The Fine Line Read Online Free PDF Page A

Logan looked at me, then the pool table.  Then he walked over and grabbed a pool cue, “Rack or break?”
    “Break,” I replied with a grin, delighted that we’d be doing something other than sitting around.
    “Oh, really now,” he replied as he eyed me and handed me the pool cue.  “Do you play?”
    I shook my head and shrugged with a smile.
    I watched him closely as he racked the pool balls.  Attractive would be an understatement.  This man was beautiful and could give any A-list actor a run for his money.  He looked up at me a few times while he racked, his eyes lighting up every time they locked with mine.  Or maybe it was my eyes lighting up.  But whatever it was, it sent a small shiver down my spine each time. 
    “Alright, Liv.  Let’s see what you’ve got,” he challenged.
    I took the cue ball and placed it just right of the center mark.  After eying my shot, I leaned down, aimed, and made my move.  Two solids and a stripe went in the pockets from my break.  All that practice at the pub had improved my pool game incredibly.  Knowing Logan was watching me gave me butterflies, but I managed to keep calm enough to sink two more solids before missing a shot.
    “Impressive,” he smiled.  “Where did you learn to play?”
    I told him all about my parents’ pub, and how I cleaned it on the weekends, as he sunk three stripes, making us even.  The game was close until the very end when there was only the eight ball left.  I leaned down to take the shot, trying to block out the fact that Logan was clearly checking me out, and after a moment of calculating, I sunk the eight ball in the corner pocket. 
    Applause emanated from the couch area, and I looked over, surprised to see that we had spectators.  Then I turned to Logan, who was shaking his head with a grin, and an expression that was almost…proud.
    “Shit!  Liv, we have to go, we’re late!”  Melody shouted as she looked at the time on her phone.  The applause had woken her.
    “You’re not driving,” announced Nate as he raised his arm, pointer finger up. “I’ll take you home.”
    Mel looked thoughtful.  “Oh, that means Liv will need a ride home, too.”  She was smiling from ear to ear as she looked and me, then at Logan, and I wondered if she had planned this.  “Logan, you’ll take her home, right?”
    Sending Mel my disapproving vibes I replied, “He doesn’t need to do that, Mel.  I’ll just…”
    “I’d be happy to take you, Liv,” Logan interrupted.
    I glanced at him, trying to gauge his intentions.  The truth was I enjoyed his company and part of me wouldn’t mind spending more time with him.  I felt drawn to him.  The other part of me, however, felt apprehensive from the strange effect he had on me.  My tightly sealed guard already had a tendency of wavering around him.  And I knew what would happen if I let my guard down.  The bottom line was that in the end, they always leave in one way or another. 
    That very reminder eliminated my reservations and brought me back to my senses.  I would be in control of my own fate.  A little bit of fun, though temporary, wouldn’t hurt anyone.  And knowing that I’d need to get a ride home from someone , I accepted the offer. “Ok, thanks.”
    We followed Mel and Nate out and saw Gavin walking toward the house.
    “Nice party, man.  Maybe next time you’ll join us.” Nate said as Gavin walked past us.
    Gavin chuckled as he opened the screen door. “Later guys.”
    As I waited for Logan to unlock the car door, Mel hooked her arm in mine and pulled my ear to her face.  “Call me tomorrow, okay?  I’ll want details.”
    There would be no details to share, but I smiled at her one track mind. “You know I will, Mel.” 
    Logan and I said our goodbyes to Nate and Mel and hopped into the Mustang.  He turned the key, bringing the engine to life with a low powerful growl.  The faint smell of exhaust mixed with the heavy rumble made me feel oddly at home