HIDDEN (FIGHT OR FLIGHT)

Chapter 23

FELIX'S P.O.V.

As the last of our colleagues piled onto the company bus, waving and shouting their goodbyes, I stood off to the side, trying to blend into the background like I always did at events like this. My heart raced, the rhythmic thumping loud in my ears as I watched Logan, my senior colleague—and my impossible, forever out-of-reach crush—casually leaning against his car, chatting with a few of the guys before they left. He looked effortlessly handsome, even after the exhaustion of a work retreat. His green eyes sparkled under the fading afternoon sun, and his relaxed smile seemed to light up the space around him. His hair, tousled from the day's activities, somehow made him look even more attractive.

Damon, would be shaking his head if he saw me now. He always teases that I look like a lost puppy whenever Logan's involved, and honestly, he’s not wrong. I’m terrible at hiding how I feel, especially when it comes to Logan. My baby brother would probably give me one of his typical big-brother talks if he knew what I was doing. Sorry, Dame—I know you mean well, but I can't help it.

Suddenly, Logan’s deep voice pulled me from my thoughts, making my pulse quicken even more. "Ready, Felix?" His tone was casual, but it carried the authority he always seemed to exude. I hadn’t even noticed when he’d walked up to me, his car keys twirling between his fingers. His gaze, soft but focused, locked onto mine. "We've got a long drive ahead of us."

I swallowed hard, fighting the heat rising in my cheeks. Stay calm, Felix. "Uh, yeah, totally," I replied, trying to sound as casual as he did. But my voice cracked just enough to make me cringe. Rubbing the back of my neck, I added awkwardly, "Ready for this… adventure."

Logan’s lips curved into a wider grin, amusement dancing in his eyes as he nodded toward his sleek black SUV parked nearby. "Come on, then. I’ve got a few surprises planned along the way. Hope you're ready."

Surprises? I could barely handle the situation without surprises.

We walked over to his car, and he opened the passenger door for me, his easy confidence making the small gesture feel way too personal. I hesitated for a second, then climbed in, immediately surrounded by the woodsy, crisp scent of his cologne. The smell was intoxicating, filling the small space and making it hard to think straight. I fumbled with the seatbelt, my fingers brushing against it as I tried to calm my nerves. Logan slid into the driver’s seat beside me, casting a quick glance in my direction before starting the engine.

"You good?" he asked, raising an eyebrow, clearly noticing my fumbling.

I nodded way too fast, my face burning. "Yeah. Totally fine."

He chuckled under his breath, the sound rich and low, vibrating through me. The butterflies in my stomach stirred into a frenzy as he pulled out of the parking lot. This is going to be a long ride.

As we hit the open road, the sun sinking low on the horizon, painting the sky with hues of orange and pink, Logan glanced at me from the corner of his eye. "So," he started casually, "you excited for the cookout? You’ll finally get to meet my family. They’ve been dying to meet you, you know."

My heart nearly stopped. "Wait—your family?" I repeated, my voice barely steady.

Logan nodded, like it was no big deal. "Yeah. My mom’s been asking about you ever since I mentioned you at work. She’s got this weird sixth sense for things like this. Probably just wants to embarrass me."

Sixth sense? For what? I was spiraling.

"Oh, that’s… great," I mumbled, my mind racing. What has he been telling his mom about me?