Out of Control
Chapter 3

Libby led Logan through the front door and into the small kitchen without words, intensely aware that his eyes were on her. For the second time that morning she noticed he was too damn sexy. Several times while they’d been climbing down the tree she’d been conscious of her bottom against his fly, and something else, his e******n.

The fact that he was aroused had held her captivated and fueled her own desire. The fact that she turned him on fed her wounded ego.

Her gaze moved around the small kitchen. Where was her grandmother? She expected to see her waiting for them there with her first aid kit in hand, but the kitchen was empty.

“Gram! We’re in the kitchen,” she called out, hoping her tone conveyed her wishes that she hurry up. Logan’s larger than life presence filled the small area, making Libby nervous.

“The first aid kit’s under the sink!” her grandmother hollered back. “Start without me, I’m temporarily tied up!”Tied up? Libby frowned but faced Logan anyway. “Take your shirt off, soldier,” she ordered and turned to the door beneath the sink. She couldn’t believe she had Adonis right there in her kitchen, and that he would soon be bare-chested. “I’ll have you fixed up in no time.”

With the kit in her hand, Libby turned back to face him. She was forced to take a step back, not realizing he’d moved closer to her. Her gaze fell in the vicinity of his impressive chest, unwillingly recalling what it felt like having her breasts crushed against him. She knew firsthand that Logan’s muscles were every bit as rock-hard and unbending as the old oak tree outside her grandmother’s door. A pleasant tingle raced through her body, zeroing right in on her puckering nipples. His nipples were taut, too. Libby wandered what he’d do if she were to put her mouth on one and roll it around on her tongue. Lord—where had that thought come from?

Her gaze wandered lazily up the thick muscles in his neck to the firm set of his jaw and tightly pressed lips. The tension on his face and the stony silence in his winter frost eyes showed his anger, but over what? That he was forced to be in her company again?

“You’re not scared, are you, Logan?” she teased, placing the kit on the counter next to him and opening it. Libby glanced his way, taking in his arched brow.

“Why would I be afraid of you?” Logan demanded, tugging his sleeveless tee-shirt over his head and ruffling his hair in the process. “Unless you’re going to sharpen your nails on me like that damn cat of yours. A few more scars aren’t going to make any difference now.”

“Rufus isn’t my cat,” Libby corrected him, pulling a cloth and some antiseptic from the kit before facing him again. Oh my! She paused from what she was doing, momentarily mesmerized by Logan’s naked chest. Adonis had a few puckered scars but it didn’t disguise the definition of muscles that even now were tightening beneath her curious gaze. She gulped, her heart skipping a beat.

“Not a very pretty sight,” he said at her hesitation. “There’s more.” Libby’s gaze slowly moved up his chest, detecting the anger in his clipped words. A muscle twitched in his lean jaw and then her eyes met his. What she saw there caused her breath to lock in her throat. Libby knew when a man lusted after her and it wasn’t always evident in outward signs.

Logan’s fierce expression revealed his hunger.

“I wasn’t staring at your scars.” It was the truth. Libby had been enthralled with the powerful shape of his male form. How the width of his broad shoulders tapered to a lean waist and h**s.

His jeans didn’t disguise the thickness of his solid thighs nor the fullness behind his zipper. Lord, he must be huge! Her body responded to the thought of what it would feel like being filled by such an impressive…then right in front of her eyes the object of her interest jumped. She raised her eyes to replace Logan watching her like a predator waiting for the right time to swoop. “Gram!” she called out nervously.

“What are you afraid of?” Logan asked in a low tone, repeating her earlier challenge.

Libby squared her shoulders. “Nothing. Turn around so I can douse those scratches with antiseptic.”

He complied, presenting his back, and Libby caught her breath on seeing the damage done by Rufus’ sharp claws. Despite the scratches marring his flesh, Logan’s shoulders and back were smooth, evenly tanned and beautifully sculptured. She found that her hand was shaking when she raised it to clean the pencil-thin lines beaded with b***d.

Logan’s muscles tensed the second Libby touched the soaked cloth to his skin. “I’m sorry if I’m hurting you,” she said softly, gently dabbing the wounds. He only responded with a heavy sigh. “If it’s any consolation you don’t have to worry; Rufus has had all his shots.”

“I wasn’t worried about it.” His tone was short and abrupt, ending the conversation before it had really started. When all the b***d was cleaned off, Libby reached for the tube of antibiotic cream and carefully spread some across each scratch. Beginning at his shoulders, she worked her way downward to the hollow in his back where it disappeared into his jeans. As her fingers smoothed the ointment into a scratch above his belt, Libby couldn’t help but admire his tight buns so enticingly displayed in well-worn jeans. She released a sigh that revealed more than it should have.

Without warning Logan spun around and he was suddenly facing her at only a breath’s distance. The kitchen was closing in on them. She would have taken a step back if it hadn’t been for the magnetic pull of gunmetal eyes.

She found her wrist seized. “That’s enough,” Logan said, his chest heaving with each breath, his expression sharp and hungry. He slowly pulled her closer.

Libby tried to swallow, aware of the powerful s****l pull between them. She opened her mouth to call for her absent grandmother but like a fish out of water, only gulped in air. Logan’s gaze fell to her mouth and the bottom of her stomach fell. He started to lower his head and she knew he was going to k**s her.

She leaned away as far as the counter against her back would allow. “What are you doing?” Her whisper was so soft that it was a wonder Logan could hear her.

The slightest grin lifted the corners of his mouth and his eyes glazed over with lazy intent. “Don’t you know when you’re about to get kissed?”

His arm curled around her waist and Libby was jerked against him. His crooked smile didn’t fool her; Logan reminded her of a dangerous wolf looking for an easy meal. Her gaze moved between his eyes and approaching mouth, her pulse racing with increasing desire.

“Gram!” It came out as a pitiful squeak.

Logan laughed softly, those sensuous lips of his moving ever closer. So close that Libby could feel his warm breath against her own mouth. She gasped. Just as he was about to plant one on her the phone began to ring, echoing loudly through the small kitchen. Libby jumped and laughed at the same time, but Logan didn’t so much as blink an eye. Slowly, as if he had all the time in the world, he allowed Libby to straighten. His hand uncurled without hurry, releasing her wrist. The arm around her waist slid away, allowing her to step back.

“Saved by the bell,” she joked in a trembling whisper. Neither one made any effort to grab the receiver on the wall by the door.

“You weren’t saved by anything.” His tone was slow and lazy.

“For goodness sake, someone pick up that phone!” Margaret rushed into the room with a stern look. She gave them an once-over then walked to the phone. “What ails you two?”

Logan slipped his shirt back on. “Stay away from me, Libby,” he said, surprising her. Hadn’t he been about to k**s her? “Unless all you’re interested in is just plain s*x, because that’s all any woman will get from me.”

Libby couldn’t imagine having s*x with someone like Logan would be anything but plain, and didn’t believe him. Oh, she believed he wanted her to stay away from him, but his comment was just a tool to see it done. She thanked God her grandmother was caught up in aconversation and hadn’t heard his remark.

What was he afraid of, that she wanted something from him? Well, he could relax. She wasn’t interested in a relationship. Scott had broken her of that. Apparently someone had cured Logan of that too. Why else did he sound so bitter? As he continued to stand there, filling the kitchen with his masculine presence, Libby straightened her slim shoulders and raised her chin a notch. Perhaps he hadn’t meant his words to be a challenge, but Lord it pushed her buttons.

She brought her hand up, using the tip of her fingernail to draw an imaginary line down the center of his chest until she reached his belt buckle. The whole time their gazes clung, and Libby had the satisfaction of seeing Logan’s pupils dilate. She had the crazy urge to see what he would do if she allowed her finger to continue down, over the belt and further, outlining the ridge in his jeans. Only her dear grandmother’s presence prevented her from carrying out her thought.

She made sure her grandmother was deep into conversation before saying, “That’s a very interesting proposition, Logan. I happen to like s*x—a lot of it. Let me think it over and get back to you.” With each word uttered Logan’s brows raised a notch higher. He stared at her for a long moment before turning and leaving, with a curse.

Libby released a breath she hadn’t known she was holding, her heart racing in her chest. She walked to the screen door and watched Logan’s sexy gait until he disappeared into Vincent’s house. She wondered what he’d do if she were to take him up on his ridiculous offer. Why hadn’t her grandmother warned her that the very hunk who’d been around to put out her little fire was none other than her neighbor’s grandson, and that he lived right next door? Well, temporarily anyway.

“We have to hurry and get ready for bingo,” Margaret said as soon as she hung up the phone. Her eyes moved around the kitchen. “Where did Logan disappear to?”

“He went home, Gram. And bingo isn’t until tonight.” Libby’s lips curled as she made her way to her bedroom. Bingo, at her age! If her friends found out they’d never let her live it down.

“BINGO!”

A sea of gray and white heads began to bob like apples in a bucket of water as everyone searched through the crowded room for the lucky winner. Libby guessed there were at least a hundred people present in the small community hall. There wasn’t a vacant chair anywhere and the tables were full of bingo cards, chips and markers.

“Bingo!” A second person called out, which meant they had to share the pot of forty-seven dollars. More than once Libby hid a grin, lowering her head so no one would notice. If anyone had asked her a month ago what bingo was she would have laughed and said it was the name of a dog.

“Look at that old fool.” Libby grunted after being elbowed in the ribs by her grandmother. “Just because he won twenty- three dollars. You’d think it was a million,” Margaret grumbled.

“Twenty-three and a half,” Libby corrected, returning Vincent’s enthusiastic wave. The fact that Logan was sitting next to him unnerved her, but there was no way he’d recognize her now. She could ogle him till her eyes fell out and he’d just think it was some crazy old lady with raging hormones.

She watched the muscles flex in his arms as he ran his hands through his thick hair, clearly ill at ease. Maybe he was feeling the same way she was about being there. He had no business flaunting his muscular body in that clinging tee-shirt. What was he trying to do, give the women at his table a heart attack?

“What are you grinning at?” Margaret asked, following the direction of Libby’s interest.

Libby shrugged. “I think you like Vincent,” she began, desperate to put the object of her curiosity on him and off Logan.

Margaret snorted. “That shows what you know, young’un. I…”

“Gram!” Libby leaned in close. “Be careful or you’ll give me away.” Her eyes touched on the people sitting closest to them, thankful to see everyone was intent on setting up for the next round and could care less what was happening around them.

Her grandmother made a sound, waving Libby off in a gesture that said she was worried over nothing. Libby’s gaze shot toward Logan again. It struck her funny bone that Vincent had managed to coerce him into playing bingo. She couldn’t help wondering what his story was. Libby knew he was there recuperating from an accident. But her instincts told her there was more to Logan’s reasons for hiding out at his grandfather’s. His reaction to her that afternoon had her convinced it was woman problems. His strong suggestion that she stay away from him couldn’t have been clearer. He’d practically uttered the same exact warning she’d screamed at Scott just before she stormed out the door of their apartment not to return.

Trouble with the opposite s*x caused her ex-fiancé’s face to swim before her bifocal eyes. What a rat he’d turned out to be! And her parents liked him. If they knew half the things he’d done to her before she smartened up and sent him on his way, they’d be appalled. Her breakup with Scott had been a long time in coming. The signs he’d been cheating on her had been there for a long time, only she’d brushed them aside. Then he’d gone too far, and her days of making excuses for his actions were over.

The night in question came to mind, like it had happened yesterday. Scott had just returned home from a business trip that had gone from one night to a whole weekend. Libby would never forget the look on his face when she opened his suitcase to unpack, only to discover it filled with women’s clothing. She could grin now, thinking about it and the long silence that had followed as he stood there, staring with disbelief at the sexy undergarments tossed haphazardly on top. He’d mistakenly grabbed his girlfriend’s suitcase instead of his own. After that Libby had packed a bag and left.

And he’d been trying to get her back ever since. She couldn’t understand why. Cheating on her was obvious proof there was something lacking in their relationship, and that she hadn’t made him happy.

“Bingo!”

Libby started, realizing she hadn’t even been playing. “I’m going for a drink, want one, Margaret?”

“Break’s not for another ten minutes,” was all she said, not looking up as she prepared the twelve bingo cards in front of her.

Libby didn’t know how she did it when she could barely keep up with two. With a shrug she left the table, weaving her way around the various chairs of people in her way. She was going to have to walk right past Logan, and was about to swerve in another direction when Vincent glanced up and caught her eye. “Evening, Reba,” he said with a big smile.

She couldn’t very well ignore him now. “Hi, Vincent, I saw you win earlier, congratulations.” Libby tried her hardest not to glance at Logan but she was very much aware of his silent scrutiny. Swallowing, she decided she’d better look at him or he might get suspicious. “And how are you doing tonight, young man?” She pushed her glasses up her nose so Logan couldn’t get a clear view of her eyes.

His friendly smile took her breath away. It also sent a flash of unexpected desire through her body. “Fine, ma’am. I can’t remember the last time I’ve had so much excitement,” he joked good-naturedly.

“Logan’s a good grandson,” Vincent piped in, visually ruffling Logan’s blonde hair. “Not every grandson would spend his evening keeping his old grandfather company at bingo.”

“Yes, well…” Libby tried to smile but it was hard when it suddenly felt like a furnace burned inside her body. It had to be the lack of air conditioning. They never turned on the air, or if they did kept it on low. And she was dressed to cover anything the body suit didn’t disguise. “We should all be so lucky.” She grabbed the collar to her long-sleeved blouse and began to fan herself.

“Are you all right, Reba?” There was real concern in Vincent’s cracked voice. “You look danged flushed all of a sudden. Maybe you should sit down.”

“Hot flashes,” Libby answered quickly, forgetting that most women her supposed age were well past that stage. She pushed her glasses back up when they proceeded to slip down her nose. Lord, she was melting right before their eyes. “I was just going for a drink.”

“Why don’t you go with her, Logan, just in case she feels faint or something,” Vincent advised. “You’re not playing bingo anyway.”

“No need, really. I’m fine.” Libby didn’t care if her sharp voice gave cause for raised brows. She turned and walked as fast as she could to the concession stand, resisting the urge to look over her shoulder because she knew Logan was there. She smiled at the man selling drinks and snacks. “Can I please have a glass of water?”

He handed her a glass. “That will be a nickel for the glass and ice. The water fountain is around the corner.”

A nickel? Libby didn’t have a penny on her. “Oh damn…” she swore beneath her breath, forgetting about Logan.

“Here, let me,” he said, his breath stirring the hair at the back of Libby’s neck.

She reached up to stop it from tickling her, turning at the same time. She made the mistake of glancing down just in time to catch Logan with his hand in his jean pocket. The action caused the material over his zipper to stretch to the max, outlining what she already knew was a very sizeable body part.

Oh Lord! Libby turned hotter, not realizing her mouth had fallen open as she waited for Logan to produce the nickel he was digging for. Didn’t the blasted man ever wear anything other than skintight jeans? She began to fan herself in earnest, unaware that in doing so a couple buttons came undone at her throat. Logan’s eyes narrowed on her.

Misunderstanding the frown that followed Libby quickly commented, “Goodness, it’s warm in here.”

“Maybe you’d better sit down, ma’am, your face looks hot. I’ll get you that water.”

Libby didn’t bother protesting, glad for the break when Logan disappeared around the corner with her glass of ice. Maybe now was a good time to escape. But he wasn’t gone long enough. She took the water from him, careful not to touch his fingers, and drank it down greedily. She wouldn’t be surprised if steam rolled off her body.

“Are you wearing anything under that blouse?”

What? Libby’s eyes widened with shock. Yeah, she was wearing something beneath her blouse, but she doubted he was talking about a lacy bra. “Excuse me? I-ah…what?” She realized she was stammering but surely she hadn’t heard him correctly.

“You look overheated,” he explained, concern in his expression. “It’s the middle of summer and if you’ll pardon my observations, ma’am, you’re a little overdressed. If you take off that warm blouse…”

“Young man!” Libby gasped, within an inch of tossing her darn glasses away as she pushed them up her nose for the hundredth time. She was sweating like a pig, positive her glasses weren’t going to be the only thing slipping off her face before long. She tried to get up but Logan was standing too close and she lost her balance, landing back in her seat with an undignified grunt. “Oh!”

“Let me help you,” Logan insisted, taking her by the arm before she could replace her voice.

“I don’t need your help!” Libby said sharply, feeling the sweat roll down her brow. “I’m perfectly capable of undressing myself!” What was she saying? The shocked look spreading across Logan’s expression gave Libby a quick dose of reality. She unwillingly met the curious stares of the people sitting at the table nearest them. “I mean I’m not wearing anything under this!”

Oh Lord, she hadn’t meant to say that either. Libby just wanted the floor to open up and swallow her. If there was anything worse than an oversexed teenager making a play for an older woman, it was an old woman who had the hots for a man young enough to be her grandson. She couldn’t see any way out of the hole she’d dug. For a moment she stared up at Logan, forgetting all about her disguise. Another wave of heat enveloped her body when she allowed her eyes to touch on that chiseled mouth, wondering what it would taste like. Would it soften with a k**s? Would her toes curl? Would he mind if she nibbled on that sexy bottom l*p just a little bit?

“Ma’am?”

It was obvious by the concern in Logan’s tone that he didn’t have a clue what was going through Libby’s mind. And why should he? “I need to go to the bathroom,” Libby managed to get out, jumping to her feet. “By myself!” The action caught Logan by surprise and he jumped back, having no choice but to let her step around him.

“Bingo!”

Libby recognized her grandmother’s ecstatic voice, glancing up in time to see her raising her arms in victory, but she didn’t let it keep her from continuing to the bathroom. Just as she was about to close the door she heard the announcement that there would be a ten-minute break. Once inside she leaned against the door, wondering if there was a back way out of there. Maybe she could crawl out the window, only there wasn’t one. Almost immediately someone began pushing the door from the other side and Libby had no choice but to let them in. It didn’t take long for the tiny bathroom to fill up and she slipped back outside, thanking God when she didn’t see any sign of Logan. Everyone was up and moving around, stretching their legs and visiting with friends at different tables. Some were lined up at the concession counter for something to drink, or a snack.

“Li—Reba, dear, are you okay?”

Libby swung around at the sound of her grandmother’s concerned voice. “Actually no, I’m afraid I have a terrible headache coming on. I think I’ll skip the next round of bingo and head home.”

“Yes, maybe that would be best. I’ll see you later.”

The headache wasn’t a total lie. There was a dull pounding behind her eyes that indicated she was in for a doozy if she didn’t replace a way to wind down, and cool off. She couldn’t wait to get out of her disguise, practically running home. One thing was certain—she was going to have to learn to ignore her run-ins with Logan or she was going to be a basket case by the end of summer. She wondered how long Logan planned on staying. Surely his recuperation was almost over. He certainly didn’t appear to have any physical impairment that would keep him from doing anything he wanted.

She was half-naked by the time she reached her bedroom, ripping off things as she went along. Yanking the curly wig off her head, she shook her hair free, running her fingers through the silky strands and massaging her sore scalp. Maybe a swim at the community pool would help relieve the stress. It would certainly cool her down.

Libby’s gaze shot to the clock on her dresser when it dawned on her that the pool had closed an hour ago. Well, she needed to cool down and at least she would have the pool to herself. She quickly changed into her swimsuit, grabbed a towel and wrote her grandmother a note. Reba was gone and Libby was going for a swim.