Page 44 of Shattered
"That's brilliant," Logan said, beaming at me.
"Hmm, real smart." His dad added.
"I don't have it all figured out yet," I tried to sound upbeat and cheery, kind of difficult to do when I could feel Eli's glare. "But I'm hopeful that after I've talked with a few people I'll have a plan of action."
Daisy let go of me and wrapped her arms around her husband's waist, resting her head against his chest. The expression on Charles's face coupled with the way he held her close, tugged at something in my heart. It made me feel alone and a little out of my depth.
"Hey," I felt Logan's breath fan my cheek. When he pulled me into him I pushed the feeling of being home as far back as I could. I had no right to feel at home in this man's arms. "Flynn seems to be doing great but are you coping with my crazy-ass family?" Nor did I have the right to let his words make me feel at ease.
Out of the corner of my eye, I caught sight of Flynn running at full speed with his arms spread wide, Dozer jogging next to him, tongue lolling to the side. Logan was right; my boy was definitely doing much better than his mommy.
"Your family is great."
Logan chuckled and then whispered, "Everyone except Eli, right?"
I wrinkled my nose but chose not to answer. Not that an answer was necessary, most people already knew that Sheriff Jackson and I did not get along at all. And, honestly, I was good with that, as long as he didn't start digging where he wasn't supposed to.
I actually enjoyed myself a lot more than I thought I would. Witnessing the Jackson family interact and joke around with each other was such a treat. Even Eli joined in, his features softening every time Daisy would address him.
The sun had barely disappeared from the sky when Flynn started to yawn. I thought that it would be the perfect time for us to leave but Logan's mom insisted I lay him down in one of her guestrooms so I could stay for dessert. And if Logan was to be believed it was the best pecan pie in the south.
After pulling the blanket over Flynn's little body, I dropped a kiss on his forehead. He was so pooped; his mouth had gaped before his head had hit the pillow. With one last glance over my shoulder, I closed the door a smidge and headed back outside.
I managed one step before I had to stop. Most of the Jackson clan were huddled around a big fire, the glow bathing them in orange. Joyous laughter filtered through the air and mocked me. It taunted me because this wasn't where I belonged. These people didn't deserve the kind of baggage I came with.
It wasn't going to be easy, but I knew what I had to do. Spinning on my heel I prepared to march back into the house just to have my path blocked by none other than Sheriff Jackson.
With his legs spread wide and arms folded over his chest, he was clearly trying to intimidate me. I had to admit; it was working but I'd never let him see that.
"Excuse me, please," I said when he made no indication of moving once I reached the door.
"You may have everyone else wrapped around your little finger," he sneered down at me. "But I am not fooled by your act."
Planting my hands on my hips, I glared right back him. 'What's your damn problem?"
"You are!" Eli's head lowered until we were staring at each other, eye to eye. The slight twitch in his lip reminding me so much of Drew at that moment. "You're not Harper Evans and once your real identity comes to light, this game you're playing with my brother will be over."
Ice cold fear gripped me by the throat and stole the air from my lungs. How did he know and more importantlywhatdid he know? It was very possible that this was just a fishing expedition and that he had absolutely no knowledge of my past.
It took all my strength, but I managed to school my features enough to not seem fazed. "You have an amazing imagination, Sheriff. You should consider going into writing." The steady tone of my voice surprised even me. "As for Logan, whatever games he and I may or may not be playing, has got nothing to do with you." I took a step forward and prayed that he didn't see the slight tremble in my legs. "Now, if you'll excuse me, I think I'm all partied out."
I wasn't sure why but Eli stepped to the side allowing to me move past him. Just when I thought I was in the clear, he wrapped his hand around my upper arm and gritted into my ear, "I've got my eye on you."
My gaze flitted between his hand on me and the intimidating look in his eyes. "Maybe that's why you're still single." Pulling my arm free, I headed for the guestroom and scooped Flynn into my arms before marching to my car.
I'd just placed my boy on the back seat and was about to open the driver side door when I spotted Logan leaning against the hood with his arms crossed.
"Where ya off to, Sugar?" I heard the irritation in his voice but unfortunately for us both, I was pretty ticked off too.
"Home, Logan. I'm going home."
He pushed off the hood and took a step toward me. "I saw you and Eli just now, what did he say to upset you?"
Licking my lips, I shook my head. "He didn't say anything. I just realized that I never should have come here."
"Just realized my ass," Another step toward me, only this time I took one backward. Logan stopped moving, a deep frown creasing his forehead. "My idiot-brother said something-"
"It's not Eli, it's you!" I yelled. "I told you, I didn't want any of this but you kept pushing and pushing until you wore me down. I don't want you, Logan!"
