Page 2 of Craving Stardust

“I bet there’ll be five witches at the party.” Everyone wanted to cast spells and wave a star wand around.

“You’re probably right.”

“I know...” My gaze fell on the display of sci-fi romance novels. I had a complete collection from Honey Phillips, plus a few exclusive, signed copies from Vera Raye and Kate Stevens. My favorite authors.

But… Retro clinch covers were in right now, the couple clinging as they swooned at each other. I mean, who didn’t love a hero dressed in a billowing white shirt and hair floating in the light breeze? “I’ll dress in something similar to what the women wear on my books.”

Tessa picked one up and studied the image. “He’s cute. Love how he’s leaning over her like he’d like to devour her in one bite. Funny how guys look better on covers than in real life.”

“Tell me about it. I’m convinced the real deal doesn’t exist.”

“Same, girl, same.”

“I’ve got a long, red dress I can wear.” A holdover from when my ex insisted that I dress formally for his company’s swanky social events. “It’s one of the few things I held onto after my divorce.” I’d wear it if I could squish into it, that is. My boobs might threaten to plunge over the top, but I’d deal. That fit with the image I wanted to project. “I’ll go as a romance cover model.”

“Definitely wear your hair down like her.” She poked the model on the cover of the nearest novel.

My long hair was my one indulgence. Thick and golden, I only cut it when the ends needed refreshing. Released, it curled in the heat and hung almost to my butt, though I wore it in a braid most of the time to keep it from bugging me.

“Perfect.” Tessa clapped her hands. “Can you be there about seven?”

“Yup. Can I bring anything?”

“All covered.”

“No homemade cookies?”

“Well… Sure. Bring what you like. There’s no such thing as too many homemade cookies.”

Since she lived about a mile away from me, I could walk, cookie plate in hand. Then, if I had a drink or two, I wouldn’t need to worry about driving home. Maybe I’d meet someone at the party, and he could walk me home. Oh, my, yes. I could picture him stalking up to my front door with me, leaning one arm on the wall while gazing at me as if the moon and the stars existed solely to shine down on me.

He'd murmur something sweet and sexy by my ear and then cage me with his arms, pinning me against the wall.

His mouth would descend to slake across mine. Slake was an amazing term when it came to kisses. I pictured his head tilting, his fingertips sweetly stroking across my jaw. He’d kiss down my neck and…

I looked up to find my friend watching me with a smirk on her face.

“I think you got lost there, honey.”

“Not yet, but maybe soon.”

What a delicious fantasy. If only things like that happened in real life. Instead, I’d probably meet a guy who asked if he could borrow ten bucks.

“Anyway, I’ve gotta go.” Tessa strode toward the front door. She must have yummies in the oven she needed to tend. “Don’t be late!”

“I won’t. See you Saturday!”

Saturday night arrived cloaked in darkness. A nip of anticipation drifted through the air, telling me almost anything could happen tonight.

I’d baked my favorite cookies, and they waited on a pretty plate covered with clear plastic wrap. I’d showered. Spritzed on my favorite cologne. And made up my face—something I hadn’t done for ages.

After squishing myself into the red dress which pretty much fit as long as I didn’t suck in a deep breath, I brushed my hair until it crackled, added a bunch of glitzy jewelry for affect, and slipped my feet into my only heels. Red bottoms—a holdover from my jerk of an ex. He’d bought them. I took them with me when I moved out. No way was I throwing away pretty shoes.

When I strutted into the bedroom feeling like a million bucks, Katie meowed from where she lounged on the bed on top of a big fluffy pillow.

“Glad you approve, princess.” I paused to scratch behind her ears and her neck, adding a few strokes to her belly before her claws snagged out, then grabbed my plate of cookies and left for the party.

My heart raced with excitement as I stepped onto the road running past my house. A cool breeze tugged at my hair, making it swirl around my head in a silky cloud. My heels clicked on the road, and my dress swirled around my ankles. This was it; tonight held endless possibilities. I could taste it in the air.

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