Chapter 9: Sign on the dotted line

"I'm sorry, Logan. I...I...uh don't know what..."

"Why are you apologizing?" Logan asked as he cupped her face in his hands. "There's nothing to be sorry for. I'm the one who should be apologizing. I was the jerk who started everything. It's my fault. You needed to get all this out. It's been built up for so long. I'm just glad you trusted me enough to let it out with me."

Veronica looked into the eyes of the boy she grew up with, the boy she went through hell with the past few years, and saw a man where the boy used to be. The smart-alec, cocky, arrogant jerk was still in there, but he was encased inside a warm, loving, thoughtful man who now sat before her.

They had changed. Logan was growing up. She knew that last night when he'd stopped their near encounter. That's what broke her down. She thought that was all she wanted - for Logan to grow up and be serious. But she realized that if he had to grow up, she had to also. She had to leave behind her girlhood mystery chasing and trouble making and take responsibility for her life. She couldn't blame all her problems on Lilly's death anymore. She had to accept the things that happened to her now as her responsibility. That harsh reality kind of all sunk in at once. That was a big part of her break down last night.

But the sun was shining on a new day. Hope and promise were all around her. And before her on this couch sat a tired, sore, man who loved her more than anything. She wasn't ready to jump off the high dive, but she was definitely willing to wade in slowly.

She leaned over and kissed him, a kiss which he eagerly returned.

"Thank you," she said when she pulled away.

"For what?"

"For everything," she answered. She hopped off the couch and headed for the bathroom.

"I'm taking a shower, be out in ten."

"And with that she leaves," Logan said aloud. He stood up and put his hands on top of his head and spun around. He walked to the window and looked out at the river. Now he just had to figure out how to break the rest of his plan to Veronica. This new-and-improved Veronica seemed not to fly off the handle at everything he did, but he wasn't sure how far it would go and how long it would last. It might not extend to this request.

"Ok, I'm done. You can have the shower. I'll dry off at the vanity."

He turned to find a Veronica standing just outside the door of the spacious bathroom clad only in a towel. Her hair was wrapped up in another towel.

"Damn, make it easy for me, Ronnie," he muttered as he headed off to take his shower.

"Sorry," she replied, sheepishly.

"It's okay. Nothing a cold shower won't fix," he smiled, gently touching her cheek as he walked by her.

While he was in the shower, Veronica got ready. She put on a white halter top over a denim mini skirt. She grabbed some silver sandals and combed through her wet hair. She rubbed her neck, which had a slight crick in it from sleeping the way they had the night before. It suddenly occured to her that if she was achy this morning, Logan should be down right stiff-as-a-board. She laughed out loud as the double meaning to her thought dawned on her when she remembered Logan and his cold shower. She quickly grabbed the phone and dialed the front desk.

She had just hung up when Logan stepped out of the bathroom, wearing similiar attire to what she had donned a few minutes earlier. She looked down quickly, hoping Logan hadn't seen her cheeks glow red. She made her way past him, rather awkwardly, back to the vanities. She continued to brush her hair while he grabbed some clothes. As she saw him about to drop the towel, she threw her head down and turned her hair upside down to dry it.

"It's not like you haven't seen it before," he joked.

"What?" she yelled over the hair dryer.

"I said," he started back yelling, just as she turned off the dryer, still not looking up. "I said it's not like you haven't seen it before."

Veronica turned the hair dryer back on and tried to ignore Logan. He laughed and continued to dress. When she was confident he had enough time to dress, she raised up and flipped her hair over. She combed it back down while Logan smiled at her as he pulled his polo shirt on. She tried hard not to, but she couldn't help but smile back. She continued to fuss over her hair while Logan finished dressing. He plopped on the couch and turned on the tv while she put on light makeup.

"You know, you're perfect already. That is just a waste of time."

She smiled and jumped on the couch and pounced on him. She looked him straight in the eye and leaned in to kiss him. Just before he could lose control and grab her, she pulled away.

"Let's go."

"Damn, you're gonna be the death of me, Mars."

They headed over to Belle Haven to meet the real estate agent. They pulled up to a row of townhouses that overlooked the water. Veronica held her breath as she could only imagine how much these cost. She tried to think of all the reasons she should fight Logan on this, but the beauty of her surroundings filled her thoughts and chased away all rational ones.

"Nice, huh?" Logan asked, as if sensing her thoughts.

"Uh, yeah," Veronica managed.

They walked up to the unit where the real estate, Connie, was waiting for them. She anxiously waved and greeted them with a huge smile.

"Mr Echolls, it's a pleasure to finally meet you."

"You, too, Connie. This is Veronica. She's the one I was telling you about. She'll be the one living here."

Hmm, Veronica thought. He said I'm the one who'll be living here. He didn't insinuate himself into the living situation. Interesting.

"So, you ready to look at your summer home, ma'am?" Connie asked jokingly.

Cute, Logan. You've already bought the place. So much for, "made an offer".

"Sure," Veronica told Connie.

As soon as Veronica stepped into the house, she was speechless. It was gorgeous. Much better than she ever expected. And, of course, it came fully furnished. She was much too far gone to argue with Logan at this point.

"So what do you think, Veronica?"

"It's…it's…."

"Yeah, I hoped you would think so," he said with a grin.

"So, do you like it, Ms Mars?"

"I love it," Veronica managed.

"Great! So, we're ready to sign the papers, then, Mr Echolls?"

Logan nervously looked at Veronica. He really hadn't hoped it would come out like this. He wanted a chance to explain. Only, she didn't look angry at all. In fact, she didn't look anything. She was staring out the window at the view, too caught up in the beauty to even notice he and Connie.

"Uh, yeah, yeah. That would be great."

"This is going to be a great investment for you. You will be able to flip this place in a few years for a hefty profit."

"That's what I was hoping," Logan smiled, still poised for Veronica's onslaught.

"So, you sign the papers and you own this place?" Veronica asked, finally turning around to face the plotting pair.

"Yeah, something like that," Logan hesitated.

"Exactly like that. You are lucky to have such a investment-minded friend, Ms Mars."

"I am," Veronica said, Logan scared by how normal and un-sarcastic she sounded.

"So, Connie says it's a cash cow, really. I just have to charge you a small rent…"

"Ah hah!" Veronica yelled, spinning around to point a finger at Logan. "I knew there was a catch!"

Logan threw his hands up, thinking this was finally it.

"Tricking me into looking at this swanky townhouse, thinking you're just the greatest guy ever and are buying it for me, just to drop the rent bomb on me."

Logan smiled. Veronica was yanking his chain. He knew the routine, but just wasn't expecting it.

"Well, did you think I'd just buy you a house and let you live here scott free? You had to suspect strings."

"Oh, I suspected…" Veronica grinned.

"Oh, dear, if there's a problem…"

"No, no problem," Veronica laughed. "Sorry, we're just being…us."

"Oh, okay," Connie laughed nervously. "Actually, what Mr Echolls didn't mention is that he is only required to charge a nominal fee to anyone living here. I'm sure you can arrange something affordable."

Veronica was a little embarrassed at the display because Connie was now uneasy. She only meant to have a little fun with Logan, but she felt she needed to make amends to the real estate agent.

"Oh, I know we can. Really, I was just joking with Logan. It's not a big deal, really. Sorry, I didn't mean to give you the wrong idea."

Connie looked relieved, reassured now that the commission was still hers. Logan smiled. He knew Veronica was yanking him around, but to have her try to make the real estate agent more comfortable was so…un-Veronica. Maybe they were both changing a little. Growing up?

Nah!

"So, I brought the paperwork with me. You can sign now, I'll leave you the keys, and you can drop by before you head back to California to pick up your copies."

"Sounds like a plan," Logan said.

He signed the contract and Connie handed over the keys. They shook hands and Connie left Veronica and Logan to explore his…her….their new townhouse.

As soon as Connie was out the door and in her car Veronica ran to Logan and jumped in his arms. He stumbled back, falling into the black leather couch with Veronica on top of him.

"What the…"

"Thank you, Logan. You are too much. Connie's right. I am SO, SO lucky to have a rich guy in my life."

Logan wasn't sure how to respond.

"It's nice to know I'm good for something," he replied hesitantly.

"Oh, I think you're good for a lot of things," Veronica said, kind of seductively.

"Veronica?"

"What?"

"You are going to kill me."

"Maybe not…"

"No, I am not going to let you rush into anything because you are on some euphoric high because of the awesome view," he said, picking up Veronica and placing her beside him.

Damn, I was right about him. He is growing up. Shit, that makes things harder.

"You're no fun since you've decided to be all mature and stuff," Veronica said, faking a pout.

Logan smiled.

"So you noticed?"

"Yeah, I noticed."

Logan laughed. He had noticed changes in her, too. She hadn't lashed out at him for buying this townhouse. But, what about when he tells…no asks…her to let him…

"What are you thinking?"

"Huh?"

"Thinking, Logan. You know that buzz of electricity that passes through your brain on rare occasions."

"Nothing."

"Don't lie. I think at this point I pretty well know you, so…spit it out."

Okay, here goes…

"Let me guess…" Veronica said, interrupting just as Logan opened his mouth to speak. "You're thinking about buying a jet ski so you can play on the water, you're thinking about buying a mattress for your bed in there, you're thinking about…"

"Wait, what was that?" Logan asked.

"I said you're thinking about buying a jet ski…"

"No after that."

"…so you can ride it on the water…"

"No, smart ass, after that," he said grinning.

"I said you were thinking about buying stuff for your bedroom."

"My bedroom?" he asked, pretending to be innocent.

"Give me a break, Echolls. Did you not expect me, the great detective, to figure out what you were planning here? I mean, there is no way in hell you'd buy this expansive townhouse just for me. And I really didn't expect you to let me leave Neptune for three months without you."

Logan was speechless. She knew? She wasn't clawing and screaming? Who the hell was the woman sitting beside him and what had she done with Veronica?

"Don't pretend to be shocked. You were sitting there figuring out how you were going to bring this up in conversation, weren't you?"

Damn her for knowing everything.

His silence made her laugh. Out loud. She actually laughed a lot.

"What is so funny, Mars?"

"You. You are adorable, Logan Echolls. Come on, we have an appointment to get to."

"An appointment?"

"Yes, an appointment. And after that, lunch, and after that…we can go shopping."

"Shopping?"

"Yes, for the stuff for your bedroom, silly."

Logan laughed as Veronica pulled him off the couch and out the door.

She instructed him to drive back to the hotel. When they arrived she led him back up to the room.

"Okay, I have a surprise for you," Veronica said.

"Oh, really?" Logan said, arching his eyebrows and moving closer to her.

"Take your clothes off."

Logan's mouth fell open and his eyes got real wide.

"Ha, not so fast, Mister. Maybe you should leave on your boxers and put on this robe," Veronica said, tossing him a hotel robe.

Logan stared at her, confused.

"My thank you gift. His and her massages. I thought you needed it after last night on the couch," she said, then moving in closer, putting her arms around his waist, added, "I know that must have been terribly uncomfortable for you. I'm sorry you had to suffer, but it meant a lot to me, Logan. You were there for me when I really needed you. And you could have easily taken advantage of the situation, but you didn't. You were so noble…so gentlemanly…so…wonderful. Thank you!"

She wrapped him tighter and kissed him softly. He was speechless, but eagerly returned her soft kiss with a harder, deeper kiss. He moved a hand to a stray strand of hair and tucked it behind her ear.

"I told you, Veronica, no more childish games. This time it's for real…for keeps."

"I know," she said softly.

"Okay, so did you say something about getting undressed?"

She playfully swiped his face with her fingers and threw the robe over his head while she headed to the bathroom. She undressed and placed a robe on and went back out to find the masseurs setting up their equipment. One instructed Logan to lie face down on one table and the other one motioned for Veronica to lie on the other. The stress of the previous night's sleep melted away with each kneading of flesh. Logan reached out to grab her hand and their eyes met.

"Thank you, Veronica."

"No, thank you."

"I thought these last couple of weeks were some kind of dream and I was going to wake up, sweating and out of my mind, and you'd be gone and I'd be miserable and realize none of this was real. Now, I know that's not it at all. I'm dead. I died and went to Heaven."

Veronica choked back a tear. Never one for the sappy, love-sick puppy routine, she was a little taken aback, but then again….Logan was never the sappy, love-sick puppy type. Yep, they were definitely different. Good different. She closed her eyes and hoped she'd died and gone to Heaven, too.