Inevitable

“As you wish.” He smiled, giving nothing away. I hated that he could be impossible to read when he wanted to. “But at least join Oliver and me at Nichol’s Farm tomorrow. He wants to find a pumpkin before they’re all picked over.”

I laughed. “He does or you do?”

“I’m not going to lie. Carving jack-o-lanterns is a past time I greatly enjoy. So, will you join us?”

“How can I say no to a day with Oliver and farm animals?” I smiled and walked to the car. I gripped the passenger door handle and looked up smiling at Logan standing beside me. “But I’m not carving mine yet. Halloween isn’t for another three weeks.”

His hand came down, resting over mine on the cool metal handle that suddenly seared into my palm. His breath was warm and thick behind my ear. I closed my eyes when his chest connected with my back. My breath caught, body humming to life.

“I’ve never had much patience, Cassandra. When I want something, I take it as soon as it’s available.” He opened the car door for me and I slid inside, blood rushing to my cheeks as he stared down at me with dark, hooded eyes. A small smirk played on his lips. “The pumpkins are ready for harvesting, why wait?”

With that he shut the door, leaving me to process his words for a few minutes while he said good-bye to Paula. Why did he have to make it so impossibly hard to resist him? I watched him slide into the driver’s side. I stiffened, realizing the tension would be unbearable the entire ride home if I just sat there wondering what exactly he had meant.

“You better hurry up and get me home, mister.” I smiled over at him trying to take my mind and body’s response off his possible double meaning. “Or else you’ll have Hilary to deal with.”

“Yes ma’am.” The side of his lip quirked up as he casually pulled his Aviators down from the visor and slid them on, taking his sweet time before revving up the engine. I couldn’t help but giggle when he looked over at me with a mischievous grin, his hand on the shifter, and shot out of the drive and down the road.

Chapter Eighteen

Expectations

The next morning Oliver was at my door, adorable and cozy in a grey wool coat. The weather was beginning to take on a slight chill, which I welcomed happily. Fall had always been my favorite time of year. Logan drove while Oliver sat in the backseat replaying his week at school. The old Nichol’s Farm was located on the other side of town, and had been there long before I was even born.

Once we pulled into the dirt parking lot, I unbuckled my seat belt but was stopped from opening the door when Logan turned in his seat to face me rather than climb out. I sat, confused at the crease over his brow.

“What?” I could see it written all over his expression. He had something to tell me that I wouldn’t like.

“Julia and Jax will be meeting us here,” he said, but not in his usual tone. He should be happy to spend time with them, right?

“Awesome!” Oliver opened his door. “Where are they?”

My attention was still focused on Logan, realization setting in at what his somber expression was telling me. Mark.

He tilted his head, eyes soft. “I’m sorry, sweetheart. I told her about today, and when she called earlier she said Mark would be coming with her.”

I looked away, opening my door, but his hand shot out, gently holding my arm.

“I told her he wasn’t invited, but my sister is not one to listen to me, or anyone for that matter.” He sighed. “I’ll talk to him. Make sure he stays clear of you if you’d like.”

I shook my head, nibbling on my bottom lip, anxiously. “No, thanks, but it’s all right.”

He nodded once, gauging my reaction. I smiled and he returned one full of understanding and warmth.

We walked through the parked cars, Oliver between us, swinging in the air from our arms. He giggled each and every time. As we approached a red steel barn, we stopped near wooden crates filled with produce grown on the farm. I was reminded of my grandmother and smiled. At least once a month when I was younger, she would bring me along to purchase anything in season.

“Stay here for a moment, I’ll go pay,” Logan said, tossing Oliver up once more.

I nodded, and took Oliver’s hand to let him see the row of pumpkins behind us. They were set out for anyone not wanting to go out in the field to find their own.

“Over here!” Oliver called out, catching me off guard.

I turned, putting on a thin smile, when I saw Julia and Mark approach. Jax was strolling up behind them, his red ball cap on backward and a tall, thin brunette on his arm. My smile grew. He was definitely Logan’s little brother.

I suddenly felt a little out of place. It seemed this was more of a family outing and everyone was paired up with dates. I wasn’t Logan’s date by far, but I wondered how it must look to the others. Did they think he and I were seeing each other? I cringed, realizing with Logan’s reputation they must think I was sleeping with him. Instantly I began to feel out of place.

Why was I there? I was just a neighbor.

“Hey sweetie, you ready to see some smelly farm animals.” Julia laughed, her nose scrunched. She picked Oliver up for a giant hug and held him tightly in her arms.

Mark looked over at me and opened his mouth to speak, but snapped it shut after I shot him a threatening glare. He cleared his throat, and shoved his hands deep in the pocket of his hoodie.

“Hi, Cassandra. I love your sweater.” Julia smiled. I wondered what she knew about Mark and me.

“Thanks, hope you don’t mind me coming today.”

“Of course not, the more the merrier,” she said with a sincere smile, “Logan seems to enjoy having you around.”

“We’ve been getting along pretty well.”

“I’m sure you have been,” Jax snickered. I looked down, embarrassed. So they did think I was sleeping with him.

“Ignore him.” I looked up to see Julia roll her eyes at Jax. “He’s just not sure how to act around you after Logan threatened to disown him if he so much as flirts in your direction.”

An awkward, broken chuckle caught in my throat. “Why would Logan care who flirts in my direction?” My sight narrowed to the ground, with a bemused smile.

She raised her eyebrow, as if she knew something I didn’t, then shrugged. “Who knows.” She grinned. “But you’re the first girl he’s brought around us and—”

Julia was cut off as Oliver wiggled out of her arms and planted his feet back on the ground. We laughed, watching him adjust his coat in a huff. He looked up at Mark curiously.

“Hey, buddy.” Mark squatted down to eye level with him. “My name’s Mark. Hope you don’t mind me tagging along today.”

“That’s all right,” Oliver said, shyly.

“Here you are,” Logan said appearing beside me, handing a wristband to Jax, his quiet date, and Julia. The air between us all grew thick and uncomfortably heavy when it was clear he didn’t have one for Mark.

“I’ll uh…I’ll be right back,” Mark said awkwardly, leaving to purchase his.

Logan ignored him and leaned down to snap the band on Oliver’s wrist then stood and took my hand.

“I can do it,” I said, softly.

He said nothing, his fingers placing it on my wrist and locking it in place. His thumb lingered a moment longer than necessary and slowly he looked up at me.