Page 29 of Logan

Dixie shot him a look, and bit her lip to stop a grin when he glanced away but she saw the beginning of a smile.

“I told them if they went back into the bar and sobered up, I wouldn’t arrest them, but only on the condition that the charges bedropped. So, he dropped them.”

“I appreciate it, Logan. You didn’t have to do that.”

“That prick touched you, Dixie, so, yes I did.”

“You believed me?”

“Of course, I did. I know his type.”

“Well, thank you. I’ll head home now.”

“Be careful.” He tipped his hat and climbed back into the SUV cruiser, driving away.

Feeling frustrated, Dixie unlocked her car and settled into the driver’s seat. She would have still been working if that man hadn’t touched her without permission. It didn’t matter if he was drunk or not; it was never okay for someone to touch any woman like that.

She certainly appreciated Logan doing that for her. She should have known he believed her. Otherwise, he would haven’t gone to the bar to find the men, and she’d still be sitting in jail.

A week had passed, and she found herself back at her usual spot behind the bar. The last time she saw Logan was when he arrested her, and in a way, she was glad for the distance between them. It wasn't because she truly hated him like she claimed, but because seeing him only brought back memories of their past love, making it hard to move on. Her words of hatred were meant more for her own protection, and she had to constantly remind herself of that fact.

****

Logan’s grip on the steering wheel tightenedas he navigated the winding road. Thoughts of Dixie clouded his mind, making it hard to focus. Why did she still have such a hold on him? He couldn’t understand it. His frustration grew at her stubbornness; she refused to see things from his perspective. It pained him to know that their relationship could never be mended. If only he could turn back time and change things.

But now, all he was left with was regret and a deep longing for the love that had slipped through his fingers. No matter how many times he tried to explain himself, she wouldn’t listen. She saw only betrayal and deceit, not the love that still burned within him.

Dixie had ruined any chance of him finding happiness with someone else. She was his one true love, and he couldn’t imagine being with anyone else. If only he had known how things would turn out, maybe he would have handled things differently. But now, all he felt was regret and a yearning for a love that could never be again.

He pulled up to his father’s house, parked, and made his way inside. After hanging up his hat and coat, he headed to his father’s bedroom. Pushing the door open slowly, he saw his father watching TV with a smile on his face. Logan hoped this memory would stay with him forever.

“Hey son,” his dad said when he noticed him.

“Hi Dad.” Logan greeted him before glancing at the nurse, who smiled warmly at him. “What are you watching?”

“One of my favorite movies.”

Logan chuckled as he looked at the TV screen showingJawsplaying for what seemed like the hundredth time.

“How many times have you seen this movie?” Logan asked.

“Too many to count.” His dad laughed.

“He’s been reciting the lines along with it,” the nurse added with a grin.

Logan rolled his eyes. “That’s why I can’t watch it with him.”

“So that’s why you always ask for a different movie,” his dad said, grinning at him.

“Yeah, I like the movie, but I don’t need to hear you saying the lines,” Logan joked.

Clint laughed. “Okay, okay. Sit down and we’ll find another movie to watch.”

“I’m going to take a hot shower first. It’s freezing out there and I want to warm up.”

“Sure thing, son. We’ll pick another movie after you shower and eat.”

“Yes, sir.” Logan nodded at the nurse. “I won’t be long.”