Chapter 27 Aaron
Logan’s POV
The gym was empty except for the sound of my fists slamming into the punching bag. Each hit sent a sharp ache up my arm, but I welcomed the pain. It was better than thinking. Better than remembering.
After last night, after seeing her, I hadn’t been able to get Ava out of my damn head. The way she looked at me like she saw me for the first time had messed me up more than I wanted to admit.
I landed another punch, breathing hard.
“You trying to kill the bag or yourself?”
I turned to see Aaron leaning against the doorway, arms crossed, his usual cocky smirk in place.
What the fuck does he want?
I rolled my shoulders. “What do you want?”
He strolled in, tossing a football between his hands. “I think you know.”
I grabbed my towel, wiping the sweat from my face. “Not in the mood, man.”
Aaron let out a mock gasp. “Not in the mood? That’s funny because last time I checked, you had plenty of motivation.”
I clenched my jaw. “Drop it.”
He grinned. “Come on, Logan. Don’t tell me you forgot?” He took a step closer. “You remember, don’t you? The bet?”
My froze!
I hadn’t forgotten though I’d just been trying to.
Aaron smirked, knowing he had my attention now. “Remind me, what was it again? Oh right get Ava Sinclair to fall for you.” He tapped his chin. “And in return, I cover your next round of bar tabs for the season.”
I exhaled slowly, keeping my face blank. “I know what the bet was.”
Aaron’s smirk widened. “Good. Because from what I hear, you’re making progress.”
I stiffened.
“I mean,” he continued, tossing the ball up and catching it, “she is letting you stay at her place or it's Charlotte apartment? And last night? You picked her up after midnight? Damn, Carter, that’s practically a relationship move.”
I gritted my teeth. “It’s not like that.”
Aaron raised an eyebrow. “No?”
“No.” I turned away, shoving my hands into my pockets.
He let out a low chuckle. “Then you won’t have a problem following through, right?”
I didn’t answer.
Because for the first time since this stupid bet started… I wasn’t so sure I could.
Aaron studied me for a long moment before shaking his head. “Man, don’t tell me you’re actually catching feelings?”
I scowled. “I said drop it.”
He let out a whistle. “Damn. And here I thought Logan Carter didn’t do emotions.”
I turned sharply, stepping toward him. “Say another word, and I’ll shut you up myself.”i was in mood for this right now,my head was all over the place.
Aaron grinned but took a step back. “Relax, dude. I’m just saying remember why you started this. It’s a game, Carter. Play to win.”
He clapped me on the shoulder before walking off, leaving his words lingering like a bad aftertaste.
I stood there, my fists clenched.
I should’ve felt nothing.
This was just a bet.
A stupid, meaningless bet.
Then why the hell did it feel like I’d just made the biggest mistake of my life?
I drove back to Ava’s place, my grip on the wheel tightening with every passing second. My head was a mess.
Aaron’s words replayed over and over.
It’s a game, Carter. Play to win.
I ran a hand through my hair, frustration boiling inside me.
Was that all this was?
A game?
It was not to me, the way I felt about her was genuine though I was scared.
I pulled up outside her building, leaning back against the headrest. For a long moment, I just sat there, staring at the darkened windows.
She had no idea.
No idea about the bet. About how this started.
And now?
Now I wasn’t sure I could keep lying to her.
I exhaled sharply and reached for my phone.
Me: You up?
A few seconds later, my screen lit up.
Ava: Obviously.
I hesitated before typing back.
Me: Can I see you?
The dots appeared, then disappeared. Then finally…
Ava: Logan, it’s late.
I stared at the screen before replying.
Me: I know. I just… need to get out of here.
There was a pause. Then…
Ava: Where are you?
Me: Outside.
I waited, holding my breath, will she come down?
Then her bedroom light flickered on.
And just like that, I knew..
I was in too deep.