Now she could let her own eyes roam the area. The patio was full to capacity but she didn’t bother to search for him. Biting her lip in apprehension, she slumped lower hoping to blend in and buy some time before the waitress disturbed her. Hopefully her heartbeat would slow down by then.
* * *
Logan was restless. Finishing off his beer, he bounced off the barstool to get a clearer view of the café. Something pulled him out to the patio.
It’s already 12:30! She’s late. Where the hell is she?
At his wits end, he manipulated his way along the narrow patio, blind to everyone around him. His eyes landed on a table tucked away in the corner, the large umbrella blocking his view until a flash of copper caught his eye. Practically crying out with relief, he sped past a waiter shoving a cart filled with dishes.
When he saw the baby in her lap, he did a double take and froze. Startled by his presence she looked up, her lips curling into a grin as she drew Alex closer to her chest.
“Krissy. I was waiting inside for you. Why didn’t you go to the bar like we agreed?” He knelt down beside her before she could open her mouth.
He wasn’t expecting her to bring the kid when he gave in to her demand to meet at a public place. But there he was.
Trying not to dwell on it or let his disappointment overwhelm him, he pulled his eyes away, focusing on the rosy flush spreading across her cheeks.
Screw it! I’ll get her to come back home with me. I always do.
She shrugged at the disturbed expression on his face. “I couldn’t get a sitter. Are you staying or what?” Her eyes flipped to the chair alongside the stroller.
Tough luck if he isn’t happy about it, I had no choice. And this way I won’t be tempted to go back to the condo with him. Looking away, she hoped he couldn’t tell how unconvinced she still was.
“What are you drinking? Beer or wine?” Without acknowledging Alex, he scooted the chair closer to her, planting a quick kiss on her lips before she could block it. Anxious to get on with it, he gestured for the waiter.
“Ice tea.” Good girl Kristen. Just like you promised yourself. Stay sober and you will be fine.
Logan frowned, gaping at her like she was insane. “Really? How come?”
Ignoring his question, she bounced Alex on her knee while hiding behind the menu. At the very same moment she asked for the ice tea, her stomach grumbled. With a quick glance at Logan, she dropped the menu, quickly adding a burger and salad to the order.
Logan eyed her with increasing desire. Every time she peeked at him, he became more and more convinced she was there for one thing and one thing only, the same as he was. Not wanting to waste a second he ordered the first item he found then sat back fantasizing about having her for dessert. And getting wasted. Lately the two went hand in hand, and he was obsessed.
His eyes danced across her face down to her chest. She tugged her lace sweater snuggly across her breasts to keep him from fixating on her hardened nipples, without success. As if on cue, Alex’s whimpers knocked her back to her senses. You idiot Kristen. You forgot all about burping him!
Seizing the opportunity to block Logan’s view, she hoisted the baby higher onto her shoulder, vigorously tapping his back. Alex’s loud burp startled her to laugh.
“I hope he doesn’t puke all over you.” Logan grunted, shaking his head in disgust.
“Don’t worry. I’ll make sure it’s only on you.” Amused even more, she rolled her eyes kissing Alex’s head repeatedly.
Logan shuddered, unable to ignore the thick brown curls. Finishing off his beer in one long gulp he signaled for another, determined to calm down and focus on what lay ahead.
“If he does, I’ll have to take you to the restroom and wipe you down.” Grinning, his eyes became hazy. He dragged her chair next to his, dropped a hand onto her bare thigh, caressed it briefly then inched his fingers higher.
“Logan, stop!”
He wasn’t listening. Alarmed, she shifted her body, carefully placing Alex in his stroller. As soon as she snapped her head around, Logan clasped her face in his hands making it impossible to avoid his eyes.
“This is our last day together Krissy. Don’t you want to make it special?” He whispered, his breath tickling her ear. Returning one hand to her thigh, his fingers snuck under the cuff of her shorts, inching their way into her panties. Gasping, she forced herself out of the trance she was about to be sucked into and burst to her feet. The waiter yelped, leaping out of the way just in time to save the tray loaded with their meals from crashing to the floor. Wide-eyed, an embarrassed blush spread across her cheeks. She had to get out of there, flee to the restroom, hide out as long as possible. And leave Alex alone with Logan? Impossible. What if he takes out all of his frustration on him? There was no telling what he would do to him. Anyway, despite it all, she was starving to death.
Logan burst out laughing, “Chill out sweetie. Why are you so damn jumpy?”
Concentrating on her lips ripping into the burger, he gulped back his rising ardor. “He still doesn’t feed you? What the fuck Krissy? When are you gonna get tired of this bullshit and come home?”
Kristen took a few more bites in silence. The hunger pains were disappearing, but what happened to the air? She couldn’t breathe, it had to be at least 150 degrees.
I have to get out of here before I explode. “Logan I need you to stop! Please! If you don’t I’m leaving right now!”
Stunned by the crazed look in her eyes, Logan recoiled, shrinking back. But the liquor had already flooded his senses, causing him to roar with uncontrollable laughter. Kristen glared at him until she couldn’t handle it anymore. With a loud huff, she crashed her fist on the table, bounced up, tossed her bag into the stroller and propelled it into restaurant.
It was an all too familiar scenario: escape to the bathroom and shake in front of the mirror in a state of turmoil and confusion. The only difference this time, her innocent little dove was witnessing her detour to self-destruction. To make matters worse, she was torn between collapsing to the ground next to him to seek comfort in his love or drowning herself in the sink. Luckily they were alone. She started with a cold water flush. When that didn’t work, she unstrapped Alex, perched on the edge of the vanity and clung to him. What the hell am I going to do now? I can’t stay holed up in here with you all day.
The image in the mirror only increased her frustration. It was as disastrous as she felt. After returning Alex to the stroller, she made a furious attempt to brush the tangles out of her messy hair, wipe away the smudges of mascara dotting her lower eyelids, and checked her phone. It was already 2:00 p.m. No calls from Jake all day. Not even one text. Her heart began to flutter. He had to be pissed.
God damn you Logan. Why can’t you just leave me alone? Knowing the answer, she hastily adjusted her tank top and shorts, gripped the handles of the stroller, took a deep breath and pushed the door open.
She never saw him standing slightly off to side. He had no time for games and reached out, grabbing her arm. Before she could scream, he had her pinned to him, his lips crushing hers. For one tantalizing moment, she was lost in space, spinning hopelessly. Then she crashed back to reality. After yanking her face from his, she shoved him with all the strength she could muster, secured the stroller and glared at him.