Page 41 of A Dash of You

Ah. Now that makes sense.

If he needs someone to paint his shop, I can do it. I love painting. Not canvas painting like Lana, but walls. I like to paint walls. I bet a forest green would look good. Or maybe that’s too dark. I’m lost in thought but notice Logan studying me carefully. His eyes hold me prisoner. One who doesn’t want to leave.

“You do that a lot.”

“What’s that?” I ask with my leg accidentally falling to his, but he keeps it there, not bothering to move it and I don’t move mine either.

“Your mind wanders. You look peaceful.”

I smile at the positive effect his words have on me. “I was just thinking about how I can paint your shop for you.”

His brow twitches. “Sora. You are not painting my shop.”

“Why not?” I turn my body more toward his. “I swear this is not me trying to pay you back. It could be fun. We both can do it, and it’ll save you money.” Not sure if Logan needs to save money, but if there’s a way, who doesn’t want to?

He chews a fry while staring at me cautiously. “I’ll think about it.”

My smile widens with confidence.

“Don’t gloat. I haven’t said yes yet.” His eyes catch mine.

“True. But saying you’ll think about it means there’s a good chance.” I poke him. Right in his chest—right in his solid chest. I snap my hand back, placing it in my lap.

Refraining from feeling up, my ridiculously hot neighbor needs to be on a list somewhere. I’m not sure if my touch bothers him, but Logan grows tense sucking in a heated breath.

Deciding not to make a further fool of myself, I sit in silence for a while. It’s normal for us, but I am curious about something, and, for some reason, my impulses never seem to miss a beat.

“I can’t help but wonder.”

Logan groans. “See.”

“Whatever.” I roll my eyes in fun. “Your dad… does he own the shop? I guess I’m curious since his name is on the sign.”

The reaction is immediate and right then I knew I messed up. My stomach turns sour at the thought of upsetting him.

Logan stands to his intimidating height, tossing the empty bag into the trash. “I gotta get back to work. Thank you for lunch.” And just like that, he disappears to the back, leaving me here dumbfounded on his terrible fucking couch.

With the shameful drive back to Lana’s, my mind turns and turns. Suddenly, I want to know everything there is to know about Logan and whatever his last name is.

Fourteen

Avoiding my presence is becoming a well-known habit of his. Apparently, when you upset Logan, be prepared to never see him again until he gets over himself. I’m not happy at the thought of hurting him or offending him, but the man doesn’t have to run away and hide.

Pot meet kettle.

The question was personal, improper for me to ask. He respectsmyprivacy. Never asking what skeletons hang out in my closet. However, it’s an honest, genuine question about his dad, but perhaps I should have thought more about how it would make him feel.

My paranoia takes over again. Thinking he’s trying hard to avoid me, because I fear the timing of never running into each other is too coincidental. Especially for two people living next door to one another.

I strum my fingers on the patio chair’s arm in contemplation. I never thought out my ideas well. But that’s me. Sora. I never carefully plan anything before spontaneously doing it. Well, except for the time I ran from my life, leaving it far behind. With that, I did at least I have an escape mapped out.

Damn, reflecting on my choices feels good. No longer living that life. It's like freeing a caged animal. I still have the weight on my shoulders, but it’s lighter somehow, and I just want to let loose.

The sun will set soon. So, if I want to do this, I need to do it now.

Screw it.

The distance, which I presumed to be much closer, isn’t as I jog toward the open water. It feels like the length of the duplex to the lake is growing. That won’t stop me, no. My jog turns into a run and before I know it, my legs are burning, my heart is pounding inside my chest. Despite the discomfort, I push through, doing so with a smile on my face. No, it’s a full-blown laugh. I am laughing hysterically like I’ve lost all connection to my brain.

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