Toxic: Logan's Story (Torn #4)(28)

I nodded and walked past him. I could hear him and Amber saying their temporary good-byes before the door closed behind me. I tried not to think about what Amber had said. Don’t break him. I had no intentions of doing that. In fact, my plans were the complete opposite. I wanted to help him heal, not drag him further down. He seemed to be doing just fine on his own, but I’d only been with him for a day. Just because he seemed okay didn’t mean that he was.

I walked over to Logan’s car and leaned against the passenger-side door. I’d offered to rent a car for the trip, so we wouldn’t put extra miles on his car, but he’d refused. It didn’t matter to me as long as he was okay with it, so I didn’t argue with him.

A car pulled up to the curb in front of the house. My mouth dropped open in shock when I saw Chloe and Drake getting out. The shock was evident on their faces as we stared at each other.

“Jade? What are you doing here?” Drake asked as they walked over to where I was standing.

Fuck! I’d told everyone that I was going to hang around L.A. for a while and that I didn’t want anyone to bug me.

Drake and Chloe obviously knew that was a lie now.

“I, uh…”

“Chloe? Drake? What are you guys doing here?” Amber called as she walked outside with Logan.

Chloe ran over to her and Logan and hugged them tightly. My stomach dropped when I saw how tightly Logan was holding her back.

“We came to surprise you guys, but it looks like we’re the ones who got the surprise,” Chloe said as she glanced over at me. “We didn’t know Jade would be here.”

“I’m so glad you’re here,” Amber squealed.

“Me, too. I’ve missed you both so much, so Drake agreed to come back to West Virginia while he had some time off. We can spend the summer together!”

My stomach dropped until it was no longer part of my body. Chloe was back, and she wanted Amber and Logan to hang out with her this summer. There was no way that he’d choose me over her. It looked like I’d be making my way to Tennessee on my own. The thought alone made me want to cry. I hadn’t wanted to go by myself, and I’d stupidly relied on Logan to keep me company.

“Oh,” Logan said, shock clearly covering his face. He glanced at me. “We were just about to head out.”

“Where to? We can all go,” Chloe said.

I noticed Drake watching me. He knew something was up.

Fuck. My. Life.

Before Logan could spill where we were going, I cut into the conversation, “Actually, I was just leaving. I’m going to take a road trip.” I pretended to glance at my phone. “I’d better head out. I’m already starting late.”

I stupidly realized that I didn’t have a car as soon as the words were out of my mouth. Perfect, just f*cking perfect. I just kept digging my hole deeper and deeper.

Logan walked down the sidewalk to where I was standing. “Jade…”

“No, it’s okay. I get it,” I whispered before raising my voice so that everyone could hear me. “Would you mind taking me to the car rental place?”

He kept looking back and forth between Chloe and me. Finally, his eyes hardened as he made his decision, and he turned his attention to me.

Just say it, and get it over with, Logan. Come on, tell me that you’ll take me to the rental place and be rid of me.

Then, he looked back to Chloe. “Sorry, Chloe, but I won’t be around for the summer. I’m going with Jade.”

I looked up at him in surprise. Did he really just choose me over her?

I glanced over at Drake to see him frowning as he watched Logan carefully. His eyes flicked over to me, and I saw the light bulb come on. A small smile lifted the corner of his mouth.

“Aw…are you sure?” Chloe asked.

I could tell that she was upset because I was taking Logan from her, but I couldn’t bring myself to feel bad. She’d had years with him. All I wanted was a few weeks. Besides, she had Drake to keep her company. She didn’t need Logan for that anymore.

“Sorry, Chloe, but I promised Jade. Maybe I’ll be back in time to hang out some.” He shrugged his shoulders like he didn’t really care if they spent time together or not.

I knew it was an act, but I still felt like doing a victory dance around his car.

“But—”

Drake cut her off, “Let them go, Chloe. Jade said they needed to head out.”

She frowned but nodded. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to sound rude. I’m just surprised.” She walked over and wrapped her arms around Logan.

I looked away, suddenly uncomfortable. I wasn’t sure if or when I’d ever be comfortable with them touching.

She released Logan and turned to hug me. “Take care of him, Jade. Please,” she whispered in my ear.

“I will.” I hugged her back before stepping away.

Drake’s knowing gaze drilled into me as I climbed into the car.

We waved as Logan backed out of the driveway and started down the street. I still couldn’t believe that he’d chosen me over her. I couldn’t remember him ever telling her no or turning her down.

My phone beeped, and I looked down to see a text from Drake.

Drake: Didn’t expect that one.

Me: I have no idea what you’re talking about.

Drake: Have fun. ;)