Page 32

But if I don’t pee, my bladder will explode. I swing my legs off the sofa, making a beeline for the stairs but my foot collides with a hard object. I go tumbling forward, my full weight almost crushing the person underneath. Luckily, Logan catches me.

Our faces are a breath apart when he slowly lets me go, and my body lowers on top of his. I blink, staring into a pair of eyes I know so well.

“Hey what’s up?” I ask jokingly as our bodies touch front to front. His arm fully wrapping around me. “Sorry I woke you. Apparently, my clumsiness made an appearance.”

“I wasn’t sleeping.”

Oh.

“You were just on the floor. In the dark.” I wiggle out of his warm embrace and stand. Him following.

On the floor near the couch, there’s a pillow and a blanket that’s way too small for him.

“If you woke up in the middle of the night, I wanted to make sure you weren’t scared. Being in a new place and all.”

Even though I can’t make out his eyes right now, I’m staring directly at them. In them because when Logan shows me more of who he is… I fall deeper and deeper.

“You laid on the hard floor, in the dark, just to make sure I wouldn’t be scared?”

His throat bobs deliciously. “Yes.”

Oh, man.

“Jesus, Logan. You’re making this—”

“Lana made it home safe. Didn’t think it was worth waking you. Especially since you seemed so tired.”

I was going to say… he is making this extremely hard to resist him.

The tall shadow being cast around us brings me comfort as I peer up at him with a nod.

“I was actually going to the bathroom when I tripped over you.”

“Oh. Right.” Logan steps to his right the same time I step to my left, nearly colliding with one another. Then we both zig when we should have zagged.

“Okay. I’m going this way. You go that way.”

“Good idea,” he grumbles, our arms brushing skin to skin when I’m finally able to slide by.

Coming back downstairs, Logan is now sitting on the sofa. The table side lamp is creating perfect shadows and light reflecting off his chiseled face.

I take a deep breath and strut around the couch, sitting down next to him. His arms resting on his knees.

“Sora. Can I ask you something?” The suddenness in his question makes my heart unsteady. Is he going to ask more about what I am running from?

Unsure of the time but knowing falling back asleep is nearly impossible, I nod.

“Do I make you uncomfortable?” There’s hurt in his voice.

The blood rushes to my feet as his question completely throws me off guard.

I turn my body toward him. “No. Of course not. You don’t make me uncomfortable. In fact, it’s quite the opposite. I’ve never felt more…”

When his eyes locked with mine, the hurt slowly departs, and his slight smile makes me smile.

“I’ve never felt more at ease. I mean, I did fall asleep in your chair playing Monopoly. That must count for something, right?”

His eyes brighten with the side of his mouth turning upward. Thank God. I love his smirk. His smile. His laugh. Everything.

I breathe in before adding, “If I were to dream of a place I feel the safest, it’d be anywhere with you.”

There’s a brief flash of satisfaction and surprise before the tension in his shoulders relaxes and he drops his gaze to the floor. “I’ll let you sleep.” He rises off the couch, heading upstairs even though I wish for him to stay.

“Goodnight, Logan.” Just as his foot hits the first step I ask, “Do you mind if I turn on your TV? I’m not tired anymore.”

He pauses, darting his attention to the TV and back to me. “You want company?”

Yes.

“I don’t want to keep you up.”

He runs a hand through his unruly hair. “Honestly, I’m not tired either.”

I smile while patting the empty spot next to me. “Then bring that handsome face over here, buddy.” I blush, but whatever. He has to know he’s hot.

He stalks over to me with confidence and a lighter bounce to his step.

I turn on the TV and it goes directly to cable. “I’m sorry, but who doesn’t have streaming apps?”

He shrugs. “I’m barely home.”

Actually, he’s been home a lot lately getting to witness my embarrassing moments, then bolting and hiding, but I decide I won’t bring that up.

“In the mood for some classic comedy?” I select one of my favorites.

“There’re not a lot of choices this late.

It's either the classics or some cringy porn.” I laugh awkwardly because the thought of watching two people go at it on screen is enough for me to crawl on Logan’s lap and let him do whatever he pleases.

“Classics are fine,” Logan quickly says, and I mentally curse myself for bringing up porn around him.

“What do you like to watch?”

“I rarely watch TV. I had it mainly for my dad and I guess I just never got around to canceling cable.”

“I see.”

He’s wearing a pained expression at the mention of his father, and it makes me incredibly sad for him. But if anyone understands losing a parent, it’s me.

We sit in heavy silence while the sitcom plays, surrounding us with the small light casting over the room. My eyes grow heavier with each scene that plays out.

I snuggle up closer to one of his dark blue throw pillows and try not to strain my eyes too much as I glance over at him. He focuses on the two men as the laugh track goes off and there’s a hint of amusement on his face.

When I’m met with the back of my eyelids, Logan’s phone goes off, vibrating on the coffee table.

He breathes a weighted sigh. “I gotta take this. Sorry.”

I yawn first. “No problem.”

The couch moves as he rises, answering the call, all while pacing in the kitchen.

When he finishes, disappointment replaces his light expression. “Someone’s stuck on the highway. I have to go.”

I twist to see him. “That’s okay. Duty calls. I don’t expect you to babysit me all night.” I chuckle, but he’s left expressionless.

“I don’t mind you being here,” he says with a slight panic in his voice, letting me know so.

It catches me off guard. Maybe he does like spending time with me. “You’ve been super sweet letting me sleep here.” I try to rise, but Logan holds up his hand.

“I’m not kicking you out, Sora. Your place is still locked. Stay. Sleep. I’ll be back whenever I can.”

I smile. “Thank you. Your couch is pretty comfy. And you’re right, it is better than the one at your shop.”

He huffs, following a quiet laugh. “So, I’ve been told.”

“How come you don’t stay there? Wouldn’t it be easier the nights you’re on call?”

He told me before he has another employee. Someone his dad always trusted. He also mentioned they trade off the night calls. Which makes sense.

I wait for an answer, resting my arm on the back of his couch.

“I’ll be back. Sleep good, dove.” He grabs his keys and closes the door before he can clock my reaction.

I’m not even sure I can make out my own reaction. Not only did he dodge my question, but he called me dove. Again. And a deep sadness slams into me at the thought of never being able to hear him say it again.