Chapter 20 — Reed

As Reed sat in the small roadside diner, listening to Logan’s story, it struck him how completely different he now felt to how he did last night. This small place, which had scared him at the time, ended up being the place where he bonded with Logan.

His heart pulled at the thought of Logan’s bad childhood, but he admired the man’s strength and determination for making something good of himself. As Reed listened, he thought of how easily Logan could have gone the other way, living up to his undeserved title of troublemaker. He could have gotten involved in drugs and much worse, influenced by the wrong people, but he didn’t, which only made him respect Logan further. Reed felt proud and happy to be with him as well as experiencing the new feelings that were rapidly developing between them.

"I know this may sound crazy, but I don't want to go to the ranch. We’re in the middle of nowhere, in a greasy diner off the road, but I don't think I've had a better time in ages."

Logan smiled, and Reed noticed the small wrinkles that formed around the edges of his eyes, which only made him more endearing. "We’re in no rush to get back. We can stay for a bit longer if you wish.” His tone became more serious. “I know it's been hard on you, being taken away from what you’ve been used to for so long, but as you know, we don't have many choices at the moment.”

Reed sighed. "Yeah, I understand. But, it's been weeks now." He looked at Logan with pleading eyes. "Can we make a deal?"

Logan groaned and squeezed his eyes shut. "I'm not gonna look at you, but go for it. Tell me what you want and I’ll decide without being swayed by those beautiful eyes of yours."

Logan thought I have beautiful eyes. He grinned across the table, even though the other man’s eyes were still firmly shut. "I'd like to propose that if my stalker doesn't make a move in the next week, I would like to go back home.”

Logan opened his eyes, a troubled look replacing the humor that was there a minute ago. “Reed…"

Reed sat forward, clutching his hands. "Logan, maybe he's gone away. I know he broke into my house but with the extra security there, it's gonna be hard to pull any kind of those moves again.” He looked away, exhaling. “Besides, I can't lock myself away at the ranch forever in fear. I need to get back and start working on my new collection." He smiled, returning his gaze and drumming his fingers on the table in excitement. "I've talked to Marie about plans for the new design and she’s just as keen to provide a…” he looked away and thought for a moment, trying to find the right words, “more accessible line.”

Logan rubbed his chin, the stubble making a scratching noise against his hand. Reed thought Logan was handsome before, but with his beard off, he looked simply stunning. He had a gorgeous face and it was so nice for it not to be hidden any longer. “I understand. Okay, let me talk to Kellen later and we’ll see what we can come up with together."

“Yes!” This time, Reed did fist pump the air.

Logan laughed, shaking his head. “You’re such a dork, but don't get so excited just yet."

"If I'm a dork, then you like hanging out with dorks. That makes you one too.” Reed stuck his tongue out at him playfully.

Logan’s eyes darkened at the sight of Reed’s pink tongue.

"Your eyes are so sexy and expressive.” Reed barely whispered the words, not wanting anyone to overhear their conversation.

“Yeah, you think my eyes are sexy?" Logan removed his gaze from Reed’s mouth.

"Hell, yeah. I could get lost in those blues forever."

Logan winked. "I think you're pretty hot, too."

Logan and Reed sat there grinning each other like a pair of lovesick teenagers as they continued to tease each other.

“I have to ask you something.” Reed’s smile faded as he played with his fork.

“What?” Logan’s eyes filled with concern.

“After my stalker’s caught… what happens to us?”

“I thought we were going to give us a shot?”

Reed’s head snapped to his. “Of course and I want that more than anything. But what happens to your bike shop? And the fact that we live over two hours away from each other?”

Logan chewed on his lip. “To be honest, the town is too small for my shop and there isn’t enough business.” He looked away, rubbing the back of his neck. “With how generous you’ve been, I’m thinking I’ll pay off the mortgage and start again someplace else.”

Reed’s heart began to thump, his mouth going dry with anticipation. “Does that mean… you’d consider moving to the City?”

“Yes. I would.” Logan turned to face him, a smile spreading across his face. “If you’re not sick of me by then.”

Reed rolled his eyes, pretending to be displeased, though his lips were pulling up at the corners. “I think I’d somehow cope.”

“Damn straight,” Logan growled.

Later, as they left the diner, they walked hand-in-hand back to the motel. Reed smiled, feeling as if he was a teenager once again, his heart filled with happiness. Logan made him feel alive, safe and full of hope for the future.

After they got back inside Reed’s room, they fell back onto the bed and Logan tucked Reed into the crook of his arms.

Reed traced over Logan's chest with his fingers. “There’s something I've been meaning to ask you. “

“Oh yeah? What?”

Reed tipped his head up to him. “How are you sleeping lately?"

"You mean my nightmares?"

Reed nodded. "Since that happened a couple of weeks ago, I haven't heard you at night again. I wondered if it was just a one-time thing… or does it happen more often?"

He was quiet a moment and shifted underneath Reed. “After I came home from Syria, I was honorably discharged from the Navy. I needed some time to process everything that happened to me. My mind wasn't in that zone anymore."

“Is that when the nightmares started?"

"Yeah.” He ran his hand over Reed’s back, looking out to the window. “I used to get them like three times a week initially and then it increased and went to almost every night. I couldn't sleep because my mind would be constantly plagued with re-runs of what happened out there. It got so bad that I started to take sleeping pills."

Reed’s brows drew together at the thought of how much Logan had suffered. "You really didn't want to talk to anyone about it?"

“My ex-commander was constantly checking in on my mental health—in fact, he still does though he’s backed off somewhat now. But no, I didn't want to share what I'd been through with a stranger—it didn't feel right to me. I figured I’d just try and work through it myself."

Reed thought about Logan’s answer and realized that he understood his decision and his reason for wanting to keep it private.

"The nightmares have seemed to calm down over the last couple of months. I only got them once or twice a week and I came off the pills. However,” he bent his head to look at Reed, “ever since the last episode when you found me, I haven't suffered a single nightmare since then."

"That's great, Logan. I hope that means it's come to an end for you and that you're getting some closure. It wasn’t your fault what happened out there.” Reed knew with conviction that Logan would never have intentionally put his team’s lives at risk. He was too altruistic.

Logan exhaled and nodded his head. “I’ve been doing a lot of thinking and I think I’m coming around to accept that. I also think it's interesting that since I met you, the nightmares have decreased and now almost come to a stop.”

Reed felt his cheeks heat up under Logan’s scrutiny. "I don't know about that—if anything, I’ve probably caused you more stress."

Logan grinned. "You have been a little bit of a handful, but that's okay. You helped take my mind off other things like my PTSD." He bent down and kissed the top of Reed said. "Looks like you’re my magic cure."

Just then, Logan’s phone began to ring. Reed shifted off him as Logan dug it out of his pocket. He looked at the caller display and blinked. “Strange, I don’t recognize the number and only a handful of people have this number.”

Reed sat up as Logan swiped right and listened in on the call.

“Hello?” Logan’s tone was brusque, on full alert. “Oh, hey, Preston. Sure, he’s right here.”

Logan pulled the phone away from his ear and passed it to Reed with a smile. “It’s Preston. I’m just gonna check on the bike—I’ll be back in a few.”

Reed smiled as he took the phone, knowing and appreciating the fact that Logan only said that to give him some privacy. Not that he needed it but it was thoughtful either way. “Sure.” He leaned over and pecked Logan’s lips.

Logan swung his powerful legs off the bed and winked at Reed as he made for the door. Reed’s heart fluttered as he watched him go, almost forgetting for a second that Preston was waiting for him.

Settling back against the pillows and stretching his legs out in front of him, Reed brought the phone to his ear.

"Preston, what's going on dude?"

"Where's your cell, man? I've been trying to get hold of you for the last couple of days."

Reed was slightly taken aback by his tone but also instantly attentive. "Is anything wrong?"

Preston sighed at the other end. "No, everything’s fine. I was just really worried when I couldn’t get a hold of you. I called Kellen last night because I thought you’d gone missing or something. I was so worried but then Kellen told me that you decided to get a little space from the ranch."

Reed held his breath. He wondered how much Kellen had revealed but thankfully, Preston didn’t say anything more. Slowly releasing his breath, Reed decided he’d rather tell his friends in person about his new relationship with Logan, than over a phone call.

"Yeah, I'm real sorry to have worried you. I kind of took off and forgot my phone. It was just a last-minute type of thing."

"Is everything okay with Logan? He’s not giving you a hard time, is he?”

Reed smiled to himself. If only he knew. “God, no. Everything’s fine with Logan. In fact, he’s with me now—we plan to head back to the ranch by tomorrow at the latest."

"Really? Are you sure it's safe to be out there on your own? Where are you, anyway?"

"Jeez, Pres. What’s with all the questions, dude?" Reed looked around the room frowning at Preston's interrogation. Then again, Preston was always the sensitive one in their group, he was clearly worried and that touched him. "I'm sorry, I don't mean to sound so vague with you. I guess I'm a few hours away from the ranch, heading south.” His tone softened. “You sound really worried… I didn't mean to cause you so much concern. I do have a hunk-of-beef for a bodyguard you, know.”

"It’s not a laughing matter, Reed. Anyway, I’m glad you’re okay.”

“Thanks. I miss you guys, you know?”

“We really miss you, too. In fact, I have some time off and I was calling because I have a small surprise for you."

Usually Reed love surprises but his stalker had kind of killed some of that buzz. “Okay… Can you tell me what it is?”

“Of course. Marie and I have decided to come and visit you next weekend. Unfortunately, Amy and Kellen can't make. We thought we’d come out and cheer you up for a couple of days or so. Maybe, we could camp outside somewhere on the ranch or something, like the old days?"

Reed was immediately taken back to his teenage years. During some holidays, they’d set up some tents outside, roast s’mores over a campfire and share their dreams for the future. Reed felt excited at the prospect and couldn't wait to tell Logan. “That sounds awesome. Thanks Pres, I really appreciate you guys taking time out to come and visit me. When will you get here?"

“I’m thinking on Saturday by lunchtime and then we’ll probably end up leaving Sunday night. Marie needs to get back to work. Tells me she has a slave driver for a boss.”

Reed smiled. “I can't wait to see you both."

They spoke for a few more minutes before hanging up. Reed flopped back against the pillow, smiling. He really was incredibly lucky to have such a wonderful group of friends and he couldn't wait to share them with Logan.

Logan opened the door, his eyes immediately focusing in on Reed. “All good?”

“Great, in fact.” He grinned at Logan. “Preston and Marie are coming to visit next weekend.”

Logan smiled. “That’s great. Will be good for you to see your friends.”

“You know what’s good for me?”

Logan raised an eyebrow, crossing his arms and leaning against the door. “Tell me.”

“You. Now get that fine ass over here. Now.”

Logan grinned and pushed off the door. “Yes, boss.” His face took on an innocent wide-eyed expression. “What do you want me to do?”

Reed licked his lips, his cock springing to attention. “Come over here and I’ll show you.”

They didn’t end up surfacing until it was well past lunch time, spending the remainder of the morning in the room.

They agreed to spend another night there together, and in the morning, they’d make their way back to the ranch.

Reed felt like he was in a perfect bubble, which he couldn’t bear to burst.