Page 17 of The Things That Hold Us

“Oh, you'd be surprised.”

We just stand there smiling at each other like a couple of idiots.

Finally he says, “I hate to do this, but I do have to go, I have a meeting to go to.”

I nod, confused about why him leaving so soon disappoints me.

“Ok, me too.”

He smiles at me, and I quickly correct myself, “Not a meeting. I don't have a meeting. I do have ice cream calling my name though, so I should..” I point over my shoulder in the direction of my apartment. Logan nods, but his eyes meet mine and goosebumps flood my body. I feel my cheeks heat, and hope to God my face isn't red.

“I want to see you again.” he says.

“Oh. Um.” I'm lost for words.

The sensation of how easy this conversation was, and how my body reacts to just being near him is too much for my brain.

“Please.” he adds when I don't say anything.

I blow out a breath, and stand taller, so I sound confident in what I’m about to say.

Even though I feel anything but.

“I.. I don't date. I mean I have, in the past. But not anymore…” I trail off, and he seems to sense the change in my tone.

He smiles softly, then says “I understand. I’d still like to see you, though. It doesn't have to be a date. We can hangout as friends.”

I doubt that. But something in me wants to see him, again, too.

“I'll think about it.” I tell him.

His smile comes back and his eyes light up again. “I will take that.”

“You better get to your meeting.” I say.

His smile is infectious.

“You better get to your ice cream,” he replies.

My face feels so hot. What is happening?

I laugh and turn to leave, but then I freeze and turn to see him walking away.

“Your name!” I yell at him.

He turns, a big goofy smile on his face.

“Logan.” he says. “Logan Henderson.”

I smile.

“Thank you, Logan. That would have driven me nuts all night.”

He chuckles, then waves and turns on his heels.

I smile to myself the entire walk home.

Once I’m inside, I go straight to the fridge, pour some wine, then run myself a hot bath.

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