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Veronica walked confidently toward the night club.
Not my usual stage, but will do for today. Oh, the sacrifices we make for work, she muttered sarcastically. The things you do to get a money shot.
Her client had given her a VIP pass, and she flashed it at the bouncer. The big guy gave her a long once-over, and with a filthy smirk, wished her a good time. I guess Tom doesn’t save these VIP passes for his friends. Ugh, gross, Veronica shuddered to shake off the disgust.
Tom Jefferson was a rare sleazebag. He, a local millionaire, was known for his elite nightclub franchise on the West Coast. He was easy to piss off and retaliated fast. And his methods were shady. In short, he was a jackass.
She exhaled thoughtfully. Not my business! I have a perfectly clear task at hand. Even a prick like Tom deserves to know the truth about his fiancée.
It was a usual case where a jealous partner decided to check his potentially cheating better half. Tom started to suspect his fiancée of adultery when she became evasive about her party time in nightclubs, and sometimes he caught her erasing text messages from her phone, so he wanted to find out the truth before tying the knot. As Tom began expanding his business on the West Coast he had to travel a lot, while Jane, his wife-to-be, spent nights in clubs “socializing”. The last straw was some bad gossip that had reached him recently. Caring about his image, he’d come to Mars Investigations the day before. Veronica’s dad was out of town, catching a bounty. So here she was, entering the fashionable night club in the 09er district looking like a typical bimbo.
Veronica checked her makeup and hair in the big mirror next to the entrance and then smoothed some wrinkles from her tight, black mini-dress. Her wine-red lips stretched in a smile. I look good. Like really good. Oh, Logan would love that dress. She was startled as soon as that thought occurred to her. Where did that come from? She frowned. Her confident mood was effectively ruined. She shook her head, driving away unwanted thoughts. Focus on the case, Veronica.
The circular club was spacious with the bar in the middle — like a Mecca for all those people in need. Booths were located in intervals around the room for more private parties. And between the bar and booths was a vibrant, colorful dance floor. 09ers and their so-called groupies were swaying and swinging in close proximity to music that was relaxing and rhythmic at the same time. Veronica sauntered across the dance floor right to the bar and ordered a dry martini with two olives. No need to get wasted.
She watched closely as the bartender made her drink, a comforting habit. After she got her beverage, Veronica took a tentative sip and looked around. According to the picture Tom had shown her, her target was a trust-fund baby. A pretty, tall brunette with brown eyes, a soft round face and big..hmm.. assets of her own.
Veronica scanned the crowd, pausing a few times to check if she’d located the right person, until her eyes landed on a girl happily chatting with a guy across the bar. It definitely was Jane. And the guy was tall with short, dark hair. He stood with his back leaning on the counter, hands splayed on the bar as if he was hugging it behind his back. Veronica could only see the back of his dark navy button-down and his broad shoulders.
Jane wore a bright, low-cut red dress that flattered and emphasized her curves. Leaning over and whispering something in the guy’s ear, she giggled girlishly. He moved toward her ear to say something in response, and Jane’s head fell backward as she laughed at him. So typical, Veronica rolled her eyes. The brunette girl swatted the man’s arm playfully and brushed her fingers across his shoulder.
Veronica activated the camera on the necklace she was wearing. Her camera allowed her to take high quality photos even from afar. It was connected to her smartphone and automatically uploaded the images to the cloud. It had been a present from Mac for Veronica’s graduation from Columbia. The IT guru made sure Veronica got the latest and top-of-the-top gadget she could find, and the best present Veronica had ever received. Veronica snapped a few shots with a quick press of her fingers.
How typical for a spoiled rich girl to become an arm candy for a rich guy , Veronica mused, and then seek some thrills during occasional, or maybe periodically repeated, hook ups with other guys .
Veronica rolled her eyes at the girl’s antics when the aforementioned woman hooked her arm in the guy’s forearm to take a lover’s shot. Click. They tossed their shots down their throats and Jane pecked the guy on the lips. Click. His arm shifted to the small of her back and they laughed again, seeming more relaxed. Click.
A new song started, and Veronica watched as Jane led the guy to the dance floor by his hand. He, although reluctantly, obliged her and followed. The first lines of the song caused some deep feelings to resurface. Since the first time she heard it, this song always reminded her of one very important, but long-lost person. Regret clenched her heart.
Down on the West Coast, they got a saying
If you're not drinking, then you're not playing
Logan was well-known for his drinking… He drank for so many reasons. To forget reality. To escape from pain the people he’d trusted had inflicted on him. To punish himself often because he always had held himself responsible for troubles, both those caused by him and others that affected his loved ones. He was a mess when he was unhappy. And it was a frequent occurrence.
But you've got the music,
You've got the music in you, don't you?
He’s got the music in him. Logan IS the music, dammit! He’s like jazz - innovative and enigmatic, funky and peaceful, rousing and soft at the same time. He’s all contradictions. Overwhelming in one word. He is the music.
And once he was mine…
She drank down her martini in one big gulp and swallowed past the lump forming in her throat. It was her usual reaction to contemplating her relationship with Logan. Nine years had passed since she last saw him. Nine fucking years. And back then she hadn’t so as much as said goodbye. She’d just stared at him with a smile on her lips, proud and aroused that he defended her when nobody else would. He’d returned the smile. And understanding settled between them, spoken through their eyes:
I love you, I care about you, I need you, but I’m a mess. So, sorry, I can’t.
Down on the West Coast,
I get this feeling like it all could happen
That's why I'm leaving you for the moment, you for the moment
Boy blue, yeah you
And then she’d run. She’d fled Neptune so as not to hurt him anymore and to punish herself. Okay, to punish him as well, to be honest. But mostly she’d run because she was frightened, she’d been terrified of the intensity of her feelings and the vulnerability that only Logan could arouse in her.
It's getting harder to show it
I'm feeling hot to the touch
You say you miss me
And I always say I miss you so much
But something keeps me really quiet
I’m alive, I’m a lush
Your love, your love, your love
That last time they’d seen each other in the cafeteria, Logan had said something to Gory; she didn’t quite remember what exactly it was. Something about life or death. Someday! Yes, he’d said someday – and she still repeated that word to herself when the anguish was burning her inside out. She had to believe that SOMEDAY they would meet again.
I miss him . She blinked back the welling tears. He had managed to leave a Logan-shaped hole in her heart. And nothing and nobody could fill it in. Not for lack of trying on her part.
She exhaled heavily, covering her face with hands. Suck it up, Veronica! She shook her head and returned to her task.
She located her target one more time easily enough, thanks to her bright red dress. Jane wrapped her arms around the guy’s neck, leaning close and intimately into him with her full body. They swayed from side to side, and then he twirled her with one hand and jokingly bent her to the ground, holding her by her back. They returned to their previous position, spinning in place. And when Jane turned her back to Veronica, she was able to see the guy’s face for the first time. She gasped audibly.
I can see my baby swinging
His parliament is on fire when his hands are up
Logan. It’s him. After all this time. Here, in a pretentious night club. Her heart raced and her mind became blank. Everything around her blurred while all she could see was Logan.
On the balcony and I'm singing
Ooh baby, ooh baby, I'm in love
He was different. Good different. His hair was shorter, his face was less round and more angular. His muscular chest and biceps stretched his button-down deliciously. Veronica licked her lips unconsciously.
He smiled at Jane, that fucking skank! Veronica growled inwardly — a green-eyed monster showing its ugly head.
I can see my sweet boy swinging
He's crazy and Cubano
Called my only love
On the balcony and I'm singing
Move baby, move baby, I’m in love
I’m in love
I’m in love
Logan danced with his back to Veronica now. Anger swallowed her deep and fast – Nine years later and I’m finding him in a nightclub drinking and hooking up! So very Logan-esque . Veronica spun around to escape the view that had become unbearable. A bartender appeared next to her with a silent question in his eyes: repeat?
“Whiskey neat. Make it double. With no ice.” She gripped the bar counter viciously, hating that she felt dizzy.
Down on the west coast, they got their icons
Their silver starlights, their queens and cyclones
“Do you have a pen?” A husky male voice sounded next to her ear.
And you got the music, you got the music in you, don't you?
“What?” She looked at the man distractedly, trying to keep her eyes on the bartender making her drink.
“I want to write a story about how we met,” the guy’s voice continued.
Veronica’s whiskey arrived just on time, and when she turned to the intruder next to her, she saw a blonde man in his mid-thirties smiling smugly with a spark of mischief in his blue eyes. Veronica felt so distraught that she needed some time to catch on to the blonde’s words. She blinked at him.
“Does that line really work for you?” she scoffed. “Nice try, but I’m busy here.” Veronica turned back to her whiskey and took a swig. She closed her eyes, listening to the music, trying to stabilize her uneven breathing.
Down on the west coast,
They love their movies
Inhale. Exhale. On the count of three, return to the surveillance. It’s your job here, Veronica.
One.. two.. thr..
“It’s rude actually, you know.” The blonde guy didn’t give up. “I showed interest in you, be grateful at least or…”
“Or what?” Veronica snapped at him, shooting him an angry look. “You will throw me another hideous pickup line? Don’t waste your time. Skedaddle. Now, please.” She registered an offended and irritated look in the blonde’s eyes before she faced the dance floor, leaving him behind without any attention.
Logan still was dancing with Jane, who was leaning her head on his chest now. They spun slowly. She could see his fit back. Logan had obviously become more muscular. Spin. Then his impressive biceps and perfect profile came into her view. Spin. Then it was his face.
Their golden cars and rock-n-roll groupies
And you got the music, you got the music in you, don't you?
Veronica couldn’t tear her gaze off of him — his jaw line, his fine cheekbones, his deep brown eyes always seeing right through her. She remembered so many times he inflamed her with just one look. Deep and soulful, reaching to her core. Logan turned his head in her direction, as if he felt he was being watched. And that was the moment when he saw her. Their gazes locked. Veronica’s breath hitched. Logan’s eyes widened. Time had frozen. Veronica could swear there were sparks somewhere. The intensity she felt was so strong that she could probably have lit the bar on fire.
You push me harder all the way
I’m feeling hotter than fire
I guess that no one ever really made me feel I’m a child
Didn’t say you gotta know, boy it's you I desire
Your love, your love, your love
Slowly, keeping his eyes fixed on Veronica, Logan leaned to Jane’s ear and whispered something. Veronica’s heart beat wildly. He must have heard it from afar. She couldn’t think straight, and she didn’t care. Like, at all. Surprise appeared on Jane’s face and, frowning, she leaned back a little so she could see him better. Logan looked at Jane, smiling sweetly, and Veronica instantly felt a loss, her heart shattering a little bit.
He’s on a date , she reminded herself, averting her gaze. She downed the rest of her whiskey swiftly, and with a ‘clink’, put it on the bar.
Fuck it, I’m leaving. No money shot in flagrante , but there’s a photo of her pecking another man’s lips. That will have to do. Veronica scooped her purse from the counter and headed toward the exit, reprimanding herself for allowing even the smallest thought of a reunion with Logan.
Hope . It always betrays me in the end.
I can see my baby swinging
His parliament is on fire when his hands are up
But nothing’s changed, she thought bitterly, navigating through the crowd. He is Logan Echolls, the one and only, attracting females like flowers attract bees. And I, I am... what am I even doing?
“Fleeing the scene?” a familiar voice spoke behind her back at the same time a strong hand grabbed her wrist and pulled sharply. “I thought you were busy insulting men at the bar.”
It was the blonde guy from earlier. Anger burned in Veronica, and for the first time in the last ten minutes she felt joy, anticipating the opportunity to lash out all her pent up frustration at this dumbhead.
“A man? I haven’t noticed one,” she said, too sweetly with bared teeth that wouldn’t fool anybody. “Let my hand go if you wanna keep it intact.”
She dropped her pretense. With the other hand she reached into her purse for her taser.
The blonde was stupid enough to tighten his grip so much it hurt. He pushed her even closer and invaded her space with his heinous cologne.
I'll have a bruise, Veronica thought, cringing inwardly.
“You’ve got a dirty mouth, Girl. I have a better use for it, you know,” he sneered at her. Veronica was ready to tase him when a punch landed straight into the blonde’s jaw with a delicious crack.
On the balcony and I'm singing
Ooh baby, ooh baby, I'm in love
“Minus a tooth.” Veronica grinned widely. She knew it was him the moment goose bumps appeared on her skin. No one else would plant a fist in this jerk’s face more eagerly. And as another swish of a flying fist reached her ear, the jerk was on the ground. Logan assessed the beaten man with disgust.
“I guess I know an even better use for your dirty mouth. Keeping it shut, for example,” Logan deadpanned.
While the blonde jerk groaned on the floor, Logan faced Veronica with glee in his eyes.
I can see my sweet boy swinging
He's crazy and Cubano
Their gazes locked, and it seemed like no one could interrupt the moment. They were face-to-face for the first time in nine years. It seemed surreal yet so normal to be around him again. Logan smiled at her, and Veronica beamed back at him.
“Long time no see.” His deep voice sounded thick with emotion.
“Yeah, I guess.” Veronica’s own voice trembled a little. “Um, thank you, by the way. For that,” – she gestured to the bloodied blonde getting up from the floor – “You know I’d give him a hard time on my own, but yet I appreciate your help.”
She felt uncharacteristically shy and blushed a little. Logan seemed amused by her reaction, and he nervously ran his hand through his hair.
Some things never change. Veronica giggled a little at her thought.
“Something funny?” Logan queried, mischief in his eyes.
“Well, it occurs to me that we are back where we were last time.” She put a strand of hair behind her ear. “You. Defending me.”
“Wow, color me surprised! Veronica Mars actually admitted I’ve done something noble.” He put his hand on his heart.
“I.. I’m…” Veronica actually was at a loss for words. Instantly she felt silly.
What am I doing, standing here and chatting with the love of my life like nine years haven’t passed at all ? She choked when the realization dawned on her about what she just thought – the love of my life .
Call my only love
On the balcony and I'm singing
Move baby, move baby, I’m in love
“You should return to your date,” she forced herself to say, looking anywhere but at Logan. “She must have lost you.”’
And my heart won’t survive any other minute watching you spend time with another woman, she added to herself.
“I should go too, you know.” She pointed with her thumb at the exit behind her. “See you around, Logan.” Veronica had the courage to look at him, and she inhaled sharply at the pain in his eyes.
“Don’t do that Veronica”, he pleaded, his voice raspy and quiet. “Please.”
She saw her own insecurity mirrored in his eyes. He put his hands on her forearms gently, holding her in her place. Likely to keep her from fleeing.
“Logan… “ she whispered, looking directly in his eyes. Electricity shot through her at his touch. “You’re not alone here. I saw you spending time with another girl. You must have had plans…” she paused meaningfully. “For tonight, I mean.”
“Veronica, do you see that girl anywhere near me now?” he growled. “I’ve missed you.”
She almost missed his whisper, and desperate to believe him, to allow her hope to bloom in her heart, she searched his eyes for the truth in his words.
“I've missed you so much, Logan.” She blinked her tears back, unwilling to start crying right now. This was definitely the wrong moment for sappiness. But she couldn’t help it. Nine years and all.
And, just like that, Logan crashed into her mouth with his own, desperate and needy, igniting fire and sparks all along her skin. Veronica reached for his head and snaked her fingers in his hair, tugging slightly. He moaned against her lips. She deepened the kiss, slipping her tongue in his mouth, colliding fully with his body. His hands wrapped around her waist and pushed her even closer to him. It seemed like they wanted to merge with one other. Resurfacing for a breath, they leaned their foreheads together and giggled.
Literally giggled.
“Your place or mine?” Veronica asked, lust in her eyes. Logan smiled happily at her.
“Miss Mars, behave yourself,” Logan said mockingly. “Are you trying to tarnish my virtue?” His eyes shined bright with joy.
On the balcony and I'm singing
Ooh baby, ooh baby, I'm in love
“Oh, shut up, you stud!” she said playfully, gazing longingly at him. “Lead the way!”
“Yes, Ma’am!”
I’m in love
On their way to his car, Veronica couldn’t help prying a bit. “So how did you get to know Jane?”
Logan’s head whipped around at Veronica’s voice, and a slow grin appeared on his face. “You were sleuthing there! You missed me THAT much?” he asked emphatically. “I’m flattered.”
“You wish.” Veronica laughed in response. “Jane was a target. Her fiancé suspects her of cheating. So how do you know her?”
“Tinder,” Logan answered, beeping his car open. He circled the car to open the door to the passenger side for her.
“Please.” He indicated with his hand for her to take a seat.
“Tinder? You?” Veronica was shocked. “What happened to your ability to attract harems of girls just passing by?”
“Well, time-limited life happened. It’s just easier. But I’m glad to hear you consider me irresistible.” He flashed her a toothy smile. “Anything else I could share with you before we go?”
He jumped in his seat and buckled the seatbelt. “Because as soon as we start driving, I’m gonna make you crazy hot for me. So much so that you’ll hardly be able to walk out of the car.” He suggestively waggled his eyebrows at her. “So?”
Veronica gulped, insanely aroused, and desperately trying to stay focused for one more minute.
“Yeah.” She let out a breath. “Not helping.” Logan laughed at her bothered face. “I need a screenshot of your chat with Jane and of her Tinder profile. Hard proof. I’ll leave your name out of the investigation,” she added hastily. “No worries.”
Logan frowned a little, saying seriously: “If you’ll use that information against me, I’ll fuck you to death."
Veronica’s mouth went slack and opened slightly.
“But what a way to go!” Logan was definitely enjoying her reaction.
“I may just want to do exactly that, Mister!” She pointed her finger at him smiling.
“Deal,” Logan said, revving his car into motion.
Move baby, move baby, I’m in love
I’m in love
I’m in love