On screen, something explodes. Logan shifts on the couch, stretching his arm along the back cushions. His fingers are inches from my shoulder.
I turn toward him, tucking my legs beneath me.
He glances over, meeting my eyes. “You okay?”
“Yeah,” I say softly. “I’m okay.”
But I don’t look away.
Neither does he.
The moment stretches between us, taut and fragile. His eyes drop to my mouth for just a second before flicking back up.
My heart hammers against my ribs.
“Logan,” I say, my voice barely above a whisper.
“Yeah?”
I take a breath, gathering my courage. “Why don’t you kiss me?”
He goes completely still. For a second, I think maybe I’ve misread everything. Maybe I’ve made a terrible mistake.
But then his expression shifts—surprise giving way to something deeper, darker. Want.
“Tessa,” he says carefully, like he’s choosing each word with precision, “I don’t want to be the guy who pushes you to do something you’re not ready for.”
“I’m ready,” I say immediately. “I’ve been ready.”
He shakes his head slightly, his jaw tightening. “I just don’t want to hurt you.”
The words hit me square in the chest. Not because they’re cruel, but because they’re so achingly gentle.
“You won’t hurt me,” I say.
“You don’t know that.”
“Yes, I do.” I shift closer, closing the distance between us. “Logan, surely you have desire for me. You want me. Don’t you?”
His eyes darken, and for a moment, I see everything he’s been holding back—the restraint, the longing, the careful control he’s maintained for weeks.
“Tessa, I have one fucking desire, and that’s for you to be happy. That’s all I want.”
My breath catches.
“Nothing would make me happier,” I whisper, “than being with you.”
For a heartbeat, neither of us moves.
Then Logan reaches out slowly, giving me time to pull away if I want to. His hand comes up to cup my cheek, his thumb brushing gently across my cheekbone.
“You’re sure?” he asks, his voice low.
“I’m sure.”
He leans in, and time seems to slow.
His lips brush against mine—soft, tentative, asking a question. I answer by leaning into him, my hand coming up to rest against his chest. I can feel his heart pounding beneath my palm, as wild as my own.
