Page 51 of Cross the Line

Logan and I were friends, but it felt like more. We had this insane connection—and not just because of our shared passion for the sport we both loved.

And while, yes, there were times that I wanted it to be more, I knew that wasn’t what she wanted. Even if she had, I couldn’t see how it would be possible, logistically speaking. So for now, I was content to continue on as we were.

“Ah.” Boone tilted his head back. “It’s a situationship.”

“It’s not⁠—”

Fuck. I dragged a hand through my hair, the curls springing back almost immediately. Is that what this is?

Worse still, part of me thought that label was generous. As far as I knew, Logan and I were just friends. Friends who “liked” each other. Friends who’d shared a bed once and had almost kissed once.

But we were secret friends. Though, Logan had told Georgia. And her brother, which made me think that I was important to Logan. Important enough she’d been willing to tell Levi, despite the fact that he hated me.

“I’m going to give you some advice,” Boone said. “Since you don’t have much relationship experience.”

“And you do?” I glared at him, annoyed by the implication, though he wasn’t wrong.

I’d grown up in a strict, conservative household where dating was absolutely not allowed unless the intent was to marry. When I’d left home at seventeen, I’d been hardwired to believe that physical touch, desire, pleasure, were wrong, but especially outside of marriage.

I no longer believed that was true, thanks to years of therapy, but I had yet to be in a serious relationship. I’d definitely enjoyed exploring my sexuality—at least for a while. But then I’d realized how empty casual sex could be.

I wanted to find a middle ground. I wanted to enjoy sex with someone I cared about, someone I shared a connection with. I wanted that person to be Logan, but I wasn’t sure that would ever happen.

“Fizzy,” Boone called.

Frasier glanced up from his phone. “What?”

Boone waved him over. “Need some relationship advice.” Frasier did a double take, but then Boone said. “Not for me. For Kovi.”

“I don’t—” I pinched the bridge of my nose. “I don’t need relationship advice.”

“Great. Problem solved.” And then Frasier returned his attention to his phone, likely texting Bryn.

“Jesus.” Boone dragged me over to stand in front of Frasier. “Frasier, our teammate needs our help.” Boone gestured at me.

As nice as it was that Boone was trying to take me under his wing, it was misguided and unnecessary.

“With what?” Frasier asked, nonplussed. “Sounds to me like he isn’t in a relationship.”

“Then why has he been mopey since Christmas?”

“Probably because he didn’t get to see his family for the holidays,” Frasier said. “Fuck if I know.”

“No,” Boone said, tapping his finger to his lips. “It’s not that.”

“Can you guys please stop talking about me as if I’m not standing right here?” I bit out.

Boone’s attention returned to me. “Did something happen with KT over the holidays?”

“Katie?” Frasier asked. “Who’s that?” I didn’t bother to correct him.

“Yeah. You know—” Boone gave him a conspiratorial look “—his imaginary girlfriend.”

“She’s not…” I stopped myself. “You know what? Fuck off.” I turned and headed to leave. I was already irritated about the situation with Logan, and these fuckers were making it worse. How was it possible to miss someone you’d barely spent any time with?

“Does this mean you’ll come out with us tonight?” Boone called.

I lifted my hand, flipping him off over my shoulder.