Since the restaurant didn’t take reservations, Teagan hoped it was their above average clothing that convinced the thirtysomething hostess to give them a table at the large windows overlooking the ocean. It might have been Logan’s panty-melting smile and his deep sexy voice, though. Teagan hadn’t missed the way the woman in the tight-fitting dress that hugged her every perfect curve and perky boobs had glanced at his left hand and smiled. She’d also caught the broadened smile after the young brunette had checked out Teagan’s left hand.
No, bitch, we aren’t married. Nor are we engaged. We’re simply having an adult dinner alone while someone else watches our children.
Our children. Damn. That sounded like an old married couple. Or like two people amicably divorced. Their situation certainly wasn’t the usual.
Logan pulled out the chair for her then glided it in once she was seated. He was such a gentleman. Teagan had thought that kind of manners had disappeared with the twentieth century. It was wonderful to be treated like a lady now and again.
“We have delicious fresh oysters on the half shell available tonight,” the hostess handed Logan the leather-bound menu with a sultry smile. “Let me know if there’s anything I can do for you.” Without looking at Teagan, she laid the menu on the linen tablecloth next to her place setting.
“Do you like raw oysters?” Logan’s gaze was heated and focused entirely on Teagan.
She matched his grin and shook her head. “No. I don’t like them. I love them.” She laid her hand on the table and he instantly reached out and took it in his. “What I really like about oysters is the dopamine boost I get about two hours after eating them.”
He obviously understood that dopamine was one of the hormones that increased libido. “Then I’ll be sure dinner doesn’t run longer than an hour and a half.” His eyes locked with hers. “We’ll take a dozen as appetizers, please.”
“I’ll be sure to tell your waiter.” The hostess disappeared from Teagan’s peripheral vision.
“I’m glad you like raw oysters. A lot of women don’t,” Logan noted.
She couldn’t withhold her giggle. “I’d think you would have learned by now that I’m not like most females. How many women do you know that have a master’s in engineering and work on helicopter engines for a living?”
“Only you.” He ran the rough pad of his thumb over the palm of her hand sending tingles straight to her core. “You are unique in so many ways. I don’t know anyone who would so readily agree to raise two children they weren’t related to.”
“I love Anora and Brann. I always have. From the day they were born.” She wasn’t ready to explain why it was so easy for her to step into a motherhood role. But she could tell him a few things. “I have plenty of room in my heart for children, especially those two.”
A large platter of oysters was set in the middle of the table by a man dressed head to toe in black. After introducing himself, he took their orders with a practiced smile and cordially faded away.
Teagan’s phone buzzed in her pocket. “This maybe Erin,” she explained as she pulled it out. Glancing at the screen, it showed nothing. “Damn. The call disappeared.” Her phone was useless there in North Carolina. The company she had used in the DC area didn’t have any local towers. “I don’t even have a single bar of power.”
“You want me to call her and make sure everything’s okay?” Logan’s voice was concerned.
“No. She has your phone number. I told her to call you if she couldn’t get hold of me.” Teagan hated not being directly connected with the children.
Logan set his phone on the table. “Now, we can both set our minds at ease. Sure you don’t want me to call her?”
“I’m sure.” She tried to make her voice as convincing as possible. “I don’t want to be those parents who have to phone home every ten minutes to check on the children.”
“Tomorrow, let’s go to the phone store and I’ll get you added to my service plan.” Logan picked up her cell phone and examined it. “How old is this thing?”
“I’ve had it a few years.” Teagan had to think how long. Embarrassed, she had to admit, “Okay, it’s at least five years old, maybe six.”
Logan grinned. “I’d be surprised if they made this model within the past ten years. I think it’s time for an upgrade.”
The condition of her bank account ran through her mind. Now that she was no longer using her personal money to purchase groceries for all four of them, and her mother’s new memory care facility was considerably less than what she’d been paying in DC, she was in a better financial condition. “You’re right. I need a new phone.”
“What do you think about getting Brann one of those kids’ watch phones?” Logan asked.
“He’s only seven. Do you think he’s responsible enough for a phone?” She loved her godson but sometimes he can be so immature, acting as babyish as Anora.
“I’m not talking about a regular cell phone, just one that he would wear like a watch.” He went on to explain, “One of my captains just bought them for his seven-year-old twins. They live in base housing where the kids run from house to house on a regular basis. His wife got tired of calling all over the neighborhood to notify the boys that it was time to come home. From what Captain Donaldson said, they are God’s gift to parents. The ones he purchased only have four phone numbers programmed in plus nine-one-one. They are waterproof and have GPS trackers.”
The more Logan talked about them the more excited Teagan agreed. “I’d love to be able to give Brann a little more freedom. When I can’t find him in the house, most of the time he’s at your place. But he has met a few of the children in the area. I’ve been hesitant to allow him to play at anyone else’s house, so the boys usually hang out in Brann’s bedroom or they play on one of the decks.”
“So, you’re okay with getting him a watch phone?” Logan confirmed.
“Yes. Definitely.” Being able to track the children on her cell phone would be heavenly. “I think we should use the household account for that purchase since it’s for the direct benefit of Brann.”
“If we buy something for him, we need to get Anora something as well.” Logan was right. They had made a point of trying to be equally fair with both children even though their age differences called for differing spending amounts.
“I think some inexpensive colorful bracelets will do the trick,” Teagan suggested. “We’ll just let her know that when she turns seven, she can have a watch phone then.”
“Works for me. We’ll give them to the children at the same time.” Logan’s gaze swept the now empty platter. “You weren’t kidding when you said you liked raw oysters.”
Sometime during their conversation, they had demolished the appetizer. That’s the way it was with Logan. Their discussions seemed to flow so easily.
Teagan had been holding back for days and couldn’t wait any longer. “So, how was your date with Anora?”
His eyes shot to hers. “She didn’t tell you?”
“I asked her about the food, and she said it was good. Nothing more than the one-word answer. I asked her about the waitress, and she said she was good. I asked her if she got any kind of special drink and she said yes, then promptly told me that her dates with Uncle Logan were special, just for the two of you.”
Logan burst out laughing. “I guess you got schooled.”
“Logan, don’t be that way. I was worried. I was the one who convinced you to take her out on a date. How was it? How did she do? Did she mind her manners?” Teagan had lots more questions but hoped he’d answer at least one or two.
He wiped the corners of his mouth with the linen napkin and took a sip of his drink. “Everything Anora told you was correct. The food was good, but it always is at the Shrimp Shack and you know how much that little girl loves shrimp. Our waitress was excellent.” The corners of his mouth kicked up. “Anora had to tell everyone that we were out on a date, starting with all the people in line around us.”
Teagan’s heart melted. He had given that little girl a memory that would last a lifetime, whether she remembered it or not. That night, he had set her expectations for every man to follow.
“By the time we reached the hostess, everyone was in love with her.” He shook his head. “I can’t tell you how many women told her that her dress was pretty, she looked lovely that night, how much they liked her little shoes and frilly socks. By the time we were seated, she was acting like a princess.”
Teagan’s hand covered her mouth. She wasn’t sure if she was going to laugh or cry.
“Teagan, are you all right?” Logan reached across the table and pulled her hand from her mouth and held it. “Tell me, what’s wrong?”
“Absolutely nothing is wrong. Everything is completely right.” How could she tell him? She had to, though. The heat transferring from his hand to hers and through her body gave her strength. “You know that I grew up without a father. When I was a little girl, I used to pretend that I had a daddy. In my fantasy world, I would get dressed up like a princess, and he’d take me out to lunch, or brunch, and if I was especially good, he’d take me out to supper somewhere fancy.” She looked away to reign in her emotions. Pasting on a smile, she returned her gaze to Logan. Squeezing his hand, she confessed, “I’m vicariously living my childhood through Anora. You are the greatest daddy a little girl could ever have.”
He cocked an eyebrow. “You haven’t heard about the rest of our night. Anora is quite the little wing man.”
“What?” Teagan’s jaw dropped a fraction of an inch. “What the hell did she do?”
Logan grinned as though knowing the secret. “So, you know our little Anora. What happens every time within five minutes after ordering?”
“Oh, no.” Teagan suddenly felt sorry for the handsome man across the table. Cringing, she asked, “She had to go potty?”
“Oh, yeah.” He shook his head. “I wasn’t about to let her go by herself, nor was I going to let her go into the men’s room. That place has a rowdy pickup bar, but I was hoping we were there early enough so she wouldn’t be exposed to those type of people.”
Teagan gave his hand a little squeeze. She could only imagine how embarrassing the situation had been for him. “I’m so sorry. I never meant for you to be put into that position. You don’t ever have to take her out, by yourself, again.”
“No. I’ll take her out again. I’ll just have to be a little more conscientious of the establishment.”
“So, what did you do?” Teagan asked, holding back a laugh.
“I took her by the hand and walked her to the ladies room door and waited for her in the hall.” He grinned, or maybe it was a grimace. “The door hadn’t finished closing when one of those women walked by and asked me if I wanted her to help the little princess. I didn’t want that bar babe anywhere near Anora so I told her that I was sure she could handle herself. Through the door, I heard her quizzing Anora, asking if I were her father. Our little girl told her no, I was her Uncle. The bitch pressed her harder and asked if I was married.” Logan’s grin showed two rows of bright white teeth. “Anora proceeded to tell her that no, I wasn’t married, but she and her brother Bran and Aunt Teagan all lived together in my house. We were a family.”
Teagan wanted to rush home and hug Anora. She also wanted to hug the man across the table. She knew the child’s words had affected him as much as they had just touched her heart. They were all beginning to realize that yes, they were family, although uniquely unconventional.
Time slipped away as they chatted and devoured the perfectly pan-seared fish, tangy coleslaw and hush puppies. When the waiter returned, she was too stuffed to even think about dessert.
After paying the bill, Logan stood and made a show of looking at his watch. “One hour and thirty-eight minutes. Can I convince you to join me for a nightcap and maybe an adult movie back at my place?” He took her hand and started toward the door.
As soon as they were outside, and out of earshot of anyone else, he added, “I want you alone and, in my arms, when the dopamine kicks in.”
“There you go again, reading my mind.” No sooner had the words left her lips and Logan stopped in the shadow of his SUV.
“I don’t want to rush you into anything.” His fingertips touched her temples then slid into her hair, stopping when his palms cupped her cheeks. Logan’s intense brown eyes stared down at her. “We can go home and watch a movie that doesn’t involve cartoon characters or overly dramatic teenage actors.”
“I don’t want to watch any fucking movie.” She leaned her whole body into his rocking her hips against his impressive erection. “And considering we have been together every day for nearly three months, I don’t think we’re rushing anything. I’m a long way from a horny virgin. I know what I want and tonight, I want you. Inside me.” Just to make sure he got the message, she pulled his head down until their lips met. She took control of the kiss but soon surrendered to him, opening her mouth and allowing him to run his tongue over hers.
“Hey, baby, if you’re giving blowjobs here in the parking lot, can I be next?” Several loud male voices burst into laughter following the crude slurred question.
Teagan felt Logan’s body tense. She glanced over, quickly assessing the four young men staggering through the parking lot. “A bunch of drunk frat boys. Let’s get out of here.”
Logan opened her door and she quickly stepped in. She watched to be sure Logan didn’t do anything stupid, like take on four drunken idiots. She had no doubt he would win, but she wanted his ass in a bed, not in jail on assault charges.
“I’m sorry those boys insulted you.” Logan said as he slid behind the wheel. “Any other time I would’ve taken pleasure in teaching them a little respect.” He reached across the console and gently turned her face towards his. “But tonight is for us. I’m not going to let those inebriated assholes ruin it for us.” He leaned over and gently kissed her lips.
It wasn’t enough. She wanted more.
He must’ve seen the need in her eyes.
“If I kissed you again, we’d be arrested for indecent exposure because I wouldn’t be able to stop until we were both boneless and sated.” He started to lean in as though to kiss her again but then sat up straight and turned the key in the ignition. “I promise I’ll give you everything you need as soon as we’re back home.”
On the short drive home, Teagan decided to warn the babysitter, fearing the children would see the headlights pull into the driveway and expect her home.
Teagan – Heading home now but going to hang out next door at Logan’s.
Erin – No prob. Kids fell asleep right after bath bed and stories. Thanks for letting me use your Hulu!!!! Take your time.
Teagan – Thanks. I will.
Like a man on a mission, as soon as he turned off the engine, Logan was out of the SUV and opening the door on her side. He didn’t wait for her to step down but grabbed her by the hips and slowly lowered her down his body.
There was no way she could miss his prominent erection.
“I can’t hide how much I want you,” he said before he pulled her against him and crashed his lips on hers.
It had been so long since a man had handled her so forcefully out of his own need. She didn’t care. She wanted Logan more than she ever wanted a man in her whole life.
Regretfully, she backed off the kiss. It was so good, but she didn’t want to give Erin a live sex lesson, in case the babysitter happened to look out a window. “Your bed. Now.”
Without a word, Logan grabbed her hand and practically ran up the steps to his side of the duplex. He had his keys out before he reached the top and the door opened and closed behind them within seconds. He spun her around and shoved her against the wall, capturing her with his hands braced on either side of her shoulders.
Breathing heavily, he asked, “Are you sure?”
She let her actions be his answer. With one hand she pulled his head down to hers and bit his lower lip while she ran her fingers up his cock and gave it a slight squeeze.
“I’ll bet I can be naked in the bed before you are.” She ducked under his arm and dashed off toward the bedroom. Within three steps she had lifted the sundress over her head and let it fly to the floor uncaringly. Her bra was gone by the time she reached the steps.
She’d worn the blue lacy thong hoping he’d appreciate it but when he grabbed the back string and ripped it off her, moisture pooled between her legs. This was the most erotic, and fun, foreplay she’d ever had.
When Teagan reached the second-floor landing, she didn’t hear his footsteps behind her. She stopped and glanced back. Halfway down the stairs he stood shirtless, his jeans unbuttoned and unzipped, halfway down his narrow hips, displaying that distinct V in the dark line of hair that led from his bellybutton under his boxer briefs. She could see the huge bulge fighting to get loose.
Logan stood perfectly still, his eyes closed, a scrap of blue lace against his nose.
She clicked a mental picture. She wanted to remember this, and everything else, about their first time together.
When he opened his eyes, they were filled with so much heat, longing, and desire. He moved faster than anyone she’d ever seen before taking the steps two at a time.
She let out a high-pitched squeal and dashed toward his bedroom. Just as she stepped through the door, he grabbed her behind her knees and across her back picking her up and tossing her onto his bed. He followed her down, caging her between his hands and knees. Somewhere along the line, he’d lost the rest of his clothes.
She let out a giggle, feeling young and beautiful once again.
They were both breathing hard, not from the sprint but from anticipation.
“I’m sorry.” Regret flashed in Logan’s eyes. “I’m not going to last very long this first time.” He dropped his head down to brush a kiss across her lips. “I promise I’ll take more time next round.”
She lifted her hands to his shoulders and rocked her hips so she could free her legs pinned between his calves. She worked her legs around his waist. “I’m not fragile. I need you hard and fast. It’s been a long time for me.”
“Fuck.” He dropped his forehead to hers. “I knew it was going to be like that with us.” He reached over and opened the drawer in the nightstand and pulled out a roll of condoms.
Teagan giggled. “I don’t think we’re going to be able to use all those tonight, but I like the way you think.” She grabbed the roll from him and ripped off a packet, opening it with her teeth. She shoved him and he went willingly to his back. “Allow me.”
The pearl on the tip of his cock indicating his readiness was more than she could resist. She leaned down and licked it up.
Logan bolted upright and grabbed her shoulders. “No. Not this time.” He snatched the condom away from her and expertly rolled it down his length before he rolled her to her back. With the palms of his hands he gently spread her thighs.
He didn’t move. Only stared.
With one finger he traced her wet folds, gently separating them, exposing her completely to him. He ran his finger the length between her channel and her clit then licked his wet finger clean. He closed his eyes as though savoring every drop. “Next time, I’m going to taste you, make you come with nothing but my mouth and fingers.”
“You can do that next time, but right now I want you inside me.” Because if he touched her one more time she was going to explode right then. “Please tell me you haven’t forgotten what I asked for…hard and fast, remember?”
“Oh, I remember. I just want to make sure you’re ready.” He rubbed her juices over the tip before he positioned his cock at her entrance.
Teagan loved that feeling when a man first slid into her, filling her for the first time. Most men liked it, too, and Logan was no exception. A tense-filled bliss covered his face. It was agony and ecstasy all in one stroke.
When he didn’t move for one breath, then two, she knew what he was doing. He was big and was letting her grow accustomed to his length and girth. After a second, she understood that he had more to give. She rocked up taking him home.
Logan’s body went completely stiff as he sucked in a ragged breath.
Good. She’d surprised him.
“Christ, Teagan,” he said on a long exhale. “You’re perfect.”
“Not hardly.” She smacked his bare ass. “This looks much better if you move.”
As ordered, Logan withdrew almost completely before slamming back into her.
“Yes,” she huffed out. “Again.”
“Fucking perfect.” He repeated his act, pulling out almost completely before shoving back in.
She met him stroke for stroke by lifting her hips. Within minutes she was close, and by the strain on his face, she could tell he was too.
“Come for me, T. Take us both,” he ordered through clenched teeth.
“Almost there,” she panted out.
Logan bent and took one of her nipples into his mouth, sucking hard.
Holy fuck. Teagan had never felt the connection between her breasts and her clit before. His teeth scraped across her nipple and she exploded. Her whole body shook with its release. Just as dark bliss closed in around her, Logan’s body arched and he drove deeply into her, holding the position as is arms and shoulders quivered.
Teagan rose from the depths of ecstasy as a butterfly flitted over her face. Opening her eyes, Logan completely filled her vision.
“Next time will be better,” he promised and lightly touched his lips to her chin.
“I don’t see how it could be.” Teagan was no virgin, but she had never had sex that intense before in her life. “You wore me out.”
Logan brushed a few strands of hair back from her face and curled them around her ear. “Take a power nap.” He kissed her softly and pulled the covers over her shoulders. “We’ll try this again when you're rejuvenated.”
She awoke with an aching clit, arching her back as Logan sucked on her breast and kneaded the other one with his hand.
“Your breasts are perfect,” he claimed when she opened her eyes.
He needed to know the truth, and now. “No, actually they aren’t.”