Out of Control
Chapter 7

Libby checked the clock on her dashboard as she pulled into the parking lot of Toni’s Bar and Grill, realizing she was very late. She parked her car anyway. She’d made plans to meet friends at seven but dinner with her folks had run into overtime. Then she had to drop Gram off, making sure that she was going to be okay by herself for a few hours. Her indignant reaction brought a smile to Libby’s mouth. She hadn’t wasted any time pointing out that she didn’t need a full-time babysitter.

She made her way to the bar; praying Leslie and Pat were still there. But it wouldn’t surprise her if they’d moved on to a livelier establishment. Tony’s was a good meeting place, or if you just wanted a drink, but it was too quiet and tame as far as bars went. Quiet, shy Pat would be okay, but Leslie liked the disco type bars where the music was loud and the dance floor was crowded. She was always on the lookout for her next Mr. Right.

A couple was exiting the establishment as she reached the door. She scooted in, replaceing herself in a gloomy atmosphere of quiet conversation, the clink of glasses, and a TV with some sports channel on in the corner. Although there were booths along the wall, there was also a square wood bar in the center of the room for patrons who didn’t want to order a meal. Most of the stools were occupied.

As Libby scanned the crowd for her friends someone put some coins in the corner jukebox, selecting a country song by a popular artist. She exchanged smiles with a couple as they left their booth and headed to the small dance floor at the back of the room. Someone laughed, catching her attention, and she turned to see another couple smooching at the bar. It was obvious they’d had a little too much to drink; they were all over each other. She watched them for a moment before shifting her eyes to the man sitting next to them. Her smile quickly disappeared.

It was Logan.

What is he doing there? Well, that’s a stupid question. He had just as much right being there as anyone else. He was nursing a beer, watching the game going on at the pool table.

There was a woman sitting on the stool next to him, but Libby got the impression they weren’t together. She was doing her best to capture his attention though, only Logan seemed oblivious. For some reason that made Libby grin.

She sobered instantly when the floozy, dressed in a skintight leather skirt and off the shoulder blouse, put her hand on the high part of Logan’s thigh. She laughed at something. Her move was obvious and got the reaction she was looking for. Logan swung around, his gaze touching briefly on Libby, and then doing a double-take, narrowing when he recognized her.

She felt a flutter in her belly. There was no way she could measure up to the well-stacked, blue-eyed platinum blonde, vying for his attention. She’d dressed for comfort in jeans and a short tee-shirt that bared her midriff. No makeup except a little l*p gloss. Libby had taken the time to pull her hair up with a clip, and most of that had managed to escape. She figured she must look like a used dishrag to Logan.

As though sensing his distraction the blonde leaned in close and said something into his ear. Not taking his eyes off Libby, he mouthed something back. Then, before her startled gaze, he slid off the stool and walked directly toward her. To make matters worse, Libby felt her body respond in a very natural yet noticeable way. It was too late to continue searching for her friends. Her only thought now was on Logan as he continued to close the distance between them with intent in his eyes.

Her gaze fell, quickly taking in his jeans and the way they hung low on his lean h**s, molding his thick sculptured thighs. He was wearing a black tee-shirt that looked like it was poured over him. His lion-colored hair was ruffled as if blondie had been running her fingers through it. The predatory gleam in his dark eyes was dangerous, holding her a willing captive. Libby wondered if his lazy expression was the result of too much beer. But Logan didn’t move like he was drunk; his actions were sure-footed and definitely held purpose.

“What are you doing here?”

Libby’s brows rose with surprise. “Well, hello to you too,” she countered, a smile spreading across her face. “I’m meeting friends.”

“Come on.” Logan took her by the hand and dragged her onto the dance floor. She didn’t have time to utter a protest when he pulled her sharply against him and began to move.

“What’s going on?” she inquired, pulling back far enough to meet his eyes. His gaze shot to blondie and at that moment it dawned on her that Logan was using her to send a not-so-subtle message to the woman. A soft chuckle escaped her. “What’s the matter, Logan? Can’t stand the heat?” she said recklessly. The woman was glaring at them so hard that it was a miracle lightning bolts weren’t shooting from the center of her eyes.

“I’ve been trying to get rid of her for an hour,” he admitted, holding Libby close but not tight. “But she’s too dense and hasn’t gotten the message.”

“I don’t think she’s relying on her brain to get what she wants,” Libby teased back, relaxing against him. “Obviously you’re not hungry enough.”

Logan’s head jerked back, the intensity in his eyes causing Libby to catch her breath. “Then maybe I need to show her what I’m hungry for,” he grated, slipping his knee between Libby’s thighs, at the same time letting his hands drop to her bare waist. As their bodies swayed intimately against each other, he guided their movements.

“Logan…” she gasped, her eyes growing round at his unexpected and very s****l move. Her first thought was to pull away but her body responded to his so rapidly that it left her feeling confused and slightly brain dead.

“Relax, it’s all for show.”

“Oh, then, that’s okay,” Libby muttered beneath her breath, mildly irritated. Didn’t he realize she was attracted to him? That her body was reacting to his closeness at that very second? Couldn’t he sense her response or feel how fast her heart rate had suddenly picked up speed? Of course he couldn’t, because she was the only one melting inside.

For him it was all for show.

“What’s that?” he asked, pulling back enough to meet her eyes. “Did you say something?”

“Nothing,” Libby grumbled, closing her eyes and leaning her head lightly upon his chest.

She barely breathed as Logan moved them slowly around the dance floor. She chewed on the inside of her cheek because no matter how hard she tried she couldn’t ignore the way he made her feel. Every movement of his solid thigh against the most private part of her made her aware of the pleasurable friction building there. Making her tingle and achy. She could only thank God he couldn’t feel her breasts swell against his chest, or know that her nipples were so hard they ached. Scott had never got a reaction out of her this easy, or so fast.

She tried to drown out everything but the music sounding throughout the room, and prayed that it would end soon. But when she felt Logan’s hard-on pushing against her, a flush of arousal wet her panties. Damn! She closed her eyes, mentally replacing his hard thigh with another part of his body. And before she knew it Logan shifted his lower body until her wish came true. An audible sound of pleasure escaped her. Libby’s eyes flew open to see if he heard it. What she saw was a stamp of raw desire on Logan’s chiseled features, proof that his actions affected him just as strongly.

Libby couldn’t take anymore. “Do you think this is wise?”

“Probably not, although I had a legitimate purpose at the time. Damned if I can remember what it was.”

Libby sighed. All else was forgotten but the man moving sensuously against her, making her aware of his every essence. Drawing a response from her body that hadn’t been very far from the surface to begin with. His hands tightened against her naked waist. She could feel the heat of his touch. Her panties became wetter where the denim covering his bone-hard arousal teased her without mercy. Libby was aware that she should move away, but she did the opposite instead, parting her thighs more and seeking out the fire between his legs.

As the song began to wind down she breathed a sigh of relief. But that was a mistake too, when all it did was fill her lungs with the musky, animal scent of Logan. It was arousing. She pressed her lips, fighting the urge to bury her nose against him and inhale deeply a second time. She trembled wildly as his hands glided up, until they were at the edge of where her shirt ended, just beneath her breasts.

She gasped sharply. He drew back to make eye contact with her. “Ticklish?” he inquired. She nodded, confirming it. A grin spread rapidly across his features. “Really?”

“I get very wild when I’m tickled. I can’t help it. It’s a reflective reaction. You might get hurt.”

Her comment caused Logan to rear back his head and laugh out loud. “Then I’ll have to be careful where I put my hands.”

Right now Libby wanted them to continue up her body, until he was cupping her breasts and running his thumbs over her nipples. His e******n jumped wildly as if knowing what her thoughts were. Libby shivered. A glance toward the bar revealed the blonde bimbo had moved on to someone else. Good, because Libby knew if Logan continued to hold her much longer she wouldn’t be able to let go of him. He felt good against her.

“Looks like it’s safe for you to return to the bar.”

“Looks like.” They’d stopped swaying when the music ended, but he didn’t remove his hands. “You saved me from a fate worse than death. How does it feel being the rescuer for a change?”

A soft laugh escaped Libby as she met his eyes. “I believe I still owe you one,” she teased. The desire darkening Logan’s eyes made her glance away with shyness.

“You said something about meeting a friend?”

“A couple of girlfriends,” Libby corrected. “But I’m late so I think they gave up on me and took off.” As she spoke her gaze moved about the room. “I don’t see them,” she said after a while. Her eyes everywhere but on him.

“Libby,” he said in a low tone, drawing her attention. She prayed the gloom of the room hid the heat of desire she felt filling her cheeks. His hands clenched at her waist, and the urge to arch her h**s into the cradle of his arousal was so strong that she pulled away before giving into it.

“Libby! Over here!”

They turned simultaneously toward the over cheerful voice. Two women emerged from the ladies’ room, dressed more like blondie back at the bar. Libby’s friends. She knew as soon as she saw them what their plans were. She waved them over.

“We thought you weren’t coming,” said her friend Leslie, the bottle blonde. “So we changed to go to Roxy’s.” She tossed a smile at Logan, her eyes making a quick sweep over him.

“Hi, I’m Leslie.”

Logan took her extended hand, and Libby noticed he made the contact as brief as possible. Leslie couldn’t have been any more obvious about her interest in him, a fact that should have annoyed Libby because friends didn’t do that to each other. She had no way of knowing there was nothing between her and Logan, and she didn’t seem to care if there was. But Leslie was man crazy and for as long as Libby had known her she’d always gone out of her way to be the center of attention. Especially with the opposite s*x.

“I’m Pat.” Her other friend also offered her hand, but she didn’t look at Logan with the same wolfish intentions. Libby knew Pat was shy, in spite of her party girl attire.

“Logan,” he responded simply, including both women.

“I guess I’m destined to being the underdog tonight,” Libby joked, referring to her attire.

Logan’s eyes ran down the length of her, lingering briefly on her breasts, then continued slowly down the rest of her body. By the time his eyes met hers again Libby knew she was blushing profusely, which produced a crooked grin on his mouth and a gleam of amusement in his eyes. “You look damn good to me,” he surprised everyone by saying.

“You’re just being loyal because I saved your butt from a fate worse than death,” she said with humor. “Some day I’ll treat you to how good I clean up.”

The sound of his laugh echoed throughout the bar, causing several heads to turn. “I look forward to that day.”

“Maybe you’d like to join us, Logan?” Leslie asked, determined to draw his attention back to her. “Have you ever been to Roxy’s?”

“No, but I’ve heard it’s a swinging establishment.”

Where people went to get a little action, Libby finished silently. It was obvious her friends were on the prowl.

“But I think I’ll pass, ladies,” Logan continued. “I prefer the quieter atmosphere of this place, where I can hear myself think while enjoying a cold beer.”

“Oh, you don’t enjoy dancing?” Leslie whined.

“That all depends on who I’m dancing with.” Logan’s gaze met Libby’s making her wonder what he was thinking. “And I’m definitely not the disco type.”

“Like things slow and easy, huh?” Leslie said suggestively.

Libby just looked at her friend and shook her head with silent disapproval. “I think I’ll pass tonight, too. I hadn’t planned on leaving Gram alone for so long anyway.”

“I’d forgotten you’re staying with your grandmother,” Pat said. “How’s that work—”

“Only on the weekends,” Libby hastily explained, giving her friends a quick, hard look.

“Are you sure you don’t want to go with us?” Pat asked, pulling Leslie away by the arm.

“Very. We’ll try this again next weekend,” Libby promised, watching them until they were out the door. Sighing, she turned back to Logan. “I’m sorry about Leslie. She comes on to every man within a foot of her.”

“Don’t apologize for your friend, she was right.” Logan reached out and fingered a curl lying against Libby’s temple. “I do like it slow and easy,” he said in a husky tone. Someone had put another coin in the jukebox. “How about another dance before you head back to grandma’s house?”

Libby automatically glanced back to the bar.

“No,” Logan began, guessing her thoughts and reaching for her hand. “This one’s for us.”

“Oh.”

Logan turned her into his embrace, this time bringing Libby’s arms up so they wrapped around his neck and they were flush against each other. Her small sound of satisfaction could barely be heard above the music filtering through the room. Only she didn’t care who heard her.

Before she knew it his hands smoothed down her back until they came to rest upon the curve of her h**s. Her nipples became taut against him, aching with tingling pleasure. They moved against each other as one. Logan’s breath stirred her hair at her temple; her nose was against his neck. She closed her eyes, savoring the moment between them, wishing for more.

“You smell nice.” Libby nuzzled her nose into the warmth of his flesh, just beneath the curve of his ear. Something wild surged through her, prompting her into sinking her teeth into his flesh in a tender love bite. “Don’t taste bad either.”

A shudder racked Logan’s body, followed by a growl. His hands smoothed over Libby’s bottom, bringing her up against him roughly. He put his mouth on the side of her neck.

Shivering uncontrollably, Libby tried to control the racing of her heart, but the moment she came up against Logan’s hard body she was lost. Her senses exploded into a kaleidoscope of tingling sensation when she felt his mouth on her, then his teeth, and finally his lips and tongue as he focused on a spot just beneath her ear. She tried to speak but the words wouldn’t come.

“This feels damn good,” he surprised her by saying in a slightly gruff voice. “It’s been a long time since I’ve been able to feel anything other than pain.”

Libby pulled back slightly, meeting his eyes. “I’ve seen your scars, Logan; it’s obvious you were hurt very badly. Yet I have a feeling they’re nothing compared to what you’re suffering inside.”

She watched his eyes flare briefly before masking it with reluctant resignation. “Maybe someday I’ll answer the questions simmering in your eyes, but right now I just want to enjoy this moment. Is that too much to ask?”

“You’re running, Logan.”

“I’ve been accused of that before.”

Libby could tell by his tone that he didn’t like her observation. “Sooner or later your past is going to catch up with you, and then what? You can’t continue dodging—”

“Libby…”

“It’s not healthy. A therapist might help you. I had to see one once, after witnessing a horrible car accident. I was ten and my parents thought I was traumatized. I probably was but you…Oh!” Without warning Logan took her by the hand, pulling her off the dance floor. “Where are we going?”

“Someplace private,” was his brisk reply. He fairly dragged her toward the exit. Seconds later he pushed the door open and they stepped out into the warm darkness. “Where’s your car?”

They paused briefly just outside the door. Her car? The parking lot had been full when she arrived, forcing her to park at the back beneath a flickering light. Libby’s eyes automatically glanced in that direction and suddenly Logan was pulling her behind him after obviously spotting it too.

“What are you doing?” she asked in a breathless tone, trying to keep up with his long strides.

“Nothing, yet,” he responded, not breaking stride until they reached her car.

Before Libby could catch her breath Logan halted and turned until he was leaning against it. He pulled her sharply into him. Her head snapped back and her mouth opened with surprise. “What…” She couldn’t think of anything else to say at the moment, totally enthralled with the wolfish gleam reflected in his eyes beneath the lamp post.

“Finally speechless?” Logan grinned, the white of his teeth evident in the darkness. “I was beginning to think I was going to have to take drastic measures to shut you up.”

“Shut me up!” Libby laughed in spite of herself. “Is that why you dragged me out here?” She made a halfhearted effort to step back, disappointment shooting through her that it hadn’t been for something else.

Logan jerked her closer. “This is why I dragged you out here,” he growled, lowering his head and slamming his mouth down over hers.

Libby’s mouth opened with surprise, allowing him the opportunity to slip his tongue inside to mingle playfully with hers. Only there was nothing playful about the rush of white hot heat coursing through her veins. The surge was instantaneous, hunger and satisfaction rolled into one giant ball of need. Her body flamed to life, melding against his like honey on a hot bun. She’d been anticipating another k**s, yearning for it, but nothing had prepared her for this!

Libby’s hands curled into the tee-shirt covering his chest, uncaring of the sound that indicated the seams were giving. Tiny m***s rumbled up her arched throat, getting a heated response from Logan. His arms tightened. He leaned further into her car, shifting his h**s and parting his legs. Suddenly Libby was nestled between his thighs, feeling the hunger of his arousal behind his zipper. His strength and size sent another rush of desire through her, causing her to instinctively arch her h**s. Damn! He was big and hungry, fueling Libby’s needs to match his own.

She felt a shudder escape Logan and then he was pulling back, his eyes brimming with burning emotion. He sucked in several deep breaths, his hands dropping to her h**s. “Why did you stop?” she gasped, wondering if he could feel the racing of her heart against his chest.

He released a short laugh. “Too hot too fast,” he explained hoarsely. “And we might as well be under a spotlight for the entire world to see,” he pointed out.

“As a fireman you should be used to hot by now,” Libby teased, hardly recognizing the seductive quality of her own smoky voice. Suddenly the flickering light above them made a popping sound and they were left in total darkness. They both laughed softly. The timing couldn’t have been better. “Well, something seems to be working in our favor.”

There was dead silence. She moved gently against Logan’s e******n, praying he didn’t notice her boldness. Libby recalled how the floozy in the bar hadn’t swayed him with her obvious charms. The last thing she wanted was for him to think she was just as loose. But her fears were soon put to rest when Logan’s hands slid around her waist and over her bottom, cupping her tightly against him.

“Oh!” she cried out, clamping her teeth down on her bottom l*p to keep from repeating it.

“What?” The raspy sound of his amused voiced asked in the darkness. “That smart mouth of yours finally runs out of things to say?” He breathed the words against Libby’s throat, gradually making his way back to her mouth. “Damn, I want you, Libby.

Here…and now.”

That was certainly crystal-clear. She parted her lips as a wave of pleasure washed over all her senses, leaving her stimulated and yearning for the promise of unspoken words. This time he kissed her with unchecked passion, a growl of hunger locked in his throat as his tongue explored every corner of her mouth. He seemed to lose control for a moment, his hands rough against her bottom as he ground his hard on into her like he was intent on making himself come. Her panties were dripping, her knees buckled, but his hands held her against him.

Libby felt like she was about to go up in smoke. The friction of Logan’s c**k rubbing against the highly sensitive spot between her legs had her nearing her own climax in no time. She felt the flame uncurl in her belly, arching her h**s and straining toward release. She was so close! The night air around them was filled with their heavy breathing, but suddenly Logan’s hands were pushing her away and Libby was left gasping for more.

“Noooooooo!” she g*****d low, sharp disappointment making the exclamation come out like the sound of a wounded animal. Why had he stopped?

“We have company.” His voice was low and shaky.

Company? Libby was too dazed to understand what company was, until she heard the sound of muffled voices. Turning, she noticed a small group walking in their direction, their dark silhouettes barely evident. Just when it seemed they were walking right up to them they turned toward a large truck and disappeared into the shadows. Libby relaxed, unaware she’d been holding her breath until then, but very aware that Logan’s hands were burning her where they gripped her h**s. It was the only place they were touching.

Her eyes sought his, sensing he was looking down at her. For a moment the silence surrounding them was broken by their heavy breathing and the drunken laughter of others. Then Logan caught her off-guard by saying in a savage tone, “Do you know how badly I want to be inside you right now?”

His words sent a sharp thrill through her. Libby would like nothing better than making love with Logan, sensing it would be one of the most gratifying experiences of her life. Judging by the foreplay, he would be a thorough, skilled lover. Even if her only comparison was Scott, he already exceeded any experiences she’d had on all counts. Logan made her come alive.

“What’s stopping you?” Her whispered challenge hung in the air between them. She was literally throbbing with arousal. “You warned me, Logan. S*x. That’s all you want. A woman can want the same things.” Libby knew under normal circumstances she’d never make such an outrageous comment, but right now, she was so turned on she wasn’t thinking straight.

Finally Logan’s deep voice cut the air between them like a knife. “If I thought for a minute you were serious, I’d…” He stopped, his fingers flexing against her. “I think for both our sakes you’d better go home now.” It was clear by his husky timbre he was still deeply aroused.

Go home, just like that? Libby opened her mouth to protest when it dawned on her there was nothing she could say that wouldn’t make her sound desperate. She couldn’t help but wonder how far they would have gone had they not been interrupted. His hands fell away from her.

“If that’s what you want.” She purposely stepped away, trying for nonchalance.

A heavy sigh escaped him. “I want you, Libby, in the most raw and basic way. Here against your car, on the ground, I don’t care where. Just be glad I’m not that much of a bastard.”

Libby wanted to beg him to do all of those things. Before she could comment Logan turned and walked away. Her eyes followed him until he disappeared into the shadows. She took a deep breath, willing her body under control. One thing was certain; it was just a matter of time before they made love, if she had anything to say about it.