Chapter 10

It had been a little over two weeks since the cookout at the Baumgardners, and Wyatt was heartily sick of his now-daily need for a cold shower, not to mention that he hadn't been this close of friends with his own hand since he was an awkward high school freshman back in Texas (Jesus). Every damn night, sixteen in a row now, almost as soon as he closed his eyes, the "nocturnal naughtiness" nightly road show kicked off. Good Lord, if Lucy Preston was even half as talented as his dream version of her, he was going lock his bedroom door, tie her to the bed, and not turn her loose for at least a week. He shivered. Dream Lucy was driving him crazy. All the ways the dark-haired siren teased and tormented during his slumber was turning his self-imposed abstinence of the last (nearly) five years into a real burden. It was getting to the point where Wyatt was having trouble concentrating during his waking hours (wipe that damn smirk off your face now, Baumgardner).

He could feel his frustration growing every day, but just couldn't bring himself to push Lucy into something she wasn't ready for. However, Wyatt was very satisfied with the progress they had made in every other aspect of their budding relationship (not counting the physical). They had spent at least part of nearly every day together in the past couple of weeks, usually at his place, and that was largely due to his son's schedule. Jamie was generally asleep by 9:00 on school nights, otherwise his normally sweet five-year-old turned into a real crab the next morning when it was time to get up.

So the three of them had fallen into a new routine. Lucy would usually go home after school to take care of her lesson plans and other school responsibilities, and then show up at the Logans around meal time. After supper, she and Wyatt would share clean up duties, and then for the next hour or so, hang out with Jamie until it was time for the little boy's bath, which he insisted that he wanted Lucy's help with. (Wyatt didn't know if he should be amused or offended that he'd been replaced.) Then after Jamie brushed his teeth, it was a bedtime story (again, read by Lucy), and after good night kisses from both adults, Wyatt turned on the Spiderman night light, and they went downstairs to be alone together before Lucy had to go home.

The rare evening when she wasn't at their home, he secretly sympathized with his son's fretful behavior. It hadn't taken long for the Logan men to come to the conclusion that life in general was just so much better with Lucy Preston in it. It was all so utterly domestic that Wyatt's heart ached. More and more he felt like Lucy was the last puzzle piece he didn't know that he and Jamie were missing. Just two nights ago, while Lucy was reading to the little boy, he had looked up at his teacher and asked, "Will you be here in the morning when I wake up?" Lucy had glanced over at Wyatt standing in the doorway, and blushing, answered, "Oh, Jamie, no, I'm sorry, I won't be. I have my own home with my sister, remember? And besides, your bed isn't big enough for the two of us." The child persisted, though, "But Daddy has a great big bed, so you can sleep with him, and then you can be here in the morning, and Daddy can make pancakes." Wyatt smothered a grin at his son's logic (I'm working on it, kid) and tried not to chuckle as Lucy's face turned a lovely crimson. She had just quietly finished reading the story, and didn't look him in the eye as she left Jamie's room.

Most nights after Jamie was in bed, they ended up on his sofa, sometimes watching a video, or just talking and getting to know each other even better, until Lucy had to leave. And that, in turn, led to being more comfortable with each other physically (baby steps, Logan). Whether it was curling up together on the sofa with his arm around her, or touching shoulders as they stood at his sink doing dishes, or just holding hands on the rare occasion when they were out somewhere in public, Wyatt was slightly bemused to realize he couldn't seem to keep his hands off her. He like touching her. A lot. And good Lord, they were getting good at kissing. Slow, deep kisses, frantic, teasing kisses that left Lucy gasping and clinging to him and Wyatt fighting a nearly overwhelming urge to maneuver her lithe body under his right then and there. And judging by the way her slim hands seemed to be all over him, she was more than willing (and, he had to admit, getting a little bolder every day), but he didn't want their first time to be on his sofa, especially with his young son asleep upstairs.

Something had to give, and soon, because he didn't think he could survive many more days of this, let alone weeks. (Think, Logan, with your brain for a change.) He needed a plan. A strategy. Goals. And then it came to him. Who was the queen of planning and strategy? Who had been trying to hook him up with more females than that dumb "Bachelor" show on television? Who would be thrilled to help him achieve a certain goal? He grabbed his phone from the night stand and rapidly tapped out a message and hit "send." He smirked at how quickly she responded (Poor Bam, hope this wasn't a bad time.)

That morning, Wyatt casually mentioned to his son as he was driving him to school that Aunt Julie had invited him to a sleepover at their house this Saturday, if he wanted. Jamie's eyes lit up at the invitation. "Really, Daddy, can I? Daddy, did you know that Uncle Bam has a tent and everything just for me and Annie and Sadie and we can sleep in the tent inside the house, and Aunt Julie can make waffles for breakfast. Please Daddy, say yes!" (Like shooting fish in a barrel) Wyatt squashed down a glimmer of guilt at the thought that he was pushing his son off on his best friends, but desperate times call for desperate measures and all that. So Wyatt of course said "yes," and Jamie chattered excitedly all the way to school. Part one of his "plan" was now complete. (Thank you, Bam and Julie.)

After dropping Jamie off at school, Wyatt spent the drive to Pendleton trying to think of a way to invite Lucy to a sleepover at his place Saturday for just the two of them (adults only, yes indeed). He needed to be smooth and subtle, but also absolutely clear exactly what kind of sleepover he was talking about. As he pulled into a parking space, a text message alert sounded on his phone. It was from Lucy, and his mouth dropped open in shock at what she had texted:

Your son says he's going to a sleepover at Annie's house Sat. nite. Just want you to know if you're afraid to stay alone all night, I don't have any plans for Sat. OR Sun.

The little minx had even included the winky emoji. Wyatt was stunned. How had he mis-read this situation? Was it possible that Lucy was just waiting for him to make the first move? (Jesus, he really was out of practice with women.) All right, so maybe he had been an idiot the last couple of weeks, but now it was time to cowboy up. He texted back one word–YES :) Seconds later, she responded with a smiley emoji, and apparently, part two of his "plan" was now complete.

Lucy didn't think she had ever been so happy (a tiny, hopeful part of her wondered if she was falling in love). The good night kiss she and Wyatt had shared after the cookout two weeks ago seemed to be a turning point for them. The whole world just fell away when he kissed her, and leaving him to go inside that night had taken nearly all of her self control. It seemed like she thought about Wyatt all the time: his dark blue eyes and the way he smiled at her, the way he touched her (a lot), like she was precious to him, and the way he called her "Sweet Lucy."

She was spending nearly all of her spare time at the Logans' now, and wasn't at all surprised when Amy started to notice and teased, "Jeez, Luce, why don't you just pack a bag right now, you know, just in case?" Evenings spent with Wyatt and Jamie were bittersweet. The three of them would share a meal that Wyatt had prepared (thank heavens, one of them could cook) and after clearing away the dishes, they would play games or watch a video with the little boy. The first evening she was there after the cookout, when Wyatt had announced that it was bath time, Jamie had very sweetly insisted that he wanted Lucy's help, and not his dad's. Wyatt had merely winked at her, and told them to have fun.

And they did, with Jamie splashing water all over the floor (and her). Whenever Lucy seemed unsure of what to do, the little boy solemnly guided her through their routine, and when he threw his arms around her neck and hugged her while she was helping him put his pajamas on, she got a lump in her throat. Later, as he was all snugged up against her while Lucy read his bedtime story, Jamie had turned those big blue eyes (just like his father's) up at her and whispered, "I wish you were my Mommy." She felt her eyes tear up a little, and pressing a gentle kiss to his forehead, whispered back, "Thank you, sweet boy," and smiled at him. She looked up to see Wyatt leaning against the doorway with an indecipherable look on his face. Wyatt would then kiss his son good night, turn on the Spiderman night light, and take her hand as they left the child's room. That was the sweet part.

The bitter was when she (very) reluctantly pulled herself out of Wyatt's arms and went home each night. Oh, how she wanted to stay (forever). Their all-too-brief moments alone after Jamie was in bed were getting more physical every night. The first couple of evenings, Lucy ended up with her head on his shoulder while they watched a video, and he would often take her hand and gently play with her fingers as they talked. By the third evening, when Wyatt leaned in to kiss her, Lucy was more than ready, and eagerly responded. And apparently (for them), "practice makes perfect."

She just couldn't seem to get enough of Wyatt's kisses. Soft, tender kisses, intense, forceful kisses that took her breath away. Lucy's face had grown hot when she first realized the physical effect she was having on him, and barely resisted the urge to lie back on his sofa and pull his muscular body over hers. Only the fact that Jamie was upstairs asleep stopped her. The tension between them was building to nearly unbearable levels, and something had to give soon, or she was going to lose her mind, and inexperienced as Lucy was, she instinctively knew Wyatt felt the same.

So when Jamie shared his exciting news about a sleepover at the Baumgardners on Saturday, Lucy closed her eyes in relief. Finally. (Bless you, Julie and Bam Bam.) As the bell rang and the children found their seats, she hastily took out her phone and sent Wyatt a brief text before she lost her nerve. It felt like they had already wasted so much time, and really, since the day she had met Wyatt Logan, they had been drawn to each other. This important next step in their relationship seemed inevitable and meant to be. She glanced down at her phone and grinned at his one-word reply ("Yes" might just possibly be her new favorite word.)

After the end of the school day, as soon as Lucy arrived at the Logans, she went straight to the kitchen where she knew Wyatt would be preparing supper. She paused just long enough to notice that Jamie was sitting on the sofa playing with some Legos. Wyatt was standing in front of the open fridge when Lucy slipped up behind him and wrapping her arms around his broad chest, laid her head against his back. He stilled at her touch as she whispered, "I missed you today." He quickly turned around, and taking her face in both hands, kissed her thoroughly. "I could barely think about anything but you all day," he breathed against her lips. Her big dark eyes glowed up at him. "Same for me," she confessed.

He tipped her chin up for another kiss, this time softer and more delicate. When she opened her eyes, he wore a serious expression. "Are you sure?" he asked quietly. "I've never been more sure of anything, ever." She took his hand, and pressing a sweet kiss to his palm, placed it over her rapidly-beating heart. "Wyatt Logan, this is what your touch does to me." He grinned and leaning in closer, said softly, "Just wait until Saturday, Sweet Lucy, because I have plans to touch you in all kinds of ways and places." He was immensely pleased to see her eyes flutter shut at his words and how she trembled in his arms. They drew apart when Jamie ran into the kitchen, and after his son took Lucy's hand and tugged her toward the front room, Wyatt shook his head slightly and finished preparing supper. Saturday felt very far away just now, but maybe after Jamie went to bed later on, he and Lucy could "practice" until she had to go home (after all, practice makes perfect.)

Wyatt woke early on Saturday after another restless slumber. He smirked as he realized that shouldn't be a problem tonight. Hopefully, there would be no sleep at all (his personal choice) or at least not until he had his fill of Lucy's delectable little body. (Whoa, better slow that train down, Logan.) Maybe he ought to take two cold showers this morning because he had several things to get ready before he picked Lucy up today.

Julie had texted him yesterday afternoon, offering to take Jamie that evening for the whole weekend, and oh, Wyatt was sorely tempted. But he couldn't (wouldn't) impose on his best friends like that, so they compromised. Wyatt would drop his son off around noon today, and pick Lucy up shortly afterwards. Then he and Lucy were invited to Sunday supper around 6:00, and would take Jamie home. It was going to be a special weekend, one that Wyatt hoped he and Lucy would never forget.

Lucy opened her eyes early Saturday morning and smiled. Wyatt would be here to pick her up in a few hours, and she wondered if a person could expire from pure happiness. Her sister had been so excited for her when Lucy had shyly confided that she wouldn't be home Saturday night because she would be with Wyatt. Amy's eyes lit up as she hugged Lucy and exclaimed, "Yes! Finally! Luce, I am so thrilled for you!" Lucy had asked her if she thought it was too soon, and Amy had immediately assured her that if it felt right, then length of time didn't matter.

Although Lucy had hoped to introduce Wyatt to her sibling, it turned out Amy had plans of her own to go up to San Francisco with some friends for the weekend. Before she left the night before, her sister had handed her a small pink and white striped gift bag. "Just a little something for you, Lucy, because you will have only one first time with Wyatt," and winked. Lucy blushed at the soft rose lace and satin slip, but secretly, she couldn't wait to see Wyatt's face when she wore it.

Wyatt could feel his face heating up when they got to the Baumgardners. This was completely new territory for him, and he fully expected Bam to bust his chops. But to his surprise, only Julie came outside when they walked up the drive. Jamie ran up to her, "Aunt Julie, I'm gonna stay here tonight, and me and Annie are gonna sleep in a tent, inside, and maybe Sadie, too, and can you make waffles for breakfast tomorrow, please?" Julie laughed, and leaned down to hug the excited child. "There's my little man! Yep, you sure are gonna stay here tonight, and we are definitely having waffles for breakfast. Why don't you run in and find Annie? Uncle Bam is setting up the tent right now." Jamie turned and waved at Wyatt, "Bye, Daddy! See you tomorrow!" and hurried inside. Wyatt watched his son, and turning to Julie, asked, "He's so happy to be with all of you, and it's just one night, but why do I feel so guilty?"

Julie took his hand, and pulled him down to sit with her on the front step. Considering her words, she looked at him, and sought to ease his conflicted feelings. "Wyatt, you are one of the finest men I have ever known. Since the day Jamie turned a year old, you have devoted 100 percent of yourself to your son, and you have done a hell of a job. James Wyatt Logan is a sweet, loving child, and that is completely to your credit. Jess loved you very much, and would be so proud of you. But, Wy, you were only 26 years old when she passed, and that's entirely too young to deny yourself a second chance for a love of your own. And although I haven't known Lucy for that long, I've seen the way you look at her and she at you, and Wy, it's the real deal, on top of the fact that she and your son are already crazy about each other. So, stop feeling guilty, and take some love and happiness for yourself." Wyatt swallowed hard on the lump in his throat, and smiled at Julie, "Thanks, Mom," and kissing her cheek, he left with a lighter heart.

Lucy had just finished packing a small bag when the doorbell rang. She flew down the stairs and opened the door to find Wyatt standing there with a shy smile for her. "Hey, come on in," she said in a faintly breathless voice, "I'm ready to go, just let me grab my jacket." Wyatt stepped inside and taking her hand, tugged her to him and pressed a hard kiss to her lips. "Wyatt Logan," she breathed, "Are you trying to seduce me?" "Hell, yes, I am. Is it working?" and grinned when she giggled. "Why don't you take me home and find out?" she suggested with a coy look. And just like that, all their doubts and guilt seemed to fade away. With a dimpled grin, Wyatt replied, "Yes, Ma'am."

Wyatt held her hand snugly during the brief drive to his place, and once they were inside, hung up their jackets before coming to stand in front of her. Lucy stepped closer to him, and placing a soft kiss to the corner of his mouth, looked up at Wyatt and sighed, "Yes. Now." And without another word, he took her hand, and they went upstairs. She had never been in Wyatt's bedroom, which was at the end of the hallway, and she gave the room a brief glance as Wyatt set her bag beside the open door to the master bath. "I need a minute first, okay?" she murmured with a bashful smile.

Wyatt watched her pick up the bag and disappear into his bathroom. Taking a deep breath, he quickly closed the drapes and lit a few candles around the room before undressing down to his boxers. He sat on the side of the bed to wait on her, and experienced a curious mix of emotions: anticipation, worry, desire, even a shred of guilt. And then the bathroom door opened, and as Lucy padded softly across the room to him, he was pretty sure his heart stopped. She was wearing, hell, he had no idea what it was called. All that registered was that it was a soft pink color and short, with tiny straps and lace, and she looked like an angel in it. She came to a stop between his open legs, and gave a dainty shiver as Wyatt's heated blue gaze swiftly raked over her from head to toe. (She was even more exquisite than he could have imagined.)

"I don't even have words for how beautiful you are," he managed, and she turned a delightful rosy pink at his words (all over, he was quick to notice). Placing a graceful hand on each of his bare shoulders, Lucy leaned down and gave him a gentle kiss. Resting his hands around her small waist, Wyatt quickly deepened the kiss, his tongue teasing along her bottom lip. Standing abruptly, he swept Lucy up in his arms and carefully laid her on the bed. Her dark wavy hair spilled across his pillows, and as he settled himself within the cradle of her long legs, her brown eyes glowed with trust and desire as she looked up at him. As Lucy draped her arms loosely around his neck, Wyatt noticed a tiny furrow in her brow. "Am I hurting you?" he worried, pulling back slightly. "Wyatt, no, you could never hurt me," she assured him.

"It sounds silly, but I guess I'm a little afraid of disappointing you." Running a finger along the curve of her cheek, he tipped her chin to look deep into her eyes. "Sweet Lucy, you could never displease me. You are perfect, and I want you so badly, that, well," and he reddened slightly, "I am pretty sure that you will be the disappointed one." At her quizzical expression, he confessed, "It's been almost five years since I have been this close to someone, and..." his voice trailed off. Lucy's eyes widened as she comprehended his meaning. She reached up and gently pulled him closer to her, and placing tender little kisses along his jaw, whispered, "Well, Mr. Logan, I guess we better get this whole "first time" over with then so we can move on to our second time, and our third, and so on, and, oh my..." and then there was no more talking for quite a while.

A/N: Y'all are gonna have to use your imagination now...hope this lives up to the anticipation :) sorry for the delay in posting this chapter (no internet access over the holiday weekend). As always, I appreciate all the kind words from everyone. Thanks so much!