Page 92 of The Things That Hold Us

I tell myself.

I pace for what feels like forever, then check the time again.

6:32.

“Ugh.” I groan, getting frustrated with myself. When did this happen? Wasn't I dead set on not liking him? I still am; or at least that’s what I keep telling myself. However, knowing that Logan will tell me what was bothering him is giving me motivation to go through with this date…regardless of my nerves.

Is this a bad idea? Probably. It's not going to help my situation at all, only make it worse really.

“You can go out to dinner with a man and it not be more than that.” I tell myself, and as I’m speaking, I hear a knock on the door.

I freeze, and check the time again. He’s a few minutes early.

As I open the door, I see Logan standing there with flowers in his hand.

“Marigolds.” I breathe.

“They're your favorite. It wouldn't have been right if I picked you up without them.” he smiles softly at me, those dimples coming out.

I look him over, and my heart beats a little faster as I do. He looks amazing. He’s wearing dark jeans, dress shoes, and a light brown sweater shirt.

“You look..” I start to say, then suddenly feel self conscious about complimenting him.

Butgodhe looks good. That shirt hugs his arms just right. I let it go, not finishing my sentence, he just chuckles, and then looks at me.

His eyes trail from my head to my toes, taking every inch in.

“You look absolutely beautiful, Charlie.” his voice is low, and it does something to me.

Everything about this man gets some sort of reaction out of me, and I don't know how I feel about it.

Logan clears his throat, “Are you ready to go? I know I’m early, I just couldn't wait any longer.”

“Yeah, I’m ready.” I say as I close my apartment door behind me. Then his words register.

“Wait, what do you mean you couldn't wait any longer?”

He chuckles again, and brings his hand up to his face, “I uh, I’ve been sitting in the parking lot for a good 15 minutes.”

My steps halt, and I gasp at him. Then I can't help but laugh.

“Why didn't you just come up?”

“I told you 7. It wasn't 7 yet and I wanted to give you time to get ready.”

I look at him and just smile. The fact that he was just as impatient as I was calms my nerves just a little bit.

“So where are you taking me?” I ask him as we ride the elevator down.

Logan turns his head towards me and smiles.

“You’ll see.”

Chapter Twenty

the date

We drive for about 20 minutes. It's dark out, so I really have no clue where we are. I do know that there are no restaurants out here, though.

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