Final gift for meagan868
I suck for being so late, but I hope the fic doesn't! :) Sorry for the long delay and I hope you enjoy!
Title: For Old Times’ Sake
Author: Tiana
Pairing/Character: Logan/Veronica with appearances by Lamb and Cliff
Word Count: 4928
Rating: R
Spoilers: Up through 2x07: Nobody Puts Baby In a Corner.
Summary: AU. In this Season 2, everything is the same except when Duncan made a play for Veronica (post-Logan breakup) in the summer, she said no and he went back to a not-pregnant Meg. Using the basic structure of 2x06 and 2x07 with some timeline changes, this story shows how Veronica decides to help Logan and what results. Words in italics are Veronica's thoughts.
Disclaimer: Rob Thomas lets me take them out of the box and play with them, but they go home with him at the end of the day.
Author’s Note: meagan868 basically requested long, angsty, smutty fic with Lamb, Veronica & Logan in some combination. I think I got that all in here. (More fluffy than smutty, I'd say.) I even threw in Cliff for good measure. Merry Belated Christmas!
Veronica sighs, flicking open her phone without checking the caller ID. “Yeah?”
“Um...Veronica?”
Veronica sits up out of her armchair and moves out of the crowded living room and down the hall before answering. “Meg?” The sounds of her Dad’s disappointed supporters fade as she makes it to her bedroom.
“Yeah, it’s me. Are you free?”
Veronica sits on the edge of her bed. Right, because we are phone buddies again? She and Meg had not exactly been close since Duncan dumped Meg and made a play for Veronica this summer. The fact that the play failed and Duncan crawled back to Meg did not serve to warm their friendship back up. I guess time does heal - or at least hide - some wounds. “Sure. Sheriff Nimrod and his pack of minions are still in charge, so my night just opened right up. What’s up?”
“What? Oh. The election? So, Sheriff Lamb won?”
“Sadly, yes. And with that, the stupidity rate of Neptune rises at the same pace as the crime.” Veronica hesitates, finding the timing of Meg’s call a bit odd, since it obviously was not meant as a condolence call. She can hear enough noise behind Meg’s voice to guess she’s at a party or club.
The phone line falls silent for a second.
“So, um, I’m just calling to give you a heads up, Veronica. Maybe Lamb has something to do with it, I don’t know...but Logan just got arrested here at Duncan’s party.”
Veronica rolls her eyes, despite the slight stab of fear in her chest. “What’d he do now?”
“For the murder, Veronica. They arrested him again for the murder. I overhead the deputy say it when he cuffed him.”
Veronica clutches the phone tighter, but doesn’t speak. Her heart beats a little faster. Sounding more and more uncomfortable, Meg carries on. “I know you and he aren’t getting along and all, but I thought you’d want to know.”
“Thanks for the tip, Meg. I gotta run.” Veronica clicks the phone shut almost before Meg can say goodbye, her mind racing. The effect of this news on her is sudden and swift. Meg is not exaggerating. In fact, saying that she and Logan are not getting along is an understatement. They don’t talk. They snipe. But lately, the bite has started to leave their words and she finds herself thinking about him more often. The idea of him being dragged back to jail scares her deep in the pit of her stomach.
They must have new evidence. They can’t re-arrest him unless they’ve got something.
Veronica stares across her room, jaw tightening. And if my Dad had won tonight, it would be easy to find out more. As it is, I’ll have to get a little more crafty.
Veronica leans back on her bed, already turning over the possible ways she can find the information. The fact that she is leaping into action without Logan’s knowledge or approval is quickly pushed to the side. No matter their disagreements, she never stopped believing Logan was innocent of Felix’s stabbing. The least she can do is look into it and keep Lamb from having one more undeserved victory tonight.
* * *
“Sheriff, another call for you.” Deputy Sacks comes to Lamb’s door and leans in.
Sheriff Lamb looks up, face drawn in irritation. “Remember when I was busy five minutes ago and told you to take a message? Nothing’s changed, Sacks.” Lamb turns back to Logan, who has his handcuffed hands locked around his knee and a smirk on his face.
“She said she wants to congratulate you on your well-deserved victory.”
Lamb looks up, irritation replaced by interest. “She, huh? Who?”
“She just said she’s a fan of yours. Sounds hot, sir.”
Lamb rolls his eyes. “How the hell can you tell on the phone, Sacks?”
“You’ll see. Line 2.” Sacks pushes off the doorframe and walks away.
Pursing his lips, Lamb walks around his desk and drops into the chair. Holding up one finger to Logan, he snatches up the phone with one hand and hits the button for Line 2 with the other. “Lamb here.”
The voice on the other end is sultry and soft and Lamb’s eyebrows shoot up. He realizes Sacks may be smarter than he looks.
“Is this the newly elected and devilishly handsome Sheriff Don Lamb speaking?”
There is a smile in her voice and Lamb can’t help but reciprocate. “It is. What can I help you with, miss?”
A soft laugh makes the hairs on the back of his neck stand up. “Oh please, call me Heather.”
“Okay, Heather.” From the corner of his eye, Lamb sees Logan roll his eyes and frowns a warning at him. Holding up his cuffed hands in surrender, Logan sits back and stares at the ceiling.
“I just...well, this is embarrassing to admit, Sheriff Lamb, sir.” Lamb smirks to himself, tongue coasting along his bottom lip. “I saw you on the news tonight when they were announcing the election results and well, you’re just so...manly and handsome. I feel safer already with you in charge.”
“Do you now? And you called just to let me know that?” Lamb taps his fingers on the desk, leans further back in his chair.
“Yes, and to find out if there’s a lucky Mrs. Lamb at home?”
“No, there’s not.” He chuckles briefly.
“But a catch like you must have them lined up at the door, right? No chance for little ‘ol me to get a little...police protection?”
“Heather, could you hold for a second?”
“Absolutely.”
Lamb covers the handset and yells, “Sacks! Get your ass in here!” Moments later, Sacks pops his head in. “Take this one to a holding cell. I’ll deal with him later.”
“What the - you’re going to drop me in a cell so you can play protect and serve with some cop groupie?” Logan stands up as Sacks takes him by the shoulder.
“Get him out of here. Now.” Lamb ignores Logan as Sacks removes him from the office. When they are gone, he lifts his hand from the receiver. “Now, where were we, Heather?”
“Oh my goodness, did you have an actual criminal in your office just now?” Her voice is higher pitched and breathy, which makes Lamb loosen his collar slightly.
“That make you hot, Heather?”
“Oh god, yes. What did he do?”
“Killed a guy. At least, according to the witness we’ve got. Saw him do it and everything. Looks pretty open and shut to me.”
The phone line goes quiet long enough for Lamb to frown. “Still there?”
Veronica takes a deep breath and steels herself to continue the act a bit longer. “I’m here. So, what makes you think the guy is telling the truth, anyway Figuring that stuff out must be soooo hard. Sexy and smart, wow!” Veronica covers her mouth, taking a deep breath to try and remain calm.
“Sure they do. Sniffing out liars is the name of the game. But this witness is a doctor - plastic surgeon actually.”
“Oh my God! What if he’s my plastic surgeon? Well, one of them, anyway. Wouldn’t that just be the coolest small world thing ever? What’s his name?”
“Not really at liberty to share that information, Heather. Police business and all.”
Her voice drops, grows softer. “Ooh, police business. You’re so strict and cute. Besides, you can tell me, Don. Can I call you Don? I would be so psyched if this hero witness guy was one of my docs. I promise, cross my heart, not to breathe a word.”
Lamb fiddles with a pen on his desk. “Sure, Don’s fine. And Heather, I hope you know I’m breaking rules for you.” He sighs, spinning the pen his fingers. “Name’s Griffiths.”
“Oh, poo. He’s not the one. Dr. Franklin did my implants and then Dr. Smithson replaced them with the bigger ones. So, Don...think we could meet so I could congratulate you on your victory in person?”
“You know the Seventh Veil?”
“Know it? I used to work there! Oh my GOD! It IS a small world! This is so meant to be, you....stud, you.”
“Sure it is, sweetheart. Meet me there at 11, okay? That’s when I get off.”
“Yeah, it is.” Veronica giggles the fakest giggle she can come up with and Lamb doesn’t notice a thing. “I’ll be the blonde in black leather. And Don, pack your cuffs, okay? Bye-ee!” Veronica holds the phone away from her ear, contemplating all the ways she will need to bathe to get this feeling off her.
There might have to be bleach involved. She shudders as she hangs up the phone and wipes her hands off. A witness claiming to see Logan kill Felix? Great. Lamb is having himself one big night. Too bad about the Heather thing not working out later. I’m sure there will be at least some blonde wearing leather he can console himself with at the Seventh Veil. I’ve got bigger fish to fry. Who is this Dr. Griffiths and why is he lying?
Veronica leans back on her bed, chewing on her bottom lip. She heads for her computer and fifteen minutes later, has most of the basic information on a Dr. Tom Griffiths, plastic surgeon and philanthropist. She cringes as she reads more and more about him and prints out the important information.
Whoever wants Logan convicted has gone to a lot of trouble to find a believable eyewitness. This guy probably saves kittens from trees in his free time. But why this guy? Does Logan know him?
Veronica decides Sheriff Lamb is not likely to allow her to quiz Logan in his cell about the witness. A thought suddenly occurs to her and she quickly heads to the living room, stuffing papers in her bag. Seeing Cliff nursing a drink, she crooks a finger at him. Excusing himself from his conversation, Cliff comes to the hallway.
“Veronica, I was busily consoling myself with the lovely Ms. Wilson over there. What’s going on? No wait, let me guess. You need a favor?”
Veronica grins. “Should I be flattered or insulted that you know me so well?”
“Considering the company I usually keep, Veronica, that question is better left unanswered.”
“Point taken. So, here’s what I need. Logan Echolls was arrested tonight for Felix Toombs’ murder.”
“Wait, I know this one. He...no, I knew this one. Happened this summer. Surely you remember?” Cliff takes a sip from his drink and looks confused.
“I mean re-arrested. Apparently, Lamb dug up an eyewitness. I need to talk to Logan, find out if he knows the guy. Can you see who his lawyer is?”
The chirp of Cliff’s cell phone draws his attention away from Veronica. He flips it open and quickly reads a text message. “Sure thing, Veronica. You’re looking at him.”
“Who?”
“Logan Echolls’ lawyer. He decided to let the court appoint one. Because he’s so destitute and all.”
Veronica’s mouth falls open. “You? What the hell is he thinking?”
“Now it’s my turn to be insulted. And I would be if I didn’t completely agree with you. Pretty sure he needs someone more high end than me to beat a murder rap.” Cliff sighs, throwing back another swallow of his drink. “But he asked for me, so off I go.”
“You’re half-drunk, Cliff.”
“And he’s apparently half-stupid. What’s your point?”
“I’ll drive.”
“Veronica, your Dad’s not going to like you getting involved. And he’s not going to like me for letting you get involved.”
“You let me worry about that part. I’m just being your designated driver, right, Cliff? That’s all. Just taking you home.” Veronica nods, taking Cliff by the arm and grabbing her car keys from the wall hook.
Before Cliff can answer, Veronica gestures to her Dad that Cliff is drunk and she’s driving him home. He nods from across the room and they head out.
Twenty minutes later, Veronica trails behind Cliff as they head toward the front steps of the station.
“I’m coming in with you, Cliff.”
“Absolutely not. Only his lawyer can do that. And tell me again why we had to duck down in your car for five minutes in the parking lot when the newly elected idiot in charge went by?”
“Didn’t want to slow the Sheriff down. He’s got a hot date down at the Seventh Veil.” Veronica smirks to herself as she walks faster to keep up with Cliff.
“How do you - you know what, forget it. The less I know, the less I have to lie about.”
“You have to admit it will be a lot easier to sneak me in without him around.”
“Yes, it will be. Except I’m not doing it.”
“Cliff.” Veronica puts her hand on his arm, face serious.
Cliff stops, eyes lifted to the sky. “What did I ever do to deserve this one?” He turns and looks at her and frowns. “If we get caught, I’m telling everyone you used the taser on me.”
“Agreed.” They start for the door again.
“Veronica? You don’t have the taser with you, do you?”
“Think I shouldn’t?”
Cliff sighs, covering his eyes with one hand.
“Just kidding, Cliff. But it’s in the car if we need it.”
“Great. Just great.”
* * *
Fifteen minutes later, Cliff steps out of the interview room, rubbing his forehead. “You kids today are killing me. Seriously.” He gestures over his shoulder at the closed door before looking around to make sure no one is watching. “He’s all yours. Make it quick. I’ll keep the on-duty deputy busy.”
“You’re a prince, Cliff.”
“Yeah, but of what? Five minutes, V.” He heads down the hall, briefcase swinging and Veronica slips into the room quietly.
“Listen, dude, I told you. I don’t need some - Veronica??!!” Logan’s voice switches from sarcasm to surprise when he looks up. “What the - what are you doing here?” He stands up and Veronica quickly notices his hands are still cuffed.
“Shhhh!!” Veronica looks behind her, glad she closed the door so quickly. “I’m not supposed to be here, so you screaming my name is not the most helpful thing you could do.”
Logan sits back down, surprise replaced by a smirk. “Sorry, Veronica. I’ll remember to scream your name only on demand next time.”
Veronica puts her hands on her hips and shakes her head. “Well, at least being arrested hasn’t changed you.”
The smirk fades slightly. “You know me.”
Somewhere in the middle of those three words, the meaning changes slightly and Veronica drops her eyes to the ground in reaction. “Yeah. I do. Which is why I’m here.”
She drops down into the chair opposite him and looks straight into Logan’s eyes. There is worry there, but not nearly enough fear.
“Logan. They have a witness that claims you killed Felix. Do you know someone named Dr. Tom Griffiths?”
Logan frowns. “Never heard of him.”
Veronica digs in her bag. “Well, this is the guy. He came forward to claim he saw you stab Felix. That’s all I know so far.”
Logan pulls the printout closer to him with his fingers and immediately frowns. “That’s not him.” He holds up his cuffed hands before Veronica can say anything. “I did get a brief look at the guy on the bridge, despite what I told the cops. It was definitely not this guy.” He pushes the paper back to Veronica.
“You lied to the police?”
“Like you never have.” Logan grins a little at her and despite her indignation at his behavior, she has to admit he’s right. She’s been known to bend the truth to get her information in the past.
Veronica nods, fighting off a smile. “When I have to. Of course, I wasn’t being questioned for murder at the time.” The smile falls away as she remembers they don’t have time to chat.
“Veronica?”
She glances over her shoulder, making sure no one is near the door. She checks her watch and sees her five minutes are almost up. “Listen - I have to-”
“Wait. What are you doing here? How did you know about this guy?”
Veronica shoves her papers back in her bag and stands up. Logan stands as well. “Logan, I have to get out of here before I get caught.” She starts to turn away.
He reaches over the table with his cuffed hands and touches her left hand, which draws her attention back to him.
Veronica looks at Logan and sees something in his eyes she hasn’t seen since the summer. Her heart rate increases and her mouth goes suddenly dry. She looks over her shoulder one more time, but doesn’t move out from under his hands. “You’d be surprised what Lamb will tell a sexy young thing by the name of...” She tilts her head at him, her voice changing to the sultry one she used earlier. She gestures at Logan to fill in the name.
“...Heather.” Logan nods, grinning ear to ear. “Damn, Veronica. You had him worked up even before he kicked me out. What were you saying?”
“Use your imagination. And I’ll look into this Griffiths guy tomorrow.” She takes his hand for the first time. “Do me a favor? Fire Cliff? He’s a great guy, but not the lawyer you need. Wait ‘til he gets you out on bail, though. I’ve got strings for him to pull.” Veronica winks and pulls away. “And try not to piss anyone off...well, I won’t demand the impossible, but try not to get beat up. You bruise easily.”
Veronica has her hand on the doorknob before Logan speaks again. “You didn’t answer my first question, Veronica. Why are you helping me?”
She pauses, facing the door. “I told you, Logan. I know you. You didn’t do this and I’m going to find out why he’s lying.” Veronica slides out quietly and closes the door behind her without waiting for a response.
Logan drops back into his chair, still smiling to himself when Deputy Sacks comes in to take him to a cell.
* * *
“Thanks for the ride, Cliff.” Logan stares out the window, the afternoon sun starting to set.
“No problem, kid. Y’know, Sheriff Lamb seemed pretty cranky this morning. You do something to piss him off?”
“Not me, sir. I think he’s been having trouble with the ladies.”
Cliff nods knowingly. “That must be it. Well, here it is. Be it ever so humble...” Logan looks up to find they are in front of his huge house already. He hops out of the car and then leans back in through the open window.
“Thanks for getting me bailed out so quick, man. No hard feelings that I’m firing you?”
“More like relief. And don’t thank me. A certain young lady was pretty insistent that I call in a favor or two.”
Logan drops his eyes, a smile playing across his mouth before he looks back up. “She’s pretty hard to say no to.”
“You can say that again, sport. Good luck.”
“Thanks.” Logan stands up as Cliff backs out of the entrance. Opening the gate, Logan walks up the drive. When he is almost at the door, he sees a familiar black Le Baron parked in his drive. And a more familiar blonde sitting on the hood waiting for him.
“You keep turning up in the most unexpected places.”
“That’s me. Full of surprises.”
Logan hops up on the hood next to her, head cocked as he takes her in. “Nice to have someone waiting for me when I get out of the slammer.” He notices a certain tension in her shoulders and realizes the last time she was here was their confrontation immediately after a visit from Kendall.
Veronica frowns, looks away, picking up her bag. “Yeah, well, I’m sure your unfortunate incarceration without conjugal visits must have been a trying time, so I’ll be quick. Let me show you what I found.”
“Veronica...” His voice makes Veronica freeze, but she keeps her eyes focused away from him.
“Please...don’t. That’s not what I’m here to discuss. It’s not relevant.” Veronica’s voice is steady, clear. Sitting in front of the house for the last hour where Logan has been screwing Kendall Casablancas has put a damper on her struggling affection for Logan.
Logan’s voice harden slightly. “You’re right. Who I sleep with after you rip my heart out is not relevant to my murder case.”
Veronica turns her head back towards Logan, eyes catching his for a moment. “Rip your...?”
“Yeah. Heart. And selfishly, you seem to have kept it for yourself. Haven’t had use for it since.” Logan twists his fingers together, glancing off at his house.
When Veronica doesn’t speak for a solid minute, he turns back. She has her head in her hand, hiding her eyes from him. It takes two solid tugs to pull her hand away and reveal wet eyes, swimming in unshed tears. She swallows, gaining control of her face.
“Did you notice what I’ve done since we broke up, Logan?” Her voice grows slightly louder.
“We didn’t break up, Veronica. You dumped me.”
Her voice is harsh, more biting. “Yes, you’re right. All my fault. And since then?” Veronica stands up, hands on hips. “Well?”
“I don’t know, Veronica.”
“Look at me.” Logan looks up and sees the muscle in her jaw twitching. Sees that her breathing is accelerating. Feels her eyes burning into his with a fury that unsettles him. “Duncan. Remember him? The person I thought was the love of my life? The one who tried to get back together with me this summer? The one I said NO to? Did it ever occur to you to wonder why? Did you care?”
Logan stands up, moving into Veronica’s personal space and looking down at her intensely. “You dumped me. Did I care? I never stop- ” Logan stops, backs away from her, eyes leaving hers suddenly. His voice when he speaks again is flat. “You made your feelings for me perfectly clear this summer, Veronica. Mine are not relevant.”
He moves past Veronica toward the house, pausing when Veronica calls after him. “Logan, wait.” He hears her footsteps behind him. When he turns, she shoves a sheaf of papers into his hand. “Here’s what I found out about Griffiths so far.” She turns on her heel and is in her car before Logan turns, face drawn with a combination of anger and sadness. Her car is halfway down the drive before he manages to move.
Glancing down at the papers in his hand, he walks into his house, head bowed.
* * *
Out of Order? Veronica turns on her heel and heads for the girls’ bathroom. I somehow doubt that.
When she flings the door open, Veronica’s suspicions are confirmed. Logan is sitting on the counter across the room. The same one she sat on when they made out in this very room in the spring. The memory is still vivid and gives Veronica a surge of feeling toward him.
“And I thought I had the market cornered on popping up in strange places.” She crosses her arms and keeps her distance.
Logan smiles slightly. “I had a question for you.”
“And all your phones broke at the same time?”
“I prefer up close and personal.” Logan purses his lips slightly.
“I remember.”
“Do you?”
Veronica hesitates, realizing she’s fallen into a conversation with Logan she’s not sure she’s ready for. She also notices she’s taken a few steps closer to him. Both facts make her palms start to sweat.
“What’s the question, Logan?”
Logan’s hands are hooked on the edge of the counter and his fingers drum there. He watches Veronica until she feels compelled to meet his eyes. “Why didn’t you go back to Duncan?”
Surprised, Veronica’s mouth opens and shuts without a sound. The implication that Logan has been wondering about this for the last several months and what that might mean is not lost on her. At the same time, she has a question of her own.
“Why are you sleeping with Kendall?”
“You mean, why was I? Because she wanted me. Nice feeling, y’know?”
Veronica steps back, leans against the wall opposite Logan. His words bounce around in her head, making her struggle with her emotions. For a reason slowly becoming obvious to her, hearing the word ‘was’ pleases her.
“Because I don’t love him.” Veronica’s late answer to Logan’s question sends a series of emotions skittering across his face. She doesn’t miss a single one of them.
“So, now what?” Logan stands up and his single movement makes Veronica’s entire body go on high alert.
“Aren’t we here to talk about the case?”
“Is that why we were here the last time?” He sweeps one arm, taking in the bathroom.
“Logan...” Veronica’s tone has a warning in it. “The case is important. I found out -“
“Screw the case, Veronica.” Logan paces one step closer. “You don’t love him. I never even thought about loving her. Do you think that might mean something? Something about the two of us?” Logan rubs his hand across the back of his neck, studies Veronica closely.
“Maybe. But I want to be mad at you, Logan.”
“And how is that going?” He takes one step closer.
“Not well. Not well at all.” Veronica smiles at him despite herself. “This is not a good idea.”
Logan screws up his face in thought. “Best idea I’ve had in about five months, 12 days...” He looks at his watch. “...18 hours and about 20 minutes, give or take.”
He moves closer as he talks until he’s only about six feet from Veronica. Now it’s her turn to do the math.
“What idea...” She stops, working backwards quickly.
“The Camelot, Veronica.”
Her heart is in her throat, remembering the suddenness of that first kiss. The way her head spun as he pulled her against him. His hands and mouth made her clutch at him like a drowning girl. She remembers her confusion afterwards, much like the confusion she is feeling right now. That he remembers exactly when that kiss happened is unexpected news. Veronica feels something change in the air. More importantly, she feels something shift inside of her.
“Logan...”
“Right here, Veronica.”
“There are a ton of reasons this won’t work.”
“Probably so.”
“I can’t think of any of them at the moment.”
“Me neither.”
“I’m not one of those girls, Logan. You know that. We can’t fix this with a kiss.”
In the course of the conversation, Veronica has backed Logan into the counter. Her next step takes her into him, his hard body giving slightly to her pressure.
“Absolutely not. Might take a few.”
Veronica smiles, smacks him lightly. “We need to talk more. And about the case. Seriously. I’m not dating a con.”
“I agree. I don’t want to date a con either, if you catch my drift.” Logan nods.
Veronica shakes her head, once again marveling at Logan’s ability to look hell in the eye and still be a smart ass. She imagines the faded scars on his back have something to do with that.
She looks up at him, eyes serious. “Things will have to be different.”
“They have no chance of being the same.” Logan reaches up, lets his hand lightly brush her cheek. “I’m thinking they’ll be better.”
His mouth covers hers in a heartbeat and Veronica feels it all the way down her spine. It’s achingly familiar and brand new all at once. Her hands close on his waist as Logan intensifies the kiss. Veronica barely feels him lift her from the ground and turn her, dropping her on the counter. The motion makes her breathless, the echoes of past kisses surging through her. With a gasp, they break apart, noses and foreheads brushing.
Veronica breathes, heart in her throat. She nods firmly, but Logan doesn’t miss the new spark in her eyes. “You’re right. This might take more than one kiss. I’m just not convinced, Logan. We shouldn’t-”
Her words disappear into another kiss and the badness of the past few months falls away for the moment.
Logan’s hands slide up her back, fingertips digging into the fabric of her shirt. His mouth moves to her neck, pressing open-mouthed kisses down the skin there. Shifting back up and towards her ear, Logan breathes into it, making her whole body shiver.
“Convinced?”
Veronica turns suddenly, catching Logan’s mouth with her own. She tugs his bottom lip into her mouth, sucking on it lightly before releasing. The kiss deepens and one hand comes up to hold the back of his neck. When they stop to take a breath, Veronica’s lips brush against his cheek.
“Are you?”
Logan chuckles, warm breath tickling her cheek. “Veronica, I was convinced when you slipped into the interrogation room. I’ve just been waiting for you.”
“Smart ass.” Veronica snorts.
“Cute ass.” Logan’s hands make it to the body part in question, making Veronica jump.
Veronica’s mouth bumps Logan’s when she speaks again. “Think this is really going to work this time?”
Logan drags his thumb over Veronica’s bottom lip, following the line of her mouth with his eyes. Lifting his deep brown eyes to hers, he smiles the slightest bit. “It will. You won't be able to get rid of me. I’m irresistible and devilishly charming.”
“Think so, huh?”
“You know me.”
Veronica just smiles, pressing her lips to his chastely and firmly, answering him with the certainty of the kiss.
Yeah. I do.
Thanks for reading and thanks to sarah_p for organizing such an amazing community! :)
Title: For Old Times’ Sake
Author: Tiana
Pairing/Character: Logan/Veronica with appearances by Lamb and Cliff
Word Count: 4928
Rating: R
Spoilers: Up through 2x07: Nobody Puts Baby In a Corner.
Summary: AU. In this Season 2, everything is the same except when Duncan made a play for Veronica (post-Logan breakup) in the summer, she said no and he went back to a not-pregnant Meg. Using the basic structure of 2x06 and 2x07 with some timeline changes, this story shows how Veronica decides to help Logan and what results. Words in italics are Veronica's thoughts.
Disclaimer: Rob Thomas lets me take them out of the box and play with them, but they go home with him at the end of the day.
Author’s Note: meagan868 basically requested long, angsty, smutty fic with Lamb, Veronica & Logan in some combination. I think I got that all in here. (More fluffy than smutty, I'd say.) I even threw in Cliff for good measure. Merry Belated Christmas!
Veronica sighs, flicking open her phone without checking the caller ID. “Yeah?”
“Um...Veronica?”
Veronica sits up out of her armchair and moves out of the crowded living room and down the hall before answering. “Meg?” The sounds of her Dad’s disappointed supporters fade as she makes it to her bedroom.
“Yeah, it’s me. Are you free?”
Veronica sits on the edge of her bed. Right, because we are phone buddies again? She and Meg had not exactly been close since Duncan dumped Meg and made a play for Veronica this summer. The fact that the play failed and Duncan crawled back to Meg did not serve to warm their friendship back up. I guess time does heal - or at least hide - some wounds. “Sure. Sheriff Nimrod and his pack of minions are still in charge, so my night just opened right up. What’s up?”
“What? Oh. The election? So, Sheriff Lamb won?”
“Sadly, yes. And with that, the stupidity rate of Neptune rises at the same pace as the crime.” Veronica hesitates, finding the timing of Meg’s call a bit odd, since it obviously was not meant as a condolence call. She can hear enough noise behind Meg’s voice to guess she’s at a party or club.
The phone line falls silent for a second.
“So, um, I’m just calling to give you a heads up, Veronica. Maybe Lamb has something to do with it, I don’t know...but Logan just got arrested here at Duncan’s party.”
Veronica rolls her eyes, despite the slight stab of fear in her chest. “What’d he do now?”
“For the murder, Veronica. They arrested him again for the murder. I overhead the deputy say it when he cuffed him.”
Veronica clutches the phone tighter, but doesn’t speak. Her heart beats a little faster. Sounding more and more uncomfortable, Meg carries on. “I know you and he aren’t getting along and all, but I thought you’d want to know.”
“Thanks for the tip, Meg. I gotta run.” Veronica clicks the phone shut almost before Meg can say goodbye, her mind racing. The effect of this news on her is sudden and swift. Meg is not exaggerating. In fact, saying that she and Logan are not getting along is an understatement. They don’t talk. They snipe. But lately, the bite has started to leave their words and she finds herself thinking about him more often. The idea of him being dragged back to jail scares her deep in the pit of her stomach.
They must have new evidence. They can’t re-arrest him unless they’ve got something.
Veronica stares across her room, jaw tightening. And if my Dad had won tonight, it would be easy to find out more. As it is, I’ll have to get a little more crafty.
Veronica leans back on her bed, already turning over the possible ways she can find the information. The fact that she is leaping into action without Logan’s knowledge or approval is quickly pushed to the side. No matter their disagreements, she never stopped believing Logan was innocent of Felix’s stabbing. The least she can do is look into it and keep Lamb from having one more undeserved victory tonight.
* * *
“Sheriff, another call for you.” Deputy Sacks comes to Lamb’s door and leans in.
Sheriff Lamb looks up, face drawn in irritation. “Remember when I was busy five minutes ago and told you to take a message? Nothing’s changed, Sacks.” Lamb turns back to Logan, who has his handcuffed hands locked around his knee and a smirk on his face.
“She said she wants to congratulate you on your well-deserved victory.”
Lamb looks up, irritation replaced by interest. “She, huh? Who?”
“She just said she’s a fan of yours. Sounds hot, sir.”
Lamb rolls his eyes. “How the hell can you tell on the phone, Sacks?”
“You’ll see. Line 2.” Sacks pushes off the doorframe and walks away.
Pursing his lips, Lamb walks around his desk and drops into the chair. Holding up one finger to Logan, he snatches up the phone with one hand and hits the button for Line 2 with the other. “Lamb here.”
The voice on the other end is sultry and soft and Lamb’s eyebrows shoot up. He realizes Sacks may be smarter than he looks.
“Is this the newly elected and devilishly handsome Sheriff Don Lamb speaking?”
There is a smile in her voice and Lamb can’t help but reciprocate. “It is. What can I help you with, miss?”
A soft laugh makes the hairs on the back of his neck stand up. “Oh please, call me Heather.”
“Okay, Heather.” From the corner of his eye, Lamb sees Logan roll his eyes and frowns a warning at him. Holding up his cuffed hands in surrender, Logan sits back and stares at the ceiling.
“I just...well, this is embarrassing to admit, Sheriff Lamb, sir.” Lamb smirks to himself, tongue coasting along his bottom lip. “I saw you on the news tonight when they were announcing the election results and well, you’re just so...manly and handsome. I feel safer already with you in charge.”
“Do you now? And you called just to let me know that?” Lamb taps his fingers on the desk, leans further back in his chair.
“Yes, and to find out if there’s a lucky Mrs. Lamb at home?”
“No, there’s not.” He chuckles briefly.
“But a catch like you must have them lined up at the door, right? No chance for little ‘ol me to get a little...police protection?”
“Heather, could you hold for a second?”
“Absolutely.”
Lamb covers the handset and yells, “Sacks! Get your ass in here!” Moments later, Sacks pops his head in. “Take this one to a holding cell. I’ll deal with him later.”
“What the - you’re going to drop me in a cell so you can play protect and serve with some cop groupie?” Logan stands up as Sacks takes him by the shoulder.
“Get him out of here. Now.” Lamb ignores Logan as Sacks removes him from the office. When they are gone, he lifts his hand from the receiver. “Now, where were we, Heather?”
“Oh my goodness, did you have an actual criminal in your office just now?” Her voice is higher pitched and breathy, which makes Lamb loosen his collar slightly.
“That make you hot, Heather?”
“Oh god, yes. What did he do?”
“Killed a guy. At least, according to the witness we’ve got. Saw him do it and everything. Looks pretty open and shut to me.”
The phone line goes quiet long enough for Lamb to frown. “Still there?”
Veronica takes a deep breath and steels herself to continue the act a bit longer. “I’m here. So, what makes you think the guy is telling the truth, anyway Figuring that stuff out must be soooo hard. Sexy and smart, wow!” Veronica covers her mouth, taking a deep breath to try and remain calm.
“Sure they do. Sniffing out liars is the name of the game. But this witness is a doctor - plastic surgeon actually.”
“Oh my God! What if he’s my plastic surgeon? Well, one of them, anyway. Wouldn’t that just be the coolest small world thing ever? What’s his name?”
“Not really at liberty to share that information, Heather. Police business and all.”
Her voice drops, grows softer. “Ooh, police business. You’re so strict and cute. Besides, you can tell me, Don. Can I call you Don? I would be so psyched if this hero witness guy was one of my docs. I promise, cross my heart, not to breathe a word.”
Lamb fiddles with a pen on his desk. “Sure, Don’s fine. And Heather, I hope you know I’m breaking rules for you.” He sighs, spinning the pen his fingers. “Name’s Griffiths.”
“Oh, poo. He’s not the one. Dr. Franklin did my implants and then Dr. Smithson replaced them with the bigger ones. So, Don...think we could meet so I could congratulate you on your victory in person?”
“You know the Seventh Veil?”
“Know it? I used to work there! Oh my GOD! It IS a small world! This is so meant to be, you....stud, you.”
“Sure it is, sweetheart. Meet me there at 11, okay? That’s when I get off.”
“Yeah, it is.” Veronica giggles the fakest giggle she can come up with and Lamb doesn’t notice a thing. “I’ll be the blonde in black leather. And Don, pack your cuffs, okay? Bye-ee!” Veronica holds the phone away from her ear, contemplating all the ways she will need to bathe to get this feeling off her.
There might have to be bleach involved. She shudders as she hangs up the phone and wipes her hands off. A witness claiming to see Logan kill Felix? Great. Lamb is having himself one big night. Too bad about the Heather thing not working out later. I’m sure there will be at least some blonde wearing leather he can console himself with at the Seventh Veil. I’ve got bigger fish to fry. Who is this Dr. Griffiths and why is he lying?
Veronica leans back on her bed, chewing on her bottom lip. She heads for her computer and fifteen minutes later, has most of the basic information on a Dr. Tom Griffiths, plastic surgeon and philanthropist. She cringes as she reads more and more about him and prints out the important information.
Whoever wants Logan convicted has gone to a lot of trouble to find a believable eyewitness. This guy probably saves kittens from trees in his free time. But why this guy? Does Logan know him?
Veronica decides Sheriff Lamb is not likely to allow her to quiz Logan in his cell about the witness. A thought suddenly occurs to her and she quickly heads to the living room, stuffing papers in her bag. Seeing Cliff nursing a drink, she crooks a finger at him. Excusing himself from his conversation, Cliff comes to the hallway.
“Veronica, I was busily consoling myself with the lovely Ms. Wilson over there. What’s going on? No wait, let me guess. You need a favor?”
Veronica grins. “Should I be flattered or insulted that you know me so well?”
“Considering the company I usually keep, Veronica, that question is better left unanswered.”
“Point taken. So, here’s what I need. Logan Echolls was arrested tonight for Felix Toombs’ murder.”
“Wait, I know this one. He...no, I knew this one. Happened this summer. Surely you remember?” Cliff takes a sip from his drink and looks confused.
“I mean re-arrested. Apparently, Lamb dug up an eyewitness. I need to talk to Logan, find out if he knows the guy. Can you see who his lawyer is?”
The chirp of Cliff’s cell phone draws his attention away from Veronica. He flips it open and quickly reads a text message. “Sure thing, Veronica. You’re looking at him.”
“Who?”
“Logan Echolls’ lawyer. He decided to let the court appoint one. Because he’s so destitute and all.”
Veronica’s mouth falls open. “You? What the hell is he thinking?”
“Now it’s my turn to be insulted. And I would be if I didn’t completely agree with you. Pretty sure he needs someone more high end than me to beat a murder rap.” Cliff sighs, throwing back another swallow of his drink. “But he asked for me, so off I go.”
“You’re half-drunk, Cliff.”
“And he’s apparently half-stupid. What’s your point?”
“I’ll drive.”
“Veronica, your Dad’s not going to like you getting involved. And he’s not going to like me for letting you get involved.”
“You let me worry about that part. I’m just being your designated driver, right, Cliff? That’s all. Just taking you home.” Veronica nods, taking Cliff by the arm and grabbing her car keys from the wall hook.
Before Cliff can answer, Veronica gestures to her Dad that Cliff is drunk and she’s driving him home. He nods from across the room and they head out.
Twenty minutes later, Veronica trails behind Cliff as they head toward the front steps of the station.
“I’m coming in with you, Cliff.”
“Absolutely not. Only his lawyer can do that. And tell me again why we had to duck down in your car for five minutes in the parking lot when the newly elected idiot in charge went by?”
“Didn’t want to slow the Sheriff down. He’s got a hot date down at the Seventh Veil.” Veronica smirks to herself as she walks faster to keep up with Cliff.
“How do you - you know what, forget it. The less I know, the less I have to lie about.”
“You have to admit it will be a lot easier to sneak me in without him around.”
“Yes, it will be. Except I’m not doing it.”
“Cliff.” Veronica puts her hand on his arm, face serious.
Cliff stops, eyes lifted to the sky. “What did I ever do to deserve this one?” He turns and looks at her and frowns. “If we get caught, I’m telling everyone you used the taser on me.”
“Agreed.” They start for the door again.
“Veronica? You don’t have the taser with you, do you?”
“Think I shouldn’t?”
Cliff sighs, covering his eyes with one hand.
“Just kidding, Cliff. But it’s in the car if we need it.”
“Great. Just great.”
* * *
Fifteen minutes later, Cliff steps out of the interview room, rubbing his forehead. “You kids today are killing me. Seriously.” He gestures over his shoulder at the closed door before looking around to make sure no one is watching. “He’s all yours. Make it quick. I’ll keep the on-duty deputy busy.”
“You’re a prince, Cliff.”
“Yeah, but of what? Five minutes, V.” He heads down the hall, briefcase swinging and Veronica slips into the room quietly.
“Listen, dude, I told you. I don’t need some - Veronica??!!” Logan’s voice switches from sarcasm to surprise when he looks up. “What the - what are you doing here?” He stands up and Veronica quickly notices his hands are still cuffed.
“Shhhh!!” Veronica looks behind her, glad she closed the door so quickly. “I’m not supposed to be here, so you screaming my name is not the most helpful thing you could do.”
Logan sits back down, surprise replaced by a smirk. “Sorry, Veronica. I’ll remember to scream your name only on demand next time.”
Veronica puts her hands on her hips and shakes her head. “Well, at least being arrested hasn’t changed you.”
The smirk fades slightly. “You know me.”
Somewhere in the middle of those three words, the meaning changes slightly and Veronica drops her eyes to the ground in reaction. “Yeah. I do. Which is why I’m here.”
She drops down into the chair opposite him and looks straight into Logan’s eyes. There is worry there, but not nearly enough fear.
“Logan. They have a witness that claims you killed Felix. Do you know someone named Dr. Tom Griffiths?”
Logan frowns. “Never heard of him.”
Veronica digs in her bag. “Well, this is the guy. He came forward to claim he saw you stab Felix. That’s all I know so far.”
Logan pulls the printout closer to him with his fingers and immediately frowns. “That’s not him.” He holds up his cuffed hands before Veronica can say anything. “I did get a brief look at the guy on the bridge, despite what I told the cops. It was definitely not this guy.” He pushes the paper back to Veronica.
“You lied to the police?”
“Like you never have.” Logan grins a little at her and despite her indignation at his behavior, she has to admit he’s right. She’s been known to bend the truth to get her information in the past.
Veronica nods, fighting off a smile. “When I have to. Of course, I wasn’t being questioned for murder at the time.” The smile falls away as she remembers they don’t have time to chat.
“Veronica?”
She glances over her shoulder, making sure no one is near the door. She checks her watch and sees her five minutes are almost up. “Listen - I have to-”
“Wait. What are you doing here? How did you know about this guy?”
Veronica shoves her papers back in her bag and stands up. Logan stands as well. “Logan, I have to get out of here before I get caught.” She starts to turn away.
He reaches over the table with his cuffed hands and touches her left hand, which draws her attention back to him.
Veronica looks at Logan and sees something in his eyes she hasn’t seen since the summer. Her heart rate increases and her mouth goes suddenly dry. She looks over her shoulder one more time, but doesn’t move out from under his hands. “You’d be surprised what Lamb will tell a sexy young thing by the name of...” She tilts her head at him, her voice changing to the sultry one she used earlier. She gestures at Logan to fill in the name.
“...Heather.” Logan nods, grinning ear to ear. “Damn, Veronica. You had him worked up even before he kicked me out. What were you saying?”
“Use your imagination. And I’ll look into this Griffiths guy tomorrow.” She takes his hand for the first time. “Do me a favor? Fire Cliff? He’s a great guy, but not the lawyer you need. Wait ‘til he gets you out on bail, though. I’ve got strings for him to pull.” Veronica winks and pulls away. “And try not to piss anyone off...well, I won’t demand the impossible, but try not to get beat up. You bruise easily.”
Veronica has her hand on the doorknob before Logan speaks again. “You didn’t answer my first question, Veronica. Why are you helping me?”
She pauses, facing the door. “I told you, Logan. I know you. You didn’t do this and I’m going to find out why he’s lying.” Veronica slides out quietly and closes the door behind her without waiting for a response.
Logan drops back into his chair, still smiling to himself when Deputy Sacks comes in to take him to a cell.
* * *
“Thanks for the ride, Cliff.” Logan stares out the window, the afternoon sun starting to set.
“No problem, kid. Y’know, Sheriff Lamb seemed pretty cranky this morning. You do something to piss him off?”
“Not me, sir. I think he’s been having trouble with the ladies.”
Cliff nods knowingly. “That must be it. Well, here it is. Be it ever so humble...” Logan looks up to find they are in front of his huge house already. He hops out of the car and then leans back in through the open window.
“Thanks for getting me bailed out so quick, man. No hard feelings that I’m firing you?”
“More like relief. And don’t thank me. A certain young lady was pretty insistent that I call in a favor or two.”
Logan drops his eyes, a smile playing across his mouth before he looks back up. “She’s pretty hard to say no to.”
“You can say that again, sport. Good luck.”
“Thanks.” Logan stands up as Cliff backs out of the entrance. Opening the gate, Logan walks up the drive. When he is almost at the door, he sees a familiar black Le Baron parked in his drive. And a more familiar blonde sitting on the hood waiting for him.
“You keep turning up in the most unexpected places.”
“That’s me. Full of surprises.”
Logan hops up on the hood next to her, head cocked as he takes her in. “Nice to have someone waiting for me when I get out of the slammer.” He notices a certain tension in her shoulders and realizes the last time she was here was their confrontation immediately after a visit from Kendall.
Veronica frowns, looks away, picking up her bag. “Yeah, well, I’m sure your unfortunate incarceration without conjugal visits must have been a trying time, so I’ll be quick. Let me show you what I found.”
“Veronica...” His voice makes Veronica freeze, but she keeps her eyes focused away from him.
“Please...don’t. That’s not what I’m here to discuss. It’s not relevant.” Veronica’s voice is steady, clear. Sitting in front of the house for the last hour where Logan has been screwing Kendall Casablancas has put a damper on her struggling affection for Logan.
Logan’s voice harden slightly. “You’re right. Who I sleep with after you rip my heart out is not relevant to my murder case.”
Veronica turns her head back towards Logan, eyes catching his for a moment. “Rip your...?”
“Yeah. Heart. And selfishly, you seem to have kept it for yourself. Haven’t had use for it since.” Logan twists his fingers together, glancing off at his house.
When Veronica doesn’t speak for a solid minute, he turns back. She has her head in her hand, hiding her eyes from him. It takes two solid tugs to pull her hand away and reveal wet eyes, swimming in unshed tears. She swallows, gaining control of her face.
“Did you notice what I’ve done since we broke up, Logan?” Her voice grows slightly louder.
“We didn’t break up, Veronica. You dumped me.”
Her voice is harsh, more biting. “Yes, you’re right. All my fault. And since then?” Veronica stands up, hands on hips. “Well?”
“I don’t know, Veronica.”
“Look at me.” Logan looks up and sees the muscle in her jaw twitching. Sees that her breathing is accelerating. Feels her eyes burning into his with a fury that unsettles him. “Duncan. Remember him? The person I thought was the love of my life? The one who tried to get back together with me this summer? The one I said NO to? Did it ever occur to you to wonder why? Did you care?”
Logan stands up, moving into Veronica’s personal space and looking down at her intensely. “You dumped me. Did I care? I never stop- ” Logan stops, backs away from her, eyes leaving hers suddenly. His voice when he speaks again is flat. “You made your feelings for me perfectly clear this summer, Veronica. Mine are not relevant.”
He moves past Veronica toward the house, pausing when Veronica calls after him. “Logan, wait.” He hears her footsteps behind him. When he turns, she shoves a sheaf of papers into his hand. “Here’s what I found out about Griffiths so far.” She turns on her heel and is in her car before Logan turns, face drawn with a combination of anger and sadness. Her car is halfway down the drive before he manages to move.
Glancing down at the papers in his hand, he walks into his house, head bowed.
* * *
Out of Order? Veronica turns on her heel and heads for the girls’ bathroom. I somehow doubt that.
When she flings the door open, Veronica’s suspicions are confirmed. Logan is sitting on the counter across the room. The same one she sat on when they made out in this very room in the spring. The memory is still vivid and gives Veronica a surge of feeling toward him.
“And I thought I had the market cornered on popping up in strange places.” She crosses her arms and keeps her distance.
Logan smiles slightly. “I had a question for you.”
“And all your phones broke at the same time?”
“I prefer up close and personal.” Logan purses his lips slightly.
“I remember.”
“Do you?”
Veronica hesitates, realizing she’s fallen into a conversation with Logan she’s not sure she’s ready for. She also notices she’s taken a few steps closer to him. Both facts make her palms start to sweat.
“What’s the question, Logan?”
Logan’s hands are hooked on the edge of the counter and his fingers drum there. He watches Veronica until she feels compelled to meet his eyes. “Why didn’t you go back to Duncan?”
Surprised, Veronica’s mouth opens and shuts without a sound. The implication that Logan has been wondering about this for the last several months and what that might mean is not lost on her. At the same time, she has a question of her own.
“Why are you sleeping with Kendall?”
“You mean, why was I? Because she wanted me. Nice feeling, y’know?”
Veronica steps back, leans against the wall opposite Logan. His words bounce around in her head, making her struggle with her emotions. For a reason slowly becoming obvious to her, hearing the word ‘was’ pleases her.
“Because I don’t love him.” Veronica’s late answer to Logan’s question sends a series of emotions skittering across his face. She doesn’t miss a single one of them.
“So, now what?” Logan stands up and his single movement makes Veronica’s entire body go on high alert.
“Aren’t we here to talk about the case?”
“Is that why we were here the last time?” He sweeps one arm, taking in the bathroom.
“Logan...” Veronica’s tone has a warning in it. “The case is important. I found out -“
“Screw the case, Veronica.” Logan paces one step closer. “You don’t love him. I never even thought about loving her. Do you think that might mean something? Something about the two of us?” Logan rubs his hand across the back of his neck, studies Veronica closely.
“Maybe. But I want to be mad at you, Logan.”
“And how is that going?” He takes one step closer.
“Not well. Not well at all.” Veronica smiles at him despite herself. “This is not a good idea.”
Logan screws up his face in thought. “Best idea I’ve had in about five months, 12 days...” He looks at his watch. “...18 hours and about 20 minutes, give or take.”
He moves closer as he talks until he’s only about six feet from Veronica. Now it’s her turn to do the math.
“What idea...” She stops, working backwards quickly.
“The Camelot, Veronica.”
Her heart is in her throat, remembering the suddenness of that first kiss. The way her head spun as he pulled her against him. His hands and mouth made her clutch at him like a drowning girl. She remembers her confusion afterwards, much like the confusion she is feeling right now. That he remembers exactly when that kiss happened is unexpected news. Veronica feels something change in the air. More importantly, she feels something shift inside of her.
“Logan...”
“Right here, Veronica.”
“There are a ton of reasons this won’t work.”
“Probably so.”
“I can’t think of any of them at the moment.”
“Me neither.”
“I’m not one of those girls, Logan. You know that. We can’t fix this with a kiss.”
In the course of the conversation, Veronica has backed Logan into the counter. Her next step takes her into him, his hard body giving slightly to her pressure.
“Absolutely not. Might take a few.”
Veronica smiles, smacks him lightly. “We need to talk more. And about the case. Seriously. I’m not dating a con.”
“I agree. I don’t want to date a con either, if you catch my drift.” Logan nods.
Veronica shakes her head, once again marveling at Logan’s ability to look hell in the eye and still be a smart ass. She imagines the faded scars on his back have something to do with that.
She looks up at him, eyes serious. “Things will have to be different.”
“They have no chance of being the same.” Logan reaches up, lets his hand lightly brush her cheek. “I’m thinking they’ll be better.”
His mouth covers hers in a heartbeat and Veronica feels it all the way down her spine. It’s achingly familiar and brand new all at once. Her hands close on his waist as Logan intensifies the kiss. Veronica barely feels him lift her from the ground and turn her, dropping her on the counter. The motion makes her breathless, the echoes of past kisses surging through her. With a gasp, they break apart, noses and foreheads brushing.
Veronica breathes, heart in her throat. She nods firmly, but Logan doesn’t miss the new spark in her eyes. “You’re right. This might take more than one kiss. I’m just not convinced, Logan. We shouldn’t-”
Her words disappear into another kiss and the badness of the past few months falls away for the moment.
Logan’s hands slide up her back, fingertips digging into the fabric of her shirt. His mouth moves to her neck, pressing open-mouthed kisses down the skin there. Shifting back up and towards her ear, Logan breathes into it, making her whole body shiver.
“Convinced?”
Veronica turns suddenly, catching Logan’s mouth with her own. She tugs his bottom lip into her mouth, sucking on it lightly before releasing. The kiss deepens and one hand comes up to hold the back of his neck. When they stop to take a breath, Veronica’s lips brush against his cheek.
“Are you?”
Logan chuckles, warm breath tickling her cheek. “Veronica, I was convinced when you slipped into the interrogation room. I’ve just been waiting for you.”
“Smart ass.” Veronica snorts.
“Cute ass.” Logan’s hands make it to the body part in question, making Veronica jump.
Veronica’s mouth bumps Logan’s when she speaks again. “Think this is really going to work this time?”
Logan drags his thumb over Veronica’s bottom lip, following the line of her mouth with his eyes. Lifting his deep brown eyes to hers, he smiles the slightest bit. “It will. You won't be able to get rid of me. I’m irresistible and devilishly charming.”
“Think so, huh?”
“You know me.”
Veronica just smiles, pressing her lips to his chastely and firmly, answering him with the certainty of the kiss.
Yeah. I do.
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