Avaâs POVI had barely taken a sip of my morning coffee when a loud, insistent knock echoed through Loganâs apartment. My stomach twisted into a familiar knot of dread. I already knew who it was.Brian and Kate.I regret giving them Logan's address, will he be mad?Logan, who had been stretching lazily on the couch, raised an eyebrow. âYou expecting someone, nerd?âI set my cup down with a sigh, rubbing my temples. âUnfortunately.âHe nodded then continued scrolling his phone. Guess he isn't angry as I expected him to beThe knocking grew more aggressive.âJesus, are they trying to break the door down?â Logan muttered, walking over to open it.The moment the door swung open, my older brother, Brian, strode in like he owned the place, his eyes immediately scanning the apartment with a look of disapproval. My sister, Kate, followed right behind him, her arms crossed, her expression a perfect mix of annoyance and rudeness.Brianâs sharp blue eyes landed on me, narrowing instantly. âAva.
Ava's povAfter all the confrontations with my brother, we decided to go to the nearby restaurant. Me and Logan were unusually quiet, maybe it's because of Brian and Kate but I could feel the tension between us.Kate kept yapping about her perfect little circle of friends and Brian was supporting her as always. The truth is I was never anyone's favorite in our family. My dad barely acknowledged me and my siblings avoided me like a plague. Brian and Kate have always been close unlike me⌠always on their own.After we reached the restaurant, I sat beside Kate facing Logan while Kate was facing Brian. The waiter came to our table,he wore a white shirt dress and blue pants with an apron. He looked weirdly at me but I didn't let it get to me.âHello my name is Jake and welcome to souvenirs, what can I get you?" He said, looking between us.Kate sighed " I'll have Italian sausage Bolognese and Brian will have crispy chicken wingsâ.Jake nodded and turned to Logan " what about you guys?âLo
Avaâs POVI didnât know where we were going, and honestly, I didnât care. After spending the afternoon trapped under my siblingsâ judgmental gazes, insults and everything. Anything was better than staying in Loganâs apartment, drowning in my thoughts. So when he drove us across town and pulled into a parking lot, I was too lost in my own head to even notice where we were until I saw the glowing neon sign above the entrance.Westbridge Bowling Alley.I turned to Logan, raising an eyebrow. âBowling?âHe smirked, unbuckling his seatbelt. âYeah, nerd, bowling. You ever been?âI scoffed, crossing my arms. âOf course I have.âThat was a lie. I had seen people bowl, sure, but actually playing? Not so much.Loganâs smirk widened like he saw right through me. âRight⌠letâs go then.âI followed him inside, the sound of rolling balls and crashing pins filling the air. The place was buzzing with energy ,families, couples, and groups of friends laughing and cheering. The neon lights reflected off
Ava's povWe made it back to Logan's apartment and he switched the lights on. Everything has become awkward because of my mixed feelings about Logan and I don't even want to face him now.I heard him sigh ânerd! You're going to crush a poor teddy bear with the way you're hugging it like that".I immediately came to my senses. âOh shoot! I didn't mean too". This is actually the first gift I've received from someone other than my mom and whether it's from Logan or not I'm going to cherish it.âLogan!ââNerdâWe both said at the same time.I nodded at him " you can go firstâ.He reached his hands to his hair and started messing with them " ummâŚI had so much fun today nerd! If you're down, we can do this againâŚsometime?â.He actually looks cute when he's nervous!.Shit! Don't get swayed by his cuteness Ava, don't!. I reminded myself." Definitely, I had a good time too, thank you Logan for what you did today; I really appreciate itâ. It's true; I never thought that Logan would actually t
Ava's povI woke up early in the morning since I had an early class and a project to do. I was more tempted to skip but I couldn't because it's me. I could lose my scholarship and that is the last thing I want. I took a fast shower then proceeded to get dressed.I put on my jeans and a black hoodie. All these years I've never cared about how I dress or any kind of fashion, I just wear what I feel is comfortable. I cleaned the living room and kitchen. I decided to make a simple breakfast,not wanting to use too many things and cause Logan to lose. I made coffee, bread with sausage. I looked at my watch and it's 8am, only an hour left for my class.Groaning under my breath,I stuffed more bread into my mouth then stumbled out of Logan's apartment and started running to westbridge.About 30 minutes later I reached my class and this was the first time of my life arriving late to my class. It's because I kept daydreaming about all that happened with Logan.âOk! Guys I'll be submitting your
Ava's povLogan's words were still echoing in my mind as I walked to the cafeteria, the sound of the soft click of my sneakers on the tile floor almost comforting in its simplicity. Heâd told me heâd pick me up after practice. Heâd told me. I hadnât even asked. And part of me loved it, the part that wanted to believe that maybe, just maybe, he liked spending time with me beyond just our tutoring sessions.I had to shake the thought away. Focus! Focus! on the tutoring. Thatâs what this was about. Helping him with his grades. Nothing more.But then, why did the idea of him picking me up make my heart skip a beat? Why did the idea of spending time with him outside of the classroom have me in a frenzy? Iâd told myself, after our study sessions, after that kiss in the library...the kiss, that we could just go back to normal. Friends. Nothing more. And yet, with each passing moment, the line between what I wanted and what I was willing to admit to myself became blurrier.By the time I reac
Ava's povI was busy doing my project trying to do anything that could get Logan Carter out of my mind. And damn! If it works!It took me a long time to finish my project when I finally decided to get up from a very comfortable couch or my current bed. I rolled my eyes.I still wonder why didn't Logan offer me his spare room all this time I've been here and left me suffering here on this couch? But I can't say anything about his house rules!I went to take a shower. After a quick three-ish minute shower I put on comfortable sweatpants and a hoodie and tied my hair in a ponytail. I was finally hungry, and there's literally nothing to eat here. I don't want to rummage through Logan's kitchen cabinets because first; it's not mine and second; I don't want him to get mad at me nor thinking he finally has a chance to get into my pants.I decided to go to Walmart to buy my own groceries. Upon arriving at Walmart I shoved my hands deep into the pockets of my hoodie, the cool air from the AC i
Avaâs POVSilence...Thick, and suffocating silence.I sat frozen, my fingers tightening around my half emptied bowl of noodles as I watched Logan shift uncomfortably. His jaw clenched, his hands running through his already messy hair. The girl;whoever she was...was still on the floor, blinking in confusion before letting out a loud, dramatic huff.And I thought he had changed!mph! silly me âSeriously?â she muttered, standing up and dusting off her tiny dress. She flipped her hair, glaring at Logan. âYou didnât tell me you had company.âLogan didnât respond. His gaze was locked onto mine, and for some reason, it pissed me off.Tristan shook his head, looking disgusted. âBro, what the hell?âCharlotteâs mouth was hanging open, her wide eyes bouncing between me and Logan like she was watching the most dramatic scene in a movie.I could feel my chest tightening, and I hated it. I hated that this⌠whatever this was, affected me. That Logan being Logan the playboy, the reckless flirt bot
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