He leaned forward, his finger slipping away to allow his lips to brush across mine gently. “I’m going to ask you again after everything’s settled, and I’ll spend the rest of my life asking you until you’re completely mine in every possible way. I’ll never take no for an answer.”

I had nothing to top that—just my kiss, which I gave freely.

His smile was almost sad when I broke contact. We walked home hand in hand, no words needed. We were together, and wanted the same things. That was enough…for now.

Chapter Twenty-Six

Dare

Monday was the start of a new week that held so many unknown possibilities. I’d seen Logan early that morning; we’d passed each other in the hall as he was on his way to drop Oliver off at his class. I couldn’t help myself, subtly reaching my hand out from my side to brush it against his. He clasped it, our eyes speaking their own language before he released me and continued on as if he’d hadn’t touched a hidden piece of me accessible to only him. It was just enough to see me through the day without worrying.

By the final bell, I was eager to get out the door, feeling giddy about the surprise I had for Oliver: Scout was coming home.

I’d spoken with Luke the previous night, listening as he explained how he’d taken my advice and demanded Julia go on an official date with him. It seemed to have worked, considering he’d just dropped her off before I’d called. She’d finally given in and confessed how much she liked him, and Luke said that no matter what Logan did, he wouldn’t give up. That was all I needed to hear, and I knew Logan would smile when I relayed that little tidbit.

Luke also said Scout was a bundle of nonstop chaos, which meant he could go home anytime. I inferred that Luke preferred sooner rather than later, based on his rant about Julia’s favorite heels that Scout enjoyed playing with a little too roughly.

I cleared off the paint table in the back of my classroom and collected the items I needed from my desk into a large tote. I left the classroom and was closing the door behind me when I noticed Oliver’s teacher headed my way, frown lines over her brow.

“You should go to the office,” she said, something in her voice not quite right.

“Is everything all right?” I started down the hall with her at my side.

“I oversaw pickup today, and Oliver’s ride never came. We called his father at home and work and haven’t been able to reach him.”

Logan never forgot Oliver. He wouldn’t. If he was unable to make it, he would’ve called someone—would’ve called me. Anxiety rang through my limbs.

“I’ll take care of it, thank you,” I told her, pulling out my phone.

“No problem. I know you and Mr. West are…close.”

My head shot up at the bitterness edging her tone.

“He’s my neighbor, and yes, a close friend.” I held onto my pleasant poise, even smiling at her—an action she mimicked before walking back the way she’d come.

I dialed Logan. Not surprised when it went straight to voicemail, I made a second, gut-wrenching call to my mom.

She answered on the second ring.

“Hi, honey.”

I knew where he was just by the tone of her voice.

“Logan?” It was all I needed to say.

“Yeah, I’m sorry. They brought him in about an hour ago.”

My throat sealed, chest constricting. I needed air. “They arrested him?”

“Baby, listen to me: Logan’s a fighter. He has some powerful people in his corner. He’ll beat this.”

She sounded so sure, but it still took every bit of strength I had to keep myself upright. My stomach twisted, temple throbbing.

“You really believe in him,” I whispered, turning to face the wall.

“I know he loves my daughter, and he’s a good man that will do anything to protect his family. I’ve seen enough to know he wouldn’t destroy his son’s future by doing something that would cause him to spend his life in prison.”

“Can I talk to him?” I slammed my eyes shut, inhaling deeply to push away the demanding emotions boiling up.

“Sorry, not right now.”

“Can you at least tell him I’ll take Oliver home if he can call and give the school permission? Oliver’s waiting here.” Just speaking Oliver’s name was all it took to assure myself I was in control. He needed me.

“Of course. Let me go see what I can do. Try to stay positive. I love you.”

“Love you too, Mom.”

I hung up, straightening myself and sweeping over my eyelids with my fingers, wanting to look like carefree Cassie when Oliver saw me. Determined to give him a full night of so much fun he’d be too distracted to ask where his daddy was, I made my way to the front office.

I spotted him sitting on the hallway bench just outside the door. His tiny body was hunched over as he kicked his feet back and forth.

“Hey there,” I said with a broad smile.

“Cassie!” He sat up straighter and stared over at me, looking semi-relieved. “Daddy never showed up outside.”

I squatted down in front of him. “I know. He had something really important that came up, and he’s so sorry. If you can hang out here for a little while longer, I’ll take you over to my house. You can stay there till he gets done working.”

“’Kay.”

He knew something was up. Kids and their pesky intuitions. More than ever, I wanted to see him smile.

I squeezed his knee, reassuring him. “If you don’t mind, we’re going to make a stopover at my friend Luke’s house.”

A small glimpse of a smile peeked out. “I like Luke.”

I grinned wider. “Me too. Now hold tight, and we’ll get going in a few minutes.” I stood, thankful for his nod, and walked across the hall.

“Has Oliver’s father called yet?” I asked the secretary.

She responded with a slight frown and shake of the head.

“I live next door to him, so when he calls, he should give permission for me to take Oliver. Did you try any family? His uncle should be around.” It didn’t matter who picked Oliver up. I’d take him from there.

“We tried him, but it went to voicemail,” she said.

It was hard to say what Jax was up to.

“Doesn’t his father own the newspaper? Maybe I should try there,” she offered, already grabbing the phone book.

“I don’t think he’s—”

“Oliver! There you are,” Natasha’s exaggerated drawl rang through the halls.

I rolled my eyes with an irritated sigh when I realized there’d be only one reason she was there. No way was she on the list of acceptable people to entrust Oliver to.

“Can I see Oliver’s file for the list of people with permission to pick him up?”

“Sure.” She handed it over, and one glace at it confirmed what I already knew: Natasha’s name was nowhere on it.

After squaring my shoulders to face a woman who was grating my final nerve, I stepped out into the hall.

“Natasha, what are you doing here?” I asked, my mouth twisting from the bitterness of speaking her name.

“Came to get my son. Heard he needed a ride.” She snatched his book bag from the floor. “Ready to go, baby?”