►Chapter Seven◄
The elevator doors opened to reveal Logan's foyer. The place was elaborate and huge, with crystals hanging on the tips of the chandelier and floor length mirrors covering the walls. A pair of caramel leather loveseats sat facing each other in the middle of the space, a foot away from a black metallic fireplace. At one corner of the room was a tall, black and white armoire where Logan had placed my coat and scarf the other day.
"Here, Miss. Let me take your jacket." Logan extended a palm at me, his eyes crinkling with mirth. He had been on his best behavior for the past while, helping me with the doors, throwing in conversation starters and even some compliments to get me talking. As always, he was best at annoying me one minute and being adorable the next.
Forcing on a solemn face, I snuck out of my black trench coat and unwrapped my white scarf, handing them to him.
"You're very welcome." He smirked, turning to store the items away.
"I didn't thank you." My sharp voice darted after him, through the large space.
He spun around on the spot, an eyebrow in the air. "Hey, you talked."
Supressing a smile, I rolled my eyes and headed towards the living room.
"Go ahead, make yourself at home." He called after me.
I glanced over my shoulder, my eyes finding his. "Don't mind if I do, friend."
►It's about time◄
"Come on, I'll make you coffee." Dragging me up from the couch, Logan grinned. He pulled me beside him and grabbed my shoulders, pushing me towards the kitchen. By my ear, he whispered. "I'll even put the filter the slightly fuzzier side up, just like how you taught me."
A chortle came out my throat, having unsuccessfully contained my amusement. Tilting my head back to get a view of his chin, I frowned. "Are you making fun of my protocol?"
"Oh no, of course not. How would I dare?" He said in a mock serious tone.
Giggling, I nodded. "Good."
In the kitchen, he busied himself with the coffee maker while I retrieved the mugs from the cupboard. Somehow, being in his apartment felt natural, as if we had known each other for a while. If there was one thing he was better at than being a pain in the ass, it was making me feel comfortable in his presence, no matter how irritating I found him at times.
With the mugs dangling in my hands, I peered over his arm to watch his actions.
"The pot's not completely dry." I nudged his shoulder, seeing the two droplets of water dripping down the inside.
He heaved, letting out a long breath. Complying, he removed the pot and scooted over to grab a paper towel. Wiping the plastic, he said. "Just curious, have you heard of OCD?"
Shooting him a glare, I lectured. "The manual specified the exact ratio of water to coffee beans for this brand. If your pot's not entirely dry that just completely throws off the formula."
Shaking his head, his gaze landed on mine, his eyes a gold under the bright kitchen light. "I meant to say your obsession and pickiness with caffeine is endearing." His tone was suddenly low and smooth, snaking into my heart.
Feeling heat brush my cheeks, my eyes darted to the counter as I retorted. "And your inability to read instructions fascinate me."
Peaking through my lashes, I saw his shoulders shake as soft chuckles caressed my ears.
The effect he had on me was mind boggling. How could he make my head boil and my heart beat faster all at the same time? I concluded that it must be those eyes. Numerous women must have fallen victim to their spell. Rory Gilmore, you are not going to be one of them.
►It's about time◄
"Logan Huntzberger. What is this?" My mouth hung open while I stared at the familiar movie appearing on the large TV screen. Sticking the bowl of popcorn in the space between my crossed legs, I turned to him on the couch. "I'm shocked."
Crossing his arms, he smirked. "See, I'm a man true to my words. I said I would give Casablanca a try for you and that's what I'm gonna do."
"Wow, I'm genuinely impressed." I beamed at him while throwing a popcorn into my mouth.
"But, we'll watch one of my picks after this." He wiggled a brow before he added. "If I make it through the movie."
"Deal." I stuck out my pinky finger in front of his chest.
Looking down at it, he snickered. "Real mature." His pinky found mine and hooked on, giving one firm shake.
"You're welcome, in advance." My chin raised in his direction as my shoulder nudged his.
He playfully returned my gesture, but with much more force. His nudge sent me swaying to a side. "Hey!" I exclaimed, giggling.
His fingers caught my arm, pulling me back in. I couldn't help the huge grin on my face.
►It's about time◄
At first, we sat close together on the couch, digging at the popcorn while watching the movie. Logan made comments here and there, to which I would retort before telling him to keep quiet. As the movie went on and the plot thickened, Logan's complaints became longer and more emotionally charged. In his own words, he didn't like the melodramatic music. He didn't understand Rick's undying love for Ilsa even though she betrayed him. He couldn't stand the woman's indecision and stubbornness. And don't even get him started on the horrible hair styles. Towards the end, he wouldn't stop criticizing each and every scene. I was surprised he still knew what was going on or heard any word because we were arguing over the sound the whole time.
"She's just a typical treacherous woman, sleeping with anyone who brings her benefits." He jabbed a palm at the screen, disapproval clear in his voice.
"No, she's not." I frowned, slapping his hand away so it wasn't blocking my view. "It's a lot more complicated than that. There are so many other factors-"
"What do the guys see in her anyway? Sure, she's hot and has those Angelina Jolie lips but that's not exactly marriage material."
"Oh my god, you men are disgusting." I groaned. "Can't you see past the face and boobs and get into the motifs and drives of the characters?"
"I'm trying, but all I see is bs." He laughed at my obvious frustration.
"Shh!" My finger poked his lips to shush him when I saw what was coming up. "This is my favorite part."
Against my finger, he mumbled. "Is she going to cheat on her husband with Rick and have it seem like it's no big deal?" His breaths were hot and moist, enveloping my flesh. Feeling my stomach twitch at the sensation, I quickly withdrew my hand.
With a pounding heart, I stole a quick glare. "Just shut up and watch."
Every time this scene between Rick and Ilsa was on, my eyes would be glued to the screen . Considering the number of times my mom and I watched the movie, I had every line memorized. In my head, I whispered the words along with Ilsa as she stood, wrapped in Rick's arms. The music in the background was slow and melancholic, embracing their unshed tears.
"The day you left Paris... If you knew what I went through." Ilsa pulled back from his hold, looking up at Rick with tears brimming her eyes
"If you knew how much I loved you..." She whispered, close to his lips. "How much I still love you..."
Rick leaned in, pulling her towards him until her head fell back and their lips melted together. His hand traveled to her neck, holding her in place.
My heart melted at the scene every time. Realizing my tense shoulders, I leaned back into the couch. I sighed, shaking my head slowly with my eyes never leaving the screen. "You can just see it in the way he looks at her. The way he kisses her, like it was the first and last time. I want to be kissed like that. Someday I'll find a guy and-"
Cutting me off mid-sentence, a force on my cheek ripped my gaze away from the TV, turning my head towards Logan. His hand cupped my face as he pulled me into a sudden, deep kiss.
"Mm." The sound came out my nose when his lips crashed into mine. My eyes closed as he kissed me hard and long. My head swayed, only brought back in by his firm hold as his lips brushed against mine. My whole body was buzzing from the intensity of his scent, his breath and his taste hitting my senses. His tongue licked wet trails on my lips, causing them to part and take him in. Feeling my insides clench with desire, my tongue twirled with his, exploring every depth of his mouth. Sucking softly on my bottom lip, Logan's hold on the sides of my face tightened and he pulled away.
Panting, my heart was beating out of my chest. I could feel him close as his breaths washed over my face, sending shivers down my back.
Opening my eyes, I muttered between breaths. "What. The. Hell. Logan?"
His solid, caramel eyes locked with mine as he whispered. "There, you can check that off your bucket list."
With the intensity behind his smirk burning into me, and the heat from his fingers on the pulse on my neck, my face leaned in again. This time, our lips met slowly, caressing each other. My arms wrapped around his neck as my chest pressed against his. I got up on my knees to lean into him further, sending the bowl of popcorn clanging on the wood floors.
Pulling away, Logan asked, his eyes searching mine. "Are you sure about this?"
"Mm-" I barely got a sound out before he kissed me again.
Pushing into him as our kiss deepened, he leaned back into the couch cushions, pulling me on top of him. Feeling his hard, warm body under me, my stomach bunched together, sending pulses down my legs. No longer able to think rationally, I tucked at the end of his shirt, searching for the buttons.
Before we went any further, he broke apart from the kiss. His lips were pink and swollen, pumping ragged breaths out onto my skin. "You remembered what I said at dinner?
Looking into his eyes, I whispered. "Maybe just for one night?" In that moment, I just knew I wanted him. Those eyes. Those lips. I wanted him tonight. I no longer wanted to be that girl who shied away from every spontaneous moment in life. I wanted to experience what my heart was telling me in the instant.
Lifting his head to kiss me once, he asked softly. "And we'll still be friends?"
The corner of my lips curled. "Yes." I whispered, knowing I believed in it.
With a grunt, he clenched the collar of my sweater and pulled it hard, causing my body to crash into his with a thump. His hands traveled up my thighs as we were consumed in each other once more. With our lips never breaking contact, he sat up. He slid his arms under my legs and back and carried me off the couch. With my arms wrapped tightly around his shoulders, he feathered wet, hot kisses down my neck, finding his way into the bedroom.
Thanks for reading!
What do you think? Are you surprised that Rory gave in to the temptation? And, more importantly, what's going to happen after this...?
Thanks for the reviews and follows!
