Fic: Inbetweener (Veronica/Logan) R
Title - Inbetweener
Rating - R (for sexual situations)
Word Count - 5,368
Summary - This fic was written for vmfic_gameon's Round 4 Table Challenge. It's a prequel to my fic Semisonic and is set about 4 weeks before the events in that fic. By no means do you need to have read Semisonic (but you know you want to), just know that this is entirely, completely AU. And entirely, completely fluffy.
Spoilers - None
Disclaimer - The cast of Veronica Mars belongs to Rob Thomas, but mostly he didn't play fair, so fanfic makes amends.
Author's Note - Thanks as always to my fabulous beta celtic_flicka for keeping me on the smut straight and narrow :) I used the words: gone, believe, contemptible, devotees, venture, sunset, session, bought, insecure, home run, debut, cynical, quench, confiscate, navel, unconventional Feedback makes the fic ride worthwhile.
~~~~~~~~~~
“Pairings for this project: Wakefield with Edmonds, Turner with Harris, Echolls with Mars...”
She assumed the teacher continued to list names, but her mind had blanked after she heard her name called. She shot a glance over her shoulder to the back of the class, catching Logan Echolls staring at her. He was slumped low in his seat, one hand holding a pencil up to his mouth, bouncing it off his lower lip. He grinned at her, flashing a quick wink. She felt her cheeks begin to heat and spun back in her seat before scribbling something nonsensical in her notebook to keep her hands from shaking.
Logan Echolls? Logan Echolls?!
The bell rang, followed by the slamming of books, squeaking of chairs, and movement of feet. Veronica dawdled, waiting till everyone had gone. She caught Logan’s eye again as he left the room. “Call me,” he mouthed, holding an imaginary phone up to his ear.
Jackass.
“Ms Adams, can I talk to you?”
The teacher didn’t pause in cleaning the chalkboard.
“Veronica, I’m not changing my mind.”
Veronica stood puzzled. “What-?”
Ms Adams turned. “You and Logan. I’m not changing my mind.” She began gathering up papers from the desk. Veronica resisted the urge to stamp her foot.
“But, Ms Adams, please! Logan, he... It won’t work-”
“Well then, you’re going to have to make it work or receive an F.”
“But...” Veronica trailed off, looking at the ground.
Ms Adams sighed, leaning over the desk towards her. “Veronica, this project is a significant portion of your final grade. Whatever problem you believe you have with Logan, I suggest you learn to live with it.” She stared at Veronica pointedly for a moment before leaving the room.
“Great,” muttered Veronica, following her out and heading towards her locker.
Logan Echolls. The ’09er who has had everything handed to him on a plate all his life. And good looking? I don’t care how many cheerleaders have said it. All I see is a smartass smile and more money than sense.
She arrived at her locker and hurled her books in. I really need this grade and I’m not gonna let some ’09er jerk-off destroy it. She slammed the locker door shut and turned to head to her next class.
“Wow. That’s some passive-aggressive behaviour there, Mars. Sure you don’t wanna talk it through?” Logan was leaning on a locker a few feet away from her, the corner of his mouth turned up in a lazy grin.
Veronica felt her pulse skip in her throat, and swallowed back the irritation.
“Those are pretty big words, Echolls. Word-of-the-day toilet paper?”
Logan’s eyebrows twitched upwards in surprise, his grin dropping slightly.
“Okay, I guess-”
He was interrupted by a figure bouncing up to his side.
“What are you hanging around here for, Logan?” She tugged hard at his arm, pulling him down towards her upturned face and pursed lips.
Logan bent to offer a perfunctory kiss before pulling back, shooting a quick, almost embarrassed glance at Veronica.
A look of anger flashed across the girl’s face, and she turned to face Veronica.
“Veronica Mars,” she smiled with thinly disguised insincerity.
“Lilly Kane,” she returned with an equally contemptible smile.
Lilly raised an eyebrow, but said nothing, turning back to Logan and pulling at his arm again. “C’mon Logan, Dick and Beav are making plans for tonight and I do not want it to turn into another Halo marathon.” She moved closer, pressing her chest against his arm. “I had other things in mind,” she purred.
Veronica rolled her eyes and moved to step past them, but Logan shifted in front of her, blocking her path.
“Veronica and I have a project to finish,” he said, his eyes never leaving Veronica’s. “I’ll have to pass on tonight, Lilly.”
Veronica stared at him, dumbfounded. “It’s not due till-”
“Six o’clock at mine?” Veronica’s gaze shifted to Lilly who was starting to turn an impressive shade of puce.
“Fine,” she said finally, shaking her head slightly and pushing past them.
~~~~~~~~~~
Veronica gripped the steering wheel tighter. This is a bad idea, just leave. She gazed up through the windshield at the house in front of her. It was bigger than her apartment complex.
I hate Logan Echolls.
Before she could throw the car into reverse and back out through the gates, the porch light came on. Veronica saw Logan framed in the doorway. Sighing, she got out of the car, pulling her bag onto her shoulder. She walked slowly towards the house, feeling Logan’s eyes on her.
“Thought you might be planning to stay in your car all night,” he called as she drew closer.
She looked up. He wore that smirk that never failed to send anger coursing through her veins, but which seemed to have a lot of devotees in the other girls in her class.
“Believe me, at one point I considered running myself over with my own car rather than come in.” She stopped just short of the front step.
Logan leaned on the doorframe, studying her. Veronica forced herself to hold his gaze.
“I’m gonna venture a guess that you don’t like me very much, do you?”
Veronica faltered, the biting response dying on her lips. Logan sounded almost... hurt. She scoffed inwardly at the ridiculousness of that statement. That would assume Logan Echolls had feelings.
“Let’s just get this over with, Logan.” She stepped up to the front door and stared at him till he stood aside, sweeping his arm into the house as a greeting.
She walked into the foyer, her footsteps echoing around the vast room, the last rays of sunset casting long streaks of dark orange across the marble floor.
“Nice place, where do you park the jet?”
“Out back,” Logan jerked a thumb behind him. “It keeps the Blackhawk company.”
Veronica twisted her mouth. She shifted the bag on her shoulder pointedly.
“So,” Logan clapped his hands together. “Wanna start the study session straight away or do you want a drink?”
“Let’s just get started.”
“You sure?” He dipped his head to look at her. Veronica flicked her gaze away. “I bought Skist.”
“Wow, you really are rich,” she murmured, trying not to notice his answering grin.
“Why don’t you get settled,” he gestured to a doorway down the hall. “And I’ll go get us some drinks.” He began to walk away, before turning around and raising both palms in mock surrender. “Just in case.”
Veronica watched him leave, snapping her head away in horror when she realised what part of him she was gazing at. She walked towards the door Logan had indicated, her stomach twisting. Irritation, Veronica. It’s irritation.
As she reached the door, she heard voices on the other side. Raised voices. A man and a woman. Logan’s parents?
“...Embarrass me? Destroy my career? Soften up public sentiment for a generous divorce settlement? Turn me into Costner?"
“Course, you'd think of your career and your money before you'd think of the obvious. Did it ever occur to you, I just want to hurt you like you've hurt me?”
“You had private detectives following me! How insecure are you?”
“Only on location. The women here I've always known.”
“Listen to me. If you try to divorce me, I will leave you with nothing. No house. No career. No club memberships. No maid and no friends-”
“I cannot take this anymore.”
Veronica jerked back from the door at the sound of a glass smashing.
“The other door,” a deep voice said softly behind her.
Veronica spun around, her eyes wide. Logan gazed down at her, his jaw twitching, gripping two cans of Skist. Veronica held his gaze for a long moment, the silence throbbing between them.
“Right,” she finally choked out, tearing her eyes away. “Let’s... let’s go.”
She stepped away from the door and moved down the hallway. Turning, she saw that Logan hadn’t moved. He stood, staring blankly at the closed door in front of him. One of the cans made a metallic cracking sound as it began to buckle under the pressure.
“Logan,” she called softly. He didn’t move.
She dropped her bag on the floor and stepped back towards him.
“Logan,” she repeated, reaching out and touching his arm lightly. Logan’s jaw twitched again and he turned his head ever so slightly in her direction, but said nothing.
“Come on, let’s get started on this project.” Logan remained silent, his gaze dropping downwards. Veronica swallowed hard, desperately thinking of something to say or do. She followed Logan’s gaze, a sudden chill rippling through her as she realised her hand was gently stroking his arm. Her mouth went dry and she whipped her hand back, shoving it into her pocket as if to ensure it didn’t do anything on its own again.
Logan’s eyes met hers. She had never truly appreciated what a ‘searching gaze’ was until she was on the receiving end of one. It was hypnotic and she wasn’t entirely sure she wanted it to end.
Logan blinked and stepped back. “Let’s go.”
~~~~~~~~~~
“Urgh, my God, are you seriously telling me you do this every night?”
Veronica looked up from her notes. Logan was lying on his back tossing a pen in the air.
“Do what? Practise my hand eye coordination?”
Logan caught the pen and rolled onto his stomach, propping his head up with a palm under his chin. “Study. You do it every night?”
Veronica snorted. “Er, yeah. That’s how I’m so learned.”
Logan frowned briefly, before his face broke out in a grin. “Veronica Mars, did you just crack a funny?”
Veronica caught his gaze briefly and allowed the corner of her mouth to turn up in a smile. “Maybe.”
Logan rolled onto his back again. “I liked it. You should smile more.”
Veronica stared at him, watching as he resumed tossing the pen, not knowing how to respond. Her mouth felt dry again.
“I think I will have that drink now.”
“Yeah?” Logan sat up and turned to her. “Great, maybe we should take a break. It’s been a long night.”
Veronica glanced at her watch. “Logan, we’ve only been going for half an hour.”
Logan stood and stretched, his shirt riding up slightly, exposing the top of his boxers and a line of dark hair. Veronica looked down at her notes quickly, a flash of heat searing unexpectedly across her face.
“Yeah, well that’s thirty more minutes of studying than I’m used to.” Logan dropped his arms. “You want anything to eat?”
“No, I’m fine.” Veronica’s stomach growled loudly.
Logan laughed. “Ok, I’ll just bring something for your pet to eat.”
“Really, Logan, I should go...” she trailed off as she watched Logan head towards the kitchen.
You hate him, remember Veronica? You hate Logan Echolls. You hate all the ’09ers. Remember? Veronica stood, her bones creaking at the movement.
Yeah, but why do you hate him?
Veronica moved towards the fireplace where a row of expensively framed photographs were lined.
Because they are privileged, stuck-up jerks who treat everyone who isn’t them like crap.
She reached up and pulled down a photo, studying the much younger features of Logan Echolls as he beamed into the camera, his arms wrapped around his mother’s legs.
Yeah, but why do you hate him? Logan isn’t Dick Casablancas. He hasn’t done the same things Dick has done to you.
She smiled softly down at the photo, her thumb absently tracing the frame.
Logan’s just like them. He hangs around with them all the time. He can’t be that different.
“Cute, huh?”
This time the voice behind her didn’t make her jump. This time, the voice was a lot closer, the breath moving the hair by her ear.
“You look pretty pleased with yourself,” she said, keeping her voice steady. She didn’t dare turn around. She could feel the heat radiating from Logan, his arm leaning on the mantelpiece behind her. She would only need to sway backwards an inch and she’d be resting on his chest.
Logan leaned over to take a closer look, his chin almost touching her shoulder. Veronica drew a shaky breath. Get it together, Veronica.
“Peewee baseball,” Logan said. Veronica could hear the grin in his voice. “I hit a home run that day on my debut. Even my dad couldn’t find anything to be cynical about when I told him. Guess that’s why I’m smiling so much.”
Veronica took a deep breath and turned. Logan was closer than she thought, staring down at her. Okay, maybe those cheerleaders were half right. She clutched the photo in the space between them like a shield.
“You stare well,” was all she could think to say.
Logan said nothing, instead he raised his hand and gently tucked a lock of stray hair behind her ear. His hand briefly cupped the side of her face before dropping back to his side. Veronica felt the skin he had touched prickling and flaming with need.
Oh good lord, this can’t be happening.
Logan turned, seemingly oblivious to the effect he was having on Veronica. “Here, sit and eat. I brought something of everything.” He moved towards the couch and dropped on to it.
Veronica turned and placed the photo back, closing her eyes and taking several calming breaths. She walked slowly to the couch, perching on the furthest end away from Logan. She looked at the table in front of them, groaning with food.
“Wow, you weren’t kidding.” She shot a quick grin towards Logan.
“Yeah, well, I wasn’t sure what you liked, so I just picked everything.” He spoke through a mouthful of pasta.
“Classy,” she said.
Logan grinned. “We’re all friends here.”
Veronica stared at him. Logan, realising what he had said, swallowed his food awkwardly. “Or, at least, study buddies,” he added, looking down at his plate.
Veronica picked up a cold egg roll. “Study buddies who aren’t actually doing a lot of studying.”
Logan shot her a glance, grinning when he saw the small smile on her face. “Well, like you said. It’s not due for weeks.”
Veronica paused, the egg roll halfway to her mouth. “Then why did you insist we do it tonight?”
Logan turned his head to her, studying her for a long moment before answering. “I really hate Halo.”
“But what is Logan Echolls without his computer games?”
“Is that all you think I am?”
Veronica’s grin wavered at Logan’s tone. “I... I don’t know. I guess I don’t really know anything about you,” she confessed with some reluctance. “Oh, wait. Your girlfriend is Lilly Kane.” She shook her egg roll at him in triumph.
“She’s not my girlfriend.” Logan mumbled, forking up a huge mouthful of pasta.
“Oh?” Veronica cringed at her hopeful tone. “So what are you guys? Study buddies?”
Logan shook his head, gesturing to his full mouth. Veronica jiggled her foot impatiently, suddenly wanting nothing more than to hear his answer.
Eventually Logan swallowed. “If she and I are study buddies and you and I are study buddies...” Logan gestured at the two of them, wiggling his eyebrows.
“So, I guess that means you and Lilly write a lot of assignments together? I’m not sure why you’re saying that in such a lascivious manner, but I guess you must really love to study...” Veronica said with faux naivety. She took a big bite of her egg roll, grinning at Logan as he laughed.
“Something like that,” he said. “Lilly and I broke up a while ago. We’re just friends.”
“You stick your tongue in Dick’s mouth too?”
“Only when he’s been particularly bad.”
They sat eating in silence for a while before Logan put his plate down and leaned back, rubbing his stomach. Veronica’s gaze dropped, following the movement of his hands.
“So,” he said. Veronica’s eyes snapped back up, studiously ignoring the smirk on Logan’s face. “Did those eighteen egg rolls quench your appetite?”
Veronica laughed. “I did not eat-” she leaned forward, peering in disbelief at the empty box. “Ok, maybe I was hungrier than I thought.”
Logan grinned. “I don’t think I’ve ever seen a girl eat as much as you.”
“So what you’re saying is, if I ate that cake I would really blow your mind?”
“I think you may have already done that.”
Veronica wished Logan wouldn’t do that. She could almost handle the humour and the banter, but when the grin dropped from his face and he stared at her intently, she had to remind herself to breathe.
She leaned forward and picked up the remote. “If we’re not going to study we can at least watch some TV.” She pressed the ‘on’ button, trying not to gape as the huge television sprang to life. “Oh! Cops. I love this show!”
Logan chuckled, settling back into the sofa. “Why does that not surprise me?”
Veronica turned to him, tucking a leg under her. “What? Men in uniform. Hello?”
“Um, hello? That’s not really gonna cut it for me, Mars. How about America’s Next Top Model?”
“How about it? That’s more bikini action than I like in a show.”
“My point exactly, and I think you’ll find this is my television.”
“And I think you’ll find I have the remote,” she challenged, waving it at him.
“Well, I’m just going to have to confiscate it then.”
“Oh really, this remote? This one right here?” She held it towards him, snatching it back at the last minute as he moved to grab it. “Ha ha! Psych.”
She turned the volume up a notch. “Gosh, it’s so nice to have total control of the television without having to move from the sofa.”
Logan sprang towards her. Veronica held the remote as far away from her as she could, giggling as Logan moved to grab it again.
“Sorry, not gonna happen-Ah!” She cried, as Logan lunged again, reaching over her to the remote in her outstretched arm.
Veronica was breathing hard and giggling, when she realised that Logan was pressed right up against her, his face inches from her own. His eyes were already on her face as she flicked her gaze nervously to his. She licked her lips, a tremor passing through her as Logan’s eyes dropped to her mouth.
The only sound was their breathing. And the roar of blood pounding in her ears.
Suddenly, Logan moved again, grabbing her around the waist with both hands and pulling, half turning her as he did, so she ended up with her back pressed flush to his side as he settled into the sofa. One arm was tight around her waist and with the other arm he reached for and grabbed the remote that hung loosely in her hand.
“Thank you very much,” he said, changing the channel.
Veronica groaned. “Dammit,” she chuckled, and made to move away.
Logan kept his arm firmly around her waist, shifting slightly so she was leaning more fully on to him. “Stay,” he murmured into her hair.
Veronica froze, her breathing short. She wished she didn’t have her back to him so she could see his expression. What if this was some huge elaborate joke and Lilly and Dick were just waiting to jump out and laugh at her flushed face?
What if it wasn’t?
She didn’t know which scared her more.
“See, what’s not to love about this show?” Logan’s deep voice sent a vibration through her body.
She turned her head to the right, glancing at the screen. Two models were falling over themselves, cackling with laughter, seemingly drunk.
“Why do you need to watch this? Isn’t it just like every ’09er party?”
“Maybe you’d know if you actually came to one.”
Veronica snorted. “Yeah, right.”
She felt Logan shift behind her and saw him looking at her in her periphery. She kept her eyes fixed firmly on the television.
“What’s wrong with going to a party and having some fun?”
“Depends on your definition of fun.”
“Well, going to a party is a good start for me.”
Veronica shrugged. “Guess the company’s not my idea of fun.”
Logan moved again, leaning forward to try and look her in the face. Veronica avoided his gaze. “But how do you know if you’ve never been to one?”
Veronica shifted, trying to pull away. Logan held firm. “There are plenty of things I know I don’t like without having ever done them.”
Logan pulled her closer, talking directly into her ear. “Don’t you think that’s a little closed-minded of you?”
Veronica turned her head slightly, feeling his lips brush against her. She felt a flush of heat pool deep within her, a tugging behind her navel. “I don’t think I need a lecture from an ’09er about being closed-minded.”
Veronica felt Logan’s grip loosen slightly, and she took the opportunity to scramble away and stand up. “Where’s the bathroom?” she asked quickly, pushing a strand of damp hair from her eyes.
Logan was silent. Veronica stole a quick glance, biting her lip when she saw him looking up at her dejectedly. “Next to the kitchen,” he finally said, turning his gaze back to the television.
Veronica crossed the foyer on shaking legs. She found the bathroom easily, slipping in and locking the door behind her quickly. She let out the breath she didn’t realise she’d been holding, dropping her head backwards onto the door with a thud.
Logan Echolls? Logan Echolls?!
She turned on the faucet, allowing the cool water to run over her hands, before cupping some and splashing her flushed cheeks. She stared at herself in the mirror. What’s wrong, Veronica? Scared? She pulled at the nearest towel and ran it over her face, peeking back at herself over the top of it. No, I’m not scared. I’m terrified. Terrified of how actually liking Logan Echolls might change everything.
She put the towel down and left the bathroom, walking back towards the TV room.
She stopped in the doorway, a frown creasing her forehead.
“What happened to America’s Next Top Model?” she asked, gesturing towards the screen.
Logan didn’t turn. “I wanted to see whether they caught the bad guy in the end.”
Veronica walked slowly towards the sofa, but remained standing. “You’re voluntarily watching Cops?” she asked, a grin breaking out on her face.
“Yeah, well, someone told me once that I was closed-minded, so I’m broadening my horizons.” Logan flicked a quick glance in her direction, before he resumed watching the screen.
Veronica’s grin dropped and she shifted uncomfortably from one foot to the other. “Logan, I didn’t mean-”
Logan finally looked at her fully. “Yes, you did, and it’s fine.” He shrugged. “I know what people think of me. I’m used to it. Why should your opinion be any different?”
Veronica faltered, staring at the challenge in Logan’s eyes. She dropped her gaze to her feet.
“I shouldn’t judge you when I don’t know anything about you.”
“Then why did you?”
Veronica shook her head slightly. “Because I’m closed-minded…?” She glanced up at Logan through her lashes.
Logan was silent for a moment before a smile broke out on his face. “Fine, I guess we have something in common after all. And in the interest of chartering new ground between us, here.” He held out the remote control to her.
Veronica eyed him suspiciously for a moment, before reaching out slowly. When her fingers curled around the other end and he hadn’t pulled it from her grasp, she smiled and gripped it harder.
In one quick movement, Logan tugged at his end of the remote, pulling her towards him, sending her spilling onto the sofa. “What the-?” she gasped, as Logan caught her by the waist, pressing her to his side.
“Steady there, Veronica. This room has some uneven flooring. You should watch out for it.”
“I’ll keep that in mind,” she murmured, noticing that this time his arm around her waist wasn’t clamped as tightly. But this time, I have no intention of running.
She felt her heart rate speed up at the revelation. Game over, Veronica. Game over.
She gradually relaxed into his hold, turning to watch the show, moving so she was sitting more on her side, her shoulder wedged under his arm.
“Doesn’t this show make you scared for the state of our country?”
She tilted her head up to look at him, her gaze flicking to the patch of skin exposed by his open collar. She had an overwhelming desire to touch it, to taste it. She felt Logan shift to look down at her, and she snapped her head back to the screen.
“N-no… No. It makes me… er no.”
Logan chuckled. “Wow, the debate team must be lucky to have you.”
Veronica was not used to this, not used to feeling so out of control. She had never in her life wanted to lick someone’s throat as much as she did right now. And it petrified her. You need to get it together.
“Clearly I was distracted by the uniform. I really don’t watch this show for any political agenda.”
“Yeah?” Logan said with a laugh. “Officer Donut here really does it for you, huh?” he gestured towards the screen where a middle-aged, overweight officer was reading someone their rights.
“You really have to know how to spot the good-looking ones.”
Veronica’s breath caught in her throat as she felt Logan’s fingers lightly stroking the exposed patch of skin at her waist.
“And what do you classify as a good-looking guy?” Logan’s voice was low, his head turned towards her. Veronica kept her eyes on the screen. His fingers explored further, dipping under the bottom of her shirt and trailing across her stomach. Veronica’s skin was on fire as she felt the heat at her core begin to rise.
“Er… well, nearer my age for a start. Perhaps a smaller waist measurement.”
Veronica moved the arm that lay across her stomach, allowing Logan’s fingers access to more of her skin. His hand stilled momentarily and Veronica felt a chill run through her. Please don’t stop.
She slowly relaxed as she felt Logan’s hand begin to move again, his fingers creeping upwards, tracing her ribs.
“Hmmm… I know someone who might fit that criteria.” Logan’s lips were in her hair, his breath sending waves of pleasure through her.
“Forget it, Logan. I’m not interested in Dick.”
Logan’s hand stopped again. “That’s not something a guy wants to hear.”
Veronica let out a flustered laugh. Logan’s fingers crept up higher, finally reaching the bottom of her bra. He traced the wire with one finger. Veronica was not entirely certain she wasn’t about to implode.
Logan’s hand began to trail down and around her back, applying gentle pressure to turn her to face him. He wrapped both arms around her waist and pulled her closer, bending to rest his forehead on hers. She kept her head bowed, not quite daring to look up and break that final barrier.
“Is there someone you are interested in?” His voice was gruff.
Veronica lifted her head and held his gaze.
“No one that springs to mind,” she said in a low voice.
A pause, a beat, neither moved, until Logan closed the gap and covered her lips with his own.
Veronica’s heart thudded as she felt his mouth on hers, his tongue sliding out to taste her. She parted her lips, allowing her tongue to tangle with his. Logan’s hands slid into her hair, tilting her head, deepening the kiss.
Logan groaned and Veronica was lost.
He pulled her onto his lap, never breaking the contact of their lips. Veronica parted her knees, straddling his thighs, desperate to rock forward and grind herself onto him, but terrified of what that might lead to.
Logan’s lips left hers, travelling across her jaw and down her throat. Veronica tipped her head back. His lips dipped lower, tracing the line of her collarbone with his tongue. He moved his hands to grip her shoulders, forcing her further back so his lips could access more of her skin. He reached the first button of her shirt, kissing it, pushing it into her skin. He trailed his lips sideways, pressing kisses to the curve of her breast, tracing the lace edge of her bra through her shirt with his tongue.
Veronica moaned and sat up, pulling him to her, kissing him with a raw need she was only just beginning to realise she possessed. She bit down on his lip, sucking it into her mouth. His arms were wrapped tight around her waist. Their bodies pressed hard against each other. She needed more. She needed to feel more of him.
She pulled back. Logan stared at her, panting for breath, his eyes glazed.
“You ok? Veronica? Listen, we don’t have to-”
“Shut up,” she said with a breathless grin, stilling him as he tried to move her off him.
Logan paused, his gaze searching. “I don’t want just this, Veronica, I want us.”
Veronica felt a warm flush spread through her. She leaned forward, speaking on to his lips. “I want both,” she breathed, before sliding her lips over his.
Logan’s hands gripped her waist, pulling her hips towards his. They both moaned at the contact, her heat scorching his hardness. She rocked her hips again, white flashes of light sparking behind her closed lids. She rocked again. And again.
“Veronica, stop. Stop,” Logan pushed her away gently. “You have to stop, please. I’m barely gonna make it as it is without you doing that.”
“Sorry, I-” Veronica looked away embarrassed.
“Don’t be,” Logan cupped her jaw, turning her face back to his. “God, don’t be. You are so beautiful, Veronica. I don’t want to rush this.” He ran a finger down her cheek, traced her lips. He brought his lips to hers again, softer this time, his hands spanned her waist, holding her still. He pressed a line of kisses up her nose and kissed her eyelids. His hot breath filled her ear as his lips sucked on her earlobe.
Veronica wasn’t sure how long they stayed like that, testing and tasting each other. She certainly wasn’t counting down the seconds till it ended. If she had to dive into a pool of Logan’s kisses, she’d happily throw away her swimming certificate and learn to drown.
“Logan?” his father’s voice called.
They froze, lips still fused together, eyes still tightly shut. Veronica reacted first, scrambling off Logan’s lap, smoothing down her hair. She tried not to notice Logan shifting awkwardly and grabbing a throw cushion to cover himself. She couldn’t bring herself to look him in the eye in case his expression told her it was all a mistake.
Please don’t let it be a mistake.
~~~~~~~~~~
Later that night, Veronica lay in bed, staring at the ceiling. She couldn’t get to sleep. In the cold light of a Logan-Echolls-free-space she had begun to question her unconventional behaviour. I have to go to school tomorrow, I have to see him. I have to see him with other people around. I have to see him with Lilly-
The sound of her phone ringing cut into her train of thought. Rolling over she answered it.
“Hello?”
“Let me guess, you’re lying there wondering whether tonight really happened?”
“Who is this?”
There was a pause on the other end. “You’re kidding, right?”
She smirked. “Yes, Logan. I’m kidding.”
She heard him exhale. “Good, because for a moment there I felt like a cheap study whore.”
“Well...”
“Oh, ha ha.”
“I guess we do still have to get together and finish that project.”
“You mean start?”
“Well, yeah.”
“We can make a plan tomorrow.”
“Tomorrow?”
“School? Remember? Wow, I really did blow your mind...”
She was silent for a moment. “So... did tonight really happen?”
“Yes,” Logan’s voice was low. “There’s just one problem.”
“Yeah? What’s that?”
“I’m not sure I can wait six hours till I see you again.”
Veronica felt a smile spread across her face. “That sounds like a big problem.”
Veronica heard a rustling sound on the other end of the phone, like sheets being moved.
“Yeah,” said Logan. “It’s a big problem.”
~~~fin~~~