Dating and Dragons (Dungeons and Drama, #2) (61)

“Because we kissed, and I felt nothing.”

Logan’s jaw works back and forth, and he nods gruffly.

I grin, surprised by his reaction. “What’s that face?”

“Nothing.”

“Are you jealous?”

His eyes flash at mine. “Would you blame me if I was?”

“Seriously, there’s nothing to be jealous of. That’s kind of the whole point.”

“He went on a date with you.” Logan steps closer to me. “He kissed you. I’d say there’s plenty to be jealous about.”

“Well, if you’re going to be jealous, then I’m allowed to be as well.” I lift my chin to him. We’re so close now that I’m practically vibrating. “Don’t pretend like you haven’t kissed other girls.”

Suddenly, his hands are on my hips and he’s lifting me so I’m sitting on the counter. He steps between my legs so that we’re only inches apart. “I haven’t kissed anyone in a long time. And I have no intention of changing that.”

“Not with anyone?” I whisper.

He puts a strand of hair behind my ear. “No one but you.”

My heart soars for a moment before crashing back down. “Logan, you know this is impossible. I want…” My eyes graze over his face and I swallow. “I want this, whatever it is, but I don’t want to be the girl who puts our group or friendships in jeopardy.”

“I know.” He lays his hands on my knees and heat licks up my spine. “I don’t want to hurt the group either. But I also don’t want to give you up.”

I shake my head. “Impossible,” I whisper.

“Not forever,” he says. “They’ll come around. I know they will. We’ll just wait longer. Give the campaign another few months and then we’ll bring it back up.”

I shake my head. A few months? That sounds like torture. And even then, there’s no guarantee the group will change their minds. Some people might get over it. I can’t imagine Mark will care too much. But Sanjiv seems to like the rule, and Sloane definitely does. I bite my lip, trying to think of an argument that could sway them.

Logan’s fingers tighten on my thighs. “What did I tell you about biting your lip when I’m with you? It’s like you want me to kiss you.”

Oh Lord, this boy. One word from him and every good intention flees my mind.

“It is very much like that, isn’t it?” I say softly.

He leans closer—dangerously close—and I can’t bring myself to pull away or stop him. Everything inside me wants to grab him by the collar of his flannel shirt and draw him to me. His eyes darken, but then he clenches his jaw, lifts his hands in surrender, and pulls away from me.

“I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have come.”

“I’m glad you did.”

He puts a hand gently back on my knee. “We’ll figure it out,” he says, his thumb rubbing small circles.

“What the hell is going on?”

Logan and I both jump. Andrew stands at the foot of the stairs, glaring daggers at Logan.

“What are you doing here?” I ask, and drop down from the counter.

“Coach got sick and canceled so I came home early.” He raises an eyebrow. “Guess you thought you’d have a little fun while the house is empty?”

I roll my eyes. “Not that it’s any of your business, but Logan just came over to talk for a second.” I gesture to my brother. “You remember Andrew?”

“What’s up, man?” Logan says.

Andrew doesn’t return the greeting. “It sure looked like you two were doing a lot of talking.” He side-eyes Logan.

What exactly is happening right now? Andrew never cared before if I was dating someone.

He leans against the pantry door and crosses his arms over his chest. “How was your D&D game?”

Logan and I exchange a glance. “Um, it was fine.”

His expression grows harder. “I saw the chat comments.”

My mouth drops open. Am I having an elaborate fever dream right now? “What?”

“Don’t play dumb. I read what they were saying about you. And now you’re dating another D&D loser like the last one?” His eyes flick to Logan with disdain.

“I’m nothing like him,” Logan argues, but I can only focus on Andrew. I take a step toward him.

“How could you have seen those comments?” My stomach bottoms out. “You’re watching the livestream?”

“Maybe.” He shrugs.

“I…You…”

I’m too dumbfounded to string words together. Andrew is watching our games? Andrew, whose been too caught up with his own life to hang out with me for years? Andrew, who never misses a chance to make fun of my interests? I’m in the upside down for real.

“Why would you watch? You hate D&D. I remember one time you said it was a make-believe game for people with no actual talent.”

He chuckles. “That was a good line. But, I don’t know, I was bored and curious. You mentioned the group before to Mom and Dad, so it wasn’t that hard to find it online.”

His explanation still doesn’t make sense. If he was home alone, there are a billion things he’d have more fun doing. I guess it’s sweet that he’d care enough to watch, but mostly I’m just suspicious.