Out of Control
Chapter 6

Libby had just slipped into a pair of white shorts when she heard the doorbell ring. She zipped them up, glad it was the weekend and she could be herself for a change. Her eyes darted to the clock on her dresser as she rushed through her bedroom. When the doorbell rang a second time she picked up speed. Her grandmother was taking her afternoon nap and she didn’t want it to wake her, especially since she went down with another one of her headaches.

She pulled the kitchen door open without thinking, nearly going into shock when she saw her ex standing on the other side. What the heck is he doing here? “Scott?”

Before she could gather her wits he opened the screen door and walked in as if he owned the place, cloaked in that cocky attitude Libby remembered, and now realized she detested. He had a lot of nerve, just showing up like this. She had no choice but to step out of his way or be mowed over.

“What are you doing here?” She was aware her tone wasn’t exactly welcoming, but he was the last person she wanted to see.

“Well, hello to you too, beautiful,” he said cheerfully, letting the screen door slam shut with a bang behind him.

“Be quiet, Gram has a headache!” Libby hissed, not the least bit happy to see him. In fact, she hadn’t seen him since breaking if off with him. “How did you know I was here?” She swallowed nervously when he advanced. He reached out to finger a curl lying against the side of her temple, and she leaned away.

She’d just gotten out of the shower and had barely dried off. Now she was sorry she hadn’t taken the time, painfully aware her clothes were clinging to her damp skin. The self-assured gleam was evident in his crystal clear eyes, reminding Libby he was good at getting what he wanted, and rarely taking no for an answer.

“Your parents told me you were spending the weekends here.”

His admission infuriated Libby. Her parents liked Scott and obviously thought they were doing what was best for her. “That doesn’t explain why you’re here,” she reminded him, crossing her arms. “I thought I made myself perfectly clear when I told you it was over and I never wanted to see you again.”

“I was hoping you’d had time to cool down and come to your senses,” Scott replied, running his gaze over her in a way that used to make her b***d warm.

Now it only annoyed her. “Haven’t you missed me?”

“Give me a few hundred years.” There was a look in his blue eyes that Libby knew very well. Only now it scared her more than turned her on because she was certain he was going to try something. “Don’t come near me, Scott, I mean it!” She whispered, backing right up against the dining room table. “We’re over for good. You’re not going to charm your way back into my life again.”

The smile that spread across his handsome face told Libby he thought that was a good possibility. “Really? That’s not the impression I got from your folks.”

“That’s because they don’t know the truth about you.” She attempted to scoot away but calculated too late. Scott’s hand snaked out, catching her by the upper arm and whipping,her back against him. Only a couple inches taller than her didn’t make him any less threatening. And where most men might resort to using strength to overpower a woman, Scott was great at turning on the charm and mesmerizing her into forgetting what she wanted and giving him what he wanted.

Libby didn’t have any trouble keeping a clear head by remembering his betrayal. She stiffened when he lowered his head, turning her face away. “I’m warning you, Scott…” she gasped, just loud enough for him to hear. “I don’t want this.” She put her hands against his chest to push him away.

“Come on, beautiful. Don’t you think I deserve forgiveness? I screwed up; I admit it. But don’t throw away what we had.”

“It’s been two months. There’s been no communication at all between us; how can you think I’d just pick up where we left off?” she demanded in an exasperated tone. “I don’t feel anything for you. And for the record, you threw away what we had. Now please leave.”

Libby thought finally she was getting through to him when his hold slackened. But she should have remembered Scott also had a devious way in working things out to suit him. As she relaxed she made the mistake of turning to meet his eyes, slightly surprised to see the anger shimmering there. The Scott she knew always kept a cool head.

“Please, Scott, leave,” she said, making an attempt to put distance between them. She gasped when he jerked her against him.

“You used to like being in my arms.” He lowered his head.

His breath was hot against Libby’s cheek. “You forget, I know what a hot little number you are. You could never get enough.”

“Scott, no!” Libby pushed against his chest with all her might, enraged that he was intent on forcing himself on her. “No!” He easily forced her arms behind her back and Libby felt a moment of real fear. She’d never seen him like this before.

“Let…me…go! Please!”

“Why should I?” he said in a defiant voice.

“Because she said please.”

Logan! What is he doing here? It was a toss up who was more surprised to see Logan standing at the screen door. The quiet emphasis in his deep voice affected Scott almost comically, causing him to trip over his own feet as he hastily stepped away from her. No telling how long Logan had been standing there, watching them quietly. How much he’d heard.

But Libby wasn’t about to look a gift horse in the mouth. She was just thankful he was there.

For a moment the two men eyed each other like adversaries, sizing each other up before a battle. Logan’s expression was hard to read, his eyes glaring coldly at Scott, while Scott’s expression paled slightly in his pitiful attempt to stand up to the threat of Logan. Libby tried not to grin but she couldn’t help it. Scott wouldn’t stand a chance against Logan, and he had obviously come to the same conclusion. He was a good head shorter, and standing next to Logan, he looked more like an underdeveloped teenager.

His gaze shot her way. She tried to erase the smile off her face before he saw it, but his quick scowl told her she hadn’t been fast enough.

“Now I know why you’re spending so much time here,” he accused in a nasty tone. Without another word he pushed through the screen door and past Logan.

While the door was open Logan stepped into the room, and suddenly Libby was reminded of the incident at the pool. Why couldn’t she get that thought out of her head? The answer was simple. She wanted Logan. She felt her cheeks flush with heat and tried to push those thoughts aside. “Thanks for coming to the rescue, again.”

“Your ex?” he inquired, running his gaze over Libby as if making sure she was okay.

Unlike Scott’s thorough look, Logan’s scrutiny made Libby melt inside like ice cream on a hot summer day. She nodded. “My parents think he’s good for me. What are you doing here, Logan?” He looked sweaty and hot, as if he’d just had a hard workout. But that didn’t make him any less appealing in gray sweats.

“I could ask you the same thing,” he returned, running his hands through his damp hair. “You seem to be around here a lot lately. Hiding out?”

That’s not what she meant by asking him what he was doing there. Libby thought about coming clean with him, but decided it was too soon to know if she could trust him. She leaned against the counter and crossed her arms, returning his curious smile.

“Maybe. Does my being here bother you?” she inquired, meeting the bold look in his eyes. He had sexy eyes, the color of warm metal. And he looked just as hungry.

“Now why would you bother me?” Logan returned, his eyes dropping down the length of her in a lazy sweep that caused Libby’s pulse to race and her breath to catch.

She wanted to die when she felt her nipples pucker against the thin top she was wearing, wishing she’d taken the time to put a bra on after her shower. But it never occurred to her that she’d have company. By the time Logan’s gaze traveled back up her body Libby was nearly squirming. He’d cleverly turned the tables on her, proving that he was the one bothering her, and she didn’t like it one bit. He had no business looking her over with that secret look simmering in his eyes, like he knew how to turn her inside out.

Then it occurred to Libby that maybe he’d heard Scott’s comment about her being a hot little number, and was trying to judge for himself if it was true.

“Like what you see?” Where had that come from? It was all she could do to stop her hand from flying up and covering her mouth.

Logan burst out laughing, surprising Libby. “In answer to your question, I like what I see, a lot.” There was a brief moment of silence. “You don’t unnerve easily.” He took a step in her direction.

His comment caused a wild flutter in Libby’s stomach. She would have taken a step back but there was nowhere to go. A tingle ran down her spine as he advanced on her. Left with no choice but to tilt her face up she raised an eyebrow, hoping to intimidate him. Or at the very least give him something to think about. Luckily he halted inches away from her. Libby had to look a long way up to meet his eyes. “You should remember that,” she said saucily.

Logan’s eyes revealed his amusement over her statement. “Maybe you should eliminate using the word please next time you want a man to leave you alone. Because, from where I was standing, it was having the opposite effect on your ex.”

“I can handle Scott,” Libby insisted. “Or any man for that matter.” There were ways to bring a man to his knees.

“I hope you’re not relying solely on kneeing a man where it counts,” Logan said, as though reading her mind. Libby’s eyes rounded when he inched closer. “If a man’s really determined to k**s you, Libby, it’ll take more than that to stop him.”

“Then he might get more than he bargained for,” she countered, slipping away to get a glass from the cupboard, before she embarrassed herself by throwing herself into his arms and begged him to k**s her. “Would you like a drink of water? You look like you’ve been working hard.”

“That’s why I’m here.”

“For a glass of water?” Libby said in astonishment, looking over her shoulder at him.

Logan laughed, the deep rich sound running like smooth velvet over her and making her aware of him as a desirable man more than ever. “No. I’m here to mow the lawn. Gramps said Margaret likes to take naps in the afternoon so I thought I’d better check first.”

Considerate, caring, handsome, Logan seemed to have a lot of the qualities Libby was looking for in a man. “Goodness is there no end to your talents?” she teased, filling the glass with water from the fridge. “Gram’s napping now but should be up any moment. I can mow the lawn later.”

“No, ma’am,” he said, taking the offered glass from her. “I need that job. In case it’s slipped your notice, I’m a firefighter out of work.”

Libby scrutinized Logan for a minute, trying to determine if he was being cute, or telling her the truth. His expression was guarded, but he couldn’t hide the glimmer of truth in his eyes as he brought the glass to his lips. He tossed his head back to take a long drink, and Libby took the opportunity to watch the play of muscles in his powerful throat. Their eyes met when he straightened again.

Libby swallowed with difficulty, trying to push down the flash of desire uncurling in her belly. What was it about him that got her hot so fast? “I’ll bet you dinner that Gram’s not paying you,” she said, crossing her arms.

His mouth quirked with humor as he shrugged. “It’s good therapy. I’ve been laid up for a while.”

Libby nodded with understanding. “I understand you were injured in a forest fire. What happened?”

Something in his eyes changed, as fast as a lightning streak in a stormy sky. “That subject’s off limits.” His words were clipped and sounded final. In a heartbeat his mood has changed from casual, almost carefree, to a man on the edge.

Libby schooled her expression to remain cool, her curiosity instantly piqued by the hostility in Logan’s tone. She sensed it wasn’t directed at her, but she had definitely opened up a wound that hadn’t healed yet. He didn’t take his eyes off her as he finished his drink then set the glass down on the counter. The look that came over his face almost frightened Libby, because it was the look of a man who’d lost his soul, or at the very least someone who’d been to hell and back. Everything about him was tense. Yet there was a sheen of pain in his eyes he couldn’t disguise.

Her heart twisted with compassion, and the only thing Libby knew at that moment was that she wanted to reach out to him and comfort him in some way. With tears building in her eyes she said, “Logan, I’m sorry.” She made the mistake of lifting her hand to him.

“No!” In a lightning fast move he caught her wrist in midair, halting her from reaching her target, which had been the side of his face. “The last thing I want from you is sympathy.” He jerked Libby close.

She caught her breath, her head falling back so she could meet his eyes. Their gazes clung. His were stormy, churning with a mixture of anger and desire. Libby knew when a man wanted her. Just when she thought he might k**s her he released her and pivoted to leave.

“Thanks for the water. Let me know when Margaret wakes…”

“Logan.” Libby didn’t know what she was going to do, only knowing it was important she do something. She headed him off at the door, causing him to halt or slam into her. He had no choice but to meet her eyes. “I’m sorry. I don’t know what happened but talking about it might help.”

His eyes flared with warning. “I don’t need any help.” The wild look that came over his face made her think of a cornered animal with no way out.

“Your reaction to my harmless question proves that you do,” she said softly. “I don’t mean to pry but—”

“Then don’t.” A muscle twitched in his lean jaw.

It was obvious he expected Libby to move out of his way, but she held her ground, determined to say her mind. “You talk about therapy for your body, Logan. What about therapy for your mind and heart?”

“Don’t try and analyze me, lady,” he exploded, his eyes glittering shards of black glass. “I don’t need you or anyone telling me what I need. You have no idea…” He cut himself off, his hands clenching into fists at his sides. It was clear he was close to losing control. “For your own sake, Libby, I suggest you move out of my way.”

“Logan, I…”

“Damn it!” he finally swore, taking a step closer. “You ask too many damn questions!” He yanked her to him and slammed his mouth down on hers, taking her brutally and carelessly. He bruised her lips, but she merely wrapped her arms around his neck and whimpered against his mouth.

His grip slowly loosened and his lips softened against hers, caressing now instead of punishing. Moaning, Libby opened her mouth beneath his and their tongues meshed and explored each other. Liquid fire exploded through her, her nipples taut with pleasure. For a second she forgot where they were, savoring the explosive moment between them.

Without warning Logan pulled away, his breathing ragged as he stared down at her. His dark expression revealed his hunger, yet Libby could see in his eyes that he was struggling with another emotion, too. Whatever it was he was in control enough not to let it rule his actions. Gradually he released her.

“Now is not a good time,” he said in a low tone. “It’s too soon.”

Too soon for what? Libby was afraid to ask. Whatever happened to Logan in that forest fire was tearing him up inside. For some unexpected reason she felt a burning behind her eyes. She moved away from the door to let him pass before exposing her tears. She heard the screen door slam behind him and turned to see him hurrying down the steps toward the lawn mower.

Vincent was sitting on his porch and Libby returned his wave before swinging back to the kitchen. Maybe in time Logan would tell her what happened to him, or, if she got the chance, she could question Vincent about it. Wiping her eyes, she grabbed the grocery list off the fridge and the keys to her car off a peg by the door. Right now she had grocery shopping to do before taking Gram down for her monthly hair appointment. Then off to dinner at her folk’s place.

LOGAN FELT LIKE A BASTARD for the way he’d treated Libby. He could still see the wounded look in her eyes. But he wasn’t ready to talk about the accident that had scared his body and claimed the lives of two of his best friends. He’d known Ron and Pete since childhood. They’d grown up together in the same neighborhood, had gone to the same schools. Through thick and thin they’d remained the best of friends, making a pact early on to become firefighters.

Only during their high school years had there been a brief lull in their activities. When spending time with girls had taken precedence over spending time with each other, and anything else. But eventually even that had taken a backseat to their strong friendship. Ron was the only one who had settled down and gotten married. Pete had been a player, replaceing a new girl every weekend, swearing she was the one, until the next one came along. And Logan had found Anne and fallen in love with her. Life, until the accident, had been going great for all of them.

Anne. He squashed the thought of her out of his head, pushing the mower faster and harder. Sweat ran rivers down his face, and he welcomed the tightening of his muscles. Proof he was well enough to return to work. Now all he had to do was convince the doctors of that. But they were more concerned about his mental health, convinced until he could talk about what happened he wasn’t ready to put it behind him and get on with his life. They wanted him to face it.

Hell, they didn’t have a clue. He thought about it all the time, dreamed about it. More times than he cared to remember he’d wakened in the middle of the night, his sweat-drenched body racked in unbearable pain over the memory of that day, and the guilt he felt surviving when Ron and Pete hadn’t. How many times was he going to relive every moment of the last few minutes of their lives? Seeing the look on their dirt-streaked faces when they recognized they were trapped, and the dawning knowledge of what the outcome would be? By the time they realized the wind had picked up, fanning the flames out of control, they were surrounded by toppling trees and smoke so thick they couldn’t see their hands in front of their faces.

A movement toward Margaret’s driveway drew his attention and he glanced up to see Libby walking toward her small Toyota. From a distance she could pass for a young girl, all long

legs and wild hair. But when she flipped that heavy mane back, his attention zeroed in on her breasts, bouncing and perky beneath her knit top. Then she was sliding into the driver’s side and shutting the door. When she looked his way Logan quickly averted his gaze, pretending he hadn’t been watching her.

The truth was that everything about Libby bothered him. And he’d be less than honest if he didn’t admit when he was around her, all he could think about was kissing that tempting mouth until she was breathless. Until there was less sass and a lot more heat. Logan had a hunch that sooner or later she was going to say or do something that pushed him into doing exactly that.

And a lot more.

When he’d walked up to the screen door to see her ex making a move on her, his first instinct had been to barge in and beat the man to a pulp. Jealousy like he’d never known surfaced so fast it had nearly choked him. Only he knew he didn’t have the right to feel that way. Moreover, it was none of his business. Although it had calmed him considerably when he’d heard Libby ask the other man to leave. Her comment had been the only thing that had kept him from following through with his earlier thought.

Wiping the sweat off his forehead with the back of his arm, he cut the last strip of Margaret’s lawn, thinking of the cool one waiting for him at the bar down the street. One thing was certain; he wasn’t in the mood for penny poker, bingo or riding through the neighborhood for two hours in a golf cart. His b***d was screaming for something a lot more stimulating.

For some reason the sight of Libby, naked at the pool, flashed before his eyes.

Only this time, he was screwing the hell out of her.