Page 38 of Restricted List

“You got something in mind?”

I smile at her. “You know I do, Starlight.”

thirteen

Cole

“That show was actuallya lot of fun,” Rory says, walking beside me as we exit the room and start to traverse the exhibits.

After Harlow eyed us all morning during breakfast, Rory and I left their apartment and got ready for our impromptu outing.

Since she’s my Starlight, what better place to bring her than the planetarium?

We went with casual, but she still showed up looking like a fucking dream. Tight as hell skinny jeans, a loose striped T-shirt, a mustard yellow cardigan, and white Converse?

Yes fucking please.

Sitting in the dark during the show allowed me to look at her far more often than I usually can without her noticing.

“What was your favorite part?” I ask as we come to stand in front of a display of moon rocks.

“Constellations,” Rory replies. “I’ve always loved constellations.”

I turn on my side, leaning against the railing and looking directly at her. “What would you say is your favorite constellation?”

“I’ve always really liked the Dippers. They’re two of the easiest constellations to find when you look in the sky and some of the only ones I can ever see in the city.”

“Makes sense,” I smile. “You were my Little Dipper this morning.”

Rory laughs lightly, skin flushing slightly. “Does that make you my Big Dipper?”

“Of course,” I say, crossing my arms. “I’m always the big spoon.”

That pulls a genuine laugh from her. “Sorry about that. I apparently cuddle in my sleep.”

“You won’t hear me complain.” I throw my hands up in surrender. “I told you I’m a cuddler.”

Her smile wavers. “Friends don’t cuddle, though.”

I sigh, pushing up the sleeves of my black T-shirt, giving myself something to fidget with. But as I do, I see Rory trace the movement, watching intently as the muscles in my forearm flex. And I can’t help but smirk.

“Friends also don’t stare at their friend’s arms, Ror.”

“I-I wasn’t!” she shouts, moving backward a few steps away from me. “I was just looking at your tattoos.”

“Sure you were,” I laugh, winking at her as she groans. “That’s twice recently I’ve caught you staring at me. I’m starting to think that you might be into me.”

The words flow out before I can stop them. I know we love to trip each other up, but it’s mostly her doing that to me. I’m usually much more of an awkward flirt around her than I am right now.

But when Rory just gapes at me, pride courses through me.

She’s not denying it.

Sheisinto me.

The girl I’m infatuated with wants me, too.

Reality reminds me, though, that her dad is still my Field Manager.

---