The Forgotten Gilmore

Chapter Twenty-Six: Freefall

The world rushed back into focus the moment their feet touched the ground, but Alessia's knees buckled beneath her, still shaky from the fall. Before she could even register what was happening, Logan's arms were already around her, pulling her close to steady her.

They swayed together, both laughing, the adrenaline still coursing through their bodies. Alessia could feel the warmth of his breath against her cheek as they stumbled, trying to regain their balance. Her hands instinctively grasped at his jacket, holding on tightly as they rocked on their feet.

"You good?" Logan asked through a breathless chuckle, his hands resting on her waist, keeping her upright.

Alessia nodded, still laughing as she leaned against him for support. "I think so... though I'm not sure my legs agree."

They both swayed again, barely able to stay steady, the laughter bubbling up between them. Their bodies were pressed close, too close, and Alessia could feel her heart pounding—not from the jump anymore, but from the way Logan's arms were wrapped around her, holding her in place. She could feel the strength in his grip, the heat of his skin through the thin fabric of her dress.

For a moment, neither of them moved, caught in the aftermath of the fall and the intimacy of their closeness. Logan's hands lingered on her waist, his fingers grazing her side just enough to make her pulse quicken. His eyes met hers, the smile fading slightly from his face as the tension between them shifted—less playful, more electric.

"You sure you're okay?" he asked softly, his voice lower now, almost teasing.

Alessia's breath hitched, her fingers still clutching his jacket. "I think I'm still falling," she said, her voice barely a whisper.

Logan's grin widened, but his eyes remained locked on hers, a spark of something deeper flashing between them. He leaned in just a fraction closer, his forehead nearly touching hers. "I've got you."

The moment stretched between them, the sounds of the others fading into the background as they stood there, still swaying slightly, their bodies pressed together, their laughter giving way to something much more intense.

But just as the air between them thickened, the rush of adrenaline still humming, Logan took a slow breath, stepping back with a grin, as though he knew exactly what he was doing but wasn't quite ready to take that leap—at least, not yet.

"Guess we survived," he said, his hands sliding away from her waist, though the closeness still lingered in the air.

Alessia's legs were steady now, but her heart wasn't. She blinked, trying to shake off the effect Logan had on her, but the electricity between them stayed, hanging heavy as she smiled back, breathless from more than just the fall.

"Yeah," she replied, her voice soft, "we did."

Logan's gaze lingered on her for a moment longer, his eyes searching hers. "You were amazing up there, by the way. Brave and beautiful."

Alessia felt her cheeks flush at the compliment, the intensity of their earlier moment now tinged with something softer. "Thanks. I didn't think I'd ever do something like this. It was... exhilarating."

"I'm glad you enjoyed it," Logan said, his voice still warm and sincere. "I knew you'd be up for it. You've got that adventurous spirit."

"Do I?" Alessia asked, tilting her head slightly, her curiosity piqued.

Logan nodded, his smile widening. "Definitely. And I think you've just scratched the surface. There's a lot more to explore."

Alessia's pulse quickened at the promise in his words. "I suppose I'll have to stick around to see what else is in store."

Logan's eyes sparkled with amusement. "I'm looking forward to it."

They stood there for a moment longer, the night settling around them, the sounds of the celebration muffled by the stillness of their shared space. Alessia could feel the weight of Logan's gaze on her, the unspoken connection between them pulsing with each beat of her heart.

"Want to take a walk?" Logan suggested, his voice low but inviting. "Just the two of us?"

Alessia hesitated for a moment, her heart still fluttering from the adrenaline and the closeness of their earlier encounter. But she nodded, feeling a sense of curiosity and anticipation building within her. "Sure, let's go."

They walked side by side, their steps in sync, the night air cool against their skin. The camp was alive with light and laughter in the distance, but here, away from the crowd, it felt as if they were in their own world.

As they strolled, Logan's hand brushed against Alessia's, a touch that felt electric despite its casualness. Alessia glanced at him, catching the glint of mischief in his eyes.

"You know," Logan said casually, "I've always thought that the best moments come when you're least expecting them."

"Like tonight?" Alessia asked, her voice soft.

"Exactly," Logan replied, his gaze meeting hers with a mixture of warmth and something more intense. "Tonight has been full of surprises."

"Yeah," Alessia said, smiling as she looked ahead. "And I have a feeling there are more to come."

Logan grinned, his fingers lightly grazing hers again. "I'm glad you think so. I've got a feeling that this is just the beginning."

They continued their walk, the quiet of the night around them filled with a sense of possibility. Alessia felt her worries from earlier fade away, replaced by a thrilling sense of anticipation. As they talked and laughed together, the connection between them grew stronger, the promise of more adventures hanging in the air.

When they finally returned to the camp, the night was still young, the stars overhead a silent witness to the new chapter unfolding between them.