First-Second Kiss 2

Two

Ten years later

The large hall was teeming with familiar faces when Logan walked through the glass, double-doored entrance.

The air smelled thickly of lavender and roses, merriness inclusive.

Adjusting his blue tux, Logan swept his eyes across the sea of faces, both familiar and unfamiliar. Strings of familiarity pulling at his chest.

It’s been years since he last stepped foot in this city, never looking back after his high school years.

The city, and the familiar faces, awoke some painful memories that he’d decided to keep buried.

Memories of shame…and heartbreak.

He’d vowed to never return to the city, but the wedding of one of his closest buddies back in school couldn’t let him keep that vow.

He knew he couldn’t skip the wedding, else he’d never be forgiven.

And he wasn’t ready to lose another one of his buddies.

The one he’d lost already still shattered his heart till this day.

Sighing, and pushing the thoughts away, he gripped his bag tighter and strode into the hall.

He was late due to a delayed flight, and his first intention was to apologize to the groom and his bride.

Adjusting his dark shades, he scanned the reception hall for Jake Smith, the groom.

He spotted him at the very front of the hall, rocking his bride.

He pushed through the throng of people to the front, silently hoping and praying that no Ike recognized him, yet.

Meanwhile, he still kept his eyes open for that one face he very much hoped to see. And also didn’t want to see.

He was almost at the front, very close to the groom and bride, when a familiar voice stopped him in his tracks.

“Logan?”

It was a female voice, filled with wonder and surprise, also a little unsure.

The voice was too familiar. He’d recognize that voice anywhere.

Well, against his will.

The owner of the voice had practically stalked him back in high school.

Bracing himself and plastering a smile on his face, he turned to the voice. “Alicia,” he called, pulling his shades off his eyes, “what a beautiful surprise.”

Alicia’s familiar green eyes sparkled as she stared up at him, wide-eyed, her mouth hanging slightly open. “My God,” she gasped, slapping her palm over her mouth, “it’s really you.. Logan Braxton.”

Logan smirked, hooking his shades in his shirtfront and opening an arm to her. “Come here, will you?” He urged, his eyes twinkling. “It’s been a minute.”

Shaking her head, and her smile widening, she walked into his arms, throwing her arms around his neck.

“It’s so good to see you, Logan,” she exclaimed, her voice a little too loud and drawing attention. “I mean, it’s been ages. You just disappeared after her graduated.”

“Well,” he patted her hair, his eyes scanning the faces of the people that turned in their direction now, hoping to see that one face, “I’m here now, right?”

She pulled away, running her eyes over his face and frame. “You look fucking gorgeous, as usual,” she observed, her eyes twinkling with amazement, “even better. Look at those tats. Were you always such a bad boy?”

Logan laughed, stroking his mustache. “You could say I evolved.”

“Logan fucking Braxton?” Someone else called from behind, and Logan turned to see a cluster of his other old classmates.

They all seemed surprised to see him, and he knew it was because of his appearance. More like a transformation..

He’d literally gone from the good, quiet kid on the block to the hot guy with neck tattoos and two ear piercings.

Of course, everyone would be surprised.

Smiling, he turned fully to face them, holding Alicia.

He’d just opened his mouth to greet them when his eyes caught someone a few feet away from him.

His breath caught in his throat, and he paused, his heart stopping for a moment.

Finn?

He seemed the same. Golden love falling over his captivating eyes, broader shoulders, taller.

Logan held his gaze for a few more heartbeats, the air between them charger, even from miles away.

Unspoken words drifting between them, something electric flowing through his veins.

Finn was the first to look away, turning his gaze to the woman in his arms.

Logan cleared his throat and turned his attention to the group of friends gathered in front of him, his mind a tangled mess now.

“Hey..guys,” he greeted with a tight smile, squeezing Alicia’s fingers. “It’s good to—“

“Logan?”

Jake’s voice was sharp and clear, ringing from behind, and Logan quickly turned around, his eyes sparkling with delight.

“Ha! My man!” He exclaimed, and they both locked arms in a tight embrace. “You’re a fucking groom now, huh? A married man!”

Jake laughed heartily, holding Logan at arms’ length and observing him carefully. “You came, Logan, I’m glad.”

“Of course. I couldn’t miss your wedding for the world.”

Jake shook his head in disbelief. “You look fucking great, man. What’s the secret?”

Logan smiled, raking his fingers through his hair. “Life’s good, I guess.”

“Haha, you fucker. Come on,” Jake urged, throwing an arm around his shoulders, “come meet my bride. She’s as gorgeous as you.”

“I believe so. You’ve always had an eye for the good stuff.”

Jake laughed. “I know right?”

“I’m sorry I’m late, though,” Logan apologized. “My flight was—“

“Nah, man,” Jake waved his hand dismissively, “no need to apologize. The party’s just getting started.”

“Come on,” he added, “I’ll show you to your room after you meet my girl.”

As they glided to the front, Logan felt a pair of eyes watching him.

And he looked up just in time to meet Finn’s electric gaze, something unspoken burning in his eyes.

Was that anger? Malice? Regret? Longing?

Logan couldn’t tell which it was, but he hoped to hell, somewhere deep in his mind, that it was the latter.

******

“I’m sorry man, this fucking chateau’s completely booked,” Jake apologized as they bounded up the stairs, Logan tagging behind him.

“You’ll have to share a room, probably until tomorrow.”

“It’s fine,” Logan replied, shrugging. “It’s not a problem, and it’s not your fault. I got here late, anyway.”

Jake sighed as he paused in front of a door. “It’s not fine, Logan. I wanted the best for my friends, you know? For everyone to be comfortable. I’m not angry about you showing up late. I’m glad you came at all.”

Laughing, Logan slapped his back playfully. “For real, it’s cool man. I’m just happy to be here.”

Jake nodded, handing him the keycard. “It’s good to see again, man,” he replied. “After all these years, it’s feels good, for real.”

Logan nodded as he took the keycard from between his fingers. “The feeling’s mutual, man. Your girl’s a literal goddess, by the way. Really beautiful. Congratulations, once again.”

Jake nodded, his lips stretching in a proud smile. “Thanks, man. Settle in, relax. The after party doesn’t start until late in the night.”

Nodding, Logan watched as Jake retreated. Then he placed the keycard against the door and let himself into the suite.

It was large and airy, just the right touch of masculine and exotic.

A familiar scent hit his nostrils as he stepped into the room, bringing a flood of memories with it.

A thought crossed his mind, but he quickly pushed it away.

He strode further into the room, wondering who the other occupant was, and silently going it wasn’t someone that’d make him uncomfortable.

He was just a few steps away from the closet when he spotted the wristwatch that sat on the bedside table.

He paused in his tracks, something striking in his mind.

A Richard Mille?

It was too familiar to overlook, the leather straps still as good as new.

Dropping his bag in the closet, he walked over to the bedside table, and just as he reached for it, a beeping sound from the door stopped him.

He turned around just as someone stepped into the room, and he froze. His heart stopped for a moment, painful memories flooding his mind.

Did he make a mistake coming to this wedding?

“What the fuck are you doing in my room?” Finn asked, stepping further into the room with his hands shoved in his pocket. His gaze blistering hot.

Logan glared at him, his heart racing. “I should ask you the same, fucker.”