Story so far: Logan and Duncan overhear Veronica at Lilly's graveside. They learn she has cancer and is dying. They also learn she can prove Abel Kunz didn't kill Lilly. In the hospital, Logan ends up rushing into Veronica's room begging her not to go to Lilly and to stay because he needs her. Logan once Veronica's heart rate rises professes he knows she is going to get better. She does and while she is recuperating at home, Logan does some soul searching and decides he needs to make changes. Logan worried about how Veronica is taking that Duncan and Meg are dating talks to her in the hallway at school. The rumors have them dating. Logan frustrated meets with Veronica at a burger bar to discuss how to handle all the rumors about them. To Logan's chagrin a tabloid publishes a picture of him and Veronica at the restaurant. Now the rumors at school are even worse. Lynn Echolls invites Veronica to be a part of the fundraiser fashion show and dance. At school on Monday, Veronica walks up and kisses Logan in first period. Logan goes along with it but is waiting after school to find out what is going on. Now back to the story.......

Logan is leaning against his car waiting for Veronica. He thinks about the weekend. He had not known Veronica was going to be in the fashion show until his mother told him but he was happy she had agreed to come.

Usually this weekend was quite lonely for him. He listened to his MP3 player or watched TV on the ride up there. He had to sit in fittings, make up and hair and then wait in line for his turn on the runway. Then when the runway show was over, both his parents expected him to stand beside them at all the interviews and when asked questions say how excited and honored he was to participate….. it was a good cause. Then they went back to the hotel to change and get ready for the dance. Logan was required to dance with all the female dignitaries and to make sure that his mother didn't drink too much. Finally he would be allowed to go back to the hotel. His parents would stay to the end and arrive at the hotel suite in the early morning. Logan would usually awaken ahead of them and wait for them to be ready to go to press interviews. Then when that was over, they would either decide to stay a few more days in LA and they would send him back to Neptune or they would go back with him. The car rides were quiet with him watching TV or sleeping, his dad on the phone and his mom drinking and on her phone. They weren't a family that talked or enjoyed each other's company usually.

Veronica had been good company for him. They had watched a movie on the way there and he had enjoyed watching her on the runway. She had been so sexy in that mini skirt. He knew Veronica looked sexy with her petit frame and sassy short blonde hair but he had never seen her dressed so overtly, in your face type, sexy before. That outfit was a fantasy for most guys and Logan was no exception. Her hips were swinging as she walked down the runway making her skirt swing enticingly. Logan imagined what he would do to her in that outfit. Veronica's second outfit with the halter top, see through blouse and tight jeans had been no better. Her make up made her eyes looks smoldering and her lips were begging to be kissed. Then when they had to walk the runway together he had had to touch her bare back. It had been soft and silky. It made him want to touch her more. These were all feelings he wasn't used to with Veronica. He had been focused on trying to be friends with her. He hadn't even thought of having a relationship with her. That had been unattainable.

He had stood beside Veronica during the press interviews. He had his hand on her back to support her. She was nervous but did very well. She talked about how much fun it was to do the show and how much work Mrs. Echolls and everyone did to make the show a huge success. When Logan was asked if they were dating, he merely stated that tonight they were here to support his mother and her long time affiliation with this worthy charity. He was proud of his mother and her hard work and was glad to help.

They had been allowed to leave the press interviews a little early and Logan had gone back with Veronica to the hotel. They had ordered room service and ate together. Veronica had been wound up from the runway show and Logan had really enjoyed listening to her views on the celebrities she met and her experience getting dressed and undressed. Logan had complimented her on how well she had done and how beautiful she looked. She said that thankfully someone had done her make up and hair before she went in front of all those people. Logan had taken her hand and told her she didn't need the make up or professional hair dos. She was beautiful normally. She had asked him if the hair gel had affected his brain. Logan had laughed and told her that he knew beautiful, it was her that didn't look closely in the mirror. He had changed the subject to the dance that night and Veronica said she wasn't going. She thought Lynn had invited her to the runway show and she didn't know anything about the dance. Logan had laughed at her and said, "Let's look in your closet. I am sure my mother picked out your outfit too. She always picks out mine."

He had gone with her to her closet and sure enough there was an outfit in a cover hanging in her closet. Her eyes had widened when she unzipped the cover. She said, "I can't accept this. It must have been very expensive."

Logan had taken her shoulders and said, "Ronnie. This day is very important to Mom. She works the whole year to make it a success. She is under a lot of stress today. You really shouldn't do anything to upset her. She is excited you are here."

Veronica says, "You're right. It's just I am not used to someone spoiling me like this."

Logan looked down at her and said, "Mom thinks of you like a daughter. Dad didn't want any more children after me but I think Mom would have loved a daughter to do things with and spend time with."

Veronica had teared up a little. She looked up at Logan and said, "It has been nice for me too. Sometimes I miss things about my mom."

Logan had pulled her to him and hugged her. She had wrapped her arms around him and held him. They had stood like that for a few minutes. Logan had then lightened the atmosphere by saying, "Besides I like that Mom leaves me alone when she is focused on you. You don't know how hard it has been for me to be her dress up doll."

Veronica had dryly said, "Glad to help Logan."

They had both laughed. Logan had encouraged Veronica to have a soak in the Jacuzzi tub in her room before it was time to get dressed. He told her they had to be ready in three hours.

Logan had been right about his mother. She had gone into Veronica's room to get ready. A woman had come to the suite to do their hair and make up and he had heard a lot of giggling coming out of their room. His dad had stayed in his room and Logan had napped and then showered and got ready in his room.

He was watching TV in the common area when they had come out of Veronica's room. His breath had caught in his chest. They both looked beautiful. His mom looked elegant and Veronica looked sexy. He had gone over and kissed his mother on the cheek and told her she looked absolutely beautiful. He had then taken Veronica's hand and twirled her. She was wearing a long black dress that had a high neckline but was essentially backless. Her short hair was slicked back. She had on his mother's diamond earrings. She looked stunning. He had put his hand to his chest and said, "Wow Veronica, just wow."

She had blushed and then said, "You look wow yourself Logan."

He had smiled and stepped between the two women. He had said, "I will be invisible if I stand between you two tonight."

Lynn had laughed at his antics and asked if his father was ready. Logan had replied that he hadn't seen him so Lynn had headed to their bedroom to check on him.

Logan had turned to Veronica and asked her to save him a few dances tonight. He said, "All the guys will want to dance with you."

Aaron and Lynn had arrived before Veronica could answer and Aaron had come over complimented Veronica on how lovely she looked. Logan had put out his arm for Veronica and said, "May I escort you to the car Miss Mars?"

Veronica had taken his arm and leaned in to him laughing. She had said, "I am counting on you keeping me from falling on the way into the dance."

Logan had led her out the door and told her, "You are in good hands Veronica. I'll be right beside you."

In the limo Logan was sitting beside Veronica. He had leaned closer and whispered in her ear. He had told her that tonight after the dance he would be happy to help her out of her dress if she had gotten used to having a dresser. Veronica had laughed and slapped Logan's arm. She had said, "You would like that, wouldn't you? I am not wearing much under this dress."

Logan had groaned and said quietly, "That's mean Ronnie. Now that image will be in my head all night."

Veronica had laughed again and said, "You could be fair and tell me what you are wearing under your tux."

He had grinned at her and said, "Guess."

Veronica had put a finger to her chin and pretended to be thinking. She had said, "Snoopy boxers?"

Logan had looked stunned for a second and then had burst out laughing. He had said, "I can't believe you remembered that."

She and Lilly had bought Logan and Duncan gag ties and matching boxers one day while they had been shopping. Logan's had been Snoopy dancing. Lilly had made both boys wear them out to dinner.

Lynn and Aaron had been watching the exchange. Although they could not hear what was being said, it was obvious the two were flirting with each other.

Aaron had asked, "How long has this been going on?"

Lynn had answered, "A couple of months. I don't think they are an official couple yet but I think they will be soon."

Aaron had said, "I always liked Veronica. She has a good head on her shoulders."

Lynn had smiled and said, "I think they are good for each other."

They had both given the couple one last look and then had gone back to their own papers."

***

When they reached the red carpet, Aaron had gotten out of the limo first. The flash bulbs had gone off almost continuously as soon as he stepped out. After a minute or so, he reached in the limo to help Lynn out. They posed together for a minute or so and then started down the red carpet. Logan had sat beside Veronica and took her hand. He said, "Are you ready for this?"

Veronica had nervously said, "I don't have to talk, do I?"

Logan had said, "I will handle most of the questions Ronnie. They may ask you about your dress and what you thought of the show."

Veronica had then asked, "What do I say if they ask if we are a couple?"

Logan had said, "You could tell them you are just with me for the incredible sex."

Veronica had said, "So you want me to lie?"

Logan had playfully leered at her and said, "It doesn't have to be a lie."

Veronica had smiled at Logan and said quietly, "I'll keep it in mind."

Logan had looked quietly at her for a second and then he had signaled for the door to be opened. He had stepped out first and the flash bulbs had gone crazy. After a few seconds, he had reached inside to help Veronica out. He held her still for a few seconds letting her adjust to the bright flash bulbs. Then he had gently taken her elbow and escorted her slowly up the red carpet. He had pulled her to his side putting his hand on her lower back at the first marker for pictures.

The reporters were interested in Veronica as she was the first girl Logan had ever taken to a public function for one of his famous parents. He usually came alone. As they walked up the isle together reporters shouted questions like "How long have you been dating and Are you engaged?" Logan smoothly escorted Veronica up the red carpet. When the first interview marker came up, Logan stopped and easily turned Veronica towards the reporter. Logan was asked a few questions about his parents and the show and then finally the reporter asked about him and Veronica. Logan had smiled and said, "For now, I would like to keep my private life, well… private."

He had then escorted Veronica down the carpet towards his parents. He had stopped her at the second picture marker and smoothly turned her so she was facing him and he was facing her. Her back was partially to the camera. It showed off the smooth expanse of her back and Logan's hand remained possessively on her lower back. They looked at each other and then over to the camera. At the second interview site, Veronica answered a few questions about her dress and Logan about his suit when Lynn had interrupted the interview by waving them over to pose with her and Aaron. Logan had politely excused them and escorted Veronica over to where his parents were standing. The four of them standing together had caused a flurry of flashes. Logan had kept his hand on Veronica's back and she was grateful for that. She wasn't sure she could see after all the flashes.

Logan had taken Veronica into the building deftly missing the last interview spot as his parents arrived there at the same time as him. Veronica had been impressed and complimented him on his red carpet expertise. He had smiled and said, "Lots of practice Veronica, lots of practice."

Logan had stayed with Veronica at the beginning of the ball helping her mingle and introducing her to the people he knew and the ladies who worked with his mother at the fashion show. He told her that once the music started, he would have quite a few obligatory dances but he would come back and find her. She told him she would find a seat over by the band. Logan had laughed at her and hugged her to his side. He said, "Ronnie, you will be lucky if you get to sit down at all tonight. I am a guy so I get to choose who I dance with. You are a beautiful single woman and you will be sought after."

Logan was right. He stood with her as the first dance was for the board members of the foundation. His father danced with his mother. He took Veronica onto the dance floor for the second dance for the models and family of the board members. She fit perfectly in his arms and they moved well together. The photographers took a lot of pictures of them. They danced smoothly together and their attraction to each other was obvious.

After the second dance, Veronica lost track of Logan. She only saw him briefly on the dance floor as she was asked to dance every dance. She saw him dance with his mother and some of the ladies on the board of the foundation. She saw him dance by with a beautiful redhead who was caressing his chest and flirting with him. Veronica could see him putting distance between their bodies each time the redhead pressed herself to him. Veronica has smiled at him knowingly and he had smiled back at her when she was avoiding exploring hands on her backside.

The dance before intermission, Logan found Veronica and smoothly cut in stating this was their song. It was a slow romantic ballad. Veronica had looked up at Logan and said, "Our song?"

Logan had smiled down at Veronica and said, "'Well we are about to be engaged and all." He had batted his eyelashes at her and she had laughed up at him.

Logan pulled her closer and she had sighed in pleasure. He leaned down to whisper in her ear, "Still thinking my life is glamorous?"

Veronica had shaken her head and looked up at him seriously and said, "I am getting a newfound respect for you Logan Echolls."

Logan had looked seriously back at her and said quietly, "Not just for my dancing skills I hope?"

Veronica had said, "For a lot of things Logan."

He had nodded and said, "Thanks Ronnie."

To the people watching them dance, they looked like a young couple very much in love. They danced closely and they seemed to really enjoy each other.

Lynn and Aaron had watched the young couple. Both had done their duties dancing with board members and dignitaries. Veronica had handled herself very well. Aaron had danced with Veronica. He had pulled her close and had felt her resist. She had refused very politely to call him Aaron stating her father would not allow it. She had not responded to any of his advances or his flirting. It was obvious that she only thought of him as Logan's father. She didn't care about his movie star status. Part of Aaron was impressed and the other part not so impressed. Most of Logan's girlfriends had been open to his flirting and had responded to him. Logan had seen Veronica resist his father's flirting and pull away from him. He had always hated when his father flirted with his girlfriends and he knew a lot of girls dated him to meet his father. It was obvious to Logan that Veronica was still not impressed by who his parents were and had been his friend just for him. It made him doubly stupid to give up that friendship.

At intermission, Logan had gotten Veronica a drink and they had stood with other young people talking. Logan and Veronica had not corrected their assumption that they were dating. They had listened to the talk of oversea vacations, yachts, fashion, cars and gossip about famous people they knew. Veronica had leaned into Logan and he had supported her as they stood. Logan had not added much to the conversation, mostly listening. He had absently rubbed Veronica's back as she leaned into him. Lynn had looked over and noticed their comfort with each other and smiled. They were definitely growing closer.

Logan had walked Veronica to the dance floor when intermission was over. Veronica had said, "09ers from a different city."

Logan had smiled and said, "Hey are you talking about me?"

Veronica had shaken her head and said, "No Logan. I don't look at you like that anymore."

Logan had stopped and looked down at her. He put a hand to his chest and said, "I think that is the nicest thing you have ever said to me."

Veronica had pretended to look horrified and said, "Oh My God! Are you going to cry?"

He had burst out laughing and playfully pulled her into his arms and swung her around. Veronica had laughed up at him.

When the music started he skillfully twirled her away from him and then back into his arms. They were enjoying each other so they didn't notice how much attention they were getting.

After a few dances, Lynn had danced by and told them they shouldn't monopolize each other. Logan had said, "I'm already dancing with the most beautiful girl here Mom, why would I want to change partners?"

She had smiled at him and said, "Maybe Veronica wants to keep looking?"

He had mock frowned at his mother stating, "Funny Mom."

She had laughed and danced away.

He had looked down at her and playfully pouted, "You aren't still looking are you?"

Veronica had looked surprised for a second and then she had said quietly, "No, I am not still looking."

Logan had tightened his arms around her and pulled her closer.

In fact a lot of people were noticing the change in Logan. Usually he had an attitude. The make up and hair people did not want to deal with him. This year he was polite to everyone. The dignitaries and women on the board were pleasantly surprised at how respectful and funny he was. In the past, he acted like he didn't want to be dancing with them and was doing his duty. This year he asked them questions and seemed interested in their answers. He was charming and handsome. Lynn had told them Logan was in AP courses and had good grades in school. She told them about him wanting to be a stockbroker. She told them he had a thoroughly sweet girlfriend and she was right. This Veronica was quiet and shy and polite. It was obvious that Logan loved her. He was very attentive to her and seemed really happy to be with her. They had looked good together on the runway in their prom outfits and it had been so sweet when he kissed her hand and she blushed. That moment was one of the highlights of the runway show. They had real chemistry when they danced together. This was a different Logan. They could see a lot of Lynn in him.

Veronica was in shock. When Logan had leaned down and teasingly asked her if she was looking for someone else, it had hit her like a bolt of lightning. She was really happy with Logan and she wished they were dating for real. He had looked so hot today on the runway. She had felt the room heat up when he walked out with his shirt open. She had always known he was handsome, hot even. It's just she had never felt the urge to touch him and kiss him like she did today. She liked being in his arms, sitting next to him, having his hand on her back and dancing with him. God! When had this happened? When had she starting liking Logan Echolls? When had she started thinking of him as a boyfriend?

Logan was thinking his mother was an evil genius. He knew she had orchestrated this whole day to throw Logan together with Veronica. At first he thought his mother merely wanted to help Veronica feel better about herself and help him get his friendship back with Veronica. Now he was fairly sure she wanted to get them together as a couple. When he had seen Veronica standing there in that short skirt and open shirt he had wanted her, really wanted her. He wanted to touch her, kiss her and make love to her. When all the other guys had the same reaction, he had felt jealous. It wasn't just protective because she was his friend, he had been jealous. He didn't want anyone else looking at her or touching her. He had realized that he didn't want anyone else to date her.

When the guys realized she was with Logan, they had good naturedly teased him about how lucky he was. He looked down at Veronica and how she fit perfectly in his arms and he wished they were together as a couple.

He had watched her fend off the guys she danced with and when she had come back to him, he wanted it to be for real. He wanted her to belong to him and he wanted to belong to her.

This was such a mess. They still had so much between them. He had been such an ass to her and she couldn't even trust him enough to talk to him about it. She might even think he was one of the guys who raped her. His chest tightened at that thought. How could he think of touching her when she was probably so afraid after being violated. God this was really a mess!

Logan and Veronica danced with other partners for a few dances and then gravitated back to each other. A slow romantic ballad was playing. Veronica leaned into Logan and he pulled her closer. She had leaned up and whispered in his ear, "Can we sneak away Logan?"

He had looked down at her in shock. Then she met his eyes and whispered throatily, "I'm starved. Can we order room service?"

He realized she was teasing him and he tried to look angry but his lips twitched. She was just so cute!

Veronica saw he was only pretending to be angry and she pouted sweetly stating, "I haven't eaten in hours. You wouldn't want your girlfriend to faint, would you?"

Logan had broken down and smiled at her. He looked at his watch and said, "It's after midnight. I think we can safely leave without upsetting anyone."

They had finished the dance and then he had escorted her over to his mother. He had told her they were going back to the hotel and were going to order room service. She had smiled at them and hugged Veronica and then Logan. She had said, "I will see you later. I hope you had fun."

They had both assured her they did. Logan had taken her hand and pulled her towards the exit. He said, "Did you want to watch a movie while we wait for room service?"

Veronica had smiled and said, "Sure, that would be great."

They had ordered room service and watched a movie. Veronica had changed into shorts and a t shirt. Logan had just removed his jacket and tie. Once her stomach was full, she snuggled into Logan and watched the movie. Part way through the movie Veronica had fallen asleep and leaned against Logan's chest. He had held her there until the end of the movie and then had carried her into her bedroom. He had placed her under the covers and gently kissed her forehead.

He had left her there and went into his own room to shower. When he finished showering, he had heard his parents come in and go into their room. His mother had come to say goodnight and had talked to him for a few minutes about the fundraiser. It had been a great success and she was very happy. Logan hugged her and told her he loved her. She had checked on Veronica and then went to bed. Logan had gone to bed.

***

Veronica had arrived in his room about nine am. She was dressed and her hair was wet so she had obviously showered. She bounced on the end of his bed and Logan lifted his head to look at her. He said tiredly, "Ronnie, why are you bouncing on my bed so early in the morning?"

Veronica smiled and said, "It's practically afternoon Logan.

Logan had looked over at the clock and moaned. He had put his pillow over his head and said with his voice muffled, "Nine oclock Ronnie? Go back to bed."

He feels the pillow being pulled away and he opens his eyes to see Veronica's face above his. She is smiling at him. She says, "I'm wide awake."

He reaches up and grabs her shoulders. He pulls her over him onto the bed beside him. Veronica squeals as Logan wraps his arms around her and pulls her close. He buries his face in her neck and mumbles, "Need more sleep."

Veronica holds her breath momentarily. The feeling of Logan's arms around her, his face pressed in her neck and his body pressed to hers shocks her. Although she is fully dressed, Logan is only wearing boxers. God he feels so good and he smells so good. Logan nuzzles her neck and Veronica's eyes close. She hums in pleasure. Veronica turns her head giving him access to her neck. Logan kisses up her neck to behind her ear. Veronica moans quietly when he finds that place behind her ear that makes her eyes roll back in her head. Logan leans up and places his lips over hers. Logan coaxes her lips open and then deepens the kiss. He is surprised when Veronica responded and met his tongue with hers. God the girl could kiss.

Logan moans and turns onto his back pulling Veronica to rest against him. He says, "Give me a minute to wake up and I'll take you out for breakfast."

Veronica snuggles next to him and says, "One minute Logan. I'm starved."

Veronica lay next to Logan enjoying the view of his naked chest and abdomen. Logan lay quietly enjoying holding Veronica in his arms.

********

Thank you for the great feedback and for reading this story.

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