Chapter 13 — Logan

Logan’s stomach was in knots. He was a complete basket of nerves as he stood in front of Reed.

He hated himself for being a total jackass the past few days, but he didn't know how to handle his emotions. How he’d never felt this way before.

About anyone.

When they’d kissed two days ago, Logan felt something open up inside him and whatever desire that was, it was spiralling to the surface and couldn't be pushed back down any more. Over the past few days, he tried to push Reed away; wanted to be professional. He was trying to do his best for Reed, but he knew he was going about it in all the wrong way. Trouble was, he didn't know how else to be. Shaving off his beard tonight was a big step for him—a symbolic gesture for Reed.

Reed didn't know that Logan’s beard felt like his own protection. After the shit that went down in Syria, he wanted to hide away from the world, to punish himself for what went wrong with his mission. He grew his beard in an attempt to tuck himself away from the world, hiding his face from any more scrutiny.

Shaving it off was like revealing himself to the world once again.

As he looked at his smooth skin in the mirror, a part of him acknowledged that he now made the decision to leave that bit of his past behind. While never forgetting, it was time to move on and embrace life, whatever it threw at him.

And then, there was the matter of the man standing in front of him. Reed had brought him back to life. Logan was petrified that he wasn't good enough for him, which is why he thought that by pushing him away it would be the best for everyone. Yet, facing each other at the bottom of the stairs, looking at Reed, his heart fluttered inside him.

Reed looks good enough to eat.

Even though his suit was off the rack, it still fit him beautifully, showing off his slim and athletic build. His blond hair was gelled and pushed to the side, and Logan could tell from the way that Reed looked at him, that the desire he was feeling was reflected back in those beautiful eyes of his.

Logan ran his hand down the front of his shirt, smoothing it out. He couldn't believe what a kind gesture Reed had done, despite Logan’s behavior towards him. The suit was sublime and fit him like perfection. He almost smirked. Reed certainly had a good grasp of his measurements.

Susan could not stop grinning on the way to the town hall. Logan said he'd drive them in his SUV to the town hall where the event was held, and Susan took the opportunity to ride up front with him.

“You boys look so handsome tonight." She turned around and craned her neck at Reed. "Why, it's a shame you two are just pretending, as you make a striking couple."

Logan swallowed and felt heat rising to his cheeks. If only she knew the truth. Ten minutes later, they arrived at the town hall, which was decorated with colored lights hanging outside the main entrance. Reed’s parents led the way inside and Logan and Reed followed behind.

"Are you okay? You seem pretty quiet this evening."

Reed turned to him, a hundred questions in his eyes but he merely smiled. "I'm good."

Guess I deserved that.

He placed his hand on the small of Reed’s back and an electric current shot up his arm, settling in the pit of his groin. Reed must have felt it too; Logan heard his sharp intake of breath but neither said anything.

The hall was covered in twinkling fairy lights with dressed circular tables seating eight at a time. The middle of the room occupied the makeshift dance floor and to the left was the stage area for the band. It was already buzzing with activity and Logan watched as Reed waved to a couple of people he knew.

"You don't have to act like my boyfriend while we’re here.” Reed’s voice was soft against his ear. “It doesn't matter and we don't have to prove anything to anyone if you're uncomfortable."

Logan looked at him, wanting nothing more than to take Reed in his arms and press his lips against his. Despite all the conflicting and confusing emotions stirring within him, Logan was incredibly drawn to Reed.

“I'm happy to play along if you are.” He shot Reed a cheeky wink. “Let’s just enjoy ourselves and have a good time tonight."

A server walking past with a tray of champagne flutes stopped in front of them. They both lifted their glasses filled with amber liquid and clinked them together.

Reed beamed at him. “Here's to a great night, partner."

Logan felt the most relaxed he’d been in a very long time.

The food was good, the people were friendly, but the best part was having the company of Reed by his side. Logan had never been with Reed at a social function before, and he admired the way the man carried himself. He was full of charm, grace and energy for anyone who stopped to speak with him or who congratulated him on his wonderful career.

Logan felt proud sitting next to him, a tingle of excitement vibrating through him, each time he was introduced as Reed’s boyfriend. He casually placed his arm around the back of Reed’s chair, acting the part of the adoring boyfriend, drawing him in a little closer and reveling in the feel of Reed against him.

Reed beamed at him and leaned in close, his scent driving Logan crazy. "Jeez, you better go easy there. Others might think that you actually really like me." He drew back with a grin and knocked back his beer.

Logan bit his lip.

What the fuck am I doing?

It wasn’t fair to lead Reed on like this but he couldn’t help the strong attraction he felt for him.

It was heaven and hell… and he was stuck in limbo.

Once the dinner proceedings were over, plates were cleared away and tables were pushed to the side to make way for the band. People started to get up onto their feet and indulge in some line dancing on the makeshift dance floor.

Logan looked at Reed and saw his cheeks flushed after his champagne and beer consumption. He was definitely a little drunk too. Logan smiled. He loved the fact that Reed was having a great time tonight, even though it wasn't as highbrow as the events he usually attended. There were no airs or graces about him and his attitude was refreshing and down to earth. He seemed to have fun catching up with the townspeople, including some of his old school friends who still lived here. The band started up a song that Reed recognized and he turned to Logan with a hopeful look.

"Come dance with me?"

Logan blanched and shook his head. “Oh no. I don't do dancing."

Reed pouted. "Come on.” He brought his index finger and thumb together. “Just one small teensy weensy dance?"

Logan laughed, almost tempted but he knew he did not have any country moves in him. “Later? Why don’t you carry on and I’ll watch you from here—pick up some tips.”

Reed turned to the couple of ladies who were patiently waiting for him to join them “Sure?” He grinned up at his friends. “Clarice and Jamie know how to rock those moves, if I remember correctly...” They giggled in response, swatting away his compliment.

Logan shook his head and so they grabbed Reed’s hand and practically yanked him out of the chair, dragging him to the center of the room and Logan chuckled at his mock horror face. As he watched Reed, he was impressed to see him move with agility and grace, even though he didn't seem to be in step with the rest of the dance floor. Reed swirled his way around the dance floor, laughing and joking when the beat changed.

Logan almost felt jealous at the way everyone was touching him—the women flirting and the younger guys joining in with spinning him around.

He glanced around the room, always on alert, looking out for any potential threats. Most of the town seemed to be here and he’d almost expected that asshole, Mason and his redneck sidekick, to be here, but there was no sign of them.

After a while, the band took a short break and Reed shimmied over, flopping back into his seat next to Logan. He fanned his face. "Wow, I had totally forgotten what it meant to square dance. I'm sure I’ll be feeling some new muscles tomorrow.”

Logan brought his water to his lips. "You look good out there. It's almost like you've never been away, I'm sure." He was teasing and Reed shoved him on his shoulder.

He batted his lashes at Logan, his eyes sparkling. "Hey, if you're my boyfriend, I think you owe me a dance.”

Logan wasn't a dancing man, but there was no way he could refuse that look on Reed’s face.

“Okay fine.” He held up his finger. “But, just one dance. But I ain't doing any country dance business. Let’s wait until they change the tempo.”

Impulsively, Reed leaned over and kissed his cheek. It was a quick peck but Logan’s body was on fire from the contact.

Shit, I really am in trouble.

Even though Logan had two left feet, he found himself having a fantastic time on the dance floor with Reed. He appreciated the fact that the other man didn't make fun of him when he stepped on his toe for what felt like the hundredth time, or the fact that his moves were completely offbeat. Reed just seemed pleased that they were together and having fun. When Reed spun him around and Logan managed to land back into his arms, they threw their heads back and laughed.

Reed shouted into his ear. “You’re getting a lot better at this, you see?”

“I’ve got a great teacher,” Logan shouted back.

Three songs later, Logan pulled back and told Reed that he had to rest. “I’m gonna line up for some drinks. Beer?”

Reed shook his head. "I think I’ve had enough to drink for the moment. Just some water, please.” Logan moved across the room to the bar, which was set up in the corner and joined the long line. He spotted Susan and George at the other end of the room, deep in conversation with their friends. They’d already told Logan that they were going to stay the night with friends, so Reed and Logan were free to leave whenever they wanted.

Scanning the room, his eyes landed on Reed, who was furiously waving to him. Logan raised an eyebrow and Reed fanned himself, pointing to the exit and holding up five fingers. Assuming he'd step outside for five minutes to get some fresh air, Logan nodded. He was near the front of the line now, but he indicated that he’d come too. Reed shook his head, waving him off as he headed for the door.

It took Logan just about five minutes to get their waters and turning around, he craned his neck to look for Reed. When he couldn’t spot him inside, Logan was suddenly on full alert. He slammed the two glasses onto the nearest table and dashed in the direction of the exit. Once outside, he spun his head around the busy parking lot, but couldn't get a visual on Reed. Logan’s heart started to thump and he felt the adrenaline course through his veins in response.

Something didn’t feel right.

Taking off, he ran towards the left and around the back of the building, which was in shadows, only the glow from the streetlight guiding his way. As he neared, he heard raised voices and picked up his pace. Rounding the corner in record time, he ground to a halt and his entire body tensed up.

In the dim light, Logan saw that Reed was pinned up against the wall with Mason and his sidekick, Chris, shouting in his face. Reed looked terrified as Mason pulled back his fist, ready to strike him. Logan’s lips curled and his fists clenched by his sides. There was no way that ass was going to hit Reed. With lightning speed, he was by Reed’s side, just in time to deflect the punch. Before Mason even had time to come back with a second one, Logan reared back and slammed his fist into Mason’s nose, watching him crumple to the ground in a heap.

He howled in pain, gripping his nose as blood leaked through his fingers. “You fucking ass!” he screamed. “You’ve fucking broken my nose!”

Mason's sidekick reared his arm back, ready to throw the next punch but Logan caught his fist in his hand and twisted his arm back until he too howled in pain. He was clearly the weaker of the two and his eyes bulged out of their sockets as he dropped to his knees. Logan shoved his foot in his chest and Chris went flying back into the dirt.

Mason looked at his friend and back at Logan and Reed, his eyes registering pure hatred and anger. "You're gonna pay for this, freak."

Logan raised his arm, ready for another blow, but stopped mid-air as Reed grabbed his arm.

“Let it go, Logan. They're not worth it."

Slowly, Logan lowered his arm. “Get the fuck out of here. And never come near Reed again.”