Chapter 32 Take it slow
Ava’s POV
The morning light entered through the blinds, casting soft beams of sunlight across the room. I could hear the faint hum of traffic from outside, but it felt distant, like it didn't matter. It was just me and Logan, lounging in my small apartment, an easy peace between us.
Logan was sprawled on the couch, a bowl of cereal in hand, and I sat on the armrest, my legs tucked beneath me as I scrolled through my phone. The air was quiet except for the occasional clink of his spoon hitting the bowl, but I felt completely content.
"You know, you’re not bad at this whole 'relaxing at home' thing," Logan remarked, glancing up at me with that lazy grin of his. He had his usual cocky charm, but this morning, it wasn’t as sharp. It was softened, like he was letting down his guard, just for me.
I raised an eyebrow, setting my phone down. "Is that a compliment? Or are you just mocking my lifestyle?"
Logan shrugged with a casual smirk. "A little bit of both. I always imagined you'd be all about work, books, and never leave your little bubble." His gaze softened. "I’m surprised you let me in."
The way he said it made something warm spread across my chest. He didn’t mean it in a teasing way he was genuinely surprised, and maybe even a little touched. I leaned back on the armrest, folding my arms over my chest.
"I don't let just anyone in," I replied, giving him a teasing smile. "But you’re lucky you made the cut."
Logan chuckled, his eyes sparkling. "Lucky, huh? That’s an understatement." He reached over, his hand brushing mine, his fingers interlacing with mine. "I’m honored."
I smiled at his attempt to sound modest, though the gleam in his eyes gave away the fact that he knew exactly how charming he was.
After a few seconds of comfortable silence, Logan set his bowl down and shifted on the couch so that he was facing me. "So, now that I’m here," he started, his voice taking on a playful lilt, "what are we doing today? Another round of movies, or are you planning to work me to death?"
I laughed softly, the sound light and free. "You’re lucky I’m in a good mood. Movies sound good, but you’re cooking next time."
Logan’s eyes lit up, and he gave a dramatic gasp. "Me? Cooking?" He chuckled. "I think I’ve earned a break after that pasta debacle."
"Hey," I said with mock offense, "it wasn’t that bad."
"Not bad? The pasta was as al dente as a brick." He raised an eyebrow. "And the sauce? Was it supposed to be chunky?"
I rolled my eyes. "I gave you clear instructions. If you weren’t so busy making jokes, you might’ve done it right."
Logan smirked, leaning in closer, his breath warm against my cheek. "I’ll make it up to you," he said in a low voice.
My heart skipped a beat. It was like he was deliberately leaning in, his face so close to mine. I could feel the heat of his body, his presence filling the space between us.
"How?" I whispered, my voice suddenly breathless.
Logan’s lips hovered just inches from mine, his eyes darkening with intent. He didn’t answer right away. Instead, he leaned in, brushing his lips softly against mine.
It was a gentle kiss, a slow press of his lips that made my pulse race and my skin tingle. It wasn’t like the kisses we had shared before. There was no rush, no urgency. Just the soft, lingering pressure of his mouth on mine. And when he pulled away, his forehead rested against mine.
"Like that," he murmured, his voice husky.
I could barely breathe, my heart pounding in my chest. "You’ve definitely earned a pass on the pasta," I whispered, my voice barely audible.
Logan chuckled, his lips curling into a grin. He kissed me again, this time deeper, pulling me closer, his hands settling on my hips. I melted into him, my fingers curling into the fabric of his shirt as I kissed him back with equal fervor.
The moment was slow, intimate. Every kiss, every touch, felt like it carried weight, like we were both silently confirming what neither of us had said aloud yet.
I pulled back reluctantly, my breath coming in short bursts. "Logan," I breathed, my voice shaky. "We’re taking this slow, right?"
He didn’t seem phased by my hesitation. Instead, he looked at me with those blue eyes of his intense, searching, but patient. "I’m not going anywhere," he said softly, brushing a lock of hair behind my ear. "I can wait."
I swallowed hard, feeling a rush of emotions flood me. "I don’t want to rush either. I like... this," I said, the words slipping out before I could stop them.
His expression softened, and he nodded, his thumb tracing small circles on my skin. "We’ll take it slow. I’m okay with that."
The tension that had been building between us seemed to slow down, like we were both on the same page now. The weight of the world felt a little lighter, as if we didn’t need to worry about what came next. Not yet. For now, we could just be here.
A soft knock interrupted the moment, and Logan groaned, pulling away from me with an exaggerated sigh. "Who the hell is at the door?"
I laughed, reaching for the blanket on the couch. "Maybe it’s a sign we should get up."
Logan raised an eyebrow. "I’m not going anywhere. Not unless you make me."
I shook my head, getting up to answer the door. When I opened it, I was greeted by a delivery guy holding a bouquet of flowers.
"Delivery for Ava?" the guy asked, holding the bouquet out to me.
I blinked. "Um, yes? Thanks."
He handed me the flowers, and as I closed the door, I stared at the colorful bunch of roses, daisies, and lilies. There was a small card tucked into the ribbon.
"Who’s it from?" Logan called from the couch, already leaning over the armrest with curiosity in his eyes.
I turned the card over, reading the neat handwriting inside
For the one who makes everything better. -L
I raised an eyebrow, looking at Logan with suspicion. "L? Any idea who this could be from?"
Logan’s expression faltered for a moment before he grinned. "Who knows? Maybe you’ve got a secret admirer."
I narrowed my eyes at him. "I think you’re the only admirer I need right now."
Logan’s grin widened, and he got up, walking over to me. "And I plan on making sure I stay that way," he said, before planting another slow kiss on my lips.
The rest of the day passed in a blur of laughter, kisses, and soft moments. We spent the afternoon watching movies, curled up together on the couch, and occasionally stealing kisses when we thought the other wasn’t looking.
There were no big conversations, no dramatic moments. Just small, intimate gestures holding hands, resting our heads on each other, sharing stories.
It was easy.
And for the first time in a while, I didn’t feel the need to overthink anything. With Logan, it was just... simple.
Later that evening, as the sun dipped below the horizon, Logan and I found ourselves sitting on the small balcony, the cool night air ruffling our hair as we looked out at the city below.
"It’s nice up here," I said quietly, my voice soft
"Yeah," Logan agreed, glancing over at me with a soft smile. "It’s perfect."
I leaned back against the railing, resting my head on his shoulder. "I think I could get used to this."
Logan’s arm slid around my waist, pulling me closer. "Good," he whispered. "Because I plan on being here for a while."