Logan

186. A Force Of Nature

*Natalie's POV*

It caught me off guard that within a few days, Jack knew me so well, pleading with me to eat, not prying when I'm upset, the way he put his arm out if I need it.

I had to figure out a way to be professional with him. Any more of this, and someone would notice. I can't think that something's going to happen between us anymore, when he's done with whatever case he's working on, he's out of here. I read about him, he's a crusader agent.

Meanwhile, I've been ignoring Desmond's texts, WHY? Plus Jamie is still on my mind, god he's such a jerk.

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*Desmond's POV*

Desmond to Natalie:

Hey. I hope your day is going well.
I'm thinking about you, we should go
eat somewhere when I get off work?
Want to?

My message goes unread again. This isn't like when I was working and she would wait to respond. I know she needs space so I'm trying not to take it personally. I miss her.

When I dropped the lasagnas off at her dad's house, she wasn't there. I started my maintenance work and Clark comes up behind me. "Hey, there was a girl that came here this morning, the old cap's daughter, what's she like?"

I shrug, "She's cool-"

"Does she have a boyfriend? Do you know if she's seeing anyone?" He asks, boldly.

Me. I should say. She's my girlfriend.

But she's not.

I can't say she is, because I don't even know that. "I mean, no, but-"

"I think I'm going to ask her out, if you find out she's got a boyfriend, let me know."

"Yeah you'll be the first to know," I murmer.

Rhodes calls out, "Cap, no offense, but she wouldn't touch you with a 10-foot pole, you're not her type." She grins at me, "Besides, she's into brunettes."

I smirk, my back turned to Clark.

"Yeah, like you have a chance, Rhodes." Clark says.

"If Natalie wasn't my girl, I'd have way more of a chance than you ever would." The garage is quiet and Clark scoffs and walks away. Rhodes taps my arm. "Hey, why didn't you say she was your girlfriend? I know ya'll still talk."

"Because, she's not my girlfriend. Never, have we ever determined the relationship. I can't even get her to text me back, I sent flowers, and gummy worms, and I-" I stop, "I invited her to the ball."

Rhodes looks sympathetic, "I'm sorry, I'm sure she'll text when she's ready."

I nod, "Sure." I don't bother checking my phone, I know there's no missed texts, no missed call, no Instagram notifications.

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*Leon's POV*

I watch Raleigh walk back into the station and I stand beside Huxley. "What's the deal with this girl, if I can ask?"

Huxley's wrapping a hose, "Natalie?" He shakes his head and laughs, "That's not a girl, that's a woman."

"What, is she like a firefly or something?" I snort.

Huxley's smile fades and he stands up straight, "Kennedy, I don't know what kind of stations you've worked at, but we're not that kind of station. Natalie is the sweetest soul you'll ever meet in your life, she's gone through a really hard time these last few months. Don't ever call her that again. I know she invited you to her party, you're going to go, and you're going to get to know her, and apologize for calling her that behind her back."