Page 50 of Don't Let Me Fall (Don't Let Me 1)

“What was your last score? Anything we should focus on?”

“I’d like to focus on our conversation.”

“It’s none of my business, Colt. And I most definitely shouldn’t have asked about it in the first place. Let’s just”––I scratch the side of my temple with the unclicked pen––“focus on your next assignment, all right?”

“Ash.”

“Or I can leave. Whichever you’d prefer.”

He holds my stare for a solid thirty seconds, my heartbeat quickening with every passing moment as my fight or flight instinct threatens to consume me. I shouldn’t have asked. I know I shouldn’t have asked. It’s none of my business. But I can’t help how my brain wants to play out every sordid scenario. Every possible touch. Kiss. Look. That might’ve transpired between Colt and my best friend.

But what’s worse is I know I should be happy for Mia. Because she was right. Her mystery man is a good guy. So good, in fact, I’ve been comparing my boyfriend to him since the moment we met, and it’s only shed a blinding light on all of the traits Logan doesn’t have, and Colt does.

Breaking our staring contest, he sighs and opens the textbook without another word.

The rest of the night is all business.

Which is good.

It’s what I asked for.

What I need if I want to keep my sanity.

Isn’t it?

21

COLT

“Hey.” Logan’s voice echoes across the hall from his room as I wipe my wet hands on the towel in the bathroom and open the door. It sounds like he’s on the phone, but when I hear Ash’s name, I pause and listen.

“That sucks, Ash,” Logan replies.

The floor squeaks slightly beneath my weight as I inch closer.

“Yeah, it’s a bitch,” he continues.

Silence.

“I can’t.”

Pause.

“No, I’m not mad at you. I have plans.”

Pause.

“I’m working. Don’t assume shit,” Logan growls.

Pause.

“You know I would drop whatever I needed to help you.”

Another pause.

“I can’t leave, Ash. I’m already here.”

Pause.

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