The morning light streamed through the window, waking me before my alarm could. I lay in bed, staring at the ceiling, thinking about everything that had happened the night before. The book, the truth, the way Logan looked at me when I told him how I felt.
I shook my head. I couldn’t let my feelings for Logan distract me now.
But as I got ready for school, I couldn’t stop thinking about Logan. Did he feel the same way? He didn’t really say much after I told him. The only thing I knew for sure was that things were going to be awkward between us, at least for a while.
I grabbed my backpack and headed downstairs. Logan was already in the kitchen, sitting at the table with a piece of toast in his hand. He looked up when I walked in.
“Morning,” he said, his voice casual, but there was a tension in the air.
“Morning,” I replied, keeping my tone light. “Ready for school?”
“Not really.”
“Still thinking about those rumors?” Logan asked.
“Yeah, but apparently they not really rumor anymore. I tried everything to keep my distance away from you and avoid hate from all the girls but I guess it did not work.”
Logan leaned back in his chair, crossing his arms. “Who cares if they talk? Let them.”
I raised an eyebrow. “Easy for you to say. You’re not the one they’re gossiping about.”
He shrugged. “People are always going to talk, Audrey. Whether we give them a reason or not. Besides, it’s none of their business.”
“But their rumors kinda true, like I mean we are mated.”
Logan’s expression shifted slightly, a mix of surprise and amusement. “Are you seriously worried about what they think? We both know the truth.”
“I know,” I said, trying to keep my voice steady. “But it’s complicated. You’re my stepbrother now, and that just makes everything… weird.”
“Is it really that weird?” he asked, leaning forward. “We’re still us, right?”
I rolled my eyes, trying to ignore the way my heart raced at his words. “Yeah, but you’re still my stepbrother. It’s like being stuck in one of those cheesy romance novels.”
Logan chuckled, leaning back again, clearly enjoying the banter. “Cheesy? Come on, it’s not that bad. We could write our own story. ‘Step-siblings in love’-sounds like a bestseller.”
“Or a terrible movie,” I shot back, crossing my arms defensively. “Imagine the plot twists!”
“Plot twists can be fun,” he said, smirking. “Like the part where we pretend we’re not into each other while avoiding all the awkward moments.”
I narrowed my eyes playfully. “Oh, so you think you’re smooth, huh? Just pretending while secretly plotting our romance?”
Logan grinned, a glimmer of mischief in his eyes. “Hey, it’s a solid strategy. Keeps the tension alive.”
I shook my head, fighting back a smile. “You really think it’s that easy? What about the fallout if people find out?”
Logan leaned closer, lowering his voice. “Then we deal with it. Together. What’s the worst that could happen? Some jealous girls might cry?”
I couldn’t help but laugh. “You make it sound so simple.”
“Because it is,” he replied, his gaze intense.
I took a deep breath, trying to steady my racing heart. “What about my mom, Logan?”
“Dad will take care of her.”
“Dad will take care of who?” My mom shows up from nowhere, her bump starting to show a bit.
Logan quickly straightened in his chair, and I turned to face my mom as she walked into the kitchen.
“Uh, morning, Mom,” I said, trying to sound casual.
“Morning, sweetheart,” she replied, a warm smile spreading across her face. “What are you two talking about?”
“Just some school stuff,” I said, shooting Logan a quick glance, hoping he would play along.
Logan nodded, a grin on his face. “Yeah, we were just discussing what to expect in class today.”
Mom raised an eyebrow, clearly unconvinced but willing to let it slide. “Well, don’t forget to grab your lunch before you head out. I packed some extra snacks for you.”
“Thanks, Mom,” I said.
“Did you finish your history project, Audrey?” she asked as she poured herself a cup of coffee.
“Almost. Just need to add a few final touches tonight,” I replied, mentally reminding myself of my to-do list.
“Good. Just make sure it’s ready by Friday. We can’t have you slacking off now,” she said, playfully wagging her finger at me.
“Of course not,” I said with a mock salute. “I’ll be a model student.”
“Alright, you two. I’ll leave you to your breakfast. I have a few things to take care of before work,” she said, heading towards the door. “Logan, make sure Audrey eats something besides toast.”
“Will do,” he replied, a playful smirk on his face.
Once my mom was out of earshot, I turned back to Logan, trying to regain my focus. “That was close.”
“Yeah,” he said, leaning back again. “But we need to talk about us, Audrey. This can’t be just jokes forever.”
“Let’s talk about saving the world first before talking about us,” I said as we headed to the car.
As we arrived at school, the familiar sights greeted us-the sprawling campus, students milling about, and the distant sound of laughter. I felt a mix of nerves and determination. Logan parked the car, and we stepped out, side by side.
“Ready?” he asked, his expression serious now.
“Not really, but we have to face it,” I replied, taking a deep breath.
As we walked toward the entrance, I spotted Tanya standing with a group of girls. She glanced our way, her eyes narrowing. I could feel the tension in the air.
“Looks like we’re already in the spotlight,” Logan said quietly, noticing her glare.
“Great,” I muttered, trying to ignore the knot forming in my stomach.
We approached the group, and Tanya immediately turned her back to us, whispering to her friends. I could hear bits of their conversation, and my heart sank.
“Look who it is,” one of the girls sneered. “The freaks.”
“Just ignore them,” Logan said, putting a hand on my back. “Let’s focus on getting to class.”
“Easier said than done,” I replied, but I pushed forward.
As we walked past, I tried to catch Tanya’s eye. “Tanya!” I called out, hoping she’d respond.
She looked at me, but her expression was cold. “What do you want?”
I felt my cheeks heat. “Can we talk? Just the three of us?”
She scoffed. “Why? So you can explain how you’re dating your stepbrother? No thanks.”
I flinched at her words. “That’s not-”
“Whatever, Audrey. You think you’re special, but you’re just like the rest of them,” she interrupted, crossing her arms.
“Tanya, why are you so jealous?” I asked, taking a deep breath to steady myself. “I’m sorry I didn’t tell you sooner about Logan being my stepbrother. Everything happened so suddenly, and… this is exactly why I didn’t say anything. I knew this would happen.”
Tanya narrowed her eyes at me, her arms still crossed. “Jealous? You think this is about jealousy?” she scoffed, shaking her head. “It’s not just about you and Logan. It’s about how you’ve been acting. Keeping secrets, avoiding your friends… you changed, Audrey.”
“I didn’t mean to,” I said, my voice softening. “It’s just-things got complicated really fast. I didn’t know how to handle it, and honestly, I was scared of how everyone would react.”