“Hey, peanut. I know you’re upset with me, but I need you to listen before you hang up.”
“I’m not going to hang up,” I replied with a sigh. “But I am going to go ahead and tell you I want to work from home the next couple of days. Being around Logan will only cause a distraction to everyone around.” I had no doubt everyone was curious to see how Logan and I would work together after our eight-year separation. The last thing I wanted was to be put on display for everyone’s amusement.
“Whatever makes you comfortable, Kassidy.” His voice sounded troubled and distraught. I hated hearing him like that.
“I’m sorry for running out the way I did today. You of all people know I don’t like being lied to.”
“I know, honey. I’d give anything to take it all back. Keeping my secrets from you made me feel like you were protected. All I can ask for now is your forgiveness.”
It was hard to stay mad at him. All he’d ever done in life was try to make me happy. “I forgive you, Dad. Just as long as you don’t lie to me again.”
He released a heavy breath. “I won’t, I promise. Which is why I want to tell you about Ethan. He’s coming back to work tomorrow.”
I gasped. “Seriously? What happened? Did the police confirm he was innocent?”
“No, but I should’ve listened to you and Levi. Ethan would never steal from me. I let my anger cloud my judgment.”
“Is that where you and Logan went today? Sean said he saw you two leave together.”
“Yes, he went with me. Ethan was happy to see him.”
I had my answer to that question. Before I could even attempt to ask another, I heard a motorcycle charge down the driveway. “Dad, I think Sean’s here. Can I call you right back?”
My father cleared his throat. “Sure. Talk to you soon.” He hung up quickly, without saying goodbye, which was odd.
I set my phone on the kitchen counter and went to the front door, only to stop cold. The silhouette on the other side was definitely not Sean, not unless he colored his hair blond in the last couple of hours. I backed against the wall, my breaths coming out in rapid pants as I hid from view. What the hell was Logan doing at my house?
He knocked on the glass and I jumped. “Kassidy, I know you’re in there. Please open the door.” There was a sheer curtain over the glass panes, and if I moved across the room, he’d see me. All I could hear was the thumping of my heart. “Kassidy, please. I need to talk to you. I’m not leaving until I do. You know I won’t.”
“Shit,” I hissed low. He was right. If anyone had the patience to sit around for hours, it was him. He’d done the same thing to me years ago when I told him I wouldn’t go on a date with him. He stayed on my porch for hours and slept on the swing. At the time, I loved his persistence. I had wanted to go on a date with him, but was curious to see how far he’d go.
Knowing he wouldn’t leave unless I made him, I thrust the door open, embracing the anger I felt welling in my chest. I needed it to get rid of him. Logan stepped back and I held my breath, taking in the desperate look in his eyes. For a second, I could feel my resolve slip, but then I remembered the hurtful words he’d said to me in the hospital.
“There’s nothing to say, Logan. If you want to say you’re sorry, then say the words and get the hell out of here. Other than that, I have no desire to see or talk to you.”
He looked straight into my eyes. “Saying I’m sorry doesn’t even begin to cover it, but I am. I am so fucking sorry for what I did.”
“Great, you said it. We’re done here. Goodbye, Logan.” I slammed the door on him and locked it.
“Dammit, Kassie.”
“Don’t call me that!” I shouted, slamming my hand against the door.
He moved closer to the door and I stepped back. “I know you’re pissed at me, but I need you to hear me out. I’ll stay out here the whole night if I have to.”
“Not if I call the police.”
“They’re not gonna be able to do anything to me. At least, not before I get in there myself.” The doorknob wiggled and I gasped.
“What are you doing? You can’t come in here,” I growled.
“Yes, I can, and I will. If it’s the only way to make you listen, I don’t care what I have to do.” He fumbled with the doorknob again and I choked, stumbling back into one of my bar stools. I had no doubt he could get in my house, but I wasn’t going to be in it when he did. Grabbing my phone, I jammed it into my back pocket and raced to my bedroom, locking the door behind me. I had to get out of there fast.
I changed into a pair of jeans and fetched my black leather jacket out of my closet. My motorcycle and helmet were in my garage, but all I had to do was climb out my window to get to them.
“Kassie!” Logan called out.
The front door slammed shut and I sucked in a breath; it was time. Opening my window, I carefully slipped out.