Irreplaceable

“So perfect,” he murmured, his hand moving away, replaced by his manhood that in one swift movement plunged into me.

“Logan,” I moaned, panting against his lips with each and every thrust.

My mouth traveled down the stubble of his jaw until it landed on his shoulder, where I kissed him over and over until my lips were swollen and tingling. His hands dug into my ass, holding me against him. Harder and harder he drove into my body, filling me with his need, until my entire body exploded, pulsating in his arms as he released inside me.

Catching my breath was impossible through the aftershock of the high. My brain had checked out. I drew back just enough to look into his eyes, and was met with that devilish smirk I hadn’t seen in so long before he leaned in and ran his tongue up my cheek.

What?

I shook my head, unsure what to think when he did it again. Then I noticed his face starting to morph into that of an animal. I flew out of his arms and jerked up, opening my eyes to find me still in my chair with Scout, paws on my chest, licking my face.

Startled, I yelped, jumping up and tripping over the blanket still wrapped around my fully clothed body. There was no stopping the tumble that threw me to the ground, taking the chair and Scout down with me. Calming my breathing, I lay there in the snow, Scout barking beside me. I began laughing to myself.

“Are you all right?” Jax asked, standing over me.

“Yeah, just had a…dream.”

“Oh, I noticed that.” A grin grew over his lips.

Great! There had to be a way to get his brother out of my head.

Jax extended his hand down and helped me up. I set the blanket—now covered in snow—on the chair and scooped Scout into my arms, kissing the top of his head. I missed him more than I’d realized.

“What are you doing out here this late?” he asked, lifting the chair.

“I don’t know. Getting tired sitting inside all the time.”

He nodded. “Yeah, that’s understandable. I’d go nuts without someone to keep me company.” His brow arched and voice dropped. “Do you need some company, Cassie?”

I rolled my eyes. “No, I’m good, thanks.” I chuckled.

“Well, the offer always stands, but you know you can always come over to our place. We have the game room, not to mention Oliver asks about you daily—hell, sometimes hourly.” He laughed.

“I will soon.” I gave Scout another tight squeeze, then placed him on the ground. Turning, I grabbed the blanket and began dusting off the snow.

“All right, I’m freezing, and this dog has some business to get done so I can get some sleep. I’ll see you around…and Cassie?”

I looked back and noticed his smile was replaced with an unfamiliar, almost strained expression.

“You still look good.”

“Thanks.” I snorted, shaking my head as my laughter followed.

“I’m just saying, don’t hide away forever.” His smile was back in place as he called for Scout to follow him back to his yard.

Smiling to myself, I folded the blanket over my arm and turned to walk inside when I noticed the window at Logan’s house had the curtain open, just like in the dream. My smile dropped as I took him all in as he stood there, dressed in a plain white V-neck T-shirt covered in paint streaks, staring over at me.

With a slight nod, I offered a tight smile before turning away and heading inside.

The rest of the week passed at the same sluggish rate, with Logan staying true to his word but the dreams constant. There was little to do, so I found myself in bed reading and staring up at nothing through the days, my thoughts wild during the nights.

My thoughts of him were distant, however, as I shoveled another spoonful of Hilary’s mystery casserole into my mouth over Sunday dinner.

“You sure you’re all right?” she asked, sipping her wine across the table from me.

“Perfect.” I really was, but I knew what she was asking and I wasn’t going there. “So, what’s Caleb up to tonight? I’m sure you’d rather spend your Sunday with him over your dreary old friend.”

“You’re not dreary!” she sneered. “Although it would be nice to see you in something other than sweatpants.”

I chuckled once at the disdain in her voice and crinkle of her upturned nose, then took another bite. I never knew what she put in the casserole, but was certain it was different each time.

“Caleb’s stuck at Haven since he had a new guy up and quit on him last night,” she explained.

“You poor thing.”

“Yeah, but he said he’d stop by my place later and make it up to me.” Her eyes brightened as she peered over the rim of her glass. “He’s really good at the making-up-for-it part.”

I swallowed and held up my hand, giggling. “All I need to know.”

“So what about Logan? Did he stop by and annoy you today?”

“Not yet,” I grumbled.

Hilary smiled, amused as her phone sang from her pocket. She pulled it out, scrolling her finger over it, and I watched as her smile melted into bewildered frown.

“Hmmm,” she said to herself, brows pinched.

“’Hmmm’ what?”

“I don’t know. It’s… you know what, I’m sure it’s nothing.” The contrived half smile on her face and worried lines marring her forehead told me something was wrong.

“All right, what’s up?” I asked directly, determined to get an answer.

She set the phone on the table. “That was Jennifer, the head waitress at Haven. Said I should come down and stake my claim.”

A chuckle bubbled in my throat. “Stake your claim? To what?”

Her eyes searched her plate, and my understanding clicked.

“Caleb?” I nearly gasped. “Why? He wouldn’t.” I blinked twice, wiping the ridiculous thought away. Sitting further up in my seat, I spoke with nothing but sincerity. “Hilary, Caleb adores you. He’d never cheat.”

“Neither would Mark. Isn’t that what you always said?”

I hunched back, feeling like I’d just been slapped. “Ouch. That hurt,” I mumbled.

She sighed. I’d never seen her so worried. It wasn’t like her. “Sorry. I just...I can’t lose him. I’ve never cared about anyone like this before. He’s everything.”

My heart ached for her. All too familiar was the feeling of falling for someone in a way that left you terrified by the powerful emotions it evoked.

“I know, but if he’s cheating, he’s not worth it. You have to trust that Caleb cares about you, loves you, and isn’t stupid enough to screw that up.”

Or would he? Were all men the same when it came to easy women?

I finished the final bite on my plate and pushed it forward. I’d eaten way too much of the mystery meal.

Hilary stood. “Will you come down there with me? Just to check in and say a quick hello?”

I nearly spit out the soda in my mouth as I stared at her, wide-eyed.

“Are you kidding? I just got of the hospital not even two weeks ago, and you want me to go to a bar with you—a bar that isn’t exactly a place I’m eager to return to? You do realize what you’re asking, right?”

She paled. “God.” Her hands flew over her face, running over her forehead. “I’m sorry. I don’t know what the hell I was thinking. Of course you can’t go, and I know Caleb would never do anything like that. All right, moving on.” She attempted to shake off her worry. “So what are you up for tonight: chick flick or zombies?”