Page 43 of A Dash of You

His teeth grind. “Alone?” He clicks on the flashlight that looks miniature in his hand, and it illuminates our space. His eyes travel down my soaked body as his stare turns menacing. A quick, faint, and fiery gleam flashes before disappearing. “You shouldn’t be out here by yourself.”

“Youwere out here by yourself.” I distinctly recall the exact moment Logan was swimming all God like and his eyes narrow at me with a touch of surprise. And that’s because I just tattled on myself.

I cross my arms over my chest, hoping to cover my hardened nipples. It’s getting chilly, and I am now mindful of my bra being gripped between my fingers. “Wait. Are you about to turn this into a sexist thing? I shouldn’t be out here because I’m a woman.”

“Yes.” There is zero hesitation in his answer.

I scoff. “Fine. But I can take care of myself. Now if you’ll excuse me.” I brush past him, our arms touching, and a shiver runs through me. My body being wet is surely the reason for the goosebumps rising on my arms, not his touch.

The grass crunches beneath his giant footsteps, and I know he’s trailing behind because the light from the flashlight still surrounds us.

“It’s dark and dangerous.”

I continue onward while Logan falls into a step beside me. “There’s no one out here except us. We’re the only house for like a mile. I wouldn’t call that dangerous.” I’m not sure if I’m trying to convince him or me because before Logan showed up, I, in fact, was terrified.

“That’s exactly why it’s dangerous, Sora.” Logan takes hold of my arm, stopping me and pulling me close to his body. The sudden gesture makes me unable to speak and the warmth from him invades me like the summer sun. “Any creep can be in these woods. You were attacked not that long ago, or did you forget?”

I jerk back. “No, Logan. I didn’t forget. In fact, I replay that scene unwillingly in my mind over and over every day.” The words are harsh as they leave my tongue, but he deserves it. He’s acting like an ass.

I yank my arm out of his grip and trudge toward the duplex, hearing him curse under his breath as I leave him behind.

I am not a fan of his right now and I’m just letting him know.

The lid to the trash can jiggles and I unlatch it, freeing Fred. “This is the last time I’m helping you. You gotta be smarter, friend,” I scold my furry companion as he scurries off.

After, I climb the stairs and slip inside the unlocked back door, which I’m sure Logan will eventually yell at me for. Stripping out of my wet clothes, I start the shower, letting it get as hot as my body is willing to take before stepping in. “Yes,” I moan when the scolding hot water runs over me.

Forget Logan. Forget the monsters that lurk in the night. I am Sora freakin’ Turnbuckle. In my mind I am, and I am a fighter. I’m not Jason’s wife. Or a puppet on a string. I am only me. Finally finding out who that me is.

When my skin turns red, I decide to get out and throw on an oversized shirt that comes mid-thigh, heading back downstairs.

A knock sounds at the door, and I’d bet any money who’s behind it. Logan trying to finish the argument, he won’t win.

Sure enough, he stands on the opposite side, wearing nothing but sweatpants and the straps of my lace bra dangle from his two fingers mid-air. He also takes one glance at me and shakes his head with a harsh swallow. “You dropped this.”

With the heat rising on my face, I snatch my bra and toss it inside behind me. “Thanks. Bye.”

My luck is really testing me.

Logan palms the door, stopping it. “Did you even bother to check who I was?”

I throw a hand on my waist. “What?”

Logan runs his big hand down his face. “Did you ever set up that app I told you about? For the camera.”

I did. But tonight, I’m too baffled, and I didn't think to use it because I figured it was him. “Yes,” I answer with apprehension.

The muscle in his jaw moves. I’ve visibly irritated him and even though it’s satisfying, I can’t fathom why he’s acting this way. “Well then, why?”

“Why what?” I ask in an annoyed tone.

“Why didn’t you check it before opening the door?”

“I don’t know. I was distracted and forgot. Thanks for returning my personal undergarments. Now if you’ll excuse me.”

He palms the door again before I can shut it. “I’m serious, Sora. The camera’s not a decoration. It’s for your protection.”

“Yes, Logan. If it was for decoration, I’d have chosen a more feminine look. Perhaps a floral pattern. Goodnight.”

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