And the blood-red heat I felt a moment ago goes icy-cold. How did I not see this coming? The sight of her and Hale standing together outside of her building the other day flashes in my mind. I’m frozen in place.

Sierra’s arms wrap tightly around my waist, and she squeezes my body against hers.

I brush her hair out of her face and lean down to press my lips against her forehead. How does this girl have such an effect on me? She touches something deep down inside of me, something familiar but so old I’ve forgotten it exists.

Murph lets me take Sierra back to my apartment to let her settle down. She doesn’t want to go home; she is really adamant about that. And I can understand. Not wanting to get her parents involved.

When we get back to my place, I let her lay down on the bed while I make her something to eat. My apartment might be small, but at least it’s well stocked. So, I quickly put some water on to boil pasta to pair with a garlic cream sauce that my brother taught me to make. It’s turned into my specialty.

Before I know it, I can hear her heavy breathing from the bed. She must have fallen asleep pretty quickly from the rush of adrenaline. It can do that to you. I have experience there.

While I’m cooking in the kitchen, the sky outside opens up and lets down a heavy pour that hits the windows. That, with the fading light creates the most serene environment, so once I finish the sauce and pasta, I put it in the oven to stay warm. Then I creep gently in the bed behind Sierra, and before I know it, I’m out too.

13

Sierra

I wake to the feeling of heavy arms around my waist. It’s pitch-black, and the most delicious aroma fills the room.

I don’t know what time it is. And I don’t care.

Squeezing his arms around me, I savor the warmth and comfort I feel when I’m with him. You don’t feel like that when it’s just a fling. This is more than that, and I need to come to terms with it.

When I’m with Logan, I am more myself than when I’m around my parents or friends from back home. He lets me be me.

He must feel me fidget because he squeezes me back, nuzzling his face into my neck and letting out a low growl that makes my skin erupt in goosebumps.

“Dinner’s ready,” he mumbles.

“Is that a euphemism?”

His low rumble of laughter hums through my body. I twist myself until I’m facing him, and his eyes open to stare into mine. There’s just enough light to see his blue eyes in the darkness. His hand comes up to rest on my cheek, and I keep my hands on his chest.

For a few moments we don’t say anything.

We’re hiding away from the chaos of the week to just be alone and safe together. The encounter with Hale is still on my mind, but I feel helpless in the matter. The image he painted of Logan doesn’t match the man in front of me. I want to help him, at least with his debts, but I know better than to offer to solve his problems for him. Logan would shut that down so fast…