Page 16 of Fraternizing with the Enemy
“I love that he makes time for you!”
“He sounds totally head-over-heels already!”
Logan always fell asleep first, which made sense, since he worked himself so hard. Like clockwork, his voice would go soft, and then silent, after about tenish minutes of our quiet conversation. I’d always strained to hear his sleepy breathing, but the white noise always made it impossible.
But still, the short, nightly calls had become a welcome routine before bed. The idea of him relaxing while talking to me, his eyes slipping closed to the sound of my voice, made my insides tie into wonderful little knots.
Even Jade seemed super interested. “What do you guys talk about?”
“A lot of different things. Logan’s more of a listener—which is great, you know. I’m such a rambler.” We all shared a giggle. “Andhe asks a lot of questions. I’ve got a really good feeling about him.”
“He’sbeyondcute, girls,” Riley said. “Careful, Mads. Someone might try to take him.”
“As if.” Jade flashed me a small, mischievous smile. “Logan’s totallyinto her. You two will be the next big campus couple. Connor and I should be careful of the Jefferson transfer.”
And just like that, all the girls recoiled with a sharp breath in.
“Jefferson?” Nina echoed.
Jen’s nose scrunched. “He’s from Jefferson?”
“Ew, Madison, you’re dating theenemy?”
“Of course not!” I had to raise my voice over the chorus of horror. “Of course not. He’s not from Jefferson—he’s from Haven.”
Jade tapped her forehead. “Oh, duh.Haven. Ignore the brain slip—the sun’s getting to me.”
Even the mere idea totally killed the vibe. I actually shuddered. “I’d rather die than date a Bulldog.”
“As you should,” Nina interjected. “Avoid the Bulldogs and their fleas at all costs.”
Jen thrust her half-drunk water bottle into the air. “Put them down on sight!”
Kaitlin giggled. “Oh my gosh,Jen, you can’t justsaythat!”
“Sunbathing, ladies?” a deep voice called, slicing between the topic as cleanly as a knife. “Can I make a few suggestions on tanning attire?”
I turned to find a few of the guys making their way across the field to us, finally released from their post-practice huddle. Connor led the pack, with Landon, red hair gleaming in the sun, at his side. Ashton and Kyle followed closely behind them, the former taller than the latter. The last coming over was Reed, his brown hair plastered to his temples. They carried their shoulder pads with them, where they’d drop them off in the equipment room in the school.
It’d been Ashton who called out the gross remark, of course, if his smirk was any sign.
“How was practice?” Connor held a hand down to Jade. “It’s warm.”
Jade let Connor pull her to her feet, and thrust her duffle into his free hand. “Carry this for me?”
Kyle tugged on the back of my ponytail, hard enough to yank my head back, light enough not to hurt. “Want me to carry your duffle, Mads?”
I swatted at his sweaty hand. “You wish.”
“You bet I do.”
From there, the cheerleaders and football players alike scattered. Landon took a head start off toward the parking lot, and I curled my fingers into fists, debating on whether or not to catch up with him. I needed to clear the air. School started tomorrow—we needed to begin on the right foot.
Just before I picked up my pace, Jade bumped into my shoulder. “I’m so happy for you, girl. Logan sounds like an absolute dreamboat, doesn’t he?”
Kyle, trailing behind us, called out, “Who’s Logan?”
We both ignored him. “A total dreamboat,” I agreed, picturing his bright blue eyes and sandy hair. Front page of a magazine worthy. “I can’t wait for him to meet everyone.”
