Page 66 of Attractive Forces

She pulls this cross-eyed look she used to pull when we were little to make me laugh. Mum catches the tail end of it, and her eyes narrow. “Is this just a big joke to you?” she asks Annaliese.

Okay, I really need to retreat now.

I run up the stairs to my room, and sure enough, I already have a message from Logan.

It’s a single word.

Shit.

I pick up my phone and tap out a reply. Don’t worry. Annaliese is covering for us.

Thank fuck

yeah. You ok?

been better. We’ve got to be more careful.

I stare at the words. He’s right. We were stupid tonight. Letting our feelings override common sense. Making dumb decisions seems to be an occupational hazard I have around Logan. My stomach clenches.

I message Logan back.

I know

* * *

Half an hour later,there’s a knock on my door.

“Come in,” I say. I’m lying in bed, but I’ve still got my bedside lamp on because I’ve been pretending to read. But really, I’ve been preparing myself for the conversation I know I’m about to have with my big sister.

Sure enough, Annaliese comes into my room and shuts the door behind her, her eyes sparkling. “So, Jake, you want to tell me why your chemistry tutor is trying to climb into your bedroom window at ten o’clock at night?”

Given she’s just endured a lecture she didn’t deserve from Mum, I can’t get annoyed that she’s looking to squeeze as much amusement as possible out of this situation.

“Would you believe me if I said he had a chemistry question he desperately needed answered?” I ask.

She snorts. “I’d say that’s about as likely as he was climbing that tree to hook up with me.”

I close my book and put it on my bedside table.

“So, you and Logan…you guys are a thing?”

I bite my lip. “Yeah.”

Although I know Annaliese is totally an ally, I can’t help the rush of adrenaline through my body. It’s the first time I’ve admitted I have a boyfriend to anyone.

Annaliese’s mouth twists into a smirk. “Good score,” she says finally.

I bark out a surprised laugh, and she starts to laugh too.

“You haven’t told Mum, I take it?” she asks when we stop laughing.

I run my fingers along the top of my sheet. “No. I haven’t told anyone. Logan’s dad is a pastor. And he’s captain of the rugby team. He’s not ready…to be out.”

“And you’re happy keeping it a secret?”

I shrug. “It’s what it has to be.”

Annaliese gives me a long look. “Secrets are destructive, Jake. We know that better than anyone.”