Avaâs POVCharlotte and I sat at our usual table, her phone in one hand and a fork in the other as she scrolled through something on her feed. I poked at my salad, not really paying attention, until she let out a dramatic sigh.âYou know, for someone who just got her own place, you donât seem very excited,â she pointed out, setting her phone down.I shrugged. âI am. Itâs just⌠a lot.âShe studied me for a second before smirking. âOr maybe it has something to do with Logan.âI nearly choked on my drink. âExcuse me?âBefore she could respond, a tray dropped onto the table across from us. Logan slid into the seat beside me, followed by Tristan, who took his usual place next to her.âTalking about me again?â Logan teased, stealing one of my fries.I glared at him. âNo one was talking about you.âCharlotte snorted. âLies.âTristan laughed. âYou two are exhausting to watch, you know that?âLogan smirked, completely unfazed. âSo, nerd, you coming to the game later?âI sighed. âI have work,
Avaâs POVCharlotte and I had managed to snag a table near the window cafeteria,where the sun streamed in, warming the wooden surface.I stabbed my fork into my salad, listening to Charlotte ramble about some drama between her and Tristan when a shadow suddenly fell over us.âMind if I join?âI looked up, surprised to see Levi Carter standing beside our table, a charming grin on his face. Carter's siblings are charming!.Charlotte, ever the flirt, beamed at him. âOf course! Sit with us anytime, handsome.âLevi chuckled and pulled out a chair. âIâll take that as an official invitation.âI shook my head with a small smile. Levi was different from Logan, softer around the edges, with an easygoing aura that made him instantly likable. He was also just as attractive, and I could already feel the stares from nearby tables as he settled in.âSo,â Levi started, looking between me and Charlotte, âwhat do you guys do for fun around here?ââFun?â Charlotte scoffed. âPlease, this campus is borin
Avaâs POVThe morning light entered through the blinds, casting soft beams of sunlight across the room. I could hear the faint hum of traffic from outside, but it felt distant, like it didn't matter. It was just me and Logan, lounging in my small apartment, an easy peace between us.Logan was sprawled on the couch, a bowl of cereal in hand, and I sat on the armrest, my legs tucked beneath me as I scrolled through my phone. The air was quiet except for the occasional clink of his spoon hitting the bowl, but I felt completely content."You know, youâre not bad at this whole 'relaxing at home' thing," Logan remarked, glancing up at me with that lazy grin of his. He had his usual cocky charm, but this morning, it wasnât as sharp. It was softened, like he was letting down his guard, just for me.I raised an eyebrow, setting my phone down. "Is that a compliment? Or are you just mocking my lifestyle?"Logan shrugged with a casual smirk. "A little bit of both. I always imagined you'd be all a
~Logan's pov~Yesterday was the best day of my life. Me and Ava decided to just spent time together in her apartment instead of going out. I don't remember the last time I had felt this good.She always had a way of making me feel so much better even if I was in bad mood. Just her presence alone make everything so much better for me.I woke up earlier than her,we had fell asleep again on her small couch which couldn't fit my long legs but I wasn't complaining because she was wrapped around my body like a koala and I was loving every second of it.I kept staring at her like some creepy from a horror movie,but I was only appreciating the beauty besides me. She was sleeping with her mouth open but I didn't mind that,I was actually glad she was free around me to be herself.I was mesmerized by the way her eyelashes fluttered. Her eyelashes were long,her full lips were slightly pluckers as she pouted in her sleep. They were so inviting,I wish I could taste them again.I started to lean in
~Logan's POV~After leaving Leviâs apartment, I drove back to my place, but my mind was still restless. Even though I had reassured Levi, the tension from our fatherâs sudden reappearance still didn't set with me. I knew I wouldnât be able to sleep. And honestly, I didnât want to. Not when there was only one person who could make me feel better.I grabbed my phone and dialed Avaâs number. She picked up after a few rings, her voice laced with sleep.âLogan?â she murmured.A smile tugged at my lips. âHey, nerd. Were you sleeping?ââObviously. Unlike some people, I donât stay up all night brooding,â she teased, her voice groggy but warm.I chuckled, leaning back on my couch. âYeah, well⌠I couldnât sleep. I missed you.âThere was a pause on the other end, and then she sighed softly. âLoganâŚââWhat?â I asked, closing my eyes. âIs it a crime to miss my girlfriend?ââNo, but itâs rare for you to admit it,â she said playfully. âYouâre all tough and broody, remember?âI smirked. âMaybe, but o
Logan's POVFootball practice started a little bit tense. The moment I entered the field, I could feel the way Aaron was looking at my presence. He was acting normal at first, but I knew him too well. There was something behind his smug expression, he was plotting something and I knew it wasn't any good. And I had a feeling it had everything to do with Ava and the bet we made.I regretted it every single day. But I also knew that no matter how much I hated myself for it, I wasnât going to let Aaron use it against me.But I was afraid!The practice began, and I pushed my frustration and worries aside, focusing on the game. Tristan was already on the field, his sharp eyes passing between me and Aaron, probably expecting things to go south at any moment.And he was right to.It started when Aaron refused to pass the ball to me. The first time, I let it slide, thinking maybe it wasnât intentional. The second time, I clenched my jaw, keeping my cool. But by the third and fourth times, wh
Avaâs POVI was curled up on my couch, clutching my stomach as another set of cramps churned through me. I groaned, my face turning in discomfort. Periods were the worst. It felt like my uterus was personally having war against me, and I was losing so badly.The soft glow of my lamp illuminated across my apartment, and I briefly considered reaching for my phone to distract myself. Instead, I sighed and closed my eyes, willing the pain to pass.Why do we women have to suffer like this!?Then, there was a knock at the door. I frowned because I wasnât expecting anyone. Dragging myself up with great effort, I went to the door and pulled it open.Before I could react, I was engulfed in a tight embrace.Logan.His fresh cologne wrapped around me as he held me close. His arms were firm, his grip was as possessive as ever, like he needed this as much as I did. For a moment, I forgot about the pain, the exhaustion, and just melted into him.âLogan?â I mumbled against his chest, my voice
Ava's POVI sighed softly, rolling over to check the time. My phone lit up with Charlotteâs name, buzzing like she was determined to pull me out of my thoughts and maybe she was right to. I had a shift at the diner, and then⌠the party.Groaning, I silenced her texts and sat up. The physical pain from yesterday was gone, but the emotional heaviness hadnât quite left. Still, I pushed it aside, took a quick shower, and pulled on my clothes. When I finally checked my phone, another message waited.Charlotte: Are you coming tonight or what?I smirked and typed back.Ava: I donât know, Charlotte. Iâm really not in the mood for a party tonight.Charlotte: Youâre not bailing. Tristan will be there⌠and so will Logan.Of course.Ava: Fine, but only because youâll never stop texting me.Charlotte: YES! Iâll make sure Tristan picks you up. Get ready, hot stuff.I shook my head, amused despite myself.At night, I found myself in front of the mirror, my heart was beating loudly as I pull down t
~Loganâs POV ~The bass in the club thumped so loud I could feel it in my chest.Flashing lights, grinding bodies, and the sharp smell of spilled drinks . Tristan was halfway through his second beer, and Miles was already flirting with a girl in red. Me? I was nursing the same drink Iâd been holding for the last hour, mind elsewhere.Avaâs face wouldnât leave my head.The way she laughed when she teased me. The way her eyes sparkled when she got fired up about law stuff. The way her voice dropped when she was tired, soft and raw and real.And the way Nate looked at her like he already knew he was falling.God, it made my blood boil.âYouâre doing that brooding thing again,â Tristan said, sliding into the booth beside me.âShut up.ââSeriously,â he said, nudging my arm. âYou look like someone just kicked your puppy.âI didnât answer. Miles dropped into the seat across from us, flanked by two girls who disappeared when he saw my face.âWhatâs with you, man?â Miles asked. âYou win the ga
I had just finished my history class and was heading toward the cafĂŠ when I spotted Charlotte waving frantically.âAVA!â she shouted, practically dragging her boyfriend Tristan by the arm.I smiled and jogged up. âWhat, is there a fire or just another TikTok recipe you want to try?ââNeither. Look who I found loitering like a lost golden retriever!â she said, grinning as Nate came into view behind her, wearing a hoodie and carrying a smoothie.âHey,â Nate said, offering me that same warm smile that always made my stomach flip. âFancy seeing you here, Professor Scary.âCharlotte raised an eyebrow. âProfessor what?ââItâs a diner thing,â I muttered.Nate chuckled. âShe trained me. Survived my fork-tray fiasco.ââShe texted me about it,â Charlotte said, giving me a mischievous look. âAlong with the dimple emoji.âI narrowed my eyes. âCharlotte.ââWhat? I just find it interesting,â she said, casually looping her arm around Tristanâs waist. âThat Fork Boy here clearly likes you.âNate cho
~Avaâs pov~Today was a bit boring. No Charlotte in sight as she was busy with Tristan. No Logan and I miss him alot Even though he's coming back today, I couldn't help myself from being lonely.The diner felt too quiet without the lunch chaos, and I was just finishing up a refill run when I heard the bell above the door jingle.I turned, expecting a customer and froze.Logan.Tall, broad, in his usual Titans hoodie and backward cap, looking like he hadnât just spent the last two days tackling people in another town. His hazel eyes locked on mine the second he spotted me.And just like that, I forgot how to hold a soda pitcher properly.Sometimes I wonder,why does he have that hold on me? Sometimes I completely forget everything around me as my eyes locked with him.âYouâre back early,â I said excitedly,my heart skipping.He shrugged like it was no big deal. âCoach cut us loose after the game. Thought Iâd surprise you.ââYou did,â I said, setting the pitcher down before I dropped it.
~Avaâs pov~ When I arrived at the diner it was already buzzing with so many people when I tied my apron and stepped behind the counter. The scent of coffee and grease welcomed me like an old friend, and the clatter of plates and cups was oddly comforting. It was a place I was already used to.Logan and Tristan had left early that morning for an out-of-town practice match. The group chat had been blowing up with dumb pictures and bad jokes, and I missed Logan more than I wanted to admit for it being less than twelve hours. Ridiculous.It was just for one day, and I already missed him like crazy.âAva!â Debra called from the kitchen window, her curly hair tucked under a cap. âI need you to train the new guy. He starts today.âI blinked. âThereâs a new guy?âShe shoved a name tag toward me. âNate. Tall. Blonde. Donât let him drop the soup. He seems clumsy for his own goodâ.I stifled a laugh and took the tag, pinning it to my apron just as the bell over the door jingled.And there he
~Ava pov~If someone in the past had told me that Iâd be going to the mall like a normal girl with a boyfriend who treated me like I hung the moon I wouldâve laughed until I cried.But here I was. Saturday afternoon. Wearing real jeans. Not Loganâs shirt. And for once, my mascara wasnât waterproof because I wasnât expecting to cry today.How life changes.âYou need new shoes,â Charlotte declared, arms crossed as we stood outside one of those fancy stores with mannequins. I blinked. âI have shoes.âShe gave me a long, questioning look.âYou have Loganâs slides and four pair of combat boots that look like they fought in two wars.âââŚExcuse you! It's fashionââTheyâre tragic.âI sighed. âFine. But Iâm not spending more thanâŚââGirl, hush. Tristanâs paying.âI stared at her. âWhat? Why would he pay for me?âShe grinned, wicked and proud. â Okay it was Logan, that said that.It was his idea. âGet Ava some proper shoes so she doesnât show up to your birthday dinner looking like an ancient
~Ava's pov~I stared at the man in front of me, my hand still clutching the doorknob like it was the only thing keeping me standing.The silence between us stretched thin. His eyes raked over me judgmental, cold, furious.I shrank back instinctively, pulling Loganâs shirt tighter around me.âReal classy, Ava,â my father sneered, his voice dripping with disdain. âThrowing yourself at the first guy with a bed.âMy stomach twisted painfully.Before I could utter a reply, heavy footsteps approached behind me.Logan.âWho the hell are you?â Loganâs voice was sharp, edged with protectiveness. He moved beside me, wrapping a strong arm around my waist without hesitation, pulling me slightly behind him.My fatherâs lip curled into a sneer.âAnd who the hell are you?â he shot back. âAnother loser sheâs using to pay her bills?âThe words hit harder than I wanted to admit.I flinched, shame flooding through me.I couldn't even believe if this was my father talking before me.Logan stiffened, hi
~Avaâs POV~I wish I couldâve stayed like that forever. Wrapped up in Loganâs arms, feeling the steady rhythm of his heart against my ear, his hand lazily drawing circles on my back.It was easy to forget the rest of the world existed when I was with him.I smiled against his bare chest, feeling a strange kind of peace settle over me the kind I hadnât felt in years.My phone buzzed somewhere on the nightstand, vibrating against the table.I groaned, not wanting to move, but Logan chuckled and gave me a playful smack on the hip."Better get that, baby," he said, his voice thick with sleep.I stretched, feeling deliciously sore, and reached over to grab it.Charlotteâs name flashed across the screen.I frowned. Why was she calling so early?Sliding off the bed ignoring Loganâs mocking whine as I stole his warmth I padded across the room. I was dressed in nothing but a pair of Loganâs loose basketball shorts and his t-shirt, which hung almost indecently off one shoulder.My neck tingle
~Loganâs POV~The first thing I became aware of was the warmth.Soft,Sweet., and Familiar.I shifted slightly, blinking against the early morning light leaking through the blinds.And there she was.Curled against my chest, her head tucked under my chin, her arm thrown lazily across my waist like she belonged there.Like she was meant to be there.My heart clenched painfully in my chest.For a long minute, I just stared at her, afraid to even breathe too loud in case it shattered the fragile peace wrapping around us.She was beautiful.More beautiful than anything I deserved.Her hair was a wild mess against the pillow, her cheeks still flushed from the night before, her lips parted slightly as she breathed in slow, even rhythms.I tightened my arm around her instinctively, pulling her even closer.Mine.She was mine!The thought echoed in my head, loud and possessive.She was mine.And nothing⌠I mean no one was going to take her from me.I pressed a soft kiss to her forehead, lettin
~Logan's POV~The sunlight streamed through the windows of the apartment, but all I could see was her.Still sitting cross-legged on my couch, her hair a messy bun around her head, her eyes were so soft and trusting, even after everything I barely managed to tell her last night.She didn't even freak out as i was expecting. I didnât deserve her.But selfishly, I wasnât going to let her go.I pushed myself off the wall where Iâd been leaning and crossed the room toward her.She smiled up at me, the kind of smile that made the tight knot in my chest loosen just a little. The kind of smile that lit up my whole world."You doing anything later?" I asked, my voice coming out roughly from lack of sleep and too many emotions.Her head tilted slightly. "No... why?"I smirked and sat on the coffee table in front of her, close enough that our knees brushed."After football practice," I said, reaching out to tuck a strand of hair behind her ear, "I'm taking you out. Proper date. Just you and me