Total pages in book: 81
Estimated words: 75999 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 380(@200wpm)___ 304(@250wpm)___ 253(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 75999 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 380(@200wpm)___ 304(@250wpm)___ 253(@300wpm)
Aaron’s face brightens in a foxy smile. “Did he give you that hickey?”
I groan. “Who else? Levi? Of course it was Cass! But… it’s complicated. We got drunk, and I don’t know where we stand. I can’t be his friend with benefits or whatever you wanna call it. But I need Logan out of the picture to have that conversation with him. Right now, my life is a disaster, and I will owe you forever if you help me out.”
The initial joy evaporates from Aaron’s expression, and he leans forward, resting his elbows on his thighs. “What? Why are you here? You should talk to Cassian before Logan comes back.”
I rub my forehead in frustration. Why does he not understand how hard this is for me? “I can’t be the bad guy. Cass needs to see how awful Logan is and then I will come clean.”
Aaron spreads his arms. “He’s not awful! What are you talking about? He’s not my favorite guy under the sun either but what is the point of showing Cass the worst possible side of his boyfriend instead of just letting him know that you’re interested in him? Have you two even talked about this?”
I pull on my thumb. “I don’t want to make things weird.”
Aaron cocks his head and gestures at me. “This is weird. You trying to make up some shit on Logan so you can swoop in and save the day when Cass literally did... something with you,” he says with a frown. “What makes you even think there’s any dirt to dig out in the first place? Cassian clearly likes him, so either make your move or leave it be.”
“There is dirt. I’m sure of it. Just do this one thing for me, okay?”
“But don’t say I didn’t warn you that it’s a bad idea.” Aaron sighs and I notice he looks quite pretty with his curls messy as he presses his palm into his cheek. Does noticing things like that mean I’m getting gayer?
“No! We just need to talk to his actual friends, or get into his apartment or... something,” I say as the exact moment Cass pulled away from me this morning flashes through my mind, causing an ache deep in my chest.
I should have waited.
I should have never let Cass touch me before Logan was gone from his life.
The sound of Aaron clearing his throat brings me back to reality, and I’m relieved to see focus in his eyes.
“Fine. If that’s what you insist on doing, I know what to do,” he says with a confidence that loosens at least some of the painful knots all over my body.
Chapter 16
The house Logan lives in with two roommates is unassuming, not at all flashy like the tall dude with glinting eyes, TV star-worthy teeth, who walks around wearing a cowboy hat in a university town in Indiana.
It’s not what I was expecting, though it is located right next to the exit leading to the riding school where he and Aaron both… what? Ride horses? Or does Logan work there? Am I making assumptions because of his accent and hat?
Maybe I am, but when a young woman opens the door in pink leisurewear and with her hair wrapped in a silk scarf, I smile at her as if I know what I’m doing.
But while she acknowledges me, her gaze focuses on the guy who brought me here. “Aaron, hi! You okay?”
My friend adjusts his black beanie. In the old-timey tweed jacket with leather patches on the elbows, he hardly looks like a threat.
“Good, thanks, Bree. I was wondering if we could chat about next week’s essay. I just brought my friend because he has time to kill and nowhere to be before we go out later. He won’t be a bother.”
I smile and show her a paper bag. “Yep, I even brought snacks.”
Bree rolls her eyes but, after a moment’s hesitation, introduces herself to me with a handshake. “Have you heard of this ingenious device called the phone, Aaron? You should use it sometime,” she says but stands aside to let us in.
Aaron waves it off. “You know me, always so into coursework I forget reality.”
I take a deep breath as I step into the lion’s den, but the place appears very normal. The macrame-framed mirror and potted plants hung in the hall make it kind of cozy. I don’t know why I imagined Logan would have a longhorn’s skull on the mantelpiece, but I see no bones or taxidermy anywhere.
Bree leads us to a small kitchen where she must have been studying, because three books are scattered on the countertop next to a filled notebook. I put the sandwiches and pastries right next to the selection of sticky notes.
I move them a little when Bree gives me a little scowl.
“Look, I’m in the kitchen because both my roommates are currently not home, so don’t upset this perfect spread, okay? The sandwiches go on the counter.”