Unlikely Hearts - Logan Huntzberger

Chapter Twenty Four

Logan woke up first, the early morning light casting a soft glow over his room. He turned his head to find Alouette lying beside him, her hair fanned out across the pillow and her face relaxed in peaceful sleep. For a moment, he just watched her, feeling an unfamiliar sense of calm settle over him. She looked different like this—vulnerable and soft, without the usual guarded glint in her eyes or the sharp tone coming from her words.

He leaned on his elbow, a lazy grin spreading across his face as he traced the curve of her shoulder with his gaze. She started to stir, her eyelids fluttering open. When she caught him looking, she let out a groggy laugh. "Creepy much, Huntzberger?"

He rolled his eyes, his grin widening. "Can't help it. You're in my bed again—guess I'm just trying to figure out how that keeps happening."

She smirked, stretching her arms above her head. "Must be a coincidence."

Logan rolled onto his back, staring up at the ceiling. "You're right—maybe I just have a habit of attracting trouble."

Alouette chuckled, pulling the covers around her as she sat up. "Speaking of trouble, I should probably get back to my apartment before my friends start wondering where I am. I need to change."

Logan groaned dramatically, propping himself up on one elbow. "Why? You look good in my shirt." He reached out, tugging at the oversized fabric that hung loosely on her. "I think you should keep it."

"Tempting," she said with a laugh, glancing down at herself. "But I don't think I want my walk of shame to be that obvious."

"Walk of shame?" he repeated, his brows furrowing as he caught her wrist, pulling her back down beside him. "I don't know... you could just stay."

She shook her head, playfully nudging him. "Nice try, but I have things to do today."

He released a dramatic sigh, letting his head drop back against the pillow. "Fine, but at least stay for breakfast. I make a mean omelet."

"Logan Huntzberger, cooking?" she teased. "Now that's something I've got to see."

"Guess you'll have to stick around, then," he quipped, flashing her a grin.

She rolled her eyes, leaning back on her elbow as she watched him, feeling an odd sense of ease settle over them. "All right, but no promises about this becoming a habit."

Logan's expression shifted, and he hesitated for a moment before speaking. "Hey, so, I was thinking... what if we kept this going?" His tone was uncharacteristically cautious, like he wasn't entirely sure of her reaction. "And, like, not just at parties."

Alouette's eyes met his, a hint of surprise flickering across her face before she masked it with a playful smile. "Oh, are you saying you actually like me or something?"

He shrugged, trying to play it off casually. "I mean, someone's gotta keep you entertained, right?"

She chuckled softly, her eyes searching his as she thought it over. "Fine," she said finally. "But let's keep it casual. No expectations. I've missed hanging out with you, but we don't need to make it a big thing."

A wave of relief washed over Logan, and he nodded. "Works for me." He reached out, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. "Just promise me you won't disappear when the sun comes up."

She rolled her eyes but couldn't hide the small smile on her lips. "Deal."

They lay there for a moment longer, the morning light warming the room, and for once, there was no urgency to rush away or cover up the fact that they'd crossed that line again. Maybe it was because they'd finally acknowledged that it didn't have to be a one-time thing, or maybe it was just the way things felt easy between them when no one else was watching.

*

When Aloutte finally reached her apartment, the warmth of the space felt like a relief. Madeline was sprawled out on the couch, still in her party dress, a pillow clutched to her chest. Amelia and Louise sat at the kitchen table, already deep into coffee and gossip.

"Morning, stranger," Louise greeted, raising an eyebrow. "And where did you disappear to last night?"

Alouette rolled her eyes, making a beeline for the coffee pot. "I was around."

"Oh, come on," Amelia teased. "Don't act like we don't know where you ended up. Logan's room, again?"

"Busted," Louise chimed in, stifling a laugh.

Alouette shrugged, keeping her face neutral. "We just talked."

Amelia snorted. "Sure, 'talked.' That explains why you're wearing last night's dress and your hair looks like you've been through a wind tunnel."

Alouette laughed, feeling some of the tension ease. Her friends' playful ribbing was familiar, comfortable, and exactly what she needed. "Okay, maybe we talked a little more than that."

"And?" Louise pressed, leaning forward, her eyes wide with curiosity. "Tell us everything!"

Alouette hesitated for a moment, biting her lip. "Well... things got a little heated. You know how it is with Logan."

"Hot and cold?" Madeline interjected, rolling off the couch and joining the conversation, her curiosity piqued. "Spill it!"

"Fine," Alouette sighed, giving in to the excitement in the room. "We ended up sleeping together."

Louise's mouth dropped open. "No way! You mean, like, actually sleeping together?"

Alouette laughed at her friend's over-the-top reaction. "Yes, Louise. Like, sex."

"Details! We need details!" Amelia urged, leaning forward, eager for the scoop.

"Okay, okay," Alouette relented, pouring herself a cup of coffee. "We started off just in his room, talking, I gave him his birthday gift, and then, well, it escalated."

Madeline grinned. "Did he use that charming smile of his to lure you in?"

"Pretty much," Alouette admitted, rolling her eyes with a smile. "He was all cocky and teasing, and I couldn't help myself."

"Did he wear you down until you gave in?" Louise asked, her eyes sparkling with mischief.

"Something like that," Alouette said, a small blush creeping up her cheeks. "But it was good. Really good."

"Are you kidding? Of course it was good! It's Logan!" Amelia exclaimed. "So what happens now?"

Alouette took a deep breath, leaning against the counter as she considered her words. "We're keeping it casual. No strings attached, just fun."

Madeline raised an eyebrow, a hint of concern in her eyes. "Are you sure that's what you want? You don't really need a repeat of Choate. Or all the years before."

"I know," Alouette replied, her expression softening. "But I miss hanging out with him. It feels different this time."

Louise smirked. "As long as you're clear about it, go for it! Just don't lose yourself in it."

"Exactly," Alouette agreed, feeling the weight of her friends' support. "I won't."

The conversation shifted, filled with laughter and playful banter, but in the back of Alouette's mind, Logan's smile lingered, a reminder of the night they had shared and the casual arrangement they'd just begun.