â–ºChapter Eightâ—„
BEEP. BEEP. BEEP.
Sharp, loud sounds startled me from my sleep. It was a torture to my ears.
The brightness of the room washed over my closed eyelids, making me squeeze my eyes tighter. "Ughh." I flipped onto my side and folded the pillow over my ear.
"Mm." A grunt came from behind as I heard a hand slap the bedside table repeatedly, trying to feel for the alarm clock.
BEEP. BEEP. BEEP.
"Make it stop." I groaned. "Who has alarms on a Sunday?"
"I'm trying." Logan's mumble was muffled by the pillow still covering my cheek.
With a final swat, silence flooded the air.
Releasing the pillow with relief, I let out a breath. I could hear my thoughts again.
It was Sunday, and I had sex with Logan last night. Oh god.
For once in my life, I was spontaneous. Now, I was naked in bed with a man who I've only met twice. Of course, to make matters worse, he has repeatedly told me he wasn't looking for anything serious. Paris must be terribly proud.
What's done is done, I told myself. I'd said I wasn't looking for anything serious after Dean. I'd wanted to see what was out there. Well, a gorgeous, non-committal guy who could be protective and sweet at times was what I got. I could chalk it up as experience and move on.
My mellowness surprised me. Without a doubt, it had to do with the man sleeping behind me, his body warming my back. There was definitely something about him. I had never been this calm after having sex with a stranger. Well, that's because I've never had sex with a stranger. But, it didn't change the fact that Logan made me feel comfortable and calm.
He jerked under the covers. The sheets shuffled as he turned. "Did you say it's Sunday?"
"Mmhm." I slowly rolled over. Opening one eye, I peaked at his face. Tiny specks of dust flew in the air, lit by the sun beams. He looked ten years younger, with his hair a light gold and his long, curled lashes catching drops of sun. My lips curved at the sight. It could be my little secret - watching him in the morning, post a night of amazing sex. No one had to know.
His eyes remained closed as his lips parted. "Sunday...?" Slowly, his brows furrowed before his eyes fluttered open. "Today's Sunday?!"
My hands flew to my ears. "Yes, Mister. Today's Sunday."
"What time is it?" He flopped on the mattress and swung for the clock. Raising his head to read the time, he breathed. "Oh, it's twelve."
"Holy crap, twelve?" I was never one to sleep in. On the weekends, I would be up by eight at the latest, working on my articles or running errands. How late did we sleep last night? Remembering his lips on mine, and our sweat covered bodies pressed together, I quickly shut away the thought.
"Why do you have an alarm set to twelve?" I asked, still trying to forget the feel of his hands on my thighs, brushing it so softly.
His eyes closed while his head fell back into the pillow with a thump. "Honor's coming in an hour."
My eyes popped out of my sockets as I breathed out fire. "Wow, you really book them back to back, huh?"
Cocking his head, he looked at me. "Huh?" Comprehension registered in his eyes. "Oh no, no. Honor's my older sister. She's bringing her kids over because I'm babysitting for her today."
"Oh." My cheeks heated, realizing I reacted like a crazed, jealous wife. "Wait, you babysit?"
A sluggish grin touched his face. "Yeah, why? I don't look the type?"
"Can't say you do." I shook my head against the pillow.
He chuckled, his voice scratchy and deep. "I babysit once in a while when Honor and Josh want a day to themselves. Besides, I like hanging out with the munchkins."
"Look at you talking about kids." I couldn't help smiling. "I would never have guessed. Mr. Womanizing Manwhore likes kids."
He titled his head back, laughing. "What can I say? I'm an onion."
"'Cause you're smelly?"
Cocking an eyebrow, he moved closer. "You didn't seem to think so last night."
Giggling, I jerked back. "Well, then, I should get going and leave you to the kids." Scooting to the edge of the bed, I felt the bed sheet smooth against my skin. Gasping at the realization, I exclaimed. "Wait. I'm naked."
"Is that a not-so-subtle hint for a morning quickie?"
I sank down into the mattress, wrapping the covers tightly against myself. 'No!" Feeling my body temperature rise, I asked hastily. "Where are my clothes?"
He sat up, his perfectly toned upper body in all its glory, and looked around the room. "Over there." He pointed to my side of the floor.
Eyeing the spot he was pointing to, I said. "Turn around or close your eyes."
"What?" He chuckled. "Come on, I've already seen you naked."
"This is different." I shot him a look. "By the definition of a one-night stand, it's reserved for night time. It's the morning. So, in the morning, you don't get to see nothing."
"That was a one-night stand?" He turned to meet my eyes.
"Is that not what you kids call it these days?"
"Hm." He shrugged. "I just thought you would pin me to commit. I didn't think you do one-night stands."
For a minute, I stared at him incredulously.
"I'm not deaf, Logan." Suddenly angry at his terrified tone, thinking I would force him to commit, I snapped. "I heard you loud and clear when you said you're not looking to commit. So, yes, I was very aware of my decision last night, knowing that if I slept with you, it would, essentially, be a one-night stand amongst your many."
Huffing, I gathered as much of the blanket as I could and wrapped it around my chest. "But, I'm a grown woman and I can take the responsibility for my actions. So, you can relax, I'm not going to try to pin anything on you." Getting off the bed, I grabbed my clothes off the floor and headed for his bathroom without as much as a backwards glance.
Shutting the door, I leaned against it, breathing deeply to calm myself.
Ugh, I hated him. I barely knew him, but I hated him anyway. I hated his stupid nonchalance when it came to anything. His confidence in everything he does. Like whatever he did or said was all right. I was an idiot to give in to his advances last night. Yet, what I hated the most was that as much as I wanted to, I couldn't even bring myself to regret it. What the hell was happening to me?
Remembering that his sister was going to be here soon, I quickly got dressed. When I stepped out of the bathroom, Logan was dressed and straightening out the bed sheet.
He turned to me when he heard the door open. He smiled, like I didn't just throw a tantrum while running into his bathroom wrapped in his blanket. "You look good."
Rolling my eyes, I muttered. "I'm wearing the exact same thing as last night."
"Well, you looked good last night too." When I didn't reply, he came towards me. Softly, he said. "I'm sorry, Rory, if I made you mad. I shouldn't have kissed you last night."
I felt foolish about how I acted. I had willingly slept with him, yet I was trying to blame it on him. Not meeting his gaze, I looked at my knotted fingers in front of my stomach. "You don't need to apologize. You didn't force me into anything." Looking up, I gave a shrug. "I made the decision for myself, knowing where you stood."
Pursing his lips, he said. "I told you I want to be friends, and I meant it." His expression was serious, his mouth in a firm line. "I think you're special."
"What?" My face scrunched, trying to understand what he meant. "Special, like 'stop eating the paste' special?"
"You're ambitious, smart, funny and definitely girlfriend material. While I'm..." He shrugged, looking down. "Definitely not boyfriend material." He sighed and looked me in the eyes. "I can't do commitment. I'm not ready. And I don't want to pretend to you like I am. I'm sorry."
Touching his arm, I said. "Logan, it's fine." I felt the need to comfort him as I'd never seen him this vulnerable and honest. "I just came out of a five year relationship, and it obviously didn't go well. The last thing I want is to jump into a relationship." Seeing relief touch his eyes, I gave a small smile. "Let alone with someone who's a self-confessed commitment-phobe."
He held my arms, asking gently. "Are you sure?"
"Yes, I'm sure I don't want a relationship."
At that moment, I knew I meant it. I didn't want to be in a relationship. Not yet. For once, I didn't want to think about the big picture, about what I would want a month from now, and whether I might get hurt. All I wanted to do was live in the moment. It was something I'd never done in my thirty years. It was something I was ready for.
"So, we can be friends?" He lowered his body to face me, eye to eye.
I nodded.
"I need to hear you say it."
Rolling my eyes, I said. "We can be friends."
At my words, a huge grin split his face, reaching his eyes. "So, friend, do you have plans for the day?"
"Why?"
"I'm taking the kids to the park for a game of Frisbee." He walked to the closet door and opened it. Disappearing inside, I heard him call out. "I was thinking I could use some help. It would be fun."
Frowning, I went over and leaned by the closet doorway. "Would your sister be okay with it?"
"Yeah, why not?" He sauntered towards me, flashing an excited smile. "She would love you. You can meet her when she gets here."
"Wow, aren't you full of surprises?" I smirked. "First, you say we're friends. Then, you kiss me."
He tilted his head, looking innocent.
Placing my hands on my hips, my smirk grew. "Then, you say you can't commit. Now, you ask me to meet your sister and hang with her kids?"
"Sounds about right." He nodded, his eyes dancing with mirth. "Hey, this is exciting for me. I've never really had a female friend before."
Laughing, I rolled my eyes. "I'll bet."
"Come on, Rory." He grabbed my wrist, leading me out the room. "Spend the day with me. It'll be fun. You'll love those munchkins." He handed me the bath towel he got from the closet. "You can shower and get ready in the guest room. Mrs. Greene stocked up the products the other day."
Hurrying to follow his speedy footsteps, I asked. "Mrs. Greene?"
Stopping by a door, he explained. "She's my housekeeper."
My brows shot up. "You have a housekeeper?"
He gave a sheepish grin. "She just comes in every week to tidy things up a little."
Shaking my head, I tsked. "Next, you're gonna tell me there's a butler hiding around somewhere."
He laughed, opening the guest room door. "Nope, no butlers. Just me and you. My new friend."
"So, the kids." I spun around after entering the room. "What are their names?"
"Max and Callie." His grin was that of a little boy, his hair even more ruffled than usual. "Max's 4 and Callie's 6."
"I can't wait to meet them." I smiled back, caught up in his excitement.
Thanks for reading!
So, their relationship is a bit unclear and complicated right now. But, in 1 or 2 chapters, they will spell things out clearer. (Though it probably will still sound complicated, but at least there will be defined rules.)
Are you excited for them to spend the day with Honor's kids? I know I am. :P
I hope you guys liked this chapter! Please let me know!
Thanks for the reviews. I loved hearing what you guys think will happen. :)
