Page 42 of Claiming Her Cougar
“Maybe all of this is just envy from seeing you and Daphne happy.Maybe I’d be into any girl that came along right around now.
Logan scoffs.“Do you really believe that?”
“No.I think it’s Mallory.”
“Well, it’s the holidays.Find yourself some mistletoe and see what happens,” he suggests.
“Great idea, genius.Let’s throw a sexual harassment complaint into the mix.”I shake my head.“HR would love that.And our dads would rightly kick my ass.”
“So, hanging out in the friend zone for the time being?Sorry, man.”
“Whatever.This is how my parents started out.Mom didn’t want to date Dad because she was Grammy’s student teacher.She didn’t even know he was a shifter since we were still secret back then.They overcame that obstacle, so there’s hope.”I turn my head to look at my cousin.“Right?”
Logan claps me on the shoulder and stands.“There’s always hope.I think you guys have a spark.If that’s enough to overcome her hangups, I guess we’ll have to see.”He drains his water bottle, gets up, and puts it in the recycle bin under my kitchen sink.
“You know what you should do?”he asks.
“I’m afraid to ask.”
“Text Trevor and see if his sister will let you use the rink.I think skating again and burning off some aggression shooting pucks during the weeks you’re home will be good for you.”
I consider the suggestion.It’s a good one.
I nod.“Yeah, maybe I’ll do that.They should be home for break soon so we could skate together.It was fun.I missed skating.I felt it the next day though.”
“Me too.Rugby doesn’t use the same muscles.”
Standing, I put my almost empty beer bottle on the breakfast bar and walk Logan to the door.
“Thanks for coming by, man.I appreciate you listening to me.”I hold out my hand to shake.Logan takes it and pulls me into a hug, slapping me on the back.
“Anytime, Liam.Other than Daph, you’re my best friend.I want you to be happy.I love you.”
I try to clear my throat of the lump that’s just formed.We’re fortunate we were raised by men that are comfortable showing affection, but it’s not something Logan and I typically express to each other.We have each other’s backs, no doubt, and we love each other, but we don’t tell each other.Tonight, we do.It’s nice.
“Love you too, man.”
I watch him walk to his Jeep and get in, then wave as he drives away before closing my door.
Picking up my phone, I shoot a text to Trevor.Since Thanksgiving, Logan, Trevor, and I have had a group chat talking about sports.I’ve watched some videos posted of the stunts he and Randi do for cheerleading—they’re amazing.Dude is crazy strong, and she’s fearless.I know from the years Kendall cheered how dangerous it is, and the fact that Randi is taller than the average cheerleader makes it even more difficult and impressive.Trevor can bench press more than either me or Logan.
Me: Hey, Trev, what’s up?
Trevor: Nothing much, studying for finals.What’s up with you?
Me: Shit, I’m sorry.Don’t want to interrupt.
Trevor: You’re good.Tbh I’ve been checking out the hottie shelving books.Totally sexy librarian vibe.
I laugh, remembering my own “productive” library study sessions.Especially that study room on the third floor of the main library…
Me: I was wondering if it would be okay to use your rink for some skating time and shooting drills?
Trevor: Sure.Just let me text Lory so she knows.
Me: Thanks.I’ll work around her schedule.I don’t want to bother her.
Trevor: She won’t care, but that way, she knows why there’s a car parked there.She uses the gym too.Usually before or after work, you probably won’t see each other.
