“You’re probably right. Fuck. This is so much more complicated than hooking up.”
Griffin laughs loudly at that. “It’s worth it, bro. You’ll see.”
“Assuming she’s even interested.” I’ve been such a prick, she may want nothing to do with me. I know she’s physically attracted to me. There’s no denying that after the night we spenttogether in LA, but that doesn’t mean she’ll be open to spending time together.
I can’t believe I’m even thinking about any of this. What the hell is this woman doing to me that I’m considering how to get her to want todateme?
Maybe I’m having a mental breakdown.
“She’s interested,” Ryder says. “You’d have to be blind not to see it. She kept sneaking glances at you at Chasers that night. She may be a little hesitant because of the way you acted after she showed up at work that first day, but she’s into you.”
I rub my hands over my face, feeling exhausted. “Fine. Can you guys ask your women if they’re open to making it happen tomorrow?”
“Fuck yeah,” Griffin whoops. “We’re gonna matchmake the shit out of you two.”
“Is it matchmaking if we’ve already slept together?”
“Quit trying to spoil my fun, Logie.” Griffin reaches over and ruffles my hair before wandering off to shower.
Annoyed, I roll my eyes. “You guys think this could actually work?”
“If you stop being a dick,” Maddox says with a shrug before walking away too.
Ryder grins, nods, and then it’s just me and Bash.
“Can I really do this?” I ask him.
“If you get out of your own way. You were dealt a shitty hand as a kid. There’s no way around that. But you can’t lump all women in with the way your mom and stepmothers behaved. And I think it’s pretty clear Blair’s nothing like that.”
“I know,” I say, sighing. “She’s never walked away from her brother.”
“And maybe that’s part of the reason you feel like she’s safe to make an effort for. But I don’t think it’s the whole reason. Shechallenges you. You need someone who’ll call you on your shit, Logan. I think she could be that woman.”
I think she could be too. And that scares the ever-loving hell out of me. I’ve been very comfortable with my life and the way things have been. Sure, it’s a little lonely sometimes, but it’s safe, predictable. This thing with Blair has the potential to upend everything.
Is it crazy that I think she could be worth the risk?
Letting my head fall into my hands, elbows braced on my knees, I blow out a breath. “I think maybe she could be too. But what if I’m not ready for this? What if I hurt her or she hurts me?”
“We all hurt the people we care about at some point, and they hurt us. Sometimes, those hurts are too big to come back from. Sometimes we don’t get an explanation for why they hurt us. But sometimes we’re lucky enough to find the person who makes risking it all worthwhile. And if we’re really lucky, and willing to put in the effort, everything works out.”
There’s something melancholy about my friend’s face that makes me want to reach over and hug him, but we’re both sweaty and disgusting and have stripped down to our boxers, so I won’t. “And has it ever worked out for you?”
His smile is nostalgic and full of sadness when he says, “No, but it was still worth it.”
And with that, Bash leaves me alone with my thoughts. I’m not sure I’m strong enough to say this will be worth it if it explodes in my face, but I want to be. So I guess I’m doing this. I’m going to put one-and-done Logan to rest and try to be someone new. Someone Blair can count on. Who shows up for her and her brother with curiosity and a willingness to learn.
I just hope I don’t fuck it all up.
twenty-four
BLAIR
When Mira picksme up from my apartment after work, Isla and Lexi are also piled into her bright yellow Camry. And when I open the passenger door, I’m met with a wall of music and excited cheers.
“Blair! It’s so good to see your face,” Mira practically shouts.
“Good to see you too. All of you.” It’s impossible to keep from smiling. They’re genuinely excited to see me, and I’m just as happy to see them.
