6. Logan
CHAPTER 6
Logan
I left a very sexy Brynlee sleeping in bed this morning as I took Carter to school and went to my office to work on the high school’s baseball team's new training schedule. Every time these kids think they’ve got my workouts figured out, I like to switch it up on them. This week, they’ll be playing different positions. It’s never a bad thing to stray from what you’re good at to work on a new skill, and they’re slowly learning that.
On the way to school, Carter kept hinting about Brynlee moving in with us after having spent the last two nights with me. I shrugged and told him she needed a safe place. That, of course, concerned him because he really likes her, and I had to explain, in part, that she’s moving out of her house and just needs somewhere to gain a bit of perspective.
I know as soon as he sees Hunter today, they’ll be talking about this non-stop and speculating about what’s happening with her. They’re smart boys and very intuitive for their age, so I know they won’t stop asking questions until they get answers.
None of which I have.
Yesterday was spent hanging out with the boys, but tonight, I’m taking Brynlee for dinner and hoping to talk to her more about her situation. If I thought she’d say yes, I’d invite her to move in with us right away, but I know she’s not ready for that.
I have to show her that I’m not all talk just to get into her pants. The girl is craving love, but she’s afraid to accept it, and I can’t say as I blame her one bit. Her dad’s a bit of an asshole, and she’s being pressured to make a major life decision that should come naturally.
When I left this morning, I sat a note in front of the coffee maker with my number and the house keys, encouraging her to come and go as she pleases but to text me when she gets up. First bell of the day is about to ring, and I haven’t heard from her yet. It’s taking everything within me not to call her.
Logically, I know love takes time, but this all-consuming obsessive need to take care of her is making it difficult to believe that I’m not in love with her already.
I have no doubt we’ll be perfect together. And I already know she loves my kid, and he loves her. My only worry, and I think hers, too, is Hunter. If she lost access to the boy, it’d be like losing her own child. Something that is incredibly hard to recover from. I need to make sure that doesn’t happen.
I boot up my computer, knowing what I have to do. I search out her father’s company and place a call to his office to set up a meeting. Before I can convince Brynlee to give us a chance, I need to secure her place in Hunter’s life. I have no doubts that if push comes to shove, she will sacrifice her own happiness to give that boy everything he needs, which includes Bryn.
Almost as soon as I hang up the phone, my cell chimes, and a smile lights my face when I see her name on the screen.
Bryn: Good morning.
Me: Morning sleeping beauty, didn’t want to wake you.
Bryn: Thanks…
I can see she’s typing but hesitating to ask something.
Me: Yes.
I don’t care what her question is, the answer is yes.
Bryn: You don’t even know what I was going to ask!
Me: Doesn’t matter, the answer will always be yes.
Bryn: You’re impossible!
Me: Your point?
Bryn: I can see why you said arrogance…
Me: Told you so.
Bryn: I was going to pick up my laptop and do some of the new assignments for the week, can I do that here? I’m not ready to deal with my father yet.
Me: Told you already, YES!
Bryn: …Thank you.
I can nearly feel the emotions she's going through right now because her father is a touchy subject. Which makes me glad to have this meeting with the man in an hour.
“Alexa, is my ten o’clock here?… You.” The way Brynlee’s father glares at me could almost be amusing. “I don’t have time for you. I have meetings all day.” His blustered words don’t deter me.
“I’m your ten o’clock.” My cocky smirk only pisses him off more. Spinning on his heel, the man walks away, leaving his secretary to shoot me an apologetic look as I follow him into his office.
“What can I help you with, Mr…?”
“Logan Dawson.” He pauses as he moves to sit behind his opulent desk, my name registering in his mind.
“Pitcher for the Royals?” I nod. “You were the best they had in decades.” I shrug at the compliment. I already know that. This time it’s not my arrogance talking, either. “How can I help you, Mr. Dawson?” He’s slightly more amicable now.
“You can stop this bullshit with Brynlee.” I don’t care if he’s a fan or a hater. What he’s doing to his daughter is crap.
“My daughter is not up for discussion.” His inflated self-importance as he shuffles papers around his desk only serves to piss me off.
“Look, Mr. Willows. Brynlee is a devoted daughter, aunt, and sister. You being a prick about not letting her see Hunter if she doesn’t meet your deadline and approval is a shitty move for a father. She would sacrifice everything for that boy, and you exploiting that to get whatever it is you want from marrying her off is as bad as selling her. She’s better than that. She deserves more than that.”
“You’ll be smart to watch your mouth with me.” His insubstantial threat doesn’t dissuade me.
“No, Mr. Willows. You’ll be smart not to cross me. You may have wealth, but I have power to back up mine. I will eat you alive and spit you out on the dirty street like the piece of trash you are. Brynlee and Hunter are not pawns in whatever ugly game you’re trying to play. Take her trust, I have more than enough money to take care of her. But cut her off from seeing Hunter, and you won’t like what happens.” I’m satisfied with his speechless state as I turn to leave.
“I want her out of that house by the end of the day, or I’ll burn everything!” he throws at me.
“She’s already living with me. Expect to hear from my lawyers by the end of the day.” His jaw dropping makes me laugh as I leave.
Everyone expects me to be some dumb jock because I’ve played baseball my entire life. I’ve always been very relaxed, especially in the public eye. Nobody knows how devious I can be until they piss me off.
And Kurt Willows has infuriated me.