taking the peak of one into his mouth.

My hands were around his neck, pulling off my gloves so I could feel him, touch him, experience every sensation. As my nipple slid from his lips, I was all but burrowing against him.