Page 10

Chapter

Ten

brIDGETTE

I held my breath as I exited through the back door of the shop. My fingers had a slight tremble that I hoped wasn’t noticeable as I pulled the keys back out of my purse. Before I could turn to lock the door, Logan was in front of me, seeming even larger as I stood there without my usual heels on.

I watched him as he looked at me, his gaze running over my face, his expression difficult to read. His jaw was firm as if he were clenching his teeth.

“Is there something wrong?” I asked warily as I started feeling more self-conscious by the second. I lifted my hand to smooth back my hair, but Logan took it gently in his much larger one.

“There’s not a damn thing wrong, Bridgette. I’m just having an argument with myself.”

I tilted my head as I eyed him, trying to ignore the way my belly warmed at the feel of his thumb sliding over the top of my hand in a soft caress. “What kind of argument?” I whispered as I realized that what I was seeing in his eyes was heat.

“Part of me wants to get you on my bike so we can start our first date. The other part of me wants to toss you over my shoulder and take you right back upstairs to your apartment.”

I swallowed hard, unable to think of anything clever to say. “I think it may be a little too soon for that.”

Logan nodded slowly. “It is. I promised you a first date, and that’s what you’re going to get.” He slid the keys out of my other hand and quickly locked the door, then handed them back to me. He watched as I zipped them back into my purse, then took my hand to guide me over to his waiting motorcycle. It was beautiful, all gleaming black paint and shining chrome. I knew nothing about motorcycles, but his seemed big, almost scary looking for all its beauty.

Logan pulled a helmet off the seat and lifted it above my head before carefully sliding it on. I stood there, unable to tear my eyes away from the dark stubble that covered his firm jawline as he concentrated on adjusting the chin strap. Once he was finally satisfied that I was safe and secure, he gave me a devilish grin, and I just knew that whatever came out of his mouth next was going to be trouble.

“I may not be taking you upstairs, but I can be satisfied knowing you’ll be having your sexy little body pressed up against me.” He took my hand with a wink as I blushed crimson under the helmet. I let him guide me to sit on the back. I held myself perched stiffly as I watched him swing his long leg over the seat and straddle the motorcycle as if it were made for him.

He reached back and grasped my thigh firmly and tugged until I was flush against him with a gasp. After he patted my thigh, he reached for his own helmet that was hanging from one of the handlebars. He paused before turning toward me.

“Just hold on tight and lean with me,” he said loud enough to hear through the helmet. “I promise, I’ll never let anything hurt you. By the way, it was six.”

I shook my head in confusion and asked as he slid his helmet on and quickly snapped the buckle. “Six what?”

“Six minutes.” Then he turned the key and the bike started up with a menacing growl. Without thinking it through, I wrapped my arms tightly around his middle. I could barely hear him over the sound of the engine, but couldn’t stop the smile that curved my lips when he said, “It was worth the wait.”

After those words, he kicked the stand up, and we were moving quicker than I had anticipated. We were already leaving the small alley where the back door to Oohs, Ahhhs, and Orbs was located and turning onto the main street.

Businesses passed quickly in a blur of light as we headed out of Gainsburg. Once the lights became scarcer, I stopped paying attention to where we were going and began to enjoy the darkness as early evening descended. I knew that in the hills, it would get darker and colder much quicker than in town, and was thankful for the warmth of my leather jacket.

I’d never been on the back of a motorcycle before, but was understanding the appeal the longer we rode. Very few cars passed us, and it was almost like being in our own little world as we flew down the curvy highway. As a witch, I loved everything about nature. It rejuvenated something deep within my soul. Being on the back of Logan’s motorcycle felt like I was flying. I had never felt so free in my life.

I laid my head on the back of his shoulder and watched the world rush past with a smile on my face. It wasn’t until what could have been minutes or hours that he began to slow down, and I recognized where we were. I hadn’t been to the isolated bar before, had only driven past on my way to the larger town beyond, but it had seemed interesting in its rundown appearance. Almost as if it had the charm of an old man who would sit in his rocking chair by the fire, whittling wood as he told one of the many stories he was holding on to.

I straightened up as Logan rolled slowly through the gravel parking lot and came to a stop near the front door. I felt him pat my leg again and quickly surmised that he was asking me to hop off. After swinging my leg over the back seat and being careful to avoid the hot exhaust pipe when he’d yelled out a warning over the engine, I stood there on shaky legs, wondering if that was how a newborn deer felt when it stood for the first time.

My fingers were almost numb as I fiddled with the clasp of the helmet. Before I could figure it out, Logan had the bike turned off and was reaching out to help before he’d taken his own off. When I slid the helmet over my head, I used one hand to smooth down my hair and watched in fascination as Logan pulled off his own and flung his head back, instantly looking perfectly put together.

“Did you like it?” I could see the uncertainty he was trying to hide, but he didn’t have to worry. I let my smile break out over my face and flung my arms around him.

“It was wonderful!” I pulled back and grinned up at him. “I loved it. Thank you for taking me.”

The expression on his face softened as he took in my happiness. I could have moved. I clearly saw the intention as well as the chance he was offering me to pull away. Instead, I leaned forward, for once our heights were nearly equal, as he still sat on his Harley. The kiss was gentle, soft, and sweet, just a meeting of our lips, but it was a kiss I’d remember for the rest of my life.

When he pulled away slowly, I stepped back to allow him space to stand up and placed a trembling hand over my abdomen where the warmth and fluttering of butterflies had taken flight at my first kiss. As I ran my tongue over my bottom lip, I watched Logan’s eyes grow darker, hungrier. Somehow, I knew that if I let him have control over my body, it would be the best decision I’d ever made.

Logan reached out and took my hand in his and laced our fingers together. “I’m going to need you to behave, little witch.”

I gave him an indignant glare as he tugged my hand and began pulling me toward the dark brown door. I could hear music coming from inside that sounded like classic rock. “I beg your pardon?”

He chuckled as he gripped the handle and glanced down at me with a wink. “One of us has to keep our heads, or I’ll end up making creative use of my motorcycle seat. I don’t think my Captain would appreciate one of his Detectives arrested for lewd conduct.”

Something about his teasing put me at ease. It was nice to know that I affected the man as much as he affected me. When the door opened wide, the music grew louder, and the sounds of laughter floated forward to greet us. Several heads turned in our direction, and shouts of greetings could be heard coming from all directions.

“I take it you come here often?” I asked wryly as he lifted his other hand to wave back. He guided us to an empty table against the wall as I took in the rustic decor. Everything was wood from the unpainted walls, to the long bar set along the opposite wall. It was a classic motorcycle bar, not that I’d had anything to really go off of other than romance books, but it had a friendly vibe. I loved it.

“Hey, Storm! Would you like your usual?” A beautiful, busty brunette with a bright blue streak of color coming from one side of her head to curve down over one side of her generous assets walked over carrying a round plastic tray.

“Charlene, I’d like you to meet Bridgette. Bridgette, this is Charlene. Her dad owns the place.”

Charlene held her hand out to me, tucking the tray under one arm. She had a beautiful smile with straight white teeth and dimples in both cheeks. I could tell she had quite a bit of Native American in her as her light brown eyes lit up with happiness. I loved her aura and immediately knew she was good people.

“Hi, Bridgette! It’s so good to meet you. The two of you look amazing together.”

I blushed as I took her hand. As our palms connected, I could sense that she wasn’t a witch like I was, but she had a connection to the Earth just the same. She was clearly comfortable with that connection and used her intuition wisely. “Thank you. It’s nice to meet you too, Charlene.” She gave me a wink, and I knew she’d sensed me as well.

“What do you want to drink, sugar? We have lots of beer and bourbon, but I make sure my pops keeps a few bottles for the ladies, too.”

I looked around as I thought about it and finally shrugged. “I’ll take a bottle of Bud Light.”

Charlene grinned. “Gotcha. And for you, Storm? One bottle since you’re on your bike and carrying precious cargo?”

Logan squeezed my hand and smiled down at the waitress. “You got it, Char.”

Once Charlene turned around to head to the bar, Logan pulled out a chair and waited for me to take a seat before he sat down opposite me.

“I like this place,” I offered as I took another look around. There were three pool tables in the back with only one currently occupied. “So, do you?”

“Do I what?” he asked as he leaned forward, one forearm on the table in front of him, giving me all of his attention.

“Do you come here often?” I flushed as I realized it sounded like a pickup line, and he laughed.

“Not as often as I’d like. Once or twice a month, usually when I’m not weighed down with a heavy caseload.” He looked up as our drinks were placed onto the table in front of us, and we both thanked Charlene, who was immediately flagged over to another table. “I used to work here when I was seventeen to help pay for the motorcycle my mom didn’t want me to get.”

I raised one eyebrow. “You worked in a bar at the age of seventeen?”

Logan picked up his bottle and took a drink, then shook his head as he placed it back down. “Not exactly in the bar. I was a dishwasher in the back. I wasn’t allowed out front or anywhere liquor was stored or served.”

I nodded. “That makes more sense. I’m guessing they serve food here, then?” I asked, my stomach rumbling at the thought of food, reminding me that I had been too nervous all day to eat lunch.

“The best burgers and fries in the whole state of Tennessee.”

“Oh really? You’re telling me that I’ve lived this close to the best burgers and never even knew it?” I gasped.

Logan grinned. “You doubt me now, but just wait until you taste them.”

I hummed with skepticism, but was excited to give it a try. I was always on the hunt for the perfect burger. Too many places just fell short and were a complete disappointment. “So are we going to order these amazing burgers?”

“Don’t worry, they will be out shortly.” Logan took a swallow from his beer, and I did the same, trying not to fidget under his intense scrutiny. “Tell me about yourself, Bridgette.”

I cleared my throat and then sat back in the surprisingly comfortable chair. “Well, you know I’m a witch. I am also the single daughter of a single mother, who is the daughter of a single mother… who is the daughter of a single mother.”

Logan’s expression grew pensive as he stared at me. “Is that why you were so hesitant when you realized that we are mates?”

I wasn’t sure if my jaw made a sound when it dropped in shock, since a loud buzzing filled my head at his question. “How?” I swallowed thickly, then tried again. “How did you know you were my mate? You’re not…”

“A witch?” He shook his head and reached for my hands, which were gripping each other so hard that my knuckles were turning white. He smoothed his thumb over them, immediately having a calming effect on my nerves. “No, I’m not. But my mother is.”

Before I could do more than gasp, plates were set down on the edge of the table. Logan pulled his hands back, leaving room for Charlene to slide the burgers in front of us. “Here you go. I’m sure he has already convinced you that these are the best you’ll ever eat. But if you want something else, I’m happy to put in an order for you.” I glanced up at her with a forced smile.

“No, no, this looks great. I’m excited to try it. Thank you.”

“Thanks, Char. I appreciate it.”

She glanced between us and took in the scene with a raised eyebrow before pulling a bottle of ketchup from her apron pocket, along with two sets of rolled eating utensils. “Okay, friends. Enjoy.” She paused before leaving, then spoke to Logan, her tone serious. “I swear to the Gods, Storm. If you run this one off, I will never forgive you.”

He gave her a confident smile. “No worries, Char. I just told her who my mom is. It came as a little bit of a surprise, I think.”

Charlene glanced back at me, then shook her head. “Men are so dense sometimes.” Then she walked away, still grumbling to herself.

“She’s nice,” I said while stifling a laugh.

“Yeah, she is. I’m sorry I didn’t tell you sooner. It never came up, but I should have said something.” He looked genuinely apologetic.

“I just don’t know what to say. I mean, I guess it makes sense. You never batted an eyelash at my shop or what I am. Most people don’t believe in witches or think we are something we aren’t. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve been asked if I worship the devil.” I picked up the roll of silverware and opened it to get to the knife. I began cutting the deliciously smelling burger in half. “What I don’t understand is why you didn’t go to your mother for information about your case. Why me?”

I picked up my burger as I eyed him suspiciously and took a small bite. An explosion of flavor hit my tongue, and I closed my eyes and moaned in pure, rapturous delight.

“Good?”

I just nodded my head eagerly, ignoring the wry tone that came from the man across from me. I took an even bigger bite and didn’t even care when I felt juice from the meat roll down my chin. It was too good. So good it should have been illegal.

When I could finally concentrate on more than just the hamburger I was devouring, I finally glanced up to see Logan sitting there with his own burger nearly gone, but with his eyes glued to my face. I had the impression that the look of heated hunger he was wearing had nothing to do with his meal.

With red cheeks, I carefully set what remained of my burger onto my plate, and with the grace a queen would envy, I smoothed out my napkin and dabbed at my chin. A glass of ice water appeared in front of me, and I glanced up to see a tall man who looked too much like Charlene to be anyone but her father.

“You must be the witch my daughter was telling me about.” He was handsome with longer dark hair that had streaks of silver threaded through his full head of hair. He looked as if he could single handedly clear out a rowdy bar with his firm muscles showing under the dark T-shirt he wore.

I held out my hand. “That’s me. Are you the one who cooked this delicious food?”

He grinned, showing one chipped tooth that didn’t take away from his appeal one single bit. He took my hand in his much larger, calloused one. “That’s me. I take it you enjoyed it?”

“You’re lucky more people don’t know about your food. You’d have a line of cars waiting up and down the highway. You’d be trapped behind your grill without a break and never breathe fresh air again.”

He threw back his head and laughed, making all the heads in the bar turn to look. When he finally slowed to only chuckles, he slapped Logan on the back. “My girl’s right. This one’s a keeper, Storm. Don’t fuck it up.”

Logan smiled at me when he answered. “Don’t plan on it.”