Page 21 of The Playbook

Sighing, I followed him to his Jeep. We didn’t speak, which was good because I was slightly upset Lana had left me with him.

I was surprised when he opened my door for me. I shot him a look, which he returned with an innocent stare before closing the door on me. I hastily fastened my seatbelt, not knowing if Logan drove like a maniac or not. He did the same when he climbed into his seat.

We didn’t say one word to each other until we hit the main road.

“You really didn’t want to ride with me, huh?” Logan broke the silence.

“How could you tell?”

He chuckled softly. “Call me psychic.”

“Maybepsycho,” I muttered.

“Whatever, babe. As long as you call me.” He winked, causing me to roll my eyes. His smile faltered as he cleared his throat. “So, what’s your deal? Why do you hate me?”

I was surprised he’d come right out and asked.

“I think you’re a jerk.” My answer was simple.

“Why? You don’t even know me, Grace. I could very well be the guy who’s going to sweep you off your feet.”

“I very much doubt that. For one thing, you were playing tonsil hockey with Nikki earlier today. Pretty sure to sweep me off my feet, you’d have to be available, which you clearly aren’t. Plus, I’d have to not despise you. The fact you’re sitting here saying this shit to me after having sucked face with her after schoolandskipping class to do God only knows with her, makes me think you’re a bit untrustworthy. No offense.”

“Tell me how you really feel,” he muttered, the playfulness gone.

“You really want me to?”

“Yeah,” he shot back, glancing at me.

“I think you’re a popularity troll. Sure, you’re an amazing football player, but really, Logan, what’s your deal? Do you even like yourself? You walk around acting like everyone should be kissing your feet or your ass. Have you ever even had a relationship that lasted more than a heartbeat? Does Nikki even know you’re here right now? Because I’ll be honest, I’d rather be anywhere but in this vehicle with you right now. Once she finds out, I’m toast. But you don’t care about that, do you? You’re only concerned with whatever motives you have.” I folded my arms over my chest, breathing hard.

“You really think I’m an amazing football player?” he asked softly.

“Ugh! Is that really all you heard?” I rolled my eyes at him and let out a scoff. I peered around as he pulled the Jeep off to the side of the road.

“No, Gracie. I heard everything you said. And you’re right. I’m basically an asshole, but tonight, I’m a dick who decided to ditch a party so I could hang out with someone I thought might be kind of cool. What if I told you I’m bored of all the popularity shit? That I really do want to be friends with you? That I just need a change—”

“Then why did you have your tongue down Nikki’s throat a few hours ago?” I asked, raising an eyebrow at him. “Are you guys still an item? Everyone said you were last year.”

“I don’t know.” He sighed. “We’re not an item. We were. Today, I guess I lost focus there for a minute with her. She’s hot and available. Figured why not. It’s just a bit of fun. That’s all.We’re just having fun. Nikki knows that. It’s senior year. Nothing is gonna stick, you know?”

“Whatever.” I pulled open the door and hopped out.

“Grace! What are you doing?” Logan called out as I slammed the door and started walking.

I didn’t want to be anywhere near him when Nikki found this out. He was just as shallow and vain as I’d thought he was. I considered my move an act of self-preservation. And for good reason. If Logan and Nikki had any sort of relationship going, even thejust for funsort, and she got wind of me being with Logan, she’d probably murder me. Not like socially, but like murdermurder.I was smart enough to know when to cut my losses.

CHAPTER12

Logan

“Grace, come on! What did I do?” I called out the open passenger window as I idled beside her.

“Logan,” her voice was laced with a dejected sigh, her lips turned down into a deep frown that somehow wounded me.

She’d wanted honesty. I’d given it to her. And yeah, I was an asshole for messing around with Nikki. I just didn’t understand why it was such a big deal to Grace. She’d made it perfectly clear she wasn’t interested in me in any way. If she would’ve let me finish, I would’ve set my plan in motion—telling her that I liked her and wanted to go out on a date and assuring her that Nikki didn’t mean anything to me. Well, I probably shouldn’t say itthatway. That sounded like a dick thing to say.

“I’m just going to go home, OK?”

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