Page 25 of A Sky Full Of Stars

I don’t even have to think about it; the answer hits me instantly. “He wouldn’t say a word. He’d probably just throw you off the edge.”

Without looking my way, Thomas chuckles. “That’s what I thought. Just wanted to double-check.”

My lips pull into a smile until a sharp pang hits me. “He’s got nothing to be upset about. We’re not doing anything wrong.” And I doubt we’ll ever move beyond this new and bizarre friendship we’ve created for ourselves. This little bubble we’ve put ourselves in. This secret.

If I explained it all to Luke, he’d probably thank Thomas. Better I spend time with him than another boy that wants more from me. According to Luke, I’m to be a virgin until I’m thirty, and even then, he doesn’t want to know about it.

“I think I’d survive that fall,” Thomas says, cutting into my thoughts. “I’d probably have a few broken bones, but I’d survive it. Either way…dead or alive…your brother would get his payback.”

“Payback for being protective of his little sister?”

“No, payback for not trusting that I’d never hurt you. I’m kind of protective of his little sister too.” His eyes flash to mine, and the most genuine smile settles on his face, drawing my attention to his lips. Pair that with the raspiness of his voice and I’m completely gone for him. More than I thought possible.My chest tightens as emotion clogs my throat, and I struggle to find the words to say thank you, only managing to croak out a quick “thanks” when he frowns.

The more time I spend with Thomas, the harder it is, but like an addiction, I don’t want to give him up, even if I know the inevitable heartbreak is coming.

Like I had to finish that damn book.

“What’s the latest update on your future?” Thomas asks when we fall quiet again, turning his head to face me. “Have you made any progress?”

“Not really.” I sigh. “I shouldn’t have put all my eggs in one basket. Now I have to wait for the next round of auditions for other schools. The problem is, if it’s not New York then I have to secure a scholarship, making it even harder.”

“That sucks. I’m sorry.”

“I’ve still got time. I’ve got a tour booked for Jaiton in the fall, a trip that my gran has paid for, and I think she’ll leave me alone until then.”

Thomas’s lips pull into a sympathetic grin. “I guess that’s a bonus but still not ideal.”

“No, it’s not.” I huff out a breath. I hate thinking about my future—it always upsets me—but it’s nice to know he’s thinking about it too. “Enough about me. You’ve almost finished your first year of college. How are you feeling?”

“I’m relieved to be free from classes for a while,” he says, his gaze drifting to the sky as he moves his arm under his head. “But I still have no clue what I’ll do if I don’t make the pros.”

His tee lifts with his movement, and I try to pretend I don’t notice the sliver of his toned stomach, though it’s hard to look away. “Like me, you’ve got the benefit of time,” I say, forcing my eyes closed. “And you can’t rule out making it pro; it’s a possibility.”

“You’re right. I shouldn’t be letting it get to me.”

“No, that’s not—”

Thomas’s alarm goes off and he grimaces while I startle. “My time is up. I’ve officially been missing for an hour.” He sits up and stretches, once again drawing my dangerous gaze. “No one’s going to believe I’ve been getting lucky for that long.”

“What?” I sit up quickly and my head spins from the movement. “You tell everyone you’ve been getting lucky?”

“Only those that ask where I’ve been. It’s the only excuse that won’t elicit any follow-up questions. Well, it will. But not any questions that will lead back to you.”

“Are you crazy? If Luke finds you here, he’s definitely going to kill you.”

“I wouldn’t use that excuse if he found me here, would I?” He huffs out a laugh while my chest tightens. I’m not sitting here thinking about having sex with Thomas, or getting lucky, but it would be nice to think it wasn’t a joke to him. ThatIwasn’t a joke to him.

“You better run then,” I say, trying to keep my voice light. “I’ll see you around.”

“You will.” He winks as he leaves, maybe not as observant as I first thought.

Peoplesuck. I mean, yes, there are a few decent people in the world, but most of them suck. And I don’t say this lightly. It’s not something I’m simply throwing out there. I’ve spent the last few days thinking this through, analyzing the things people say—their actions. I even have a list. And aftercareful thought and consideration, that’s the only conclusion I can come to…people suck.

God, that makes me sound bitter, or a brat, and maybe I’m both of them, but for the past few months, almost everyone in my life has started comparing me to everyone else. Pointing out my faults, providing advice on how I could better myself—unsolicited advice—and I’ve had enough.

“Luke finds the time to practice football, keep fit,andmaintain his studying. All while still having a social life. Maybe you just can’t handle the balance.”My dad’s response when I mentioned I was too tired to practice after being kept awake by one of Luke’s parties.

“Did you know they’ve reduced the intake for Jaiton next year? Maybe we should up your rehearsal hours. I don’t think you’re ready.”My mom, in response to me asking what’s for dinner.

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