Last Flight Read online

  ‘How are you feeling?’ He chuckled. ‘Headache?’

  ‘You could say that.’ He was pottering around the kitchen, but she focused on her coffee. ‘Where have you been?’

  ‘Shopping, love. After all I haven’t been in ages.’ He was suddenly right behind her whispering into her ear. He was paying her back and he sounded downright sinful. ‘You know how that feels?’

  ‘You’re such an asshole.’ She laughed. ‘Was I that bad?’ She closed her eyes.

  ‘Certainly, took a lot of willpower to resist you.’ He was still right behind her. ‘You pretty much begged me.’ He said slowly, she could hear the filth in his voice. It wasn’t helping her. She still wanted him, she was just more in control sober.

  ‘Stop it. I’ve embarrassed myself enough. She stood up and went to the bedroom to check on the baby, he followed closely.

  ‘He isn’t awake yet.’ He hugged her from behind and buried his face in her neck. ‘Maybe we can occupy ourselves.’ He laughed into her. It was all teasing, but he knew what he was doing.

  ‘Don’t, I don’t need reminding.’ He let her go and let out a hearty laugh.

  ‘You’re so easy to tease, darling. It’s cute. Speaking of cute.’ He smiled, pacing back to the kitchen. ‘Look what I bought Robbie.’ He held up a baby onesie with ducks all over it.

  ‘Logan, that’s adorable. I love it.’ She smiled.

  ‘I thought you would. Maybe he can sleep in it tonight/’

  ‘I’d love that. Hey, what time are we meeting them at the park?’ She asked, trying to return back to normal conversation. She wanted to forget about the previous night.

  ‘Just before two.’

  ‘I’ll do some work before-hand. Do you mind watching Robbie?’

  ‘Not at all.’

  Whilst Emilia was doing her work, her phone rung. It was Anthony.

  ‘Five days of work? That’s an awful lot, I’m only meant to be part time.’ She said.

  ‘Emilia, the reception we’ve had is great. People love hearing your stories. Please, Em. It’s more money for you and your baby sitter.’ She smirked at that. Logan would have looked after him anyway. It was just a bonus that he was getting paid. ‘You seem to be really enjoying yourself. I told you this would be good for you, and that hunky fella you’re seeing.’

  ‘We’re not seeing each other. Let me have a few days?’ She asked. ‘I need to get this column done before two, we’re going out. Why aren’t you asleep?’

  ‘You know me, sleep is for the dead.’ He laughed down the phone. ‘You can have two weeks to think about it. Speak to you soon.’

  ‘Thanks, Anthony.’ She smiled and placed the phone down.

  ‘What was that, lass?’ Asked Logan, reading a magazine.

  ‘I’ve been offered more work, which means more money for the both of us, plus more of my work getting published.

  ‘That’s great, Emilia!’ He walked over. ‘Are you taking it?’

  ‘I don’t know. I like the balance I have right now. Is one more day just a bit too much. It means I’m full time.’

  ‘You could see how it is, then tell your boss it isn’t working out.’

  ‘I know but I want to spend time with you. We both haven’t acknowledged that one day, I have to go back to America. I’ve already been here a month already.

  ‘Shh. Don’t talk about that.’ He really didn’t want to think about a life without the two in it. ‘We’ll cross that bridge when we come to it.’

  ‘I’m just being realistic.’

  ‘Let’s not be realistic. Let’s imagine you’re going to be here a very long time. It makes it easier.’ He closed his eyes to stop any emotion escaping.

  ‘Hey, okay. We won’t think about it.’ She gave him a hug. ‘I need to work. We’ll forget about me leaving… for now.’ He nodded.

  They arrived at the park. The whole family along with Roger in tow. The dog’s tongue dangled at the side of his mouth whilst he trotted along. Emilia had sent her column off, writing about the bet placed between them for Wimbledon. Families had all gathered around, there were carnival games, food being served, and children running about and playing.

  After the match, dance troupes performed, and karaoke came on. There were games for the children such as fun races. It was an annual event watching the tennis in the park.

  Fiona had laid out a lovely panic, Adrian and Logan played a few games of tennis with each other. Emilia took Robbie and Roger for a walk and two children played cards games against each other.

  When the final started on the large projector, Logan sat by Emilia, eating a sandwich.

  ‘Does out bet still stand?’ Asked Adrian.

  ‘Indeed. Fifty quid. Straight sets. How can he not drop at least one in a final?’

  ‘Let’s see, little bro.’

  Federer was up two sets. Logan wasn’t happy to be losing fifty quid and his opponent was suffering. He wanted Federer to win, just not so well. Emilia was engrossed in the sport and was cheering a lot; the family tradition was something she could get used to.

  Logan noticed she looked really good these days, less tried and stressed, her smile was always bright. He knew she had a bad past, but he wanted to knock her walls down, she deserved to be happy. He saw Adrian whisper something in her ear and she threw her head back laughing. He was good at making her laugh, better than himself. It didn’t bother him though. It was nice that his family was as fond of her as him.

  It was coming up to the point of the last game. Everyone was leant forward. Federer got his point and the crowd erupted. Everyone stood up and clapped, and Logan gave Emilia a big hug. They watched the winner celebrate and everyone was laughing with each other.

  ‘You owe me fifty quid… and you have to fulfil your other half of our deal.’ Smirked Adrian, who glanced at Emilia who was holding Robbie and cheering.

  ‘Fine.’ He walked up to Emilia and pulled her to the side, handing Robbie to Fiona. ‘May I have a word?’ He asked nervously.

  ‘Sure.’ She beamed, slightly confused. ‘What’s up?’

  ‘Well, as you know, I had another bet with Adrian.’

  ‘And what was that?’ She laughed, he scratched his neck. ‘Logan?’

  ‘Will you do me the honor of going on a date with me? Tonight?’ He smiled. Hope filled his eyes.

  ‘Really?’

  ‘Come on, lass. We both know it’s what we want.’ He smiled.

  ‘Of course I will.’ She wrapped her arms around his neck and gave him a kiss. The Evans family clapped, and she laughed. ‘What if he had dropped a set?’

  ‘Maybe I knew he wouldn’t. Maybe it was fate.’

  ‘So, where are you taking me?’ She smiled.

  ‘That’s a surprise. Fiona will babysit for us. We can have a nice night out, just me and you. How does that sound?’

  ‘Amazing.’

  Chapter Four

  Emilia had dropped Robbie off at Fiona’s and prepared for her date. All she knew was it was at a fancy restaurant, he pulled out all the stops, he had claimed. At seven he knocked on her bedroom door.

  ‘Love? You ready?’ She came to the door, she was dressed in a very pale pink dress which went just below her knee. Her blonde hair was pulled into a high ponytail. He was completely taken by surprise. ‘You look beautiful.’ He himself was dressed in a three-piece blue suit and black tie. He had put a bit of gel in his hair, but knew she liked it a bit scruffy. He offered her a rose.

  ‘Wow, thank you. You look very handsome indeed.’ She smiled, taking the rose.

  ‘I know.’ He smirked. ‘Now, just so you know, I don’t put out until the third date. I’m not like you and for the night before I’m even asked.’

  ‘You’re a cheeky sod.’ She hit him playfully. ‘Come on, I thought you were meant to be showing me a great night.’ She took his hand and led him out the door.

  They walked to a Greek restaurant, hand in hand. Everyone inside was well dressed, the waiter showed them to their table with a b
ucket of champagne already on the table. Their waiter poured them their drinks and gave them a menu.

  ‘A toast.’ He smiled. ‘To us, and Robbie.’

  ‘I love it.’

  They had had their starters and were waiting for their mains. They were chatting about her work and the day’s events, James had won a race and was proud of his medal. Emilia’s phone started to ring. Fiona.

  ‘Hello?’

  ‘Emilia, I really didn’t want to ruin your date, but I can’t get Robbie to calm down. He’s not warm or anything, he’s healthy. Just screaming. It’s been an hour. I’ve tried feeding him, playing with him, everything.’

  ‘Oh, I’ll come and get him. See you soon.’ She hung up and sighed. Logan held her hand and rubbed his thumb across her knuckles.

  ‘What is it, love?’ He smiled, with a worried expression.

  ‘Robbie won’t stop crying. He hasn’t settled down for an hour. I’ll have to go pick him up. He hasn’t been away from me for this long before. I’m so sorry, I know you planned the perfect evening.’

  ‘It’s okay. Robbie is our priority, let’s go and pick him up. Let me just get our waiter.’ Logan paid the bill and met her outside. He took off his jacket and put it around her shoulders, she smiled gratefully at him, he held her hand as they walked to Adrian’s house. They heard him crying from outside, they knocked, and he came to the door.

  ‘Sorry, we really didn’t want to call.’ He said.

  ‘No, don’t worry. He’s been crying a lot recently. I think he’s teething.’ She took the baby and thanked them for calling her.

  They walked home with him still crying. Nothing could comfort him. At the apartment, Emilia was in her room trying to get him to sleep, whilst Logan ordered a kebab for them both. Robbie finally settled, and she walked to the couch. She had changed into some plaid pajamas. She had still enjoyed the evening she had, even if it was cut short.

  Logan had rolled his sleeves up and took his tie off but left the waistcoat on. Emilia thought he looked even better, especially because he had undone two of his shirt buttons. He handed her a beer and sat beside her, dinner was on the coffee table.

  ‘Not exactly the dinner I wanted you to have.’ He smiled, clinking their beers together.

  ‘I’m sorry.’

  ‘Don’t apologize. It’s fine. This is just as good. I just looked forward to a few things.’ He smiled. She raised an eyebrow. ‘Like a goodnight kiss.’

  ‘Well, that can be arranged.’ She moved closer and put her arms around his neck. She initiated the kiss which started tenderly, then soon got heated. She pushed him back onto the couch and unbuttoned his waistcoat and pushed it off his shoulder. She started on his shirt, then he pulled away.

  ‘Emilia.’ She sighed. ‘Are you sure?’ She nodded and kissed him again, along his jaw and neck, then down to his shoulder.

  ‘Relax, handsome. I want this. I want you.

  ‘Well, if we’re going to do this.’ He said, taking her towards his bedroom. ‘Then it needs to be done properly.’

  She pushed him against his closed door, then he picked her up and she wrapped her legs around his waist. She could feel how much he wanted her.

  ‘Jesus Christ, lass.’ He grunted.

  ‘I thought you said you didn’t put out on the first date?’ She laughed, kissing him deeply.

  ‘Shh.’ He chuckled. He walked them over to the bed and placed her down. He pulled her shirt off and kissed her neck down to breast. ‘I can’t wait for this.’

  ‘Well, you better hurry before this part of our night gets interrupted.’

  After that, he wasted no time in stripping them both down and laying on top of her, but he was torturing her. He was making her wait. Placing kisses all over her body, it was driving her insane.

  ‘Fuck, Logan. Hurry up!’ A hearty laugh was all she got in reply.

  When he finally entered her, they both saw stars.

  When Emilia woke up, she wasn’t in her room. Or her bed. She had muscular arms enveloped around her, then she remembered and smiled into her pillow. It had been like a dream. Not at all what she expected from him, which had made it even better. It had been a long time for her, and worth it.

  It was early, she could tell by the early sun just peeping through the curtains, she sighed peacefully and turned around. Logan was fast asleep; his features were even more handsome in the morning sun. She could get used to this. Robbie would still be asleep, she hoped he had a few more hours yet. She started placing lazy kisses along Logan’s neck, he didn’t wake, so she started tickling his ribs.

  ‘Stop.’ He smiled lazily.

  ‘So, you are awake?’ She kissed his jaw. ‘I think we have a few hours before Robbie wakes, if you know what I mean?’ He opened an eye. ‘Now I have your attention.’ Logan rolled lazily on top of her and kissed her neck.

  ‘Mmm. A few hours you say?’

  Those few hours were well spent, learning the curves and imperfections in each other’s bodies. This time was slower and less desperate. Both of them could agree they were the best each other had ever had. How could she have lived without this for so long? Meeting guys in bars who hardly knew what they were doing, and only took pleasure for themselves. This was much better.

  The next time she woke there was no Logan. She rolled over to his side and snuggled into his pillow. He had no clock in his room, she had no idea of the time, though his phone rested on the side. She picked it up and checked the time. 09:30. Is that it? Where was he? She noticed behind his notifications his lock screen was a picture of the three of them and Roger. Robbie was sat on the dog, whilst Emilia supported him, and Logan was laughing whilst looking at her. Adrian had snapped the photo on his phone, she found it cute, she really did enjoy their company.

  One of the notifications was from a man called Sean.

  What’s this about you having a new girlfriend, mate? About time.

  Emilia laughed, she had heard a lot about Sean and his quest to set Logan up. That was the job of a lot of his friends. She didn’t know anything about any previous girlfriends, he never seemed to want to talk about it. She got up and found a t-shirt and walked into the kitchen.

  She found Logan bouncing about the kitchen with Robbie, he was lifting him in the air and both were laughing. He was cooking pancakes, she noticed. He wore dark blue jeans with a white t-shirt and a red plaid shirt. He always wore too many layers for her liking. He had Robbie on his hip and frying pan in hand.

  ‘Ready, lad?’ He flipped the pancake and the baby giggled. He noticed Emilia and screamed. ‘Mama!’ He reached for her.

  ‘Hey, buddy.’ She walked over and took him from Logan. ‘Mr. Date Ruiner.’ She laughed, kissing his cheek. Logan strolled over and gave her a kiss.

  ‘I don’t think it ended too badly.’ He smirked. ‘Breakfast, my love?’

  ‘Sounds delicious. Why are you up so early?’

  ‘It’s a Monday, no time for sleeping in.’ He said, placing pancakes with apple sauce on her plate. ‘My pancakes are the best, I rarely make them, but first dates are a special occasion.’

  ‘We hardly have routine jobs, we can afford a lie in. Especially after a night like that. I don’t recall getting much sleep.’ She chuckled, delving into his pancakes. ‘Oh my God, Logan! These are delicious!’ She moaned. ‘Wow.’

  ‘Calm down, love. Small ears are about. No need to repeat last night.’ He winked. Robbie was sitting on the high chair paying no attention. ‘I have him a bottle this morning.’

  ‘Maybe we could go for a walk when you’ve done some work.’ He poured himself a coffee and sat opposite her. ‘Have you thought any more about the offer?’

  ‘Well, I was a bit distracted last night. So, no.’ She saw him smirk into his coffee.

  ‘Apologies. I don’t want to take your mind off the important things.’

  ‘Well,’ she interlocked their fingers. ‘You’re pretty important to me.’

  He smiled at her brightly, ‘Now, how about you get some
work done? I’ll distract Robbie.’

  Emilia was typing away, she spotted Logan reading to Robbie in the corner. It was a pop-up book about pirates. He heard him make all the noises and voices. She picked up her phone and took a sneaky picture. He was pointing at the book and Logan was gasping as if hadn’t already read him the book twenty times. It was weird to think how different her life was, would Daniel have made the same noises if he had stuck around? Would he have took him for walks? Daniel always made the excuse he was busy whenever they were dating. Logan never made excuses for anything.

  ‘My God, Em. Your son certainly has a powerful smell.’ He carried him over. ‘You don’t pay me enough for this.’ He chuckled, holding the baby in her face.

  ‘Logan! Let me.’ She said, wafting away the potent smell.

  ‘No, no. You work. This is my job at the moment… I guess. Oh, love. I forgot. At two I need to go meet a friend.’ He kissed her temple. ‘I said I’d help him move some stuff about. Do you mind walking Roger later?’

  ‘Not at all?’

  ‘I’ll tire the cheeky monster out before I go. So, you can do some more work when he’s asleep.’

  ‘How long will you be gone?’

  ‘Who knows? Sean’s girlfriend is moving in, I said I would help.’

  ‘Speaking of Sean, when do I get to meet the famous man? Everyone talks about him, yet I’ve never met him.’

  ‘He’s been up North but is coming back today. And as much as he is my best friend, I’m going to keep you apart as long as possible.’

  She giggled, ‘and why is that?’

  ‘Well, you get on with Adrian better than I ever imagined. Always making jokes about me together. I fear you and Sean would get on too well.’ He laughed.

  ‘We should invite him round this weekend.’ She smiled.

  ‘We’ll see.’

  Logan had put Robbie to sleep and left Emilia with a kiss whilst she was working hard, to keep on top of her work, she wrote a few days ahead in case something else came up. She would write columns in advance, so she could send them off when Anthony wanted then.