Lips trembling, I glared at him. “You thought wrong. I’ve never been able to get over that day.”
“Neither have I,” he murmured honestly. “Which is why I’m here, asking for you to forgive me. I’d give anything to take back that day. I wanted to be selfish and keep you with me, but I couldn’t. I know I hurt you and I can see it on your face, even now. You have no idea how many times I wanted to come back.”
He had no idea how many times I prayed he would. As pathetic as that sounded, I wanted him back. “Why are you here now?”
His gaze drifted to the ravine and his jaw clenched. “I’m here to find out who killed Levi.” He walked up to the guardrail, his expression full of guilt. “If I’d gotten here earlier, he might still be alive.”
“How’s that?”
He sighed. “Levi called after Ethan got fired and told me everything he said, that my accident might have been intentional. He wanted me to come and investigate. I told him I couldn’t. He was so angry with me.”
“That’s why he was upset. I couldn’t figure it out,” I blurted, shaking my head. But something didn’t add up. “Wait. I’m sorry . . . how would you be able to investigate?”
Logan rubbed a hand over his weary face, his serious gaze on mine. “I’m an FBI agent. I’ve been working undercover for years.”
“Oh my God,” I said, slapping a hand over my mouth. “I didn’t think you’d be able to after the accident.”
“I took a year off school, then doubled up each semester when I went back. If I couldn’t have racing, and I couldn’t have you, then nothing was going to stand in my way of becoming an FBI agent.”
“You always get what you want, don’t you?”
“Not always,” he whispered.
We stared at each other, and for the briefest of moments, I completely lost myself in him, in the possibilities. Then I tore my gaze away. My insides feeling numb. For eight years, I’d believed one thing, then he came back and told me something completely different. What if Levi hadn’t been killed? Would Logan be standing in front of me now?
For a split second, it felt like I could finally get closure, but the more I thought about him being back, the farther away that seemed. Anger welled up again.
“Kassie,” he called out, trying to get my attention. Huffing, I met his eyes. “You’re not gonna forgive me, are you?”
I lifted up my hands. “How can I? The only reason you’re back is because of Levi’s death, not me.” Tears filled my eyes and I turned away from him. “I’ve lost too many people, Logan. My mother died a month ago, and now my best friend. You say you didn’t want to leave me, but you weren’t here when I needed you the most.”
“Kassie,” he murmured, his steps drawing closer. His phone rang and he growled in frustration. “Yeah?” he answered.
I angrily wiped my tears away and turned around. He didn’t need to see my pain. The last thing I wanted was his pity. I could hear a deep voice on the other end, but I couldn’t make out what he said.
“Good deal,” Logan replied. “Meet me at my place later and we’ll get to work.” He hung up and slipped his phone back into his pocket.
“Everything okay?” I asked blandly.
He nodded. “I have to get back soon. But I don’t want to go until we talk this out.”
I shrugged as if I didn’t care, even though I was breaking on the inside. “There’s nothing to talk about. You’re here for a mission and once it’s over, you’ll be gone. It’s all business as usual.”
“That’s not all I’m here for, Kassie,” he said, taking a step toward me.
I lifted a hand, halting him. “It’s probably best it is. So let’s get back to your task. What all are you going to do to help my father?”
His jaw clenched. “Are you gonna be difficult this whole time?”
Standing straighter, I crossed my arms over my chest. “Maybe. Then again, you deserve it. Now,” I said, waving my hand impatiently, “tell me about your plans.”
“First, your father’s going to let me put up security cameras around the shop. If anyone tries to do anything malicious, I’ll know.”
“Do you have any leads?”
“Not yet, but I have ruled some past acquaintances out. Whoever wants revenge on your dad, targeted Levi and Ethan for a reason. I just need to figure out why. I’m hoping by bringing Ethan back, it’ll piss those people off.”
“Isn’t that dangerous? I don’t want Ethan to get hurt.”
“Ethan knows the dangers and offered to come back willingly. I’ll figure this out before anyone gets hurt, especially you. Whoever these people are, they aren’t afraid to kill. I need you to be on your guard at all times.”
“I see you’re still the overprotective ass you were before.” The sound of his chuckle made my chest ache. I used to love hearing it, long ago.
“Always. Now get on your bike so I can follow you home. I want to make sure you get there safely. Then tonight, once I get done at your dad’s shop, I want to see you again.”