“When did I break your fingers, baby?” He laughed, choking back his own tears. “I'll be in Miami next week. I can't wait to see both of you. Can you send me a photo? Where are you staying?”
Suddenly Kristen couldn't speak. She pushed the phone at Alicia. Her eyes widened in surprise. “Hey Jake, this is Alicia. Sorry about that. She's too emotional to talk.”
“Is she okay? She told you about me?”
“Oh yeah! I know all about you. They're both fine. He's so cute!”
Kristen grabbed the phone from her. “Jake—”
“—Baby, are you sure you're okay, what about Logan? I need you to tell me where you’re staying.”
“I just want you to come here, okay?” She paused to take another deep breath. “I have to leave from here.”
“Okay, okay, are you sure? Do you need me sooner? I can come in the next few days.” He rose to his feet, anxious again.
“No, do what you have to. Alex is still in the hospital anyway.”
A sharp twinge hit Jake’s chest; his eyes blasted wide open. “Alex? That's his name?”
“Yes… do you like it?”
She froze. What if he doesn’t? I never asked him.
He wanted to ask her what made her pick that name, but feared he would break down. “My dad’s name.”
Although the words were muttered under his breath, she heard every syllable. “Are you upset about it?”
I can’t believe she remembered! The flutter of wings against the window pane, knocked him out of the daze. His gaze strayed from the pigeon perched on the ledge, to the street.
“I love it!”
Her sigh of relief made him smile. He wiped away a stray tear. “Kris, I miss you.”
“I love you...” Strangled by panic, she couldn't finish. Turning her head in slow motion, she saw Logan heading in their direction. Alicia followed her line of vision, alarm taking over her face.
“Jake, I have to go, I'll text you with everything later. Don’t worry, everything's fine.” Without breathing, she hung up before he could answer.
* * *
She is up to something! Logan felt it in his bones the second she texted him back. That was after numerous texts and calls to her that went unanswered. At first he thought it was that she needed someone to bitch to about him. Seeing her face go deathly pale as he approached changed his mind.
It’s Jake! I’m positive.
Determined to trap her, he struggled to hide his suspicions.
Ambling over, he kissed her, ignoring Alicia and her frown.
“Hey. What are you up to?” In his peripheral vision, he caught her fumbling to put her phone away.
“Just hanging out.”
He nodded, forcing himself to keep up the casual attitude. “Hmm. It's beautiful out here. Going for a walk?” He held her gaze.
She lifted her eyes to Alicia and shrugged.
What the fuck? She thinks for her now? Hoping to provoke Alicia to leave, he moved closer to Kristen, his lips lingering against her cheek as he slipped his arms around her waist and drew her close.
“I've gotta get to work. Call me!” Alicia smirked and rose to her feet, touching Kristen's arm. They exchanged knowing looks. Although she was filled with growing uncertainty, Alicia left them alone.
“Let's walk.” Logan crushed her hand in his, disregarding the cringing.
The warm water slapped her ankles as they trailed the shoreline, easing her anxiety. He peeked at her, his eyes narrowing. “Did you ever think about how powerful that ocean is? Even a good swimmer could be sucked under when its rough.”
“What? You came out to talk about the ocean? Really!”
He stopped dead in his tracks, the motion causing her to collide into him. He clung to her, pressing her to him. “What was so important that you had to run to her?”
“I didn't run to her! You know we always hang out on the beach.”
He had that crazed look in his eyes again.
“No, no, no. We had a discussion, you weren't happy about and what do you do? Of course—you run to your little savior! I'm not an idiot Kristen!”
“That's bullshit! Everything isn't about you, Logan.”
“What the fuck does she know about me? Huh?”
He wasn’t listening.
Her mind went blank, his face so close, it blurred before her eyes.
“Do you have to make a scene?” Panicked, her eyes darted around.
There were only a handful of kids in earshot. Her thoughts fell on his remarks about the ocean. A bitter chill seized her body. Suddenly she wished the beach was packed to capacity.
His eyes glinted in the sunlight. When he noticed her shuddering, they took on a contented gleam.
“Does she know about Ray?” he hissed in her ear, leaving his skin glued to hers while he waited for her response. It was the first time he had mentioned him by name. Stricken by terror, she struggled to free herself. Alicia’s warning played in her head.
Play his game…make your plans… “No! Leave me alone!”
“You know when I'll leave you alone, Kristen? Hmm?”
She didn't answer. Jerking her face away, she glared up at him. “When you give me your damn phone and prove you weren't' talking to Jake!” His hand stretched out to her. A despicable grin spread across his face.
“Fuck you!” she snarled, ignoring a cramp in her stomach.
“Bravo, great idea! Let's go.” He pulled her roughly towards the street.
JAKE
He had a son! The idea was inconceivable to him and he couldn't stop smiling or pacing. A celebration was in order so he grabbed a beer ready to roll. The urge to call his mother burned in his gut, followed by apprehension. He had to feel secure about his future when he told her about his son. A future with Kristen without interference or uncertainty. Otherwise, he was setting her up for disappointment.
What was he going to do about Ray? It had all been sorted out in his head. Now that he had Kristen’s address it would be easy to make Logan pay. That was before she told him they had a baby.
Exhaling, he sank to the floor, his back resting against the couch. She had concealed the birth from him for some reason. Maybe she was hoping Logan would accept him. The doubts were choking him. He guzzled down the beer, jumping up for another. Next week was too far off. He couldn’t take the waiting. Opening his laptop, he looked for flights to Miami. If he put it off any longer anything could happen. He couldn't take that chance. He couldn’t mess up again.
LOGAN/KRISTEN
Kristen refused to give him her phone. At first she thought he was going to strike her, and she was on guard, ready to retaliate. Instead, he stormed out of the room, leaving her sitting on the bed alone. She shook from burning rage and terror. Everything was happening at once, everything was crashing down on her.
He returned with a bottle of wine and two glasses. “Remember what you said to me downstairs?” he slithered towards her on the bed.
Suspicion played on her face as she looked into his eyes. They were smoldering dark blue now. She knew that look all too well. Pulling the blanket around her and clinging to it, she inched back.
“You said fuck me. So...” He ripped the blanket away, grabbed her legs, yanking off her shorts. “Go ahead, fuck me!” With heavy, strained, breaths he pushed her down destroyed her panties and climbed on top of her.