Avaâs POV I wasnât sure how I ended up here. One minute, I was closing my laptop, ending another exhausting tutoring session with Logan Carter. The next, I was shaking hands on a deal I wasnât even sure I wanted to make. I was going against my rules again. "Come to the game, and Iâll help you find a part-time job," he had said, flashing that cocky grin like he already knew Iâd say yes. And somehow, against all logic, I had said yes! stupid!! Now, I was packed into the freezing bleachers of Westbridge Stadium, surrounded by screaming fans, girls with too much make up , and everything I was not a customized regretting every life decision that had led to this moment. "Come on, Ava, at least try to look excited!" my neighbor, Sophie, yelled over the deafening cheers. I forced a tight smile. "Super excited," I deadpanned, gripping my coat tighter around me. I don't know what came over me to accept the dealguess you can call it desperation!! Sophie rolled her eyes. "Youâre impossi
Loganâs POV This was a bad idea. No,scratch that. This was a dangerous idea. And yet, here I was, walking into a house party with Ava Sinclair, the one girl on this damn whole campus who wasnât wrapped around my finger. She wasnât supposed to be here. and she didn't want to be here. But after our little negotiation in the library, after watching her hesitate before ultimately caving to my offer, I knew sheâd show up. And damn, if she didnât look completely out of place. She wasnât dressed like the other girls,tight dresses, sky high heels, looking for attention. No, Ava wore ripped jeans and a fitted sweater, her hair in a ponytail, like she hadnât even thought twice about what to wear. And yet, as I walked beside her, my eyes kept drifting to her. Dangerous. "Youâre sure about this?" she asked, arms crossed as she surveyed the party like she was searching for an emergency exit. "Relax, nerd," I said, throwing an arm around her shoulder, grinning when she immediately stiffe
Avaâs POV I stared at the eviction notice in my hands, my stomach twisting into knots. my landlord said I had a week but here I am .... on the streets!. Rent issues. A âmiscalculation,â my landlord had called it. But all I heard was: you have to leave. I didnât even have a place to go. It wasnât like I could call anyone. Iâd already strained things with my dad, and my so-called friends were more interested in their own drama than helping me out. I could get a cheap motel, but what the hell was I supposed to do after that? I just wanted to disappear. But as I stood outside the dorm, gripping my duffel bag like it could somehow shield me from everything, a ping from my phone broke the silence. Logan Carter: Whatâs up, nerd? I almost didnât want to reply. I didnât even know why I had his number in the first place, but here it was, glowing on the screen. I bit my lip, thinking of all the options none of them great before I did the dumbest thing possible. Ava: âŚGot a couch I ca
Ava's pov The last thing I remember after reaching Logan's place is that he told me he was going out tonight, so why the hell is he still here? I was lost in my thoughts when I felt something nudging me. I turned to face Logan who had a smirk on his face. "hey nerd, what are you daydreaming now? I know I'm hot but you can just tone it out sunshine". I scoffed "who told you I'm thinking about you? didn't you say you are going out tonight? or is no one willing to open their legs for you?" I remarked. Logan smirk widened "and why do you care nerd? I don't think me whoring around is any of your concern or are you jealous " he said . I became aware of the small space we were in. After the kiss we shared earlier, Everytime Logan is close to me keeps making me feeling conscious. " No I'm not jealous but can you move your body away, you're in my space " I said, tryin
Ava's pov The next day I woke up early in the morning before Logan and tidied up the place before I went to the bathroom and took a quick shower. I wore my jeans with my black hoodie, took my bag and tiptoed out of the apartment . After everything that happened yesterday, I couldn't bring myself to face Logan. I don't want him to think that I'm some Kind of weak person or come out as clingy. I can manage myself. I managed to get to the class, I was the first one to get to the class, then a few minutes later students started to find their way in the room. Professor of sociology Gabriel Lenox started his lecture. I bent my head down and focused on writing notes when I heard a knock on the door and the professor allowed whoever was knocking. I took a look and saw that it was Logan wearing a black jeans with black leather jacket. I immediately lowered my head when he caught me looking.
Logan povPractice was the same as usual running drills, getting yelled at by Coach, and trying not to die under the sun. But my head wasnât in the game. no matter how hard I tried to concentrate on the practice I couldn't. my mind was not here at all.It was on her.Ava.Ava SinclairI hadnât expected to actually enjoy spending time with her. The tutoring bullshit that was me I begged professor to get Ava to tutor me history because I didn't know shit about history,but the truth is I know history it's just it's not my favorite subject.She was just supposed to be some nerdy tutor, a means to an end. But now? Now, she was staying at my place, sitting with my friends, getting under my damn skin. and me ? I was enjoying all of that, probably more than I could admit.The accidental kiss from last night wasnât helping either. that was our second kiss. the first time we kissed was at the party, I wanted to show my friends that I was capable of getting her in my bed but I didn't know the b
Avaâs POVThe moment I read my dadâs message, my stomach twisted into knots.Brian and Kate are coming over there tomorrow. Theyâll stay at your place.Stay at my place? What place?! I don't even have a place to call mine and he wants me to bring my siblings here!I don't think Logan will be pleased by this, I just have to start looking for a place before things get out of hands.My hands tightened around my phone as frustration bubbled up inside me. He didnât even ask if I had the space, didnât care about what I was going through. Typical. After throwing me out like garbage, now he wanted me to play host for his perfect little family?I locked my phone and exhaled sharply, trying to calm myself. No use getting worked up now. I had bigger problems like the fact that I was homeless, currently crashing at Logan Carterâs apartment, and somehow surviving the chaos that came with being around him.Speaking of LoganâŚâHey, nerd!âI turned my head just in time to see him jogging toward me, f
Avaâs POVAfter Logan returned with two plates of spaghetti and a warm smile, I forced myself to concentrate on the food rather than the bunch of thoughts in my head. The kitchen was dimly lit by the soft glow of a single overhead lamp, and the low hum of the refrigerator was the only sound breaking the uneasy silence between us.We settled at the small dining table Logan on one side, me on the other. Every time our eyes met, I felt that same mix of annoyance and something else⌠something I wasnât ready to admit. Last nightâs kiss still clung to my thoughts like an afterimage I couldnât shake, and despite my best efforts, a small part of me couldnât help but wonder what it meant.âEat up,â Logan said casually, prodding his own plate with a fork. âI made extra.â His tone was light, but his eyes lingered on mine a moment longer than necessary.I forced a smile, trying to push aside the discomfort. âThanks,â I mumbled. I picked at my food, each bite feeling heavier than the last. The wei
Avaâs POVThe first thing I did when my salary hit my account was stare at my phone screen in disbelief.$2,000.I wasnât used to seeing that much money in my account at once. I knew it wouldnât last long rent, groceries, and bills would take a huge part but for now, I let myself have a moment to feel proud.Iâd earned this.The second thing I did was text Charlotte.Me: Weâre going apartment hunting today.Charlotte: OMG FINALLY! Iâm grabbing coffee. Meet me at campus in 20 minutes!I barely had time to pull on a decent outfit before running out the door. The sun was bright, and for the first time in a while, I felt like things were coming together.I was getting out of Charlotte apartment giving her a space with her boyfriend.âOkay, so I did some research,â Charlotte said, sliding into the booth across from me at the campus cafĂŠ. She had two coffees in her hands one for her, one for me. âI found a few places that are actually within budget.âI took the coffee gratefully. âHow much
Loganâs POVThe 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 hadnât 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.âYou trying to kill the bag or yourself?âI 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. âWhat do you want?âHe strolled in, tossing a football between his hands. âI think you know.âI grabbed my towel, wiping the sweat from my face. âNot in the mood, man.âAaron let out a mock gasp. âNot in the mood? Thatâs funny because last time I checked, you had plenty of motivation.âI clenched my jaw. âDrop it.âHe grinned. âCome on, Logan. Donât tell me you
Avaâs POVThe night air was cool as Logan and I walked side by side, the quiet sounds of the city enveloping around us. My fingers curled around the plush wolf heâd tried so hard to win, and I couldnât help but smile.âSo, whatâs next?â Logan asked, tossing the last of his fries into his mouth.I raised an eyebrow. âNext? Itâs almost midnight, Carter.ââAnd?â He smirked. âScared to stay out late?âI rolled my eyes. âI have work tomorrow, unlike you.âLogan placed a hand over his heart, feigning offense. âAre you calling me unemployed?âI gave him a pointed look. âYou literally donât have a job.ââTechnically, I do.â He grinned. âI play football. Thatâs a job.ââFootball isnât a job, itâs a sport,â I shot back.âA sport I get paid for,â he countered.I groaned. âYou get scholarship money for it. Thatâs different.âLogan shrugged. âDetails, details.âI shook my head, but I was smiling. Being around him was easy, even when we were arguing.We walked a little longer until we reached a sma
Ava's povThe next day, Charlotte nearly choked on her cereal when I told her about what happened with Logan."You did what?" She gaped at me from across the kitchen table."I said yes to a date with Logan," I muttered, sipping my coffee, trying to sound casual but inside I was freaking out.Charlotte slammed her spoon down. "Ava! This is huge! Logan doesnât date. He flirts, he hooks up, and then he moves on."I winced. "Thanks for the reminder.""But," she continued, pointing her spoon at me, "he likes you. Like, actually likes you. I seen the way he looked at you everytime."I frowned. "What do you mean?"Charlotte smirked. "Ava, that boy is whipped. He is glaring at any guy who so much as glanced in your direction whenever you aren't looking. It is so hilarious."I blinked. Logan⌠jealous? That didnât seem like him. Am I too dense to understand anything?Before I could overthink it, my phone buzzed.Logan: Be ready at 7. Iâm picking you up.I stared at the message, my stomach flip
~Avaâs POV~I stood there frozen, did Logan Carter just ask me on a date?. my heart beating faster against my chest so loudly that I was sure Logan could hear it. He had just asked me out. Logan Carter; the cocky, arrogant, undeniably gorgeous football player had just asked me on a date.My lips still tingled from his kiss, and my brain was struggling to keep up with everything that had just happened. It seemed like I was sent into a frenzy.âIâŚâ My voice came out hoarse, and I cleared my throat. That was so embarrassing! âI donât know what to say.âLoganâs eyes searched mine, his brows slightly furrowed like he was preparing himself for rejection. âYou could start by saying yes,â he said, attempting his usual smirk, but it didnât quite reach his eyes. He was scared.I exhaled loudly, stepping back slightly, needing space to think, because every time he's near me I seem to lose all my abilities to think. Logan wasnât just some guy asking me out. He was Logan Westbridge Universi
Ava's povâHurry up Ava! You're going to be late again" Charlotte yelled from her room.âGirl, chill out! I'm done" I said carrying my bag and exited the room. I had an early shift at the diner today, Debra had called me earlier today.âI'll see you later right? Or are you going out with Tristan again? I asked herShe grinned, she always does that whenever we're talking about Tristan. She's love sick I swear." Yeah! We're going out and I might actually spend a night at his apartment. You know⌠maybe rekindle our love..â" Please! Spare me the details char! I don't need to know your love life with Tristan, it's grossâ. I covered my ears Even though she didn't say anything bad but I wanted to tease her.Charlotte laughed" okay Ava! Don't be dramatic,but everything is set, there's food in the kitchen and everything,so you don't need to worryâ.I nodded " I'll be fine char,now I'm gonna go see you tomorrowâ I reached the door and turned to her ,I waved at her then exited the room.I call
~Logan's pov~The apartment was a mess not in the way of scattered clothes or dirty dishes around,no! That kind of mess didn't bother me. This was a different kind of mess,the silence was suffocating,the apartment was empty, the emptiness suffocated me in a way I wasn't used to.Ava was gone. I should have seen it coming but now that she has already left, I don't feel good now.I ran a hand through my hair,my grip tightening at the roots. This was ridiculous. I had no right to feel this way towards her but I couldn't help myself.But I knew better! My kind of life didn't allow me to have the privilege of letting someone in⌠not until my father is out of the picture.A sharp knock on the door. Yanked me out from my wandering thoughts.Who's it now?With a heavy sigh I pushed myself from the couch and made my way to the door. Levi stood there,arms crossed eyebrows raised in amusement.Levi looked exactly like me, he's my younger brother but we've always treated each other like twins. O
~Ava's pov~After leaving Logan's apartment,the air outside was cold but I barely noticed as I dragged my bag down the apartment steps. Every step felt heavier than the last, something inside me was resisting the urge to turn back and go back to Logan.But I couldn't.Not after everything that happened.I needed time to sort out my life first.I tightened my grip on my duffle bag forcing myself to focus on the road ahead. Charlotte's apartment was only a few minutes' ride away and she had been more willing and ecstatic about me crashing at her place until I figured things out.It was the right decision.The smart one!So why did it feel like I was walking away from something that I wasn't ready to let go of?âBecause a part of you wanted him to stop youI might be going insane!.I clenched my jaw, willing the thought away. Logan didn't stop me. He let me go .That alone should be enough proof of where we stood.I called a cab and waited, my heart beating fast against my ribs. My finge
~Loganâs POV~I stood there, frozen, as Ava disappeared into the kitchen. I couldn't wrap my head around anything, nothing made sense at that time.She was leaving.She was leaving me!I didnât know what the hell to say. My mind kept replaying her words⌠I got a job today and an apartment.She got a job! And She was actually moving out.My chest tightened in a way I didnât understand. I shouldâve seen this coming. Hell, I pushed her to this. Last night was a mess. I knew I screwed up the second I woke up with a pounding headache and the memory of Avaâs furious, disappointed face burned into my brain. But hearing her say it out loud, making it finalâŚdamn. I hadnât expected it to feel like this.I was low-key devastated! Maybe not low-key!I ran a hand through my hair, frustration bubbling under my skin. Why does this bother me so much?Why do I feel like this? She's a bet right?I should be fine with it. She was just a roommate, right? A tutor. Someone who happened to live in my space