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Dani: You say that like I’d bid for you
Logan: Or maybe I say that like I’dwantyou to bid for me
My heart practically leaps in my chest, and I have to pat it a few times to calm down.Stupid, stupid heart.It must be malfunctioning or something. I am not falling for Logan’s charms. Or anyone’s. I was just assigned babysitting duty because Idon’tsuccumb to the bullshit. Now’s not the time to prove otherwise. So instead, I cut the conversation off before it’s even begun.
Dani: It’s a moot point either way
Logan doesn’t reply again until I’m back home and snuggled on the couch with an espresso.
Logan: It’s not moot if I wanted you to know it
Dammit! There goes that stupid heart again. Even though I’m convinced he’s joking around, he still manages to affect me. And I hate that. But I also don't want it to stop.
Chapter Ten
Dani
Despitemyconcerns,thealumni event is outdoors and not the type that requires a fancy dress. But I still don’t want to go. I have my own events to worry about. And I plan them; I don’t attend as a guest. Damn me and my need to please everyone.
As I pull my long coat over my shoulders, I close my eyes, and a shiver runs down my spine. I imagine fingertips lightly brushing along my skin as warm air surrounds me. It’s like he’s here, blowing on my neck, trying to frazzle me. Trying to distract me. Knowing how hard today will be. I open my eyes to thank him, but I’m alone. Nothing but goose bumps to remind me of the daydream I just had. Or would that be considered a nightmare?
I want to move on. I need to move on. But with those burning questions, it’s hard to let go.What was he doing? Why wasn’t he near home? And who was he with?
After applying the bare minimum of makeup needed to stop me from looking as tired as I feel, I race out the door so I get there on time. My anxiety is already high enough; I don’t need to add more to it by arriving late.
Although, as I pull into the parking lot at the college, I quickly discover that today is not my day. I’m instantly flustered when I see Logan leaning against the exterior of the building, his messy blond hair tucked under a beanie, a pensive expression on his face, and his camera in his hand. When he puffs out a breath, I see it in the air, drawing my attention to how cold it is today.Why do I feel warm?
Inhaling deeply, I run my fingers through my curls and get out of the car, casually walking toward Logan. No point trying to avoid him. “Logan, how are you?” I say, pretending I’m not at all affected by seeing him. “What brings you here? Your event isn’t for a couple of months.” Logan grins as his eyes briefly drink me in before lifting to my face again. “I’m meeting Summer, Cory, and Nate. Apparently, everyone attends this event.”
Why haven’t I attended before?
“I’m beginning to see that,” I say and then pause, an awkwardness taking over me. “Well, I better be going. I’m actually working.”
Turning on the heel of my knee-high boots, I move to walk away without further chitchat, but Logan’s hand locks around my arm, keeping me in place.
“Wait! I’m actually glad I caught you. You look beautiful, by the way. I—”
“Babe, you’re here,” Dwayne says, joining my side out of nowhere and placing a chaste kiss on my cheek.Babe? “Shall we get this over with?” he continues, completely unaware that he’s interrupting something. Or maybe completely aware and just doing it on purpose. Although, what he’s interrupting…I’m not entirely sure, but Logan visibly stiffens.
“Babe, huh?” he says, a hint of jealousy flitting across his face before it’s quickly gone, replaced by a grin. “Nice. Have fun, you two.”
Huh?Just like that. Did I imagine the jealousy? Linking my arm through Dwayne’s, I pull him toward the gate without a backward glance, a smile locked in place. But once I’m certain we’re out of earshot, my smile fades. “What the hell was that kiss?”
Dwayne shrugs. “You’re hot. If I’m going to be stuck with you, I’m going to enjoy it. Figured you could pretend to be my girl.”
What?!
I keep my arm linked with his, even though I internally cringe, and speak through gritted teeth. “Kiss me again, and I will be forced to kick you in the nuts.”
Dwayne flinches and pulls away without breaking our touch. “What the fuck?”
“I’m happy to play pretend. I’ll smile. Sing your praises. Do whatever is required to make you look good. But please…do not kiss me.”
Kissing is sacred. Kissingmeanssomething.
“I’m sorry, Dani. I know you’re doing me a solid here. I’ll behave,” he says with genuine remorse in his expression, and I remember back to what Rita said about his acting out. Giving him a second chance, I smile and bump my shoulder into his arm.
“Thank you. What do you say we get out there and try to have fun?”
