Logan

69. I'm Glad I Met Her

*Natalie's POV*

Aeron and I had decided to go to the grand opening, and as we approached the arch of the club, we noticed two bouncers.

"I didn't know he'd hired security?" Aeron asked.

"I didn't know either," I was confused, but we shuffled along until it was our turn.

"Natalie Koughlin and Aeron McTavish, we should be on the list," I pointed to the clipboard. The other bouncer, a shorter beefy kind of guy, waved a metal detecting wand in front and back of us, while the head bouncer checked the list. She reminded me of Rhonda Rousey, except her hair was buzzed.

"Oh, yeah, you're Mr. Martinez's special guests, right this way, ma'am," I noticed her wink at me, and then guide us into a side entrance.

When we were inside, Aeron loosened his collar a bit, "She liked you, didn't she?" He let out a soft chuckle, and then turned toward the bar. It was spectacular, there was a gigantic stage, and high tables, with the booths along the walls. I noticed the pink neon microphone above a couple of hallways, but there were two separate doors.

"Wow, this is gorgeous," I couldn't believe how different it looked from The Brass Kettle and AB's old studio, and most of all, I felt safe, so far. I looked to my left to see AB talking to one of the hostesses, and when he noticed me he waved us over.

"Natalie, Aeron, I wanted to give you guys the grand tour. Logan's going to be here in a few minutes..." His voice drifted off, but then he recovered, "So, how are you guys doing?"

I nodded, "I'm doing great, I love the security,"

AB nodded, "Yeah, Max and Reggie are former military, we've got an 8-person team, we have two inside, and two outside, they switch off every couple of days." He started on another sentence, but then I heard a voice behind me.

"Hey guys," Logan's aftershave caught my attention, and a few memories came flooding back. In normal Logan fashion, he was wearing a pair of black trousers, complete with suspenders and white button down shirt. Part of me didn't care at all, part of me felt the heat rise in my cheeks when I noticed more than a few buttons were undone. He walked past me, and I caught his eye for only a second before he gave a small smile and put a few steps between us and AB.

Almost on cue, Logan placed a hand in his pocket, the other extending to Aeron, "Aeron, nice to see you," his hand held mine for more than a few seconds, "Natalie." He pulled away and the other hand still rested inside his pocket. "AB, what was it you needed me for? Tune-up? Need me to plug in some amps? Set up?" I looked away, the overwhelming closeness churning inside me.

"You know what," I blew out a hard breath, "I need to use the restroom, where is it?" AB pointed down a hallway, and I nodded as I swallowed, hard.

Aeron's hand gently touched mine, "Are you alright?" I nodded.

"Just fine, I just... need to use the restroom." I politely laughed, and mumbled an excuse as I made my way down the hallway to the restroom.

I felt the images flooding back into my mind, Logan's blood, his pleading words to me while I lay in his arms, the scar still on my chest, and I felt woozy. I tried to steady myself for a moment, remembering Aeron's gentle hands on me in the night, all of the times we shared at Lakeside. His smile reflected in my mind, and I felt a little better. I splashed some water on my face, and walked back to them. I saw the overwhelming concern on each of their faces, and I held my arms out.

"I'm fine, I promise." I pinched my hand, "I'm here, aren't I?"

"As long as you're alright," Logan gave a small smile, tucking in his lip and then looking toward AB.