Page 41 of Don't Let Me Fall (Don't Let Me 1)

“Then talk to me, Ashlyn. You’re acting pissed at me––”

“I’m not pissed.”

“You’re lying,” he repeats. “Did something happen at the tutoring session?”

“What? No. Nothing happened!”

“Don’t give me that.”

“I’m not giving you anything, Logan,” I argue. “I had a long day. And then––” His phone dings with a notification. It’s at least the tenth one since he walked into the room. My annoyance spikes.

“You wanna get it?” I ask, waving my hand toward his stupid cell.

He shakes his head and keeps the phone face down in front of him on the kitchen table.

“Want me to?” I press.

With a quiet scoff, he tucks the phone into his front pocket without bothering to see who the message is from. “It’s work.”

“Oh, really?”

“Yeah.”

“And why would work be texting you?” I demand.

“Because Kendall missed her shift tonight, and they wanted me to cover for her, but I told them I couldn’t. I told them I had a date with my girlfriend tonight, and I couldn’t miss it because I love her, and I care about her, and I wanted to spend my night with her. All right, Ash? Is that a good enough answer for you?” he spits.

I flinch at the harshness in his words. Because he’s right. I’m overreacting. I’m being a bitch. I wanted a night where we could reconnect, but I’m the one keeping us from doing it.

Me.

“I’m sorry,” I whisper, twirling a stray noodle around the prongs of my fork while avoiding his gaze.

“Is it your parents? They avoiding you again?”

“They don’t avoid me,” I mutter. “They…get busy. And, no. I’m not pissy about my parents, but thanks for the reminder.”

“So what is it?” he pushes.

“Things have felt…off with us. And it sucks.”

“Look at me, babe.”

I bite the inside of my cheek and peek up at him.

His expression softens as he stands, rounding the second-hand oak table and grabbing my hand, helping me up.

With his arms wrapped around me, he rocks us back and forth slowly, resting his forehead against mine. “I love you, Ash. I’ve loved you since I first saw you freshman year.”

“Love you too,” I murmur, closing my eyes and resting my head against his chest. The words hit differently this time, though. And I’m not sure if he can hear the indecision in my voice––the years of doubt building until I feel like I might suffocate from them––or if it’s all in my head.

“I think I’m just tired,” I whisper. “That’s all.”

“Wanna go to your bedroom?” His hands slip down my body, cupping my ass as he rubs his semi-hard shaft against my stomach.

I smile tightly up at him. “Not tonight.”

His brows furrow. “You sure? I want us to reconnect.”

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