The Interrogation Specialist 9
Dating LoVe
The tall handsome young man wakes up not to the soothing sound of the ocean but to the hum of traffic. Blinking he orientates himself to the unfamiliar sounds and the feeling of holding the petite woman he loves close to his body. The memories of last night flutter to his consciousness as he feels the warmth of her body against his and the even movement of her chest under his hand as she breathes. During their sleep she has turned and her back is against his front. His arm is around her with his hand resting on her abdomen just below her heart. He takes a deep breath in and smells her unique smell. No matter what perfume she wears or what shampoo she uses, under it all is Veronica.
Of course he was pleased at their physical reunion last night; happy that she planned and initiated it. The outfit she wore was so very sexy. The artist in him appreciated the contrast of the black lace against her pale skin, the texture of the soft lace over the smooth silkiness underneath, the dark tanned color of his hands against her milky white skin, the pale blonde of her hair and skin against the dark brown of the sheets on her bed and finally the contrast of her tiny body accepting all of him. It felt so good touching her, hearing her, smelling her and finally being inside her.
It had been a night of reconnection both physically and emotionally. The chemistry between them was definitely still strong but even that was eclipsed by the feelings that had floated between them. Veronica had understood his love of language and had given him the words to go with the actions. She told him how much she missed him and them. In their earlier times dating he knew she enjoyed their lovemaking but she never verbally confirmed what she thought or felt. It meant a lot to him that she gave him the words last night.
The best thing about this morning besides how good he feels and waking up with Veronica in his arms is that it is Saturday and they can spend the day together; just them. He understands that they are both busy people with a lot of obligations but now he wants nothing more than to spend time with her. It means a lot to him that she has freed up this weekend to just be with him. he needs this time with her. He needs the affirmation that he is important to her.
He knows just how to start their day together. He leans his head down nuzzling the side of her neck while his hand moves up to cover her breast gently teasing the nipple.
Hours later they are cuddled together on the couch doing a puzzle together on her tablet. She is laying back against him and putting in their answers. Logan is enjoying holding her in his arms and just being with her. After they got up and showered together, he made pancakes and they ate a leisurely breakfast talking about anything and nothing. It was the perfect way to relax after their busy weeks.
He looks down at her in her light blue silky robe and suggests, "Hey, do you want to go to the Art Gallery today?"
Tilting her head to look back at him mentions, "You know I have never been?"
Meeting her gaze he tells her, "I actually go a few times a year." He pauses and then admits, "I guess art was something I shared with my mother."
He sees the understanding in her face and he is touched. It is really good to be with someone who gets you. She comments, "You got her art collection in her will, didn't you?"
Nodding he says, "A lot of it isn't my taste but she had some really unique and valuable pieces." He reaches down and takes her hand in his adding, "Some of them are displayed at the gallery now."
"Then we should definitely go," she pronounces.
He smiles at her appreciating her support. He leans down and kisses her.
They are interrupted when her phone rings. She gets up and heads into the bedroom to answer it. As she walks back out, Logan hears her side of the conversation. He appreciates that she makes no effort to hide the conversation from him. He soon picks up that she is talking to Eli. She laughs and says, "I hope you are an hour away because if you come any sooner than that, you will not like what you see."
He sees her trademark smart ass expression as she retorts, "But Eli, I like my Logan just as he is right now."
Her smile grows as she listens to whatever he is saying. "We're heading out," she says decisively, "One hour or I can't be responsible for what you, Carmen and the children will see."
She hangs up and sets her phone down on the coffee table. Logan loves her smile after she has been teasing one of her friends. It is so happy and so open. He also loves that she openly tells her friend that she is dating him again.
Logan sitting in his boxers asks, "What exactly does Weeves think I am wearing?"
She smiles slowly at him and undoes her house coat. It falls to the floor leaving her naked as she walks over to where he is sitting and methodically puts one knee on each side of his legs as she sits on his lap. Leaning in, she tells him, "Ummmm, I don't know for sure but I do know he won't be here before an hour is up." She kisses him and they proceed to make productive use of their hour.
Veronica drives them to Logan's so he can change. She sits out on the deck waiting for him, relaxing. It really is a beautiful view. When he comes out, he sees she is content to just sit and watch the view. When she sees he has joined her, she shares, "I would never get tired of this view. It is amazing!"
He nods as he helps her up from the lounger. "I never get tired of the view either."
Veronica gives one last look out at the ocean before they walk away. Logan inwardly smiles because he is talking about looking at her not the ocean. They walk hand in hand out to her car and head over to the Art Gallery.
They spend a fun afternoon at the art gallery. It is the type of place that a person could spend the whole day and still not see everything fully. When they get to the area where Lynn's paintings are displayed, Logan sits in the middle of the room watching the visitors look at the paintings. He knows that most of them don't fully appreciate what they are seeing but he also has to acknowledge that they are there experiencing the talent, the beauty and the emotions that true masters are able to show in their work.
Veronica had freely admitted to him that her art appreciation course in college did not give her the base of knowledge she needs to understand the art at the gallery. He watches as she walks around the large room looking at the different masterpieces displayed. She is wearing the headphones supplied by the gallery with the running commentary on each painting. He sees the intelligence in her blue eyes and face as she concentrates on what she is hearing and seeing. She pauses a long time at a few of the paintings and Logan has to smile at her obvious pleasure she derives from the experience.
She walks over and sits with her boyfriend leaning into his side. He leans down and very quietly tells her about how and when his mother purchased each of the paintings he has agreed to display. Veronica listens carefully and truthfully is very impressed. She knows when they were younger he always listened to his mother when she talked about art and he went with her to the gallery functions. Of course Aaron didn't want to go. He didn't like anything where he wasn't the center of attention. She hadn't fully realized that Logan actually loved art as much as his mother.
Smiling, she listens as he teaches her about the paintings and artist.
Logan engrossed in talking about his passion is shocked when the bell rings to let the patrons know that the gallery is going to close in half an hour. He looks at his watch and says, "I'm sorry I have probably been boring you."
To his surprise her eyes twinkle and she says, "I am really enjoying learning from you." Reaching up she gently caresses his cheek stating, "You look so much like your mom when you are talking about art."
Taking her hand he brings it to his lips and kisses it stating, "Thanks." He is so deeply touched at her support. He doesn't really talk about his mother; but with Veronica, he can let himself remember how much he loved and admired her. He can talk about her art and how much it means to him. She understands and she is happy to be there for him. He gently kisses her and asks, "Can I buy you dinner to make up for boring you this afternoon?"
Shaking her head she reassures, "I definitely wasn't bored. I am sorry I am such a novice. Thanks for taking the time to teach me." Before he can say anything she tilts her head and flirts, "I will still take you up on dinner though."
His beautiful brown eyes are soft with his feelings as he tells her, "Dinner absolutely and then perhaps I can teach you how to play pool."
Laughing she accepts his challenge, "I think we are going to need a wager for this pool game."
Returning her smile he agrees, "A bet? Definitely."
Veronica is a lot better pool player than he knew but in the long run, Logan is able to prevail. He picks her up and carries her upstairs. It is amazing how quickly he has become used to being with her.
The night of the Lynn Foundation dinner and dance, Logan makes arrangements for a car to pick up Veronica a few minutes before it starts. He has to be there early so he just told her he would meet her at the door. Dick is one of the board members on the greeting committee so he is going with Logan. John, his date Mary and Dick's date Brandi are going to arrive before it starts. Casey, not on the greeting committee, is planning to arrive with his date in time for a drink before dinner. It's an important fundraiser and everyone who is anyone is invited; the invitation list included government officials from local, state and the federal levels as well as Hollywood Royalty who knew Lynn Echolls and the infamous youth who know Logan. In addition many important businessmen and woman were invited. It was a thousand dollars a plate and the invitations were very difficult to come by. Of course many of the guests would also be donating to the worthy cause. One of the local vineyards was donating the champagne and the cook from one of the most prominent restaurants in the city was making the dinner. Two famous bands were splitting the entertainment and it was promising to be a rocking night.
Veronica had her hair, makeup and nails done by the wife of one of the agents she worked with. She owns her own salon and agreed to help Veronica get ready. She is an experienced beauty consultant and immediately understood the sexy innocence of the dress Veronica planned to wear. She piled Veronica's hair up on the top of her head but gave it a more modern edge with tendrils hanging down. She gave her smoky eyes leaving her lips and nails a deep pink. The effect was everything Veronica hoped for. She knew Logan would understand the meaning of the look; a perfect blending of the old and the new Veronica.
Logan is standing with the greeting committee. He is pleased at the turn out. Over the years he has established this fundraiser as a must attend. If all goes according to plan, tonight will just reinforce that view; it will be a night to remember. When he gets a text from his head of security that Veronica has arrived he looks towards the door. The men follow his gaze and they all notice Veronica when she arrives. She looks stunning; she looks like a goddess. Xavier Frances looks at her and dryly comments, "Why does it not surprise me that vision is your date tonight?" Standing next to Logan Dick looks over at the entrance; his mouth drops open in shock.
Logan surprising the greeting committee looks briefly at Xavier and tells him, "She is my date and my world." Excusing himself he walks over to greet her. The men watch as a happy smile lights up her face when she sees Logan. He steps closer and then leans down to kiss her hello.
George hearing Logan's last comment and watching their greeting observes, "It would seem that Logan is finally off the market.
Dick scowls and tells the group, "She isn't the one. She always leaves him." The men look at Dick surprised by his tone. It appears that Logan's best friend does not approve of his latest girlfriend.
Watching they see Logan put a hand on his chest and he says something to her. She smiles and answers him back.
Slowly he puts out his hand for hers and then tucks it into his arm as they walk together towards the greeting committee from the Board of Directors. She walks placidly beside him looking around at the beautiful decorations. "Oh Logan it looks amazing in here!"
He smiles his agreement commenting, "I hope everyone has a great time."
She nods understandingly and points out, "It will make tickets next year even harder to come by."
His smile grows as he takes in the fact she understand the marketing idea behind the opulence of the fundraiser.
Looking around she shakes her head and adds, "Although I don't know what you will do next year to top this."
Pleased he openly tells her, "I guess you'll have to wait and see."
She stops walking and looks up at him earnestly agreeing, "I am looking forward to it."
Meeting her gaze he openly admits, "Me too." His heart jumps in his chest as it always does when she gives him one of her Veronica smiles. He knows how special they are; she gives them only to the lucky people she cares about.
Flirting a little she asks, "So what is my role at this soiree?"
He looks at her and answers smartly, "You are just my arm candy." Seeing the beginning of an indignant response, he adds smoothly , "And you are marvelously suited for the job."
Disarmed she pouts, "I thought I could help get donations."
He teases, "Are you planning on blackmailing them? Finding out their deepest darkest secrets?"
Leaning in she whispers as they get closer to the welcoming committee, "Watch and learn Logan."
She looks carefully at the greeting committee. Standing there is a distinguished grey haired man who has just gone through the line. Logan turns to him and shakes his hand, "Welcome Roger. Thanks for coming." He turns slightly to Veronica and introduces her around. When she is introduced to Roger Blackmore she looks at him closely and comments, "Mr. Blackmore, I believe we share a common interest."
He looks at her and asks his tone disbelieving, "And that is?"
She tilts her head a little answering, "Shooting perfect scores at the target range."
Immediately Logan sees the bored older man's interest increase. He frowns a little and asks curiously, "How do you know I shoot?"
Bouncing a little she tells him how she got a guest membership at the Black Barker and when she was there, she saw the scoreboard. She almost gushes, "I saw the replay of your run at the Gold Rush Saloon."
Surprised at the idea of this tiny, beautiful blonde interested in guns, he looks at her more closely.
She teases, "What I want to know is how you modified your piece. There is no way you beat my score without some unfair advantage."
To the group's surprise, he laughs out loud. "You know I have a lot of respect for your young man but today he is letting a beautiful woman stand here without a drink." He puts out his arm and says, "Let me show you how a man with manners can treat a woman. Can I buy you a drink?"
She smiles slowly and says, "I would like that." She steps over and tucks her hand in his elbow. They walk off together towards the open bar.
The rest of the board members look after them bemusedly. Roger Blackmore is a stodgy older man who is gruff and difficult to get to know.
Logan merely smiles and turns to greet the next guest.
At supper Logan sitting next to Veronica makes small talk with a heavily made up woman in a very tight dress. She is Dick's date and has been spending the last few minutes flirting determinedly with Logan. He looks at her without expression finding Brandi to be as stereotypical as her name. Veronica is wearing more make up than usual but she is highlighting her beauty not redrawing it. Veronica's dress is soft and classical making her look tempting but not trashy. He honestly wonders why Dick doesn't get tired of these women.
Logan extricates himself from his conversation with his best friend's date and turns back to Veronica looking relieved. Mr. Blackmore smiles to himself as he sees Logan's desire to talk to Veronica instead of the voluptuous woman beside him. He knows that Logan is serious about his foundation and he can see that he is also serious about the pocket-sized FBI agent he is dating. Now that he has spent time with Veronica, he is even more impressed with her. She is smart, and detail oriented. While he was talking about the gun and the ammunition he uses, he could see that she was learning and filing away the information for future reference. She asked a lot of pertinent questions about the effects of his modifications.
He is not often surprised and he has to admit that he was impressed the first time he was seated next to Logan Echolls. He had not been expecting such an intelligent, insightful young man. Now his date Veronica Mars is a lot more than what he was expecting. She is beautiful and charming but her blue eyes are disconcerting in their focus and intelligence. He is going to watch their relationship closely. With this remarkable young woman by his side, Logan Echolls will undoubtedly be a strong candidate to be his successor one day. He is a wealthy , driven young man whose past has given him some important insights into human behavior. Roger came tonight primarily to see how Logan is doing in developing his Foundation. He hates these benefits normally but has found tonight's to be well executed and very tasteful. He is impressed. He will give enough money to be guaranteed a place on the guest list next year; besides, it is a good cause. In addition, Roger is going to sponsor them for membership in the gun club. They both should be able to protect themselves and it will give him a chance to get to know them better.
Logan meanwhile is taking advantage of the few minutes he will be free to talk to Veronica. He is not surprised to see how good she is at assessing and responding to each of the guests she meets. Of course the men become puddy in her hand immediately; she is beautiful and tiny. What has surprised Logan tonight is how good she is with the women she meets. He has watched as she adjusted her manner to the needs and wants of each woman she talks to. She will talk superficially or get into a deeper conversation. Her manner is non threatening and respectful.
What Logan doesn't understand is that the women immediately see that although their man is attracted to Veronica, Veronica herself belongs to Logan. She flirts and enjoys herself but she glows around her man. They of course, know of the long history between them and the press has speculated about their relationship now that they have gotten back together. Unlike many of the celebrities in the room, Logan Echolls and Veronica Mars don't talk about each other and they don't flaunt their relationship but it is clearly there and clearly deep. Their comfort with each other physically and emotionally tells the story more clearly than words.
Logan picks up her hand and lifts it to his lips briefly. He leans down and whispers in her ear, "You are so beautiful tonight. That dress is amazing on you."
She immediately turns her head towards him and leans her head closer to his. She meets his gaze, "I am so impressed at what a consummate host you are. You are so much better than Aaron at making conversation and hosting a party."
He looks at her in question and she explains how he makes tonight about everyone at the party and Aaron always had to be the center of attention. She points out, "You are the center of attention even though you don't ask for it or need it."
He is touched at her praise. Leaning his forehead briefly to hers, he tells her, "I just hide the psychotic jackassery better now."
Pulling back a little she meets his gaze and shares, "Jackass Logan doesn't make an appearance very often anymore. I was exasperated by and attracted to him but this Logan, this handsome, dedicated, chairman of the board at Lynn's Foundation; he just takes my breath away."
Deeply touched and thrilled at her approval he gently places his hand on her bare back and rubs it. Leaning in, he kisses her cheek and then whispers in her ear, "This Logan can't wait to take you home tonight. You are so sexy. I am going to show you how much you mean to me."
She gives a half-smile as she feels his breath on her ear and responds to the huskiness in his voice. "Let's go now."
The group watching at their table can see the closeness between the well photographed couple. He smiles at her and laments, "If only we could."
He pulls his attention away from her and addresses a comment to one of the guests that Casey suggested he invite. He starts, "Javier, I was wondering how you enjoyed your trip to Cuba."
Javier, pleased at Logan's interest, talks about visiting his wife's family and the sights. Logan listens genuinely interested. Dick asks about the surfing and the hot babes. Logan smiles at his best friend's way of relaxing a conversation. Veronica later in the conversation suggests a specific place to visit. Javier's wife is immediately interested and talks to Veronica about her visit to the museum there when she was a child. Logan is impressed at how smoothly Veronica included Javier's wife in the conversation and how she then kept her occupied by asking questions about her childhood and family in Cuba. Since it is clear that Veronica has been there, the two talk privately while Javier talks to the others about the beaches and all there is to do.
Logan gets up near the end of the dinner and makes a short but interesting speech about the Foundation and all they hope to accomplish. He thanks everyone for their support and invites them to retire to the next room to enjoy the bands, open bar and to dance the rest of the night away.
Logan goes back towards his table to escort Veronica to the dance area only to find that she has found an escort. She is walking with one of the detectives he invited. Scott Cummins has been the chief liaison between the LAPD and his foundation since the beginning. He is a dedicated police officer and has been a real asset to the team. Of course he and Veronica get along famously. He was widowed a few years ago and has enjoyed the challenge this new opportunity has given him. He had been feeling out of place at this expensive function but now found a kindred soul in Veronica.
After a few minutes of conversation, Veronica earnestly shares, "You know I could really use your help." Logan arrives to hear her tell Scott about how she has recommended a colleague to be the manager of the second Lynn Foundation location. She explains how she knows she would be great at whatever she does but how she doesn't really know how to explain the Foundation and what it does on a daily basis. She looks at him and says, "You understand law enforcement and the work done at the Foundation. If you could meet her for coffee and tell her about the Foundation and explain what you do for the Foundation it would help her understand her role better. Then if she is interested, I could introduce her to Logan."
Inwardly smirking Logan watches as Scott is no match for Veronica's head tilt. Once he agrees to help, Veronica immediately pins him down to coffee the following Thursday after work.
She looks at Logan and adds, "Logan can give me your number and I will call you and firm up the time early next week."
Logan smoothly agrees to give Veronica the number and asks, "Veronica, can I steal you away for a few minutes? I have someone I want you to meet."
Smiling she agrees and looks back at Scott as Logan gives her his hand to assist her to stand. She says, "I hope you will save me a dance tonight."
Scott gallantly tells her he will. She smiles happily and tells him, "Good."
Walking across the room with her, Logan placidly comments, "Matchmaking?"
She immediately shakes her head and says, "No, I am hoping they will be friends. Each of them has suffered a loss and each of them is lonely."
He understands the distinction and adds, "It's a good idea Ronnie. Scott is a good man and he really cares about the women at the center." Logan introduces her to a few of the board members that were not on the greeting committee. They are interested to meet her having heard a lot about her.
While they are talking the band starts the music. Logan and most of the board members take their dates out on to the dance floor. Veronica closer to Logan in height with her heels follows his lead just enjoying the short time she will be spending in his arms now. She knows that they will both be busy doing duty dances. But for the next few minutes, she is in the arms of the man she loves.
Logan dancing with Veronica really enjoys holding her in his arms. He loves the dress she is wearing. It looks innocent; modest neck line and soft pink color but when you see the back, it is a daring, sexy, in your face type dress. It is absolutely perfect for her.
The often photographed young man is well aware of the interest of the guests in his relationship with Veronica. He knows pictures of them together will appear in the tabloids as he has allowed a few hand selected members of the press to be there. He wants the public to know about the Foundation but he doesn't want any of the guests to be uncomfortable. The pictures of him and Veronica tonight will show a young couple dressed up and enjoying an evening out. Veronica's look will get a thumbs up; he has no doubt about that.
Casey dances by with his date and he seems to be having a good time. She is a lawyer his firm uses in some of their contracts with writers. They are both busy professionals and seem well suited but Logan does not see any excitement or happiness from either of them. They have only been dating a short time; this should be the time of wonder and discovery in their relationship.
Logan leans down a little and whispers to Veronica, "I was curious about what kind of underwear you can wear under this type of dress."
She looks up at him and smiles, "You were curious?"
He slowly nods and leans down further to whisper, "I am hoping none."
Raising an eyebrow she slowly answers, "Well I know how you like to unwrap things."
Logan smiles at her and answers, "I really do."
The night is very enjoyable. The music is good and there is an open bar. The Hollywood Youth are there to party. A good time is had by all. Logan and Veronica stay until the end both really enjoying the evening. After everyone has gone and the hotel staff is cleaning up, Logan takes Veronica home and he does enjoy the private part of their evening. True to her word, he did like what she was wearing underneath the gorgeous dress.
A few weeks later Logan heads back to his office from one of the meeting rooms. He opens the door and enters stopping when he sees Veronica sitting on the other side of his desk working on her computer. He smiles and comments, "This is a nice surprise."
She looks up and smiles back telling him that she was over in this part of town so Derek dropped her off here instead of taking her back to headquarters.
He walks over to his desk and puts his tablet down. Veronica stands and meets him by his desk wrapping her arms around him and leaning into his hug. She looks up at him and flirts, "I was hoping I could take you out to supper tonight."
Looking down at her he tells her, "Sounds good. I have about an hour's work left here though. Did you want David to take you home?"
She shakes her head and tells him, "I have paperwork I need to finish up. If it is OK, I can work here and wait for you."
"It's wonderful," he immediately tells her leaning down to kiss her.
As he is working on the computer and talking on the telephone, he notes that she is engrossed in the information she is reading on her computer. He likes that they can work together. She respects his obligations to his foundation and best of all, she believes in his writing. If he at a good point in his writing or has a deadlines, she gives him the freedom to work. At times she works beside him and other times she leaves him alone until he is ready to spend time with her. She doesn't complain or pout. He, in turn, gives her work the same respect. This mutual desire to spend time together and the way they have been able to balance work and play just reinforces to Logan that they are good together.
These past weeks since they reconciled, Logan has become even more sure that Veronica is the one for him. He always felt that but truthfully until recently he was doubtful deep inside that she could ever truly let him inside her walls and he didn't know if he could handle the dangers of her job.
He found something unexpected, as Veronica opened up to him about her job, he began to see that although she is chasing criminals, she is better protected as a federal agent. He doesn't kid himself that she is perfectly safe but she is not alone and she doesn't run into any situations without backup any more. She and her fellow agents methodically plan out their pursuit. In the white-collar area she has her large, well muscled partner to help her arrest the bad guy. Most often the bad guy has expensive lawyers and the big battles are in the courtrooms.
He also found out that he likes to be a source of support for Veronica. The first time she came home looking like the world kicked her, he had unthinkingly rushed over and wrapped his arms around her enfolding her into his body hoping to shelter her from the badness in the world. She had initially stiffened but as his warmth seeped through her pain, she had grasped his shirt with her tiny hands and buried her face into his chest.
Seeing her pain had unleashed his protective instincts. Encouraging her to lock her badge and gun away, he had then led her into her living room pulling her to sit with him on her comfortable couch. He hadn't asked. He hadn't pushed. He just held her giving her his warmth, love and showed her she wasn't alone. After a long time just sitting in his arms, she had told him about interviewing the victims and then today she interviewed the people who took without any pause. He said nothing; just listened and it was enough. She trusted him; he was there. She needed him to hold her; he did. She needed him to hear her; he listened. She needed him to take care of her; he did. She needed him to be strong; he was. In turn he needed her to be as open as she was allowed; she was. It was a turning point in their relationship. She began to trust him with her thoughts, her worries, her hopes and in turn he taught her that it was OK to be weak sometimes; it was OK to need him sometimes. It was OK to let him take care of her and love her. She let him in and he was trustworthy.
He finishes his last call and looks over at her. He says, "Can we just pick up something to eat and go to my place?"
When she looks up at him he adds, "I am tired and I just want to be alone with you."
She looks closer and sees that he does look tired. "Being alone with you," she tells him, "I'm never going to turn that down."
He smiles at her and starts to pack up his tablet. He would never turn down alone time with her either.