Could This Be Happening? Part 56
Title: Could This Be Happening? Part 56
Author: christykq
Rating: M for language and innuendos mostly, some sex
Characters/Pairings: LoVe, ensemble
Word Count: 4450
Spoilers: Begins with 3.05 and goes through S3.
Disclaimer: I own nothing in the VM universe, it all belongs to the master RT. I also do not earn a profit from any one of the many brand names named in my story and no copyright infringement is intended.
A/N: Character’s thoughts are italic.
Part 56
VMVMVMVMVM
[After Season Three]
[24 days postpartum]
Logan scribbles over the last line in his notebook. “No. No. No.” Jesus. This sucks. I can’t even fuckin’ think anymore. Ronnie better stop bleeding soon or I’m going to die.
He throws his pen down and rests his chin in his hands, leaning over his desk. His mind is racing with story ideas and he’s having trouble sorting them out, therefore, he gave up on typing on his computer, for the time being, and he currently is jotting down ideas with a ballpoint pen in an old spiral notebook.
In his peripheral vision, a small floral arrangement catches his eye and he studies it from across the room. In a tall, modern, glass vase, a few remaining flowers from Veronica’s bouquets remain. Two or three of the flowers, Logan notices, are from his mother’s publicist’s arrangement. I gotta call Sandra. I never called her to thank her for the flowers. I wonder where I put her number.
Logan digs through his top desk drawer for Sandra Wilcox-Horton’s business card then moves to the second drawer, furthering his search. “A-ha!” Success.
He reads her card. ‘Sandra Wilcox-Horton, Media Relations Advisor, Monarch Entertainment, 1400 Sunset Blvd., Hollywood, CA, 800-808-8088.’
Logan timidly picks up the phone and dials Sandra’s phone number.
“Monarch Entertainment. May I help you?” A perfect, polite voice answers.
“Sandra Wilcox-Horton, please.”
“May I ask who’s calling?”
“Logan Echolls.”
“One moment, Mr. Echolls, Sir.”
Logan waits for a moment, listening to the lame music while he’s on hold and bites his lower lip nervously.
“Good morning, Logan. How are you this fine day? You’re up awfully early, I just walked in the office.” A bubbly, but strong, female voice bellows through the phone.
Logan smiles at the familiar voice and his fond memories of Sandra working with his mother during the good years. “Ms. Sandra, nice to talk to you. It’s been a long time. I got up for the 5 a.m. feeding this morning…” He glances at the clock. “…so I’ve been up for a while.”
“Congratulations on the little one, Logan. I’m sure he’s beautiful.”
“He is, thanks. Thank you for the flowers, that was a wonderful surprise.”
“My pleasure.” Sandra pauses for a moment. “It seems I heard a little tidbit that I thought you might be interested in.”
Logan takes a deep breath. “I’m listening.”
“There’s a hot young, new director in Hollywood that asked me if you were looking for a project to work on. He was a director’s assistant on a film or two of your mother’s and wondered if you were interested in getting your foot in the door.”
“Why me? Why is this guy looking for me? I’m not an actor.”
“Word is that you’re writing, Logan.” Sandra’s voice is soft and comforting.
“How do you people know this shit?” He asks incredulously.
“Is it true?”
“Sandra, all I’ve written is stuff for my college classes. It’s not any good and it’s certainly not up to Hollywood’s standards.”
“Why don’t you send me a few pieces and I can hook you up with a rep, right here in this office. Nothing too big or too Hollywood…”
Logan laughs at the fact that his mother’s old friend and publicist can read him so well in this one short conversation.
“…you can chose who you want to contact.” She continues softly.
“This hot new director, as you say, is he good?” Logan asks softly.
“He is really good, Logan, and I think he’s going to go places. Get in contact with him and see what he has to say. No harm in listening to his offer.”
“Alright. Send me an email with everyone’s names and numbers. I need to talk this over with my wife.”
Sandra laughs. “Logan, I am so happy for you. I know you’ve had some tough times and I can see Veronica makes you very happy.”
Logan smiles. “She’s going to flip when she hears this shit. Send me those contacts, Sandra and I’ll be in touch.”
“Will do, Logan and kiss that beautiful boy of yours for me. Bye.”
“Thanks Sandra. Bye.” Logan disconnects their call and leans back in his desk chair thinking about all of the opportunities he has offered to him just because he’s Aaron and Lynn Echolls’ kid. I hope Will gets to see the good side of having a public life and benefits from the attention.
He throws his phone on the desk and begins writing again.
VMVMVMVMVM
“Good morning, Sweetie.” Veronica says in a raspy, sleepy voice.
Logan looks up from his spiral notebook and sees Veronica leaning against the office doorframe in her tight-fitting tank top and pajama pants with her hair up in a messy knot on the top of her head, holding Will in her arms. Shit, she looks good. He swallows. Really good.
Logan smiles at his wife and rubs his hand over his erection to alleviate the pressure. “Hey, You.”
“How long have you been awake, Babe?”
“I got up with Will at five this morning and then, once he was settled, I started writing. Did you sleep well?” He grins at his sleepy wife and his eyes fall to her firm, plump breasts hiding just below the thin layer of her shirt and his mouth goes dry.
“I did. Thanks for letting me get a few extra hours.” She sways from side-to-side, patting Will’s butt lightly. “I heard Will in the monitor when I woke up so I figured I would feed him before I go to the office and touch base with Weevil. I can’t believe it’s almost nine o’clock already.”
“Would you mind if I went surfing? High tide is at ten-forty.” Logan gets up from his seat, walks around his desk and joins his family at the office door, kissing Will’s head and pulling Veronica into his arms, kissing her forehead. “You can take Will with you to the office, right?” Logan smells her hair, inhaling her scent deep into his lungs.
Veronica cuddles into his chest and Logan is just about ready to dry hump her leg if she rubs her body against him again.
“I guess I could take Will to the office. I’ll take his bouncy seat with us and we’ll be good.” She lays her head on his chest and allows Logan’s body heat to surround her form. “Could you pick him up at the office when you’re done surfing? Then I’ll be able to get more work done outside the office, today, too.”
“Absolutely.” He pulls back slightly and looks down at his wife. “You’re hair looks cute up like that.”
She looks up at her husband and smiles. “Thanks. I just put it up until I get in the shower.”
“Do you need me to wash your back?” Logan asks softly and pushes his erection toward her.
Will whimpers in her arms as Veronica rubs her hip against Logan’s hard-on. “I was thinkin’ we would use one of Alicia’s babysitting coupons tonight.” She waggles her eyebrows seductively. “A little overnight visit to Grandpa’s.”
Logan gently tickles her back with his fingertips and stares into her beautiful blue eyes. “How do you feel, Snookums?” Please, please please, if there is a God, please say you’re ready to have sex.
Will’s fussing grows into a loud cry and Veronica raises her voice to be heard. “I’m horny as hell and I think the bleeding has finally stopped.”
Logan’s eyes widen, a smile fills his face as his cock jumps in celebration. “Are you sure?”
Veronica looks directly into Logan’s eyes and smiles, as Will wiggles in her arms and belts out a long-winded cry. “I’m ready.” She turns to make Will a bottle.
Logan slaps his hands together and looks up at the sky. “Oh, Thank you!”
“You act like you haven’t gotten any in weeks.” Veronica rolls her eyes as she mixes the formula.
Will’s cry fills the room.
Logan walks into the kitchen and wraps his arms around her waist from behind, pushing his erection into the crack of her butt. “Twenty-four days, Bobcat. Twent-tee-four-days.” Logan repeats, emphasizing every syllable into her ear with a seductive, low voice.
She wiggles against his hard shaft, filling Will’s bottle. “But we’ve done other things, Logan.”
“I know but I want to be inside you. There is no substitute for making love to you, Sugarpuss.”
Veronica adjusts Will in her arms, puts the bottle to her son’s lips and he slurps the nipple into his mouth, silence filling the room.
“Why don’t you get Will fed and we’ll go have naughty naked time now.” Logan kisses her neck with wet, open-mouth kisses as his fingers caress her stomach under her tank top.
“Babe, I can’t.” She says, shoving her horny husband away with her hip. “I have to go to the office. I have to get some stuff done.” Veronica’s muscles start to tense with nervousness and she swallows audibly, not looking at Logan. “We’ll have fun tonight.”
Logan notices her change in demeanor and runs the back of his hand down her cheek, softly. “Babe, if you’re not ready…”
“No, I am. I’m horny too, Honey… it’s just…”
“Just what?” Logan turns her shoulder to look his wife square in the face. “Please, Sweetie, just tell me what you’re thinking.” His fingers caress her face.
“I’m just nervous.” She mumbles.
His brow furrows. “Huh?”
“I’m nervous. Okay, Logan? I’m nervous. It’s been a while and I just had a baby and my insides are probably big enough to drive a car through and I’m not really feeling all that sexy right now. Okay?” She blurts out quickly, holding back tears.
He chuckles and lets his unbelievably sexy wife vent her concerns. When she finishes ranting, he steps closer and engulfs her in a bone-crushing hug, kissing the top of her head. “Bobcat, we can go as slow as you want and I’ll be gentle with you. If it hurts or you’re uncomfortable, we’ll stop. I promise.” Logan kisses Veronica’s hair again and lingers on the spot for an extended moment.
“You’re smothering me and Will.” Veronica says, mumbled from under Logan’s arms.
He jumps back and lifts her chin with his finger. “Sorry. Sorry. But I’m serious, Ronnie. Whatever you want to do. Tonight, I’ll make love to you and I’ll show you how sexy you are to me.”
She nods. “Okay. Tonight.”
“Are you okay?” Logan bends down and looks directly in her eyes, searching for the truth.
She nods yes.
“Are we okay?”
She nods yes and smiles.
“I’m gonna jump in the shower before I head for the beach. Okay?”
She nods yes.
“I’ll pick Will up when I’m done.”
“Okay.”
Logan kisses her forehead with an exaggerated pucker and a loud smoochy sound and then kisses the top of Will’s head with a quick kiss before running upstairs, taking the steps two-at-a-time.
VMVMVMVM
“Put all the contraband away, the boss is here.” Veronica bursts into Mars Investigations with a big smile on her face, Will in his baby carrier in one hand and Will’s bouncy seat in the other hand with her messenger bag and diaper bag hanging from her shoulder.
“The last I heard, you get twenty percent of the profit.” Weevil raises an eyebrow in her direction as he hurries around the desk to take the baby carrier out of her hand and help carry her belongings.
“The cash should be rolling in fast and furious once school starts up.” Veronica counters Weevil’s raised eyebrow.
“You look good, V. How do you feel?” Weevil asks as he quickly eyes her figure.
“Great. Ready to get back to work.” Veronica walks into her office and hangs up her coat on the rack, plops her messenger bag next to the chair and scans the files on her desk.
“How are things going with the Mitchell case?” She looks up from the paperwork, waiting for Weevil’s answer.
Weevil sits the baby carrier on his desk while Veronica settles in and rocks the sleeping baby’s seat with one finger. “Mr. Mitchell was at the Camelot last night again but I couldn’t get a money shot. The woman he was with stayed in the room the entire time. I finally left this morning at like six and she didn’t leave.”
“Damn, did you sleep?”
“Nah. I had a couple Red Bulls. I’ll be okay.” He says calmly as he continues to rock the infant in his chair.
“Did you find out anything with the Sanchez robbery?” The blonde investigator asks as she pages through the case files.
“No prints at la casa de Sanchez, but two more houses were broken into in a two week time period. The other two houses aren’t even close to the Sanchez’s though, the Robertsons’ house is in the ’02 zip and the Nguyen’s live on Porter on the west side of Neptune.”
“Why do you think they’re connected?” Veronica glances at Weevil and goes back to reading the file.
“No prints and the only thing they took was the main, living room TV and the sound system.”
Veronica’s head pops up from her paperwork. “When was this?”
“A couple of weeks back. Why?”
“Nothing.” She replies a little too quickly for Weevil’s taste. Nothing, just Logan’s condo in L.A. was broken into at the same time and all they took was the TV and sound system. Veronica bites her lower lip. This might be bigger than a couple of simple burglaries.
Weevil quirks an eyebrow in her direction and Veronica ignores his inquisitiveness, remaining quiet and ending their conversation.
Veronica sits behind her desk and catches up on Mars Investigations’ current cases, stopping only to tend to Will. Weevil answers the phone and continually works at his desk, deep in thought, for most of the morning.
Veronica is so pleased with the way Eli jumped into his position at Mars Investigations while she was pregnant and assigned to bed rest. He was largely unsupervised and took charge of every project, handling each client with respect and every case with confidence and professionalism. He had proven himself to her many times over, and she couldn’t be happier to have him as a member of the Mars Investigations team. He is a true friend.
“Yo, Paco. Que pasa?” Logan arrogantly struts into the office with his shoulders back.
“Yo, Richie Rich” Weevil snarks with a fake smile.
“Why don’t you get me something to drink.” Logan orders in Weevil’s direction as he walks into the inner office.
“Why don’t you stick it up your-…” Weevil begins, through clenched teeth.
“ELI!” Veronica yells at Weevil and glares at Logan.
Weevil mumbles under his breath and goes back to working at his computer as Logan flashes his movie star smile and gives his wife a ‘What? I didn’t do anything’ look.
“Knock it off, Logan.” The tiny blonde says as she closes files and straightens her desk.
Logan taps the baby carrier, as he passes, causing it to rock and sits sideways in the chair, across from Veronica’s desk. “How’s it feel to be back at work?”
A huge smile washes over her face as she looks directly into her husband’s eyes. “Good.” She pauses as her eyes dance over his damp hair, down his handsome face and over his muscular chest and stomach. “Really good.” She exhales biting her lower lip, not talking about work anymore.
Logan notices her eyes dip down his body and chuckles. “See somethin’ you like, Sugarpuss?”
Veronica’s eyes snap to his face and she blushes. “Maybe.” She smiles a warm, loving grin.
Logan drops his leg from the arm of the chair and leans forward, against the desk with his hands folded close to his body. He lowers his chin slightly, gives his wife a seductive look and whispers. “What time are you going to be home tonight?” He waggles his eyebrows to emphasize his point as his dick hardens thinking about pleasuring his wife later that evening.
“I’m hoping to be home about five, but I need to call my dad and see if he can babysit.”
Logan can’t believe Veronica hasn’t called her dad yet. “Babe.” His voice is louder and filled with panic. “What the hell is taking you so long? What if they can’t take the baby tonight?”
“I’m sorry. I was working. I’ll call him right now.” She grabs her phone and dials her father’s cell number.
The young couple hears a phone ring in the hallway, right outside the office and a strong belly laugh as Keith walks in the office with his ringing cell phone in his hand.
“You rang.” He yells from the waiting area and waves at Weevil as he passes through to his old office.
Veronica snaps her phone shut and smiles. “Hi Dad.”
Keith immediately walks to his grandson, in his baby carrier, and rocks it lightly.
“I was just calling you to see if you could babysit tonight.” She winks at Logan. “Overnight.”
Keith glances at Logan then to his daughter. “Sure. I’ll come over and pick him up after work. About six, okay?”
Logan nods and Veronica responds. “Great. Six it is.”
Keith turns away from the baby and looks deep into Veronica’s eyes. “Honey…” He rubs her upper arm affectionately and continues with a serious voice. “I have some bad news.”
Veronica swallows and prepares herself for any number of things that may come out of her father’s mouth. “Go ahead.” She squeaks.
Keith clears his throat and speaks slowly. “I got a phone call today from the coroner in Phoenix…” He pauses and takes a deep breath. “You’re mother was found dead this morning…”
She gasps as her hands snap to cover her mouth and tears tumble down her cheeks as she stands up. “Ohmigod.”
Keith steps closer to his daughter and takes her into his arms.
“She died of alcohol poisoning in a rundown motel in the desert. Alone.” Keith mumbles into Veronica’s hair.
Logan stands at his seat, yearning to hold his wife and ease her pain but stays back momentarily as Veronica and Keith share a few minutes together, mourning Lianne Reynolds Mars. He lowers his head and takes a moment to remember his own mother.
“Logan.” Veronica whispers.
Logan raises his head and accepts Veronica into his arms, holding her tight against his body. Her snot and tears soak his shirt as her chest rises and falls with each sniveling breath.
Keith wipes his tears and waits for Veronica to cry away years of pain in her heart left by her mother.
Will whimpers in his seat and Veronica backs away from Logan, wiping her eyes and nose with her hand.
“Babe, why don’t you go splash some water on your face and I’ll feed Will.” Logan says softly, rubbing his thumb on her blotchy cheek.
She nods and leaves the room.
Weevil sees Veronica’s face and steps into her office. “Everything okay? I saw V was cryin’.”
Logan rummages through the diaper bag while Keith answers. “Veronica’s mom was found dead this morning in Phoenix.”
“Oh shit.” Weevil utters quietly and returns to his desk.
Logan mixes Will’s bottle and begins feeding his son while Keith leans against the stained glass window, staring out at Downtown Neptune when Veronica returns from the bathroom.
Weevil rises from his chair and silently stands in his tiny bosses’ path with his arms open wide.
Veronica smiles when she sees the big, burly ex-gang leader offer her a friendly hug as she walks into his embrace. “Don’t you dare make me cry again, Eli.”
Their hug lasts a few minutes then she rejoins her father and her husband in her office. “Well, that was fun.” She smiles at her favorite men.
“So, tonight, you guys going out to dinner or something?” Keith asks innocently.
Veronica looks down, suddenly, avoiding making eye contact with her dad.
Logan swallows and answers his father-in-laws question effortlessly while he burps Will. “We’re eating in.”
Keith quickly realizes what Logan is implying and shakes his head. “Oh, geez. You better use protection.” He throws a stern look toward Veronica then Logan. “I’ll be over at six.” He kisses the top of Veronica’s head and leaves Mars Investigations.
“Oh, shit. That reminds me, I gotta stop at the drug store.” Logan smirks.
“Don’t tell me, Playboy, Mac Daddy, Ladies Man Logan Echolls is out of condoms.” Veronica jokes.
“No, I have some…” He wiggles his eyebrows and smirks. “…I’m just gonna need more.”
“You might want to pick up some spermicide too, Mr. Super sperm.”
“Good point.” He replies as he picks up the diaper bag. “I’m gonna change him and then I’m headin’ out.” Logan leans over, kisses Veronica’s cheek and whispers in her ear. “Any other requests for tonight?”
She giggles as his breath tickles her ear. “Ice cream.”
Logan sucks her earlobe.
“Whipped cream.”
Logan sucks down her neck as Veronica stretches her neck to encourage him.
“Chocolate syrup.”
“Mmm. That’s gonna be yummy when I lick it off your body.” Logan purrs.
“Okay, you have to go or I’ll never get out of here.” Veronica moans and nudges Logan away from her neck.
He holds Will out, in front of Veronica’s face. “Kiss Mommy goodbye, Will.”
Veronica grabs her baby and peppers kisses all over his face and head. “I love you, Sweat Pea. You and Daddy better not get into too much trouble, home all by yourselves. I’ll be home soon.”
Logan bends to kiss her lips. “I love you. I’ll see you at home.”
“I love you too.”
Logan collects all of Will’s things and carries his son to the outside office sofa to change the squirming infant, yells a ‘later’ in the general direction of Veronica’s office and leaves.
Veronica lingers around the office for additional fifteen minutes before she scurries out the door. “Later, Weevil. I have some errands to run.”
VMVMVMVMVM
Veronica walks in the kitchen, shutting the garage door behind her, looking around the house for her husband and her child.
The house is silent.
“Logan?” She yells.
“In here.” He shouts from the office as Backup runs to her from Logan’s side.
She bends and gives Backup a kiss on his nose and scratches behind his ears. “You’re slackin’, Backup. I was already in the house when you noticed I was home.” The pitbull nudges her hand with his head. “You were sleeping, weren’t you? That’s what I thought.” She kisses him again and goes to their home office.
“Hi.” Logan smirks at her from behind his desk. “You’re dad should be here in about a half hour.”
“I know. Is Will sleeping?” She leans against the doorframe of the office.
“Yep. I gave him a bath and bottle at five-fifteen, clean diaper then I put him in those cute little dog pajamas with the paw prints on the bottom of the feet.”
Veronica smiles, picturing one of her favorite outfits on her son.
“I packed him an overnight bag too.” He points his chin toward the bag on the kitchen table.
“A few extra outfits?”
“Yep.”
“Formula? Bottles?”
“Yeah and I think we really need to buy your dad a car seat to keep in their car. Getting that thing out of the Benz and putting it back in tomorrow is gonna be a bitch.”
Veronica nods. “Okay. We should probably buy them a Pack n’ Play crib playpen thingy too so they have a bed for Will at their house all the time.”
“Good point.” Logan gets up from his seat and strides across the office, kissing his wife gently on the lips. “Since you’re home, I need to run out real quick.”
She furrows her brow in question. “I thought you were stopping at the drug store when you left the office.”
He mockingly gasps. “I can’t buy prophylactics with my son present.”
Veronica laughs and rolls her eyes. “Well, you better go get your goodies ‘cause my dad is going to get here soon.”
“You don’t have to tell me twice, Bobcat.” He touches his index finger to the tip of her nose and runs out the door.
As soon as Logan’s car leaves the driveway, she runs to her car and gathers the bags full of her purchases and rushes upstairs to set up.
VMVMVMVMVM
Keith knocks on the front door of the Echolls’ house and walks in. “Hey, Honey, Grandpa’s here.”
“We’ll be right down.” Veronica yells from upstairs as Backup darts down the steps to greet his old master.
Keith meanders into the kitchen and waits for his daughter and grandson as Backup says hello with a sloppy kiss on Keith’s hand and a rub along his shin. “Hey, Buddy, I’ve missed you.”
Veronica bounces down the steps with her son in her arms and a big duffle bag on her back. She’s in her bathrobe with a towel wrapped around her wet hair.
“Hi Dad.” She hands Will to her father and presses a kiss to Will’s forehead then Keith’s cheek. “Here’s the Pack ‘n Play crib that he can sleep in. That bag over there…” She points to the bag Logan packed earlier. “…is formula, bottles, extra clothes and diapers. Will just got a bath and he’s in pajamas. He’ll probably want a bottle in another hour or so. The baby carrier snaps right into the car seat base, so you don’t have to take him out of the carrier until you get in the house.”
“Okay. Sounds good. I think Alicia and I can figure it out.”
“Do you need help carrying this stuff outside?”
“No, I can get it.” He snaps Will in his baby carrier and throws the duffle bag over his shoulder and picking up the smaller bag on his way to the front door.
“Thanks Dad. We really appreciate this. We’ll be over tomorrow morning to pick him up.” She leans over and kisses Will’s cheek then Keith’s cheek. “Thanks.”
“See you tomorrow.” Keith lumbers through the door and Veronica bolts up the steps, shaking off the towel on her head as she goes.
Part 57a
Author: christykq
Rating: M for language and innuendos mostly, some sex
Characters/Pairings: LoVe, ensemble
Word Count: 4450
Spoilers: Begins with 3.05 and goes through S3.
Disclaimer: I own nothing in the VM universe, it all belongs to the master RT. I also do not earn a profit from any one of the many brand names named in my story and no copyright infringement is intended.
A/N: Character’s thoughts are italic.
Part 56
VMVMVMVMVM
[After Season Three]
[24 days postpartum]
Logan scribbles over the last line in his notebook. “No. No. No.” Jesus. This sucks. I can’t even fuckin’ think anymore. Ronnie better stop bleeding soon or I’m going to die.
He throws his pen down and rests his chin in his hands, leaning over his desk. His mind is racing with story ideas and he’s having trouble sorting them out, therefore, he gave up on typing on his computer, for the time being, and he currently is jotting down ideas with a ballpoint pen in an old spiral notebook.
In his peripheral vision, a small floral arrangement catches his eye and he studies it from across the room. In a tall, modern, glass vase, a few remaining flowers from Veronica’s bouquets remain. Two or three of the flowers, Logan notices, are from his mother’s publicist’s arrangement. I gotta call Sandra. I never called her to thank her for the flowers. I wonder where I put her number.
Logan digs through his top desk drawer for Sandra Wilcox-Horton’s business card then moves to the second drawer, furthering his search. “A-ha!” Success.
He reads her card. ‘Sandra Wilcox-Horton, Media Relations Advisor, Monarch Entertainment, 1400 Sunset Blvd., Hollywood, CA, 800-808-8088.’
Logan timidly picks up the phone and dials Sandra’s phone number.
“Monarch Entertainment. May I help you?” A perfect, polite voice answers.
“Sandra Wilcox-Horton, please.”
“May I ask who’s calling?”
“Logan Echolls.”
“One moment, Mr. Echolls, Sir.”
Logan waits for a moment, listening to the lame music while he’s on hold and bites his lower lip nervously.
“Good morning, Logan. How are you this fine day? You’re up awfully early, I just walked in the office.” A bubbly, but strong, female voice bellows through the phone.
Logan smiles at the familiar voice and his fond memories of Sandra working with his mother during the good years. “Ms. Sandra, nice to talk to you. It’s been a long time. I got up for the 5 a.m. feeding this morning…” He glances at the clock. “…so I’ve been up for a while.”
“Congratulations on the little one, Logan. I’m sure he’s beautiful.”
“He is, thanks. Thank you for the flowers, that was a wonderful surprise.”
“My pleasure.” Sandra pauses for a moment. “It seems I heard a little tidbit that I thought you might be interested in.”
Logan takes a deep breath. “I’m listening.”
“There’s a hot young, new director in Hollywood that asked me if you were looking for a project to work on. He was a director’s assistant on a film or two of your mother’s and wondered if you were interested in getting your foot in the door.”
“Why me? Why is this guy looking for me? I’m not an actor.”
“Word is that you’re writing, Logan.” Sandra’s voice is soft and comforting.
“How do you people know this shit?” He asks incredulously.
“Is it true?”
“Sandra, all I’ve written is stuff for my college classes. It’s not any good and it’s certainly not up to Hollywood’s standards.”
“Why don’t you send me a few pieces and I can hook you up with a rep, right here in this office. Nothing too big or too Hollywood…”
Logan laughs at the fact that his mother’s old friend and publicist can read him so well in this one short conversation.
“…you can chose who you want to contact.” She continues softly.
“This hot new director, as you say, is he good?” Logan asks softly.
“He is really good, Logan, and I think he’s going to go places. Get in contact with him and see what he has to say. No harm in listening to his offer.”
“Alright. Send me an email with everyone’s names and numbers. I need to talk this over with my wife.”
Sandra laughs. “Logan, I am so happy for you. I know you’ve had some tough times and I can see Veronica makes you very happy.”
Logan smiles. “She’s going to flip when she hears this shit. Send me those contacts, Sandra and I’ll be in touch.”
“Will do, Logan and kiss that beautiful boy of yours for me. Bye.”
“Thanks Sandra. Bye.” Logan disconnects their call and leans back in his desk chair thinking about all of the opportunities he has offered to him just because he’s Aaron and Lynn Echolls’ kid. I hope Will gets to see the good side of having a public life and benefits from the attention.
He throws his phone on the desk and begins writing again.
VMVMVMVMVM
“Good morning, Sweetie.” Veronica says in a raspy, sleepy voice.
Logan looks up from his spiral notebook and sees Veronica leaning against the office doorframe in her tight-fitting tank top and pajama pants with her hair up in a messy knot on the top of her head, holding Will in her arms. Shit, she looks good. He swallows. Really good.
Logan smiles at his wife and rubs his hand over his erection to alleviate the pressure. “Hey, You.”
“How long have you been awake, Babe?”
“I got up with Will at five this morning and then, once he was settled, I started writing. Did you sleep well?” He grins at his sleepy wife and his eyes fall to her firm, plump breasts hiding just below the thin layer of her shirt and his mouth goes dry.
“I did. Thanks for letting me get a few extra hours.” She sways from side-to-side, patting Will’s butt lightly. “I heard Will in the monitor when I woke up so I figured I would feed him before I go to the office and touch base with Weevil. I can’t believe it’s almost nine o’clock already.”
“Would you mind if I went surfing? High tide is at ten-forty.” Logan gets up from his seat, walks around his desk and joins his family at the office door, kissing Will’s head and pulling Veronica into his arms, kissing her forehead. “You can take Will with you to the office, right?” Logan smells her hair, inhaling her scent deep into his lungs.
Veronica cuddles into his chest and Logan is just about ready to dry hump her leg if she rubs her body against him again.
“I guess I could take Will to the office. I’ll take his bouncy seat with us and we’ll be good.” She lays her head on his chest and allows Logan’s body heat to surround her form. “Could you pick him up at the office when you’re done surfing? Then I’ll be able to get more work done outside the office, today, too.”
“Absolutely.” He pulls back slightly and looks down at his wife. “You’re hair looks cute up like that.”
She looks up at her husband and smiles. “Thanks. I just put it up until I get in the shower.”
“Do you need me to wash your back?” Logan asks softly and pushes his erection toward her.
Will whimpers in her arms as Veronica rubs her hip against Logan’s hard-on. “I was thinkin’ we would use one of Alicia’s babysitting coupons tonight.” She waggles her eyebrows seductively. “A little overnight visit to Grandpa’s.”
Logan gently tickles her back with his fingertips and stares into her beautiful blue eyes. “How do you feel, Snookums?” Please, please please, if there is a God, please say you’re ready to have sex.
Will’s fussing grows into a loud cry and Veronica raises her voice to be heard. “I’m horny as hell and I think the bleeding has finally stopped.”
Logan’s eyes widen, a smile fills his face as his cock jumps in celebration. “Are you sure?”
Veronica looks directly into Logan’s eyes and smiles, as Will wiggles in her arms and belts out a long-winded cry. “I’m ready.” She turns to make Will a bottle.
Logan slaps his hands together and looks up at the sky. “Oh, Thank you!”
“You act like you haven’t gotten any in weeks.” Veronica rolls her eyes as she mixes the formula.
Will’s cry fills the room.
Logan walks into the kitchen and wraps his arms around her waist from behind, pushing his erection into the crack of her butt. “Twenty-four days, Bobcat. Twent-tee-four-days.” Logan repeats, emphasizing every syllable into her ear with a seductive, low voice.
She wiggles against his hard shaft, filling Will’s bottle. “But we’ve done other things, Logan.”
“I know but I want to be inside you. There is no substitute for making love to you, Sugarpuss.”
Veronica adjusts Will in her arms, puts the bottle to her son’s lips and he slurps the nipple into his mouth, silence filling the room.
“Why don’t you get Will fed and we’ll go have naughty naked time now.” Logan kisses her neck with wet, open-mouth kisses as his fingers caress her stomach under her tank top.
“Babe, I can’t.” She says, shoving her horny husband away with her hip. “I have to go to the office. I have to get some stuff done.” Veronica’s muscles start to tense with nervousness and she swallows audibly, not looking at Logan. “We’ll have fun tonight.”
Logan notices her change in demeanor and runs the back of his hand down her cheek, softly. “Babe, if you’re not ready…”
“No, I am. I’m horny too, Honey… it’s just…”
“Just what?” Logan turns her shoulder to look his wife square in the face. “Please, Sweetie, just tell me what you’re thinking.” His fingers caress her face.
“I’m just nervous.” She mumbles.
His brow furrows. “Huh?”
“I’m nervous. Okay, Logan? I’m nervous. It’s been a while and I just had a baby and my insides are probably big enough to drive a car through and I’m not really feeling all that sexy right now. Okay?” She blurts out quickly, holding back tears.
He chuckles and lets his unbelievably sexy wife vent her concerns. When she finishes ranting, he steps closer and engulfs her in a bone-crushing hug, kissing the top of her head. “Bobcat, we can go as slow as you want and I’ll be gentle with you. If it hurts or you’re uncomfortable, we’ll stop. I promise.” Logan kisses Veronica’s hair again and lingers on the spot for an extended moment.
“You’re smothering me and Will.” Veronica says, mumbled from under Logan’s arms.
He jumps back and lifts her chin with his finger. “Sorry. Sorry. But I’m serious, Ronnie. Whatever you want to do. Tonight, I’ll make love to you and I’ll show you how sexy you are to me.”
She nods. “Okay. Tonight.”
“Are you okay?” Logan bends down and looks directly in her eyes, searching for the truth.
She nods yes.
“Are we okay?”
She nods yes and smiles.
“I’m gonna jump in the shower before I head for the beach. Okay?”
She nods yes.
“I’ll pick Will up when I’m done.”
“Okay.”
Logan kisses her forehead with an exaggerated pucker and a loud smoochy sound and then kisses the top of Will’s head with a quick kiss before running upstairs, taking the steps two-at-a-time.
VMVMVMVM
“Put all the contraband away, the boss is here.” Veronica bursts into Mars Investigations with a big smile on her face, Will in his baby carrier in one hand and Will’s bouncy seat in the other hand with her messenger bag and diaper bag hanging from her shoulder.
“The last I heard, you get twenty percent of the profit.” Weevil raises an eyebrow in her direction as he hurries around the desk to take the baby carrier out of her hand and help carry her belongings.
“The cash should be rolling in fast and furious once school starts up.” Veronica counters Weevil’s raised eyebrow.
“You look good, V. How do you feel?” Weevil asks as he quickly eyes her figure.
“Great. Ready to get back to work.” Veronica walks into her office and hangs up her coat on the rack, plops her messenger bag next to the chair and scans the files on her desk.
“How are things going with the Mitchell case?” She looks up from the paperwork, waiting for Weevil’s answer.
Weevil sits the baby carrier on his desk while Veronica settles in and rocks the sleeping baby’s seat with one finger. “Mr. Mitchell was at the Camelot last night again but I couldn’t get a money shot. The woman he was with stayed in the room the entire time. I finally left this morning at like six and she didn’t leave.”
“Damn, did you sleep?”
“Nah. I had a couple Red Bulls. I’ll be okay.” He says calmly as he continues to rock the infant in his chair.
“Did you find out anything with the Sanchez robbery?” The blonde investigator asks as she pages through the case files.
“No prints at la casa de Sanchez, but two more houses were broken into in a two week time period. The other two houses aren’t even close to the Sanchez’s though, the Robertsons’ house is in the ’02 zip and the Nguyen’s live on Porter on the west side of Neptune.”
“Why do you think they’re connected?” Veronica glances at Weevil and goes back to reading the file.
“No prints and the only thing they took was the main, living room TV and the sound system.”
Veronica’s head pops up from her paperwork. “When was this?”
“A couple of weeks back. Why?”
“Nothing.” She replies a little too quickly for Weevil’s taste. Nothing, just Logan’s condo in L.A. was broken into at the same time and all they took was the TV and sound system. Veronica bites her lower lip. This might be bigger than a couple of simple burglaries.
Weevil quirks an eyebrow in her direction and Veronica ignores his inquisitiveness, remaining quiet and ending their conversation.
Veronica sits behind her desk and catches up on Mars Investigations’ current cases, stopping only to tend to Will. Weevil answers the phone and continually works at his desk, deep in thought, for most of the morning.
Veronica is so pleased with the way Eli jumped into his position at Mars Investigations while she was pregnant and assigned to bed rest. He was largely unsupervised and took charge of every project, handling each client with respect and every case with confidence and professionalism. He had proven himself to her many times over, and she couldn’t be happier to have him as a member of the Mars Investigations team. He is a true friend.
“Yo, Paco. Que pasa?” Logan arrogantly struts into the office with his shoulders back.
“Yo, Richie Rich” Weevil snarks with a fake smile.
“Why don’t you get me something to drink.” Logan orders in Weevil’s direction as he walks into the inner office.
“Why don’t you stick it up your-…” Weevil begins, through clenched teeth.
“ELI!” Veronica yells at Weevil and glares at Logan.
Weevil mumbles under his breath and goes back to working at his computer as Logan flashes his movie star smile and gives his wife a ‘What? I didn’t do anything’ look.
“Knock it off, Logan.” The tiny blonde says as she closes files and straightens her desk.
Logan taps the baby carrier, as he passes, causing it to rock and sits sideways in the chair, across from Veronica’s desk. “How’s it feel to be back at work?”
A huge smile washes over her face as she looks directly into her husband’s eyes. “Good.” She pauses as her eyes dance over his damp hair, down his handsome face and over his muscular chest and stomach. “Really good.” She exhales biting her lower lip, not talking about work anymore.
Logan notices her eyes dip down his body and chuckles. “See somethin’ you like, Sugarpuss?”
Veronica’s eyes snap to his face and she blushes. “Maybe.” She smiles a warm, loving grin.
Logan drops his leg from the arm of the chair and leans forward, against the desk with his hands folded close to his body. He lowers his chin slightly, gives his wife a seductive look and whispers. “What time are you going to be home tonight?” He waggles his eyebrows to emphasize his point as his dick hardens thinking about pleasuring his wife later that evening.
“I’m hoping to be home about five, but I need to call my dad and see if he can babysit.”
Logan can’t believe Veronica hasn’t called her dad yet. “Babe.” His voice is louder and filled with panic. “What the hell is taking you so long? What if they can’t take the baby tonight?”
“I’m sorry. I was working. I’ll call him right now.” She grabs her phone and dials her father’s cell number.
The young couple hears a phone ring in the hallway, right outside the office and a strong belly laugh as Keith walks in the office with his ringing cell phone in his hand.
“You rang.” He yells from the waiting area and waves at Weevil as he passes through to his old office.
Veronica snaps her phone shut and smiles. “Hi Dad.”
Keith immediately walks to his grandson, in his baby carrier, and rocks it lightly.
“I was just calling you to see if you could babysit tonight.” She winks at Logan. “Overnight.”
Keith glances at Logan then to his daughter. “Sure. I’ll come over and pick him up after work. About six, okay?”
Logan nods and Veronica responds. “Great. Six it is.”
Keith turns away from the baby and looks deep into Veronica’s eyes. “Honey…” He rubs her upper arm affectionately and continues with a serious voice. “I have some bad news.”
Veronica swallows and prepares herself for any number of things that may come out of her father’s mouth. “Go ahead.” She squeaks.
Keith clears his throat and speaks slowly. “I got a phone call today from the coroner in Phoenix…” He pauses and takes a deep breath. “You’re mother was found dead this morning…”
She gasps as her hands snap to cover her mouth and tears tumble down her cheeks as she stands up. “Ohmigod.”
Keith steps closer to his daughter and takes her into his arms.
“She died of alcohol poisoning in a rundown motel in the desert. Alone.” Keith mumbles into Veronica’s hair.
Logan stands at his seat, yearning to hold his wife and ease her pain but stays back momentarily as Veronica and Keith share a few minutes together, mourning Lianne Reynolds Mars. He lowers his head and takes a moment to remember his own mother.
“Logan.” Veronica whispers.
Logan raises his head and accepts Veronica into his arms, holding her tight against his body. Her snot and tears soak his shirt as her chest rises and falls with each sniveling breath.
Keith wipes his tears and waits for Veronica to cry away years of pain in her heart left by her mother.
Will whimpers in his seat and Veronica backs away from Logan, wiping her eyes and nose with her hand.
“Babe, why don’t you go splash some water on your face and I’ll feed Will.” Logan says softly, rubbing his thumb on her blotchy cheek.
She nods and leaves the room.
Weevil sees Veronica’s face and steps into her office. “Everything okay? I saw V was cryin’.”
Logan rummages through the diaper bag while Keith answers. “Veronica’s mom was found dead this morning in Phoenix.”
“Oh shit.” Weevil utters quietly and returns to his desk.
Logan mixes Will’s bottle and begins feeding his son while Keith leans against the stained glass window, staring out at Downtown Neptune when Veronica returns from the bathroom.
Weevil rises from his chair and silently stands in his tiny bosses’ path with his arms open wide.
Veronica smiles when she sees the big, burly ex-gang leader offer her a friendly hug as she walks into his embrace. “Don’t you dare make me cry again, Eli.”
Their hug lasts a few minutes then she rejoins her father and her husband in her office. “Well, that was fun.” She smiles at her favorite men.
“So, tonight, you guys going out to dinner or something?” Keith asks innocently.
Veronica looks down, suddenly, avoiding making eye contact with her dad.
Logan swallows and answers his father-in-laws question effortlessly while he burps Will. “We’re eating in.”
Keith quickly realizes what Logan is implying and shakes his head. “Oh, geez. You better use protection.” He throws a stern look toward Veronica then Logan. “I’ll be over at six.” He kisses the top of Veronica’s head and leaves Mars Investigations.
“Oh, shit. That reminds me, I gotta stop at the drug store.” Logan smirks.
“Don’t tell me, Playboy, Mac Daddy, Ladies Man Logan Echolls is out of condoms.” Veronica jokes.
“No, I have some…” He wiggles his eyebrows and smirks. “…I’m just gonna need more.”
“You might want to pick up some spermicide too, Mr. Super sperm.”
“Good point.” He replies as he picks up the diaper bag. “I’m gonna change him and then I’m headin’ out.” Logan leans over, kisses Veronica’s cheek and whispers in her ear. “Any other requests for tonight?”
She giggles as his breath tickles her ear. “Ice cream.”
Logan sucks her earlobe.
“Whipped cream.”
Logan sucks down her neck as Veronica stretches her neck to encourage him.
“Chocolate syrup.”
“Mmm. That’s gonna be yummy when I lick it off your body.” Logan purrs.
“Okay, you have to go or I’ll never get out of here.” Veronica moans and nudges Logan away from her neck.
He holds Will out, in front of Veronica’s face. “Kiss Mommy goodbye, Will.”
Veronica grabs her baby and peppers kisses all over his face and head. “I love you, Sweat Pea. You and Daddy better not get into too much trouble, home all by yourselves. I’ll be home soon.”
Logan bends to kiss her lips. “I love you. I’ll see you at home.”
“I love you too.”
Logan collects all of Will’s things and carries his son to the outside office sofa to change the squirming infant, yells a ‘later’ in the general direction of Veronica’s office and leaves.
Veronica lingers around the office for additional fifteen minutes before she scurries out the door. “Later, Weevil. I have some errands to run.”
VMVMVMVMVM
Veronica walks in the kitchen, shutting the garage door behind her, looking around the house for her husband and her child.
The house is silent.
“Logan?” She yells.
“In here.” He shouts from the office as Backup runs to her from Logan’s side.
She bends and gives Backup a kiss on his nose and scratches behind his ears. “You’re slackin’, Backup. I was already in the house when you noticed I was home.” The pitbull nudges her hand with his head. “You were sleeping, weren’t you? That’s what I thought.” She kisses him again and goes to their home office.
“Hi.” Logan smirks at her from behind his desk. “You’re dad should be here in about a half hour.”
“I know. Is Will sleeping?” She leans against the doorframe of the office.
“Yep. I gave him a bath and bottle at five-fifteen, clean diaper then I put him in those cute little dog pajamas with the paw prints on the bottom of the feet.”
Veronica smiles, picturing one of her favorite outfits on her son.
“I packed him an overnight bag too.” He points his chin toward the bag on the kitchen table.
“A few extra outfits?”
“Yep.”
“Formula? Bottles?”
“Yeah and I think we really need to buy your dad a car seat to keep in their car. Getting that thing out of the Benz and putting it back in tomorrow is gonna be a bitch.”
Veronica nods. “Okay. We should probably buy them a Pack n’ Play crib playpen thingy too so they have a bed for Will at their house all the time.”
“Good point.” Logan gets up from his seat and strides across the office, kissing his wife gently on the lips. “Since you’re home, I need to run out real quick.”
She furrows her brow in question. “I thought you were stopping at the drug store when you left the office.”
He mockingly gasps. “I can’t buy prophylactics with my son present.”
Veronica laughs and rolls her eyes. “Well, you better go get your goodies ‘cause my dad is going to get here soon.”
“You don’t have to tell me twice, Bobcat.” He touches his index finger to the tip of her nose and runs out the door.
As soon as Logan’s car leaves the driveway, she runs to her car and gathers the bags full of her purchases and rushes upstairs to set up.
VMVMVMVMVM
Keith knocks on the front door of the Echolls’ house and walks in. “Hey, Honey, Grandpa’s here.”
“We’ll be right down.” Veronica yells from upstairs as Backup darts down the steps to greet his old master.
Keith meanders into the kitchen and waits for his daughter and grandson as Backup says hello with a sloppy kiss on Keith’s hand and a rub along his shin. “Hey, Buddy, I’ve missed you.”
Veronica bounces down the steps with her son in her arms and a big duffle bag on her back. She’s in her bathrobe with a towel wrapped around her wet hair.
“Hi Dad.” She hands Will to her father and presses a kiss to Will’s forehead then Keith’s cheek. “Here’s the Pack ‘n Play crib that he can sleep in. That bag over there…” She points to the bag Logan packed earlier. “…is formula, bottles, extra clothes and diapers. Will just got a bath and he’s in pajamas. He’ll probably want a bottle in another hour or so. The baby carrier snaps right into the car seat base, so you don’t have to take him out of the carrier until you get in the house.”
“Okay. Sounds good. I think Alicia and I can figure it out.”
“Do you need help carrying this stuff outside?”
“No, I can get it.” He snaps Will in his baby carrier and throws the duffle bag over his shoulder and picking up the smaller bag on his way to the front door.
“Thanks Dad. We really appreciate this. We’ll be over tomorrow morning to pick him up.” She leans over and kisses Will’s cheek then Keith’s cheek. “Thanks.”
“See you tomorrow.” Keith lumbers through the door and Veronica bolts up the steps, shaking off the towel on her head as she goes.
Part 57a