A/N Sometimes my characters seem to take on a life of their own. This is not the direction I originally was going with this but they are pulling and tugging on me and insisting on what's happening. What's an author to do? When the muse takes over sometimes you just have to sit back and go along for the ride.
Back in Logan's room he wheeled himself over to his bed and pulled himself out of his chair, settling back against the pillows that were propped on the headboard. Max watched quietly then climbed on to the bed and settled herself in lotus position next to him. Logan reached out and brushed her hair back from her face, wondering what was going through her head.
Max was quiet for a moment then spoke softly, "I'm sorry."
"Sorry about what?" Logan was puzzled.
"About my screwed up family. I can't believe Alec came barging in here like that."
"Just as much my fault as yours – I'm the one who gave Asha that assignment to get her to leave me alone for a while." Max looked at him for a minute struck by what he had said and then with a mock frown said,
"Yeah you did, didn't you? And you also gave her something else that I think you need to get back." Logan looked at her guiltily knowing she was talking about the key to his apartment then was struck by an idea.
"Maybe I'll just change the locks." He shot her one of his heart stopping smiles thrilled at his idea to stop Asha from just walking in anytime (especially now) without having to confront her. Max just shook her head laughing at him.
"The great Eyes Only – you really can't confront anyone can you? Do you want me to steal the key back for you? That way you don't have to change the locks. Genetically engineered pickpocket you know." Logan looked at her dumfounded then laughed and gave her a hug.
"God I love you " There was a sudden silence in the room. Logan froze aware of what he had just said, petrified of Max's reaction. Fumbling he went on, "I can't believe I just said that… I mean I didn't mean to…" he trailed off aware he was only making things worse. Max continued to sit head down and Logan's heart sank. "Max, forget it. I know it's too soon. You don't have to feel…" He stopped as she lifted her head and he thought he saw the gleam of tears in her eyes. Max raised her hands and flung them around him laughing and crying at the same time.
"Logan you are such a dork sometimes. Tell a girl you love her and then take it back? If I didn't love you too I'd kick your ass for that."
"You do?" Logan could only take in those three special words; the rest went right by.
"What do you think I wanted to tell you that night? I've loved you forever but I was too stubborn to admit it. You are such an idiot at times and you get me madder than anyone else can but I can't get you out of my system. Cindy told me I had to deal with it or my head would explode and she was right."
"Cindy said that?" Logan was still in shock. This wasn't quite the romantic way in which he had planned to tell Max he loved her, but he had to admit it was in sync with the way they did everything else. "You know we have got to be two of the most screwed up emotional basket cases in existence," he observed.
Max laughed "Yeah I guess that's why we're so perfect for each other." At that they both fell silent gazing into each other's eyes. Logan reached out for her at the same time she did for him and she collapsed on top of him into a kiss. They continued for several moments but when Logan reached down to the hem of the shirt she was wearing, Max stopped him.
"Do you think our company is still here?" Logan sighed at the reminder.
"Honestly Max I don't give a damn if they are. They weren't invited and they can find their own way out. Anything they hear that they don't want to is their problem." With that he pulled her back to him and continued where they had left off. Max curled closer in his arms and sighed happily perfectly content with his logic and quickly forgetting Alec and Asha as Logan worked the magic of his hands and lips on her.
****
Alec roamed the rest of the apartment impatiently as Asha continued to recover on the couch. He was unaware of her watching him as he paced, his movements smooth and fluid, much like Max's. Asha's head was clearing as the drug wore off and she pulled herself into a sitting position. Alec was turned away gazing out the window but easily picked the sound of her movement and turned to face her.
"Head any better?" he asked not without sympathy. Asha considered a moment then slowly nodded.
"Still feel kind of fuzzy. What happened exactly and how did we end up here?"
"I got to the market to see you being carted away by two steelheads. Did my hero routine and we ended up here because I didn't want to leave you alone in your apartment."
"Alone would have been better than here." Asha declared bitterly. Alec regarded her consideringly.
"It's not like you didn't know."
"Yeah, well maybe I was hoping he'd come to his senses. No chance of that now." She turned away from his knowing eyes.
"It's not gonna happen babe." He paused then went on." So look do you really want to be here when the happy couple emerges from their love nest? " Asha shook her head. "I'll give you a ride home if you want."
"Thanks. And thanks for coming to the rescue."
"Yeah well I've been polishing up my armor. Seem to be doing a lot of these damsel in distress scenes lately." As they were speaking Asha had risen, glad to see that she felt steady on her feet, and they headed to the elevator. A short burst of laughter came from the direction of the bedroom and Alec saw Asha flinch but refrained from saying anything. Soon enough they were on his motorcycle heading to her place.
Pulling up outside Alec parked the bike and followed Asha up the steps to the building entrance. She turned and looked at him for a moment.
"Do you want to come in? I mean I can make some coffee or find some food or something. Just as thanks for helping me." Alec looked down at her then shrugged.
"Yeah food sounds good." She turned the key and soon enough they were in her small apartment. The building was typical of most of Seattle, old and rundown and with few amenities. Alec made himself comfortable on the shabby sofa as Asha dug in her refrigerator and came up with half a pizza.
"I can heat this if you want."
"Sure." Alec was wondering why in the world he had come in. This wasn't his scene. Hit and run, fun and games with chicks who knew the score was what he was about. Asha had set a timer and was busying herself finding paper plates for the pizza and pulling a couple of cans of beer out of her refrigerator. The timer buzzed and Alec rose to join her at the small table in her kitchen.
The apartment was small and as Alec moved towards the table Asha simultaneously turned from putting the pizza down to find herself standing only inches away from Alec. She caught her breath as their eyes met. Alec started to move around her but Asha suddenly threw her arms around his neck and pulled him in for a kiss. Alec responded automatically, pulling her close and running his hands down her back.
Pizza was forgotten as they were quickly caught up in a rush of passion and in minutes Asha found herself laying back on her couch, shirt open while Alec's lips gently explored her throat and made their way downwards. As he reached one of her breasts and began to gently suck through her thin nylon bra she moaned.
"Logan…"
Within seconds Alec was up and pulling on his leather jacket. Asha sat up chagrined at what she had said.
"Alec,,,"
"Look Asha this was a mistake. Let's forget it happened okay? Gives me the creeps being the substitute stud for another guy. If you ever get your head on straight you can give me a call. But I'll tell you up front I'm a fun and games kind of guy. You want to have some good times I'm your man. Don't come to me looking for anything else. And don't come to me pretending I'm Logan. – I don't do that scene." With that he was gone and Asha sat there holding her shirt closed wondering how her life had turned into such a mess.
Finally she rose and started to put away the untouched pizza and beer. She was startled by the sound of her door opening and felt a rush of gladness as she turned,
"Alec, I'm glad.." she began only to stop as she saw who had entered her apartment.
A/N Review and you shall receive more….
