High-Sided (Armed & Dangerous #3)(34)

“Sounds good.”

We arrived at my house and he carried the food inside, setting it on the kitchen table. I went to get plates and silverware. “What’s the one thing you couldn’t live without in Charlotte?” I asked.

“That’s a good question. The nightlife was pretty good in downtown, but I enjoyed the football games. In fact, I got to meet several of the Carolina Cougars. Some of them were good friends with the local cops I hung out with. We used to all get together at a place called the Second Street Bar.”

I fetched the sweet tea out of the refrigerator and poured us both a glass. “That sounds awesome. Looks like you got to know a lot of famous people while you were away. First, Hadley Rivers, and now the Carolina Cougars. Is there anyone else I should know about?” I gave him his drink and he chuckled.

“I think that’s it.”

We sat down and I took a bite of my baked ziti. “I met Luke Collins last year in Georgia at the supercross race. Other than that, I haven’t met any other famous people.”

His eyes widened. “Wow. He’s the best dirt bike rider around.”

I nodded. “I know. Ever since I started riding them, Levi and I would go to some of the supercross races together. I thought it might be a good investment to hire dirt riders.”

Logan froze, his fork at his lips. “That’s not a bad idea, Kass. Have you talked to Richard about it?”

Shaking my head, I tore a garlic knot in half and stuffed it in my mouth. “Not yet. Right now’s not a good time with everything going on. But in the future, I’d like to see it happen.” My father wasn’t as knowledgeable with riding the dirt like he was the road, but I knew we could tap into a whole different market if I explored it.

“I’d like to see it too,” Logan replied. “Bennett Racing has to grow with the times, if you want it to survive.”

That was exactly what I was going to tell my father. “You’re exactly right.”

We finished our dinner and Logan helped me clean up the table. He glanced around the kitchen and smiled. “Your place looks exactly the same.”

“Because it is. I did get a new bedroom set a couple years ago though.”

“I know. I saw it when I broke into your room.”

I burst out laughing. “I wish I could’ve seen your face when you saw me ride away on my bike.”

He tossed the dishrag into the sink and I washed it out. “Believe me, I was shocked. You ride pretty good . . . for a girl.”

“Hey,” I exclaimed, flicking water on him. “It took you a while to catch up with me. I think I’m better than good.”

We both laughed and finished up the dishes. Once we were done, we sat down on the couch; nothing but silence all around us. That was what I liked about living in the middle of nowhere. You couldn’t hear cars or any other sounds, only nature.

Logan put his arm around me and his thigh brushed against mine. I placed my hand on his leg and traced circles on it, thinking about the past. “Were you scared when you didn’t think you’d be able to walk again?”

He looked down at me and sighed. “Terrified, but I refused to let it get me down.”

My eyes burned. “I often wondered how you were doing. I searched for you on the internet to see if I could find anything, but nothing ever came up. Levi was the one who told me you were on the mend. After that, he never spoke a word about you.”

He nodded. “He was only doing what I asked. It took a year to walk again. My parents found the best physical therapists around and they worked with me nonstop. After I got all my strength back, my parents moved to Florida and I transferred to a different college so I could finish my degree. I was able to join the FBI shortly thereafter.”

Tears fell down my cheeks and I turned away. We were supposed to go to the same college so we could be together. “I wish I could’ve been there to help you. I can’t imagine what you must’ve gone through.”

“It wasn’t easy,” he murmured. “There were times I’d wake up in a ball of sweat and reach for my phone, wanting nothing more than to hear your voice. Only, I never could finish the call.”

My heart broke even more. “I wish you would’ve. When I heard you got better, I thought I’d see you around campus. I kept hoping I would, but you never showed up.” I faced him again. “Why did you transfer?”

I could see the pain in his eyes. “I didn’t want to hurt you. Plus, you’re younger than me. You needed a chance at life without being attached. As much as it killed me, I had to let you go, so you could find out who you were on your own.”

“I could’ve done that with you, Logan. Yes, I had some growing up to do, but my heart was yours; it always has been.”

He brushed his thumb across my lips, his blue gaze heated and raw. “That’s why I won’t make the same mistake twice.” Wrapping his arms around my waist, he pulled me into his lap and I straddled him. “I love you, Kassie. You have no idea how long I’ve waited to say that.”

I kissed him hard, my tears falling on his face. Grabbing his hand, I held it to my cheek and closed my eyes. “And I love you.”

“Say it again,” he commanded. “Only this time, look at me.”

My pulse sped rapidly as I opened my eyes. “I love you, Logan. I never stopped.” My whole body trembled as he stared back at me, his breaths deep and fast.