A/N: Well, here we go with part eleven of fifteen. I promise that after this chapter is over with, we're back to the action. :) As for this chapter, it's just pure fun. :P
So, again I pause to thank you for all your kind reviews. You people never cease to amaze me with how willingly you give such wonderful praise. The writer in me thanks you, and although my muse is a bitch right now, I'm sure if she had a heart, she'd take a moment and thank you herself. 'Course, she's probably a little ticked, 'cause the more you guys review, the more I want to write, and the harder she's worked. LOL Kind of a double-edged blade. :P
There are very mild spoilers for second season in this, but only up to Some Assembly Required, and most of them are only vague allusions to past events.
I welcome all reviews, both here and by email, so please feel free to drop me a line and let me know what you're thinking. I can't improve my writing if I don't know what people want to see. :P
They're not mine, I just borrow them sometimes and mutate their inner voices. What can I say? It's fun. But Cameron will always own the good stuff. :P
Towards the Sunset
Part Eleven: Night Out, Max and Logan Style
By: Danae Bowen
Email: logansfox@rogers.com
Max couldn't help the laughter that bubbled over her lips as Logan danced with her around the crowded floor, the strobing lights bringing out every color Logan's eyes had the ability to shine. Logan laughed with her, keeping true to his promise to himself of not caring what other people thought. He had the most beautiful woman on the dance floor in his arms, and, even through the most ridiculously throbbing beat, he danced.
After two hours, when Logan's face was flushed and his breathing heavy, Max took pity on him and directed him back to their table.
"Relax, Logan, you don't need to be with me every second." She rested a moment against the back of his chair, her fingers stroking his arm softly.
"What if I want to?" He smiled up at her, but was immediately grateful to lower his body into the chair, taking a long swallow of the cold beer that rested on their table.
"Then you're insane." She laughed quietly, bending to press her lips softly to his temple. "Drink your beer, me 'n Original Cindy'll be in your sight the whole time. Promise."
He watched as she eased back out onto the dance floor, her small frame slipping around people with a grace Logan wondered if any other woman possessed. Logan's mind wandered over their life together, starting with the first day he'd set eyes on Max. He'd known there was something different about her in those very first few moments and dedicated hours to tracking her down, convincing her to remain a solid part of his life. They'd had their ups and downs over the two years since then what with Manticore always being around the next corner and his Eyes Only jobs shoving danger under foot, but they'd managed to come through it mostly unscathed. Of everything they'd been through, the virus had been their greatest force to overcome; Logan knew that for a long while he'd been less than pleasant to Max, jumping to the wrong conclusions, hostility brimming in his every word, but he'd been hurting. It took many months before he'd learned that having Max in his life in even the smallest ways was a lot better than having her gone completely. He should have known that immediately, having spent three months believing her dead, but it took until she'd disappeared one night, spending weeks away from Seattle, leaving Original Cindy with instructions to keep Max's location from him. She'd needed to think, she'd told him on her return; she'd needed to find out if living the way they had been was worth the pain.
Logan had changed his outlook on their relationship in that instant. As long as they still had whatever was holding them together, the physical didn't mean as much as it once seemed. He'd finally convinced himself that the virus was just a bug, and one day they'd be able to find a way to squash it; remembering the day just passed and the stolen moments before that, Logan knew he'd been right. All it took was a little time, a little patience, and now he had everything that mattered in his life.
He watched Max in amusement as the music faded away and a new song began. The song was at least thirty-five years old, popular in the 1980's from exposure in an old dance movie Logan had once seen late at night. They'd extended the song, adding in a longer dance opening, the beat driving Max to greater heights as she and Original Cindy danced energetically, though Cindy rolled her eyes at the lyrics. Max laughed and whispered something to her friend, and Original Cindy joined in her laughter. Max knew the song well; Kendra had once called it her theme song and had spent a week playing it repeatedly until Max knew every last word and note without hesitation.
*****
I'm goin' on a manhunt, turn it around
Women have been hunted, now they're huntin' around
Manhunt, we all got the need
The one that's been waitin' has taken the lead
*****
As Max's movements became more sensual, her body easing into the words and tone of the old song, Cindy leaned over to her and muttered something into Max's ear. Max's eyes flicked towards Logan, a small smile full of wicked intent crossing her pretty features, and she nodded at Cindy. Original Cindy moved away, dancing into the crowd, checking out the girls on the floor hoping to find a vacation fling as she left Max to her own inventions.
Max, for her part, allowed the music to take over, filling her gaze with the sexy image of Logan watching her with eyes that promised burning satisfaction. Her tongue eased over her lips as her body slowed, each movement she made now in half time with the song itself. Her lips curved as she easily recalled the words, and she slowly began to move towards Logan.
*****
I see him every day in the office, he's sexy and he's smooth
He's good to look me over, but slow to make his move
I've been sittin' at home by the telephone, hopin' I'm in his plans
This waiting game is gettin' old, it's time to take matters into my hands
*****
Logan watched Max as she stalked closer, her lips moving to the words, and in his mind it was Max that was singing, only for him. Her hips moved slowly, her arms beckoning him to her. He was on his feet in seconds, moving towards her, his eyes locked on hers. Though his dancing was in no way comparable to hers, her smile widened as he approached, her arms rising over her head as her hips sashayed suggestively and she turned away, affording him a view of her ass so tightly incased in leather that his mouth went instantly dry.
*****
I'm goin' on a manhunt, turn it around
Women have been hunted, now they're huntin' around
Manhunt, we all got the need
The one that's been waitin' has taken the lead
*****
Logan couldn't stop his gaze from traversing her body, his smile slight but his eyes were sparkling with desire. He didn't hear the angered words from a dancer he'd accidentally walked into and didn't notice as he automatically changed direction and began to move towards Max once more. The only thing that filled his sight, his hearing, and his mind was Max, and nothing was going to stop him from reaching her.
*****
Ruby lips in the mirror, lucky heels on the floor
The future's drawing nearer, I just can't ignore
I know he'll be at the party tonight, he'll be lookin' so fine
He'll be surprised when I walk up to say
Man, I wanna make you glad you're alive
*****
Max's hair had left its generally straight lines and was now around her face, down her chest, her usual style in full disarray. She shook her hair back with a toss of her head, smoothing it down with her hands, her eyes catching Logan's as she allowed her hands to caress her face before trailing down her body, over her barely covered breasts, gliding down to her gyrating hips. Her hands teased the leather clinging to her buttocks before trailing fingers up the ties so low on her hips. Her eyes flared as she caught sight of the desire filling Logan's gaze and she moved to him, her hands repeating her actions previous, but this time on his body.
Her hands ran over his buttocks, squeezing him softly as she grinned into his eyes, pulling her fingers around to move up over his hips, his stomach, rising to settle against his chest. His tongue wet his too dry lips, his breathing deepened, and by the pulse throbbing visibly in his throat, Max knew his heart was beating far too hard.
Every reaction her presence had on his body thrilled her, and she spun, for a brief moment allowing her ass to tease his already hardened body, shooting him a sexy smile over her shoulder before moving away once again. He sighed, grinding his teeth against the discomfort of his erection, but his determination to follow her kept him on track.
*****
I'm goin' on a manhunt, turn it around
Women have been hunted, now they're huntin' around
Manhunt, we all got the need
The one that's been waitin' has taken the lead
*****
Max turned back, only steps ahead of Logan, meeting him as he approached her with a deep kiss, her tongue assaulting his mouth, before again she was out of his grasp. She held up her hand and gave him a saucy wink before suddenly he found her full length pressed up against him. She was still moving to the music, doing incredible things to Logan's body as her body moved in time to the beat. Unable to bring himself to move, he watched in shock as she danced against him, her hands setting his flesh aflame, even through his layers of clothing. Suddenly, Logan realized exactly how hot it was in the club, his lungs burned as he became aware of the desperate need for oxygen. He let the breath he'd been holding slip past his lips in a quiet whoosh, moving his hands to cup Max's buttocks, holding her flush to his body as still she moved. Max ground herself against him hotly, sliding down his body, biting her lip as her darkened eyes met his with wanton pleasure. Logan was forced to bite back a carnal groan that threatened to escape his lips when Max sidled back up his body, her hand sliding between him to cup his erection, giving him a quick squeeze before moving away.
The song began to fade away, the last lines of the chorus repeating one final time before moving into a different, harsher beat of alternative rock, released only a year before. Max shook the last of the fog of seduction from her mind before flashing Logan a shy smile, biting her lip as she wondered what his reaction would be to her overt display of carnal need. He met her smile with one of his own, still dealing with the discomfort of his hardened body, but his eyes sparkled and he wrapped her in his arms for a quick hug.
"Are you trying to kill me?" His words were light and teasing in her ear as he pulled her away from the crowd and back to their table. She laughed as he pulled on her hand, dropping her into his lap as he settled into the chair. She settled back against his chest, pressing her knees up against the side of the bolted down table to brace herself. A waitress interrupted Max's reply, taking their orders for two more beers before disappearing back into the crowd of drinkers and dancers. Logan softly stroked Max's stomach, prodding her side with his free hand. "Well?"
She giggled. "Put too much effort into keepin' you alive to kill you now, Logan."
"Yeah, well, you keep moving like that, I'm guaranteed to have a heart attack." He spoke close to her ear, his words becoming a hot, gentle whisper that teased her softly.
Max turned her head, glancing up to meet Logan's eyes. "I'll stop if you want." Her lips curved into a sexy pout, and she felt Logan's fingers tighten on her hips.
"Don't you dare."
Max laughed quietly, resting her head back against Logan's shoulder as she scanned the crowd for Original Cindy, wondering to where her friend had disappeared. It only took a moment for Max's eyes to pick out the form of her exotic friend, laughing and dancing in the middle of a group of women at the other end of the bar. Cindy looked up and caught Max's eye, lifting her hand in a half wave before turning back to her companions.
Max giggled and sighed, snuggling down into Logan's warm embrace. "We lost Original Cindy. Girls don't know what they're in for."
Logan smiled. "I'm sure they can handle her. She's a great person."
"Damn straight. Think I'd hang around with a loser?"
He chuckled and lowered his lips to her temple, kissing her softly before whispering, "Sketchy."
Max laughed out loud, "Sketchy's a definition all in his own."
The waitress returned with their beers, and Logan and Max settled back as the evening began drawing to a close. By the time they'd arrived at the bar it had been almost ten thirty, they'd been dancing and drinking for over three hours, and with last call coming in less than an hour, they knew the bar would begin clearing out fairly soon.
Logan was fully aware of the stares Max received from every man that passed her by, he even had to chuckle softly once or twice when guys ended up with bruises from their girls' intervention when their stares got too open. A great sense of pride filled his chest knowing that Max was his alone, and that when the men stared, she just snuggled closer into his body.
"So, Max, are you wearing those pants to tease me or the local guys drooling all over themselves?" His eyes sparkled as he teased her, refusing to remember his sharp jealousy a year ago when he'd caught other men checking out her behind. The jealousy was no longer existent inside him; the men could stare all they want, it just served to remind Logan exactly how lucky he truly was.
She leaned her head back, kissing his jaw sweetly. "They're not to tease you, Logan, only showin' you what you got." Her chin jerked in the direction of a group of drunken men who were staring openly, the looks on their faces making the crass conversation they were having regarding Max's outfit blatantly obvious. "Them, I'm teasin'. What they see they can't get." She grinned. "It's somethin' I heard a while ago, dunno where. "Fifty percent of sexual attraction is showing what you got. The other fifty percent is in what they think you got." It's fun."
He chuckled quietly, pressing a kiss to the top of her head. "I'm just starting to realize that." A small yawn escaped his lips and he tightened his hold on Max's body. "Think we can untangle Original Cindy from that group over there and head back? Long drive ahead of us and it's getting late."
Max nodded, stretching out her body before slipping off Logan's lap. "Wouldn't want to tire you out before we get home, baby." She bent down, her lips meeting his gently as she rewarded him with a soft kiss. "Back 'fore you know it."
Knowing that Max could handle herself in the crowd of guys that followed her progress across the dance floor, Logan concentrated on picking up their jackets and settling their tab with the waitress. When his eyes located Max again, she was cutting back towards him, Original Cindy trailing along behind her, waving at the girls she'd spent the evening with. The group of men positioned themselves so that they blocked Max's exit off the dance floor, their eyes devouring her scantily clad body, their lips curved into a disturbing, overly familiar leer.
With the distance that separated them, Logan was unable to hear exactly what was being said but his imagination filled in the blanks. A low anger burned inside him and he started towards Max, his hands curled into fists. This time he wasn't dependant on the chair, this time the battle was on even ground, and this time it was distinctly more personal. This time he wasn't jealous; he was pissed.
"Problem, baby?" Logan's voice dripped sweetness as he shoved past the group of guys and slipped his arm around Max's waist and Cindy's shoulders.
"Not at all, sugar. These boys were just complimenting us on how we look tonight." Max smiled adoringly up at Logan, easily slipping into the role Logan began.
Logan returned her smile, pulling her closer to his side. "That's nice, baby, but you should say goodbye. It's getting late."
Max pouted, but her eyes were sparkling with humor. Considering that between the three of them, the six men facing them were quite likely in mortal danger, the game of showing off became a fun distraction. "Already? But, honey, we just got here."
Original Cindy took her cues from Max and Logan's behavior and curled herself into Logan's free side. She matched Max's pout, and sighed. "Maxie, Logan's no fun anymore. Remember when he'd get all up there 'n dance till dawn?"
Max giggled. "Mmhmm. What happened to you, baby?"
One of the guys stepped forward, his eyes dragging down Max's body to rest on her vinyl encased breasts. "Maybe he's just getting old, baby girl. You come home with me, 'n I guarantee I'm young enough to make you scream."
Logan kept the snarl from curling his lips, keeping his face neutral as Max appeared to consider her options. "I dunno," she said, sweetly, "But that brother over there's doin' serious things to my poor little heart." Her eyes trailed to a guy standing just at the edge of their group. Her face broke into a little smile as he approached.
The guy's face was a mask of pride as he strode up to her, his body displaying the cockiness that only came with believing he was hot stuff. " I'm sayin ma', I could take care of you, yo. We be some hot shit."
Logan could feel Original Cindy stiffen in his embrace, and he knew enough to keep his mouth shut as she untangled herself and took a step forward. "Hell, no, boo, that brotha's got my number any time he want." She moved closer, smiling up at him as she hitched her hip out the side suggestively. "What'd'ya say, daddy, you wanna take me to Heaven?" She smiled sweetly. "I'll take you all the way to Hell."
Cindy's knee came up hard into the man's groin, causing him to double over in pain. "Yo, bitch, what you go do that for? I ain't never done shit to you!"
She shrugged. "Ape's like y'all're why Original Cindy's don't play that game. C'mon, peeps, this shit's wearin' me down."
Logan and Max laughed loudly, moving to press past the five guys remaining on their feet. The group of men moved to block their escape, however, their leers turning to frowns as their arms crossed their chests.
"You think you're just gonna deck one of our boys 'n just walk away, bitch?"
Original Cindy found her arm gripped by one of the guys and she held securely only steps away from Max. Logan, for his part, rolled his eyes and sighed. At least they'd get their exercise tonight. He felt Max pull away from him, dropping into her defensive stance as Logan did the same.
Their challengers met their defense with laughter, rolling up their sleeves. "Lookie at the little girl thinkin' she gonna fight us."
Max suddenly smiled. "Got news for ya, boys, I ain't a little girl."
Logan blinked and missed Max's first kick, catching only the sight of two of the guys flying backwards across the dance floor, and Cindy gripping her suddenly released arm. He chuckled, pushing up his own sleeves and tapping one of the stunned guys on the shoulder. Logan took advantage of the man's confusion and easily dropped him with a single punch. The fellow remaining took one look at Original Cindy approaching him and high tailed it out of the bar. Cindy laughed, amusement filling her features as she shook her head.
"Boo, you find some strange crowds sometimes, y'know?"
Logan glanced at the approaching bouncers and raised an eyebrow. "Time to go, ladies."
They turned for the door quickly, disappearing into the crowd that had gathered around the fallen men, and made their way back to the Aztec without further incident. Logan leaned back in the driver's seat, his lost pride from the incident at Cape Haven finally avenged, and he laughed.
"Well, that was an interesting night."
Max giggled. "Logan?"
"Hmm?"
"Drive."
He grinned and shook his head, putting the car in gear, and backing out of the parking lot. As he turned them onto the right road, the girls settled down into their seats for the long drive. They were all looking forward to hitting the cottage, but for far different reasons. Max's eyes caught Logan's momentary glance and she grinned at him, her wink making promises of what the night would hold for him. His grin was wide and he almost imperceptibly increased their speed.
Forty minutes to the cottage? Not when Logan had that much for which to look forward.
End Part Eleven: Night Out, Max and Logan Style
So, again I pause to thank you for all your kind reviews. You people never cease to amaze me with how willingly you give such wonderful praise. The writer in me thanks you, and although my muse is a bitch right now, I'm sure if she had a heart, she'd take a moment and thank you herself. 'Course, she's probably a little ticked, 'cause the more you guys review, the more I want to write, and the harder she's worked. LOL Kind of a double-edged blade. :P
There are very mild spoilers for second season in this, but only up to Some Assembly Required, and most of them are only vague allusions to past events.
I welcome all reviews, both here and by email, so please feel free to drop me a line and let me know what you're thinking. I can't improve my writing if I don't know what people want to see. :P
They're not mine, I just borrow them sometimes and mutate their inner voices. What can I say? It's fun. But Cameron will always own the good stuff. :P
Towards the Sunset
Part Eleven: Night Out, Max and Logan Style
By: Danae Bowen
Email: logansfox@rogers.com
Max couldn't help the laughter that bubbled over her lips as Logan danced with her around the crowded floor, the strobing lights bringing out every color Logan's eyes had the ability to shine. Logan laughed with her, keeping true to his promise to himself of not caring what other people thought. He had the most beautiful woman on the dance floor in his arms, and, even through the most ridiculously throbbing beat, he danced.
After two hours, when Logan's face was flushed and his breathing heavy, Max took pity on him and directed him back to their table.
"Relax, Logan, you don't need to be with me every second." She rested a moment against the back of his chair, her fingers stroking his arm softly.
"What if I want to?" He smiled up at her, but was immediately grateful to lower his body into the chair, taking a long swallow of the cold beer that rested on their table.
"Then you're insane." She laughed quietly, bending to press her lips softly to his temple. "Drink your beer, me 'n Original Cindy'll be in your sight the whole time. Promise."
He watched as she eased back out onto the dance floor, her small frame slipping around people with a grace Logan wondered if any other woman possessed. Logan's mind wandered over their life together, starting with the first day he'd set eyes on Max. He'd known there was something different about her in those very first few moments and dedicated hours to tracking her down, convincing her to remain a solid part of his life. They'd had their ups and downs over the two years since then what with Manticore always being around the next corner and his Eyes Only jobs shoving danger under foot, but they'd managed to come through it mostly unscathed. Of everything they'd been through, the virus had been their greatest force to overcome; Logan knew that for a long while he'd been less than pleasant to Max, jumping to the wrong conclusions, hostility brimming in his every word, but he'd been hurting. It took many months before he'd learned that having Max in his life in even the smallest ways was a lot better than having her gone completely. He should have known that immediately, having spent three months believing her dead, but it took until she'd disappeared one night, spending weeks away from Seattle, leaving Original Cindy with instructions to keep Max's location from him. She'd needed to think, she'd told him on her return; she'd needed to find out if living the way they had been was worth the pain.
Logan had changed his outlook on their relationship in that instant. As long as they still had whatever was holding them together, the physical didn't mean as much as it once seemed. He'd finally convinced himself that the virus was just a bug, and one day they'd be able to find a way to squash it; remembering the day just passed and the stolen moments before that, Logan knew he'd been right. All it took was a little time, a little patience, and now he had everything that mattered in his life.
He watched Max in amusement as the music faded away and a new song began. The song was at least thirty-five years old, popular in the 1980's from exposure in an old dance movie Logan had once seen late at night. They'd extended the song, adding in a longer dance opening, the beat driving Max to greater heights as she and Original Cindy danced energetically, though Cindy rolled her eyes at the lyrics. Max laughed and whispered something to her friend, and Original Cindy joined in her laughter. Max knew the song well; Kendra had once called it her theme song and had spent a week playing it repeatedly until Max knew every last word and note without hesitation.
*****
I'm goin' on a manhunt, turn it around
Women have been hunted, now they're huntin' around
Manhunt, we all got the need
The one that's been waitin' has taken the lead
*****
As Max's movements became more sensual, her body easing into the words and tone of the old song, Cindy leaned over to her and muttered something into Max's ear. Max's eyes flicked towards Logan, a small smile full of wicked intent crossing her pretty features, and she nodded at Cindy. Original Cindy moved away, dancing into the crowd, checking out the girls on the floor hoping to find a vacation fling as she left Max to her own inventions.
Max, for her part, allowed the music to take over, filling her gaze with the sexy image of Logan watching her with eyes that promised burning satisfaction. Her tongue eased over her lips as her body slowed, each movement she made now in half time with the song itself. Her lips curved as she easily recalled the words, and she slowly began to move towards Logan.
*****
I see him every day in the office, he's sexy and he's smooth
He's good to look me over, but slow to make his move
I've been sittin' at home by the telephone, hopin' I'm in his plans
This waiting game is gettin' old, it's time to take matters into my hands
*****
Logan watched Max as she stalked closer, her lips moving to the words, and in his mind it was Max that was singing, only for him. Her hips moved slowly, her arms beckoning him to her. He was on his feet in seconds, moving towards her, his eyes locked on hers. Though his dancing was in no way comparable to hers, her smile widened as he approached, her arms rising over her head as her hips sashayed suggestively and she turned away, affording him a view of her ass so tightly incased in leather that his mouth went instantly dry.
*****
I'm goin' on a manhunt, turn it around
Women have been hunted, now they're huntin' around
Manhunt, we all got the need
The one that's been waitin' has taken the lead
*****
Logan couldn't stop his gaze from traversing her body, his smile slight but his eyes were sparkling with desire. He didn't hear the angered words from a dancer he'd accidentally walked into and didn't notice as he automatically changed direction and began to move towards Max once more. The only thing that filled his sight, his hearing, and his mind was Max, and nothing was going to stop him from reaching her.
*****
Ruby lips in the mirror, lucky heels on the floor
The future's drawing nearer, I just can't ignore
I know he'll be at the party tonight, he'll be lookin' so fine
He'll be surprised when I walk up to say
Man, I wanna make you glad you're alive
*****
Max's hair had left its generally straight lines and was now around her face, down her chest, her usual style in full disarray. She shook her hair back with a toss of her head, smoothing it down with her hands, her eyes catching Logan's as she allowed her hands to caress her face before trailing down her body, over her barely covered breasts, gliding down to her gyrating hips. Her hands teased the leather clinging to her buttocks before trailing fingers up the ties so low on her hips. Her eyes flared as she caught sight of the desire filling Logan's gaze and she moved to him, her hands repeating her actions previous, but this time on his body.
Her hands ran over his buttocks, squeezing him softly as she grinned into his eyes, pulling her fingers around to move up over his hips, his stomach, rising to settle against his chest. His tongue wet his too dry lips, his breathing deepened, and by the pulse throbbing visibly in his throat, Max knew his heart was beating far too hard.
Every reaction her presence had on his body thrilled her, and she spun, for a brief moment allowing her ass to tease his already hardened body, shooting him a sexy smile over her shoulder before moving away once again. He sighed, grinding his teeth against the discomfort of his erection, but his determination to follow her kept him on track.
*****
I'm goin' on a manhunt, turn it around
Women have been hunted, now they're huntin' around
Manhunt, we all got the need
The one that's been waitin' has taken the lead
*****
Max turned back, only steps ahead of Logan, meeting him as he approached her with a deep kiss, her tongue assaulting his mouth, before again she was out of his grasp. She held up her hand and gave him a saucy wink before suddenly he found her full length pressed up against him. She was still moving to the music, doing incredible things to Logan's body as her body moved in time to the beat. Unable to bring himself to move, he watched in shock as she danced against him, her hands setting his flesh aflame, even through his layers of clothing. Suddenly, Logan realized exactly how hot it was in the club, his lungs burned as he became aware of the desperate need for oxygen. He let the breath he'd been holding slip past his lips in a quiet whoosh, moving his hands to cup Max's buttocks, holding her flush to his body as still she moved. Max ground herself against him hotly, sliding down his body, biting her lip as her darkened eyes met his with wanton pleasure. Logan was forced to bite back a carnal groan that threatened to escape his lips when Max sidled back up his body, her hand sliding between him to cup his erection, giving him a quick squeeze before moving away.
The song began to fade away, the last lines of the chorus repeating one final time before moving into a different, harsher beat of alternative rock, released only a year before. Max shook the last of the fog of seduction from her mind before flashing Logan a shy smile, biting her lip as she wondered what his reaction would be to her overt display of carnal need. He met her smile with one of his own, still dealing with the discomfort of his hardened body, but his eyes sparkled and he wrapped her in his arms for a quick hug.
"Are you trying to kill me?" His words were light and teasing in her ear as he pulled her away from the crowd and back to their table. She laughed as he pulled on her hand, dropping her into his lap as he settled into the chair. She settled back against his chest, pressing her knees up against the side of the bolted down table to brace herself. A waitress interrupted Max's reply, taking their orders for two more beers before disappearing back into the crowd of drinkers and dancers. Logan softly stroked Max's stomach, prodding her side with his free hand. "Well?"
She giggled. "Put too much effort into keepin' you alive to kill you now, Logan."
"Yeah, well, you keep moving like that, I'm guaranteed to have a heart attack." He spoke close to her ear, his words becoming a hot, gentle whisper that teased her softly.
Max turned her head, glancing up to meet Logan's eyes. "I'll stop if you want." Her lips curved into a sexy pout, and she felt Logan's fingers tighten on her hips.
"Don't you dare."
Max laughed quietly, resting her head back against Logan's shoulder as she scanned the crowd for Original Cindy, wondering to where her friend had disappeared. It only took a moment for Max's eyes to pick out the form of her exotic friend, laughing and dancing in the middle of a group of women at the other end of the bar. Cindy looked up and caught Max's eye, lifting her hand in a half wave before turning back to her companions.
Max giggled and sighed, snuggling down into Logan's warm embrace. "We lost Original Cindy. Girls don't know what they're in for."
Logan smiled. "I'm sure they can handle her. She's a great person."
"Damn straight. Think I'd hang around with a loser?"
He chuckled and lowered his lips to her temple, kissing her softly before whispering, "Sketchy."
Max laughed out loud, "Sketchy's a definition all in his own."
The waitress returned with their beers, and Logan and Max settled back as the evening began drawing to a close. By the time they'd arrived at the bar it had been almost ten thirty, they'd been dancing and drinking for over three hours, and with last call coming in less than an hour, they knew the bar would begin clearing out fairly soon.
Logan was fully aware of the stares Max received from every man that passed her by, he even had to chuckle softly once or twice when guys ended up with bruises from their girls' intervention when their stares got too open. A great sense of pride filled his chest knowing that Max was his alone, and that when the men stared, she just snuggled closer into his body.
"So, Max, are you wearing those pants to tease me or the local guys drooling all over themselves?" His eyes sparkled as he teased her, refusing to remember his sharp jealousy a year ago when he'd caught other men checking out her behind. The jealousy was no longer existent inside him; the men could stare all they want, it just served to remind Logan exactly how lucky he truly was.
She leaned her head back, kissing his jaw sweetly. "They're not to tease you, Logan, only showin' you what you got." Her chin jerked in the direction of a group of drunken men who were staring openly, the looks on their faces making the crass conversation they were having regarding Max's outfit blatantly obvious. "Them, I'm teasin'. What they see they can't get." She grinned. "It's somethin' I heard a while ago, dunno where. "Fifty percent of sexual attraction is showing what you got. The other fifty percent is in what they think you got." It's fun."
He chuckled quietly, pressing a kiss to the top of her head. "I'm just starting to realize that." A small yawn escaped his lips and he tightened his hold on Max's body. "Think we can untangle Original Cindy from that group over there and head back? Long drive ahead of us and it's getting late."
Max nodded, stretching out her body before slipping off Logan's lap. "Wouldn't want to tire you out before we get home, baby." She bent down, her lips meeting his gently as she rewarded him with a soft kiss. "Back 'fore you know it."
Knowing that Max could handle herself in the crowd of guys that followed her progress across the dance floor, Logan concentrated on picking up their jackets and settling their tab with the waitress. When his eyes located Max again, she was cutting back towards him, Original Cindy trailing along behind her, waving at the girls she'd spent the evening with. The group of men positioned themselves so that they blocked Max's exit off the dance floor, their eyes devouring her scantily clad body, their lips curved into a disturbing, overly familiar leer.
With the distance that separated them, Logan was unable to hear exactly what was being said but his imagination filled in the blanks. A low anger burned inside him and he started towards Max, his hands curled into fists. This time he wasn't dependant on the chair, this time the battle was on even ground, and this time it was distinctly more personal. This time he wasn't jealous; he was pissed.
"Problem, baby?" Logan's voice dripped sweetness as he shoved past the group of guys and slipped his arm around Max's waist and Cindy's shoulders.
"Not at all, sugar. These boys were just complimenting us on how we look tonight." Max smiled adoringly up at Logan, easily slipping into the role Logan began.
Logan returned her smile, pulling her closer to his side. "That's nice, baby, but you should say goodbye. It's getting late."
Max pouted, but her eyes were sparkling with humor. Considering that between the three of them, the six men facing them were quite likely in mortal danger, the game of showing off became a fun distraction. "Already? But, honey, we just got here."
Original Cindy took her cues from Max and Logan's behavior and curled herself into Logan's free side. She matched Max's pout, and sighed. "Maxie, Logan's no fun anymore. Remember when he'd get all up there 'n dance till dawn?"
Max giggled. "Mmhmm. What happened to you, baby?"
One of the guys stepped forward, his eyes dragging down Max's body to rest on her vinyl encased breasts. "Maybe he's just getting old, baby girl. You come home with me, 'n I guarantee I'm young enough to make you scream."
Logan kept the snarl from curling his lips, keeping his face neutral as Max appeared to consider her options. "I dunno," she said, sweetly, "But that brother over there's doin' serious things to my poor little heart." Her eyes trailed to a guy standing just at the edge of their group. Her face broke into a little smile as he approached.
The guy's face was a mask of pride as he strode up to her, his body displaying the cockiness that only came with believing he was hot stuff. " I'm sayin ma', I could take care of you, yo. We be some hot shit."
Logan could feel Original Cindy stiffen in his embrace, and he knew enough to keep his mouth shut as she untangled herself and took a step forward. "Hell, no, boo, that brotha's got my number any time he want." She moved closer, smiling up at him as she hitched her hip out the side suggestively. "What'd'ya say, daddy, you wanna take me to Heaven?" She smiled sweetly. "I'll take you all the way to Hell."
Cindy's knee came up hard into the man's groin, causing him to double over in pain. "Yo, bitch, what you go do that for? I ain't never done shit to you!"
She shrugged. "Ape's like y'all're why Original Cindy's don't play that game. C'mon, peeps, this shit's wearin' me down."
Logan and Max laughed loudly, moving to press past the five guys remaining on their feet. The group of men moved to block their escape, however, their leers turning to frowns as their arms crossed their chests.
"You think you're just gonna deck one of our boys 'n just walk away, bitch?"
Original Cindy found her arm gripped by one of the guys and she held securely only steps away from Max. Logan, for his part, rolled his eyes and sighed. At least they'd get their exercise tonight. He felt Max pull away from him, dropping into her defensive stance as Logan did the same.
Their challengers met their defense with laughter, rolling up their sleeves. "Lookie at the little girl thinkin' she gonna fight us."
Max suddenly smiled. "Got news for ya, boys, I ain't a little girl."
Logan blinked and missed Max's first kick, catching only the sight of two of the guys flying backwards across the dance floor, and Cindy gripping her suddenly released arm. He chuckled, pushing up his own sleeves and tapping one of the stunned guys on the shoulder. Logan took advantage of the man's confusion and easily dropped him with a single punch. The fellow remaining took one look at Original Cindy approaching him and high tailed it out of the bar. Cindy laughed, amusement filling her features as she shook her head.
"Boo, you find some strange crowds sometimes, y'know?"
Logan glanced at the approaching bouncers and raised an eyebrow. "Time to go, ladies."
They turned for the door quickly, disappearing into the crowd that had gathered around the fallen men, and made their way back to the Aztec without further incident. Logan leaned back in the driver's seat, his lost pride from the incident at Cape Haven finally avenged, and he laughed.
"Well, that was an interesting night."
Max giggled. "Logan?"
"Hmm?"
"Drive."
He grinned and shook his head, putting the car in gear, and backing out of the parking lot. As he turned them onto the right road, the girls settled down into their seats for the long drive. They were all looking forward to hitting the cottage, but for far different reasons. Max's eyes caught Logan's momentary glance and she grinned at him, her wink making promises of what the night would hold for him. His grin was wide and he almost imperceptibly increased their speed.
Forty minutes to the cottage? Not when Logan had that much for which to look forward.
End Part Eleven: Night Out, Max and Logan Style