Chapter Nine
Logan lifted his head, his lips an inch away from hers. A strangled sound escaped his throat, and it sounded like it might have been a question. Jeni couldn’t be sure.
How many beers had she had? Three? She couldn’t remember. All she knew was this kiss made her feel something she’d never felt before.
They stood there, separated by a mere inch, with halted breath and a spark hovering between them.
Why had she done that?
Oh, right. Because he’d said he didn’t want her and then used the excuse she wasn’t interested in him.
Which was true. Sort of. She was attracted to him, which wasn’t the same thing. Regardless, what he’d said pissed her off, so she’d acted on impulse.
And she wanted to do it again.
His lids were still low, his eyes on her mouth. She leaned forward again, pushing up on her toes and seeking contact. Just before their lips touched, he sucked in a breath, as if realizing what had just happened and would happen again.
He gently put his hands on her upper arms to still her movement.
“I, uh…” He cleared his throat and blinked several times. His gaze moved around her face, like he was drinking her in, before his eyes met hers. “I…no, I can’t.”
“You can’t kiss me?” She resisted the urge to back down. His lips had felt too good.
Logan closed his eyes. “You’re Andrew’s sister. It doesn’t feel right to do that.”
A small piece of her confidence slipped away. “I’ve seen you flirt with a dozen women.”
“That’s different.”
“How?”
“None of them were the sister of my best friend.”
Her jaw went tight, and she stepped back, leaving a cold sensation along the front of her body. Disappointment settled heavy on her chest. “Got it.”
He gripped the back of his neck, and a frown descended. “I can’t think of you that way. Out of respect for your brother—”
“Logan,” she cut in. “I just kissed you. I don’t want to talk about my brother.” Rejection washed through her, and she eyed the door behind him meaningfully. “If you don’t mind?”
“You didn’t let me finish. More importantly, I’m trying to respect you too.”
“Okay.” She avoided eye contact, trying to hide her embarrassment, and put her hand on the door handle next to his elbow.
With a sigh, he moved to the side and allowed her to get inside.
The drive back to her house was silent and awkward. Logan made a few attempts to start conversation, but she wasn’t in the mood. She gave him single-word answers, and he eventually gave up. He pulled into her driveway, and she went for the door handle.
Logan’s hand shot out to cover hers. “Wait.”
She craned her head around to look at him. “What?”
“Don’t be upset with me.”
“I’m not.” She was upset with herself.
“I’m glad you texted me tonight.”
Her eyes met his.