Chapter 18
SABBY
I n all her years in Virginia, Sabby couldn't recall having a better few weeks. First, the weather was perfect. Late summer in Virginia was typically humid and scorching, but offshore weather systems had pulled the heat into the ocean, leaving behind blue skies and cool breezes.
This meant Sabby had plenty of date options with Logan.
Sometimes they had a "quickie" hangout at the alley after his duty day.
When schedules aligned, they enjoyed picnics by the lake, sharing simple sandwiches while exchanging music recommendations from their playlists.
They'd even sung together, and Sabby loved his strong, powerful tenor voice.
More than anything, she enjoyed his company. Even spraying down rental shoes was enjoyable with him around. He always knew how to make her laugh, and his flirtations left her heart racing.
What impressed her most was his respect. When she declined dinner on Thursday to finish a class assignment, he was completely understanding. Despite Thursday being his "short day," he didn't pressure her. He simply said they'd make it up later and even texted before bed asking about her homework.
*Were you able to get that logo completed?*
Sabby smiled, relaxing on the couch as she replied:
*Yup. I won't say it's on the level of Coca-Cola, but it's pretty good.*
*Can I see it?*
Sabby sent the image, and Logan quickly responded:
*I like it. Good flow, easy to see what it's about. Very effective.*
*Thanks.*
*What're you doing now?*
Sabby shifted, wondering if Logan was thinking about sexting. The idea intrigued her, and she glanced toward the other room where Jess was doing her nighttime "mobility" stretches—too tough to call it yoga, naturally.
*Just laying back on the couch, dressed for bed and sort of wishing I'd taken up your offer to hang out.*
It wasn't an outright invitation, but Sabby did miss Logan's touch.
They hadn't been intimate since that first night, but she thought about it often.
His perfectly toned body, courtesy of Army training, was incredibly attractive.
Running her hands over his washboard abs while making out left her burning for more.
And his kisses? They turned her brain to pudding. The thought of cuddling with him on the couch right now had her feeling distinctly warm.
His reply came quickly:
*I know what you're doing. Naughty girl.*
Sabby grinned. He was perceptive, almost reading her mind at times.
*Me? Naughty?*
*Yes, you. Now I'm going to shut this down because I don't do phone or video, but how about tomorrow night, we go to the movies?*
Sabby typed back eagerly:
*Let me pick the flick and you've got a deal.*
*Agreed. Goodnight, Sexy Sabby.*
Sabby reclined, feeling that familiar pulse in her core.
She considered taking care of her needs, but the promise of Logan's touch convinced her to wait.
As she passed Jess's room on the way to bed, a low vibrating sound and soft whimper from beyond the door simultaneously stopped her from sharing her plans and definitely didn't help her sleep.
The next afternoon, Sabby dressed in her sexiest outfit: a black crop top showing her flat stomach and navel piercing, a loose faux leather skirt, thigh-high black stockings, and boots.
Entering the living room, she found Jess preparing for the gym. "How do I look?"
Instead of answering, Jess retrieved something from her backpack and tossed it to Sabby. "For your purse."
Sabby caught the packet—three condoms bound with a rubber band. "Why do you have these?"
"To protect my sister," Jess replied with a grin. "Not like I need them. Anyway, I'm off for a chest workout. Have fun, and remind Hollywood he still has work on Monday."
"Will do," Sabby said. "Is he doing well?"
"Oh, I still push him hard," Jess assured her. "But he's improving fast. He's figuring out how to be smart and tough, and he's getting really good. I can trust him to have my back when we deploy next time."
This was a subtle reminder that her boyfriend shared her sister's dangerous profession. One mishap on a mission could cost Sabby both of them at once.
But she refused to dwell on it. If anyone could protect Jess, it was Logan. She knew he was intelligent and admired Jess enough to do anything for her. If they had to enter battle, Sabby was glad they'd be together. It increased their chances of returning safely.
Jess had already left when Logan arrived, looking irresistible in black jeans and a button-down shirt showcasing his muscular arms.
"You look... like I'm going to have to drive very carefully," Logan greeted her as she posed slightly. "And I'm thankful my truck has a cockpit-style seat to minimize distractions."
"Good, because Jess would kill you if we crashed," Sabby joked, and Logan laughed. "She says she's still tough on you."
"Always will be, but I'm okay with it," Logan replied.
Sabby almost mentioned Jess's compliment when Logan shook his head slightly.
"Enough Army talk. I don't wear green twenty-four seven. Let's discuss movies instead—what did you want to see?"
"Depends how far you want to drive," Sabby answered, appreciating how Logan could compartmentalize. "If you want to stay local, there's *Summer Cabin* playing just outside town."
"Horror movie, right?" Logan asked, and Sabby nodded. "Interesting. It's been a while since I've seen horror in theaters. What's the other option?"
"If you're willing to drive toward Richmond, there's a new anime at an art house theater," Sabby replied. "*Super Wind Warrior Go-Go!*"
Logan considered this, then looked into her eyes. "Where would you prefer to go?"
Sabby bit her lip. "Would you watch anime with me?"
"Anytime."
"Then let's do *Summer Cabin*," Sabby replied, surprising him. Seeing his questioning look, she explained, "I prefer watching anime in Japanese with subtitles, which works better on a regular TV. I like pausing to discuss things, even if I'm just talking to myself."
"I bet that drives your sister crazy."
Sabby shrugged. "We have a system. I watch her boring powerlifting videos, and she watches anime with me. Between us, she actually enjoys quite a few."
"Really?" Logan asked, and Sabby nodded. "But not all of them?"
"Definitely not all. And there are tons of Netflix anime I'd like to watch with you before we try a theater version."
That settled it for Logan. The promise of spending hours with Sabby meant a horror movie now.
Following her directions, he drove to the Blackstone Cinema, an old-fashioned two-screen theater with 1970s charm that modern multiplexes lacked.
They chose seats halfway up, with Sabby raising the armrest between them to snuggle close. "You know what I really enjoy?"
"Cheap popcorn and soda?" Logan teased, making Sabby giggle.
"No," she said, taking his hand. "Snuggling like this. I'm a major cuddler."
"Ah," Logan replied, pulling her closer. "Me too. Too bad I can't have you in the barracks."
"And having you at the house would be awkward with Jess around," Sabby admitted. "But this is nice."
Logan kissed the top of her head. "Very nice."
The previews began, followed by the feature film, which proved disappointing. The movie relied on cheap plot devices, jump scares, and gratuitous eye candy.
Sabby was sure some audience existed for it, just not in Blackstone. They were one of only two couples in the theater. Even the supposed eye candy fell flat; Logan was far sexier than the actor obviously hired for his abs rather than acting ability.
They resorted to whispered commentary to entertain themselves.
"Yup, that's exactly what I'd do when finding bloody clothes in a rental cabin," Sabby whispered during one scene. "Stick them in the washing machine!"
"Especially after discovering a Satanic altar in the woods," Logan added. "I'm all about devil horns at concerts, but I'd be out of there, deposit be damned."
"Absolutely," Sabby confirmed.
The movie continued with predictable horror tropes, poor characterization, and worse acting.
But being with Logan made it worthwhile, and his arm around her shoulders was pleasantly distracting.
When the film shifted to a scene where the obvious final girl started kissing one of the surviving boys, Sabby could no longer resist. She guided Logan's hand to her breast.
Logan turned to her, his eyes intense.
"Can you stay quiet?" he whispered, and she nodded. "Good."
He pulled her close, kissing her deeply, and when she directed his hand to her inner thigh, his fingers stroked lightly before moving higher, understanding exactly what she wanted.
The sensation of his fingertips against her panties made Sabby's breath catch. For a moment, she couldn't believe what she was inviting him to do, but as he stroked her again, she surrendered to desire. She needed him.
"You have to be quiet," Logan whispered in her ear. "Watch the movie."
She nodded, whimpering softly when he stroked her lips. She hadn't chosen these panties for their slick texture but because they made her feel sexy. She knew they accentuated her backside, but now they served a new purpose.
"So slick," Logan whispered, his breath warm against her ear. "I've been dreaming about this for weeks. How delicious you tasted when my tongue was inside you, your tangy wetness coating my mouth. I'll do it again soon."
"I... want you to," Sabby whispered back, sighing as Logan circled her clit with his thumb. "Logan..."
"Just relax and enjoy," he murmured. "Think of this as a preview for when I have your legs spread and fill you again. This time I'll look into your eyes as I come deep inside you. Because I need you too."
His admission sent fresh heat through her body. As the scene changed, Sabby surrendered to Logan's touch. His thumb made soft circles on her clit while she ground against his hand, seeking the release she'd denied herself for days.
Logan matched her movements with tantalizing fingers, building her pleasure until she finally exploded. Her cry coincided with the serial killer slaughtering a deputy on screen, her release masked by the loud soundtrack and Dolby surround screams.
Afterward, Logan withdrew his hand, inhaling her scent from his fingers. "I'd ask for these panties if I had somewhere private to keep them," he admitted, his eyelids fluttering. "God, you're intoxicating."
"You know," Sabby said, biting her lip, "I can show you more."
Logan chuckled and nodded. "I want anything you're willing to offer."
"Well then," she said, cupping the substantial bulge in his jeans, "let's see what we can do... for round one. Trust me, I want much more than just this."
Logan nodded as Sabby carefully unfastened his belt. She'd need to be discreet and flexible.
There was no way she was getting on her knees in this movie theater.
* * *