Chapter 10 — Reed

The next couple of days passed without any further incidents. Reed had the distinct feeling that Logan was avoiding him—each time he thought there was an opportunity to talk about what happened, Logan seemed to distance himself even further. In the end, Reed decided that if he wanted to talk, he'd be there for him. He felt a little sad that he’d put all his trust in Logan and yet the feeling couldn't be reciprocated. Nevertheless, he thought with a heavy heart, once the stalker was gone, there was no reason for Logan to be in his life anymore. The thought was bittersweet—of course Reed wanted his stalker to be caught, but he also wasn't ready to say goodbye to Logan.

"So, boys, I take it you’ll be joining us for the Ridgeview Extravaganza this Saturday night?” Susan sipped at her coffee as they sat at the breakfast table. She turned to Logan. "It's one of the highlights of our calendar. Not only is it a black-tie dinner and dance, but there’s also a charity auction which happens during the course of the evening, raising funds for projects in the town. It really is a great night out." She laughed. “It’s not every day you get a black-tie event out here in the country.”

Reed smiled. It wasn't his idea of a night out, but at least he would have the chance to get dressed up and enjoy a break from the monotonous life at the ranch. "Is it that time of year, already? It feels like a lifetime ago when I last attended the Extravaganza." He caught Logan's impassive gaze. “Are you in?"

"Sure, if you want to go, I'm there. Remember, I go where you go."

Reed rolled his eyes. "Besides that, are you up for it? Do you think it sounds like fun? I don't want to drag you somewhere where you'd be uncomfortable."

Susan raised an eyebrow but didn't comment. Reed could tell that she had a question on the tip of her tongue, but thankfully she decided to keep it there. He looked at Logan expectantly.

Logan ran a hand over his beard and lifted a shoulder. "Sure. I've never been to anything like that before. Sounds good.” He picked up his coffee and drained the cup.

Reed grinned at him. "Awesome. We’ll go into town this week and get us some outfits. Though I gotta warn you, the shops around here are pretty limited."

"Outfits you say?”

“Yeah, Logan. We need to purchase some black-tie get up." He furrowed his brows. "Then again, with those muscles you’re packing, we might have to get you something custom made."

Susan smiled and ducked her head. "I can't wait to see what you boys come up with."

The following day, Reed walked up to the barn at the back of the house. His father had told him that Logan would be working on some of the bikes in his spare time, so he assumed that he would find him there. Peering his head around the door, he stepped into the barn to find Logan examining the Harley. The barn was warm, so he had discarded his shirt, standing there wearing his white wife-beater and black jeans. Reed sucked in breath at the sight of him. The tattoos that covered one of Logan’s shoulders, running down over his bicep, was so intricately detailed that he couldn't tear his eyes away. Shit, and now his lower regions were starting to wake up as well. Reed adjusted himself and cleared his throat.

“Hey there. You busy?"

Logan glanced up. “Nope. Just thought I’d take a look, see what’s going on here. Everything okay?”

Reed waved his hand away. “Yeah, all good. Just wondered if you’d like to hit the shops?”

Logan made such a face that Reed couldn’t help grinning. “You kidding me? I’ve got a vintage Knucklehead in front of me and you want me to go try on clothes instead?”

Reed held up his hands. “Okay, okay, I get it. Maybe tomorrow.” He looked at the tools covering the floor. “Need some help? Would you care for some company?”

“You serious? You don’t mind?” Logan raised an eyebrow in disbelief.

Reed shook his head, slipping his hands into the pockets of his shorts. He strolled inside the barn and stood next to Logan. “I’m done for the day.” He flicked his wrist, dipped his head and dropped his knees into a courtesy. “I’m at your disposal, my lord.”

Logan smiled, shaking his head. “Thanks, but I’m not sure what I’m doing right now. Feel free to hang around though, if you’ve nothing else to do.”

Reed moved to the stool and hopped onto it. “I’m pretty bored, to be honest. Can’t wait till we get back to the City. This ranch life is driving me nuts.” He examined his hands. “Look at my poor nails. Ugh. The stuff of my nightmares.”

Reed looked up to see a muscle tick in Logan’s jaw. The air was suddenly filled with tension. He threw a hand to cover his mouth, his eyes wide. “Oh my God, I’m sorry, Logan. That came out all wrong. I didn’t mean anything by it.”

Logan’s shoulders visibly relaxed and he picked up a wrench. “It’s fine. I know you didn’t mean any harm.”

Reed watched as Logan circled the bike, dipping his head, pulling at parts of the metal. He didn’t say anything for a long time and Reed was tempted to leave him in peace.

“I was honorably discharged from my post.”

Reed’s gaze snapped to Logan, as he continued to work on the bike. He didn’t dare interrupt.

“My team was deployed in Syria, where we had eyes on one of the leading members of the ISIS. It was my mission, my task to be on point with the recon.” He stopped moving and stared straight ahead. “We were ambushed. All eight of us. Didn’t see it coming.” Logan moved to the door, his back to Reed. “It was my fault. I didn’t plan it properly and I ended up losing most of my team that night.” He spun around to Reed, his lips flattened and his fists clenched by his side. Reed could see the raw pain in his eyes. “It was my fault, Reed. I fucked up the mission.” He shook his head and looked at the ground.

Reed hopped off the stool and walked over to him. He stood in front of Logan and tentatively reached for his hand, waiting until Logan shifted his gaze to meet his eyes. "I'm sorry for what happened, Logan. I wasn’t there but I know it wasn’t your fault." Reed could feel Logan’s emotions running through him and it broke his heart. "You can't blame yourself. I'm no expert but I'm sure missions go wrong all the time.”

Logan’s gaze dropped to their linked hands for a moment and Reed was afraid that he would pull away. Instead, he gave Reed’s hand a light squeeze, his lips stretching in a tight smile of gratitude. After a few moments, releasing their contact, Logan moved to face the door once again, leaning against the metal frame. "Yeah," he exhaled loudly. "So I've been told. But the pain, the memories, it haunts you forever. Nothing will ever take that away."

"Have you had any counseling? Or talked to anyone about your feelings?"

Logan snorted. “Reed, do I look like the type of person who opens up to others?"

Even though Logan wasn't looking at him, he shrugged. "I think you should give it a try." His voice lowered. "Trust me, I speak from experience."

Logan turned around and looked directly at him. "Since it seems like we’re somehow digging up the past, tell me what happened to you.”

Reed moistened into his lips. "I've told you. This place doesn't hold the best memories for me. Apart from my friends and my parents, I had the worst time here once I came out. I had a lot of trouble with homophobic views from many town members, but especially the kids at my school." He smiled sadly. "It's not easy being a teenager, finding out your sexual preference is not the norm, and then being picked on every day for it, for two years."

"Assholes.” His voice was soft. “I’m sorry, Reed… looks like we've both have our demons from our past.”

“Thanks, but I’m free of it now. Counseling really helped me. Think about it—maybe you should try it."

Logan nodded his head, slowly. “Yeah, maybe I will. Once this job’s over.”

Once this job is over. Reed smiled even though his heart was hurting.

He had to face facts—he didn’t mean anything to Logan.

The men stayed in the barn for the next hour, Reed keeping Logan company, as he fiddled with the Harley.

"So, shall we get out of here for a little while? Swing into town now—maybe see if we can find some clothes for Saturday?”

Reed looked up at Logan, his jaw hanging. “Wait, did you just say what I think you did? You want to go shopping?”

Logan grinned at Reed, picking up a dirty rag and wiping the grime off his hands. “Sure. Let's go get suited and booted."

Logan drove them into town, which really consisted of a strip of shops. He noticed some new ones, which had popped up over the years, but the overall feel of Main Street was the same.

“Here, pull into that spot over there.” Reed pointed to the empty parking spot across the road, outside Valley Shopping, the only department store in the town. “Wow, I can’t believe they’re still in business,” he muttered to himself as Logan pulled in. They hopped out of the car and stood in front of the store.

"Let's try it out." Reed wrinkled his nose. "I think it’s the best we’re gonna get around here. Unless of course…" He raised his eyebrow with the grin on his face.

“Yes?” Logan narrowed his eyes. "What were you thinking?"

"Well, I was wondering if we could maybe go to Cottage Ville, the next town over if we don't find anything here? It’d be so nice to get out of here for a while.”

Logan smiled at him apologetically. “I wish we could, but I can't take any chances right now. As you know, the stalker’s disappeared for some time now and I’m still on high alert for his next move. I don't think it's safe to take you out of here."

Reed’s shoulders dropped in defeat. He waved his hand away. "Oh well, a man can try. Come on, let's go see what this place has to offer us."

They entered the shop which had menswear located at the back. As they made their way over, Reed looked around with trepidation. He knew he wouldn’t find the latest styles of fashion in here, but some of the suits that caught his eye looked positively archaic. He grimaced at Logan.

The older sales lady walked over to them clasping hands, with a wide smile on her face. “Hello, gentlemen, how can I help you?”

Reed saw the recognition dawn in her eyes. "Oh my goodness, if it isn’t you, Reed Luxe.” Her smile grew even wider and she held out her arms. "My goodness, look at you now all grown up. Why, you look amazing."

Reed smiled and embraced her while desperately trying to remember her name. He raised an eyebrow at Logan over her shoulder, who just shrugged. Of course Logan wouldn't know.

"I'm so sorry,” Reed said as he pulled back from their embrace, finally giving up on remembering her name. "It's been a long time and I've forgotten your name. Please forgive me."

She clutched her chest dramatically, but then shot him a wink with a little twinkle in her eye. "Don't you worry, why you're a celebrity now. How do you expect to remember little old Grace Miller?"

Mrs. Miller. Of course. "Well, it lovely to see you again, Mrs. Miller. How are your children?" If he recalled properly, Mrs. Miller had two girls who were a few years younger than him.

"They're doing just fine thank you, Reed. Both married now, but I’m still waiting for grandchildren." She rolled her eyes and then moved to look at Logan, her gaze traveling the length of him. "And who do we have here?"

Reed noticed the way she was secretly checking him out and he almost wanted to giggle. She could be his mother. Then again, it wasn't often that you’d see someone like Logan—so muscled, athletic and super-fit, in real life. Just looking at him now, standing with his hands tucked in his pockets (which only served to emphasize his bulging biceps), made Reed’s mouth water. He’d never known casual t-shirts could look so amazing, especially those that strained across Logan’s chest like that. Logan turned at that moment and must have noticed Reed staring. Self-consciously, he shuffled his feet and Reed could have sworn his cheeks took on some extra color.

“Well, we’re attending the Extravaganza on Saturday and we thought we would come in and pick up some clothes.” Reed looked around. “We need a couple of suits; thought we’d check out what you have here.”

She nodded, folding her arms as she scrutinized Logan’s physique. "I'm not sure will have anything that will fit those arms of yours, Logan. But we can try.” She smiled as she led them to the back of the department.

In full sales mode, Grace Miller thumbed through the clothes racks with a determined expression. Reed and Logan hung back, giving each other what-the-fuck-are-we-doing-here smiles, somewhat reticent to see what she would come up with.

Grace finally pulled out a shirt and held it out at arm’s length, examining the sleeves. "Come over here, Logan,” she beckoned, “and hold this against you." Logan stepped forward and she stretched the arm across his biceps. "I'm not sure if it will fit but this is the largest size I have.” Indicating towards the side of the store, she gestured with her hand. "Why don't you go in there and try it on for size? I'll bring over the jacket and pants.” Logan took the shirt out of her hand and with a quick glance at Reed, made his way to the fitting room.

Reed was busy thumbing through the racks. He didn’t expect to find anything to his taste in here, so was quite surprised to find a combination of shirt, pants and jacket that seem to have some sort of style to them. "Grace, gonna take these up to the fitting room and try them on, if that's okay."

She barely glanced up at him. “Take your time, honey. Shout if you need anything. I'm gonna concentrate on fitting out Logan.”

I bet you are. Reed smirked as he walked his way to the fitting room next to Logan. Peeking his head around the curtain, he caught a glimpse of him shirtless, trying his best to carefully push his arm through the shirt.

"Watch out, Hulk,” he teased. “You might rip through that shirt if you're not careful." Reed grinned as he disappeared into his fitting room.

"Thanks, buddy,” Logan called out after him. "I think I could do with some help here."

"Logan, that's what I'm here for." Grace pulled open the curtain and Reed chuckled silently to himself as he heard her cooing over Logan's muscles.

Not surprisingly, Reed was right—in the end, he was the only one who purchased his clothes from the store. As he’d initially thought, they’d have to order in something custom to fit Logan.

Better yet, Reed knew immediately who he’d call on for help. He’d make sure that Logan would look devastatingly handsome.

Now, if only I could convince him to lose the beard.