Page 4 of Falling Stars

I’m going to kiss my best friend tonight.

With my heart in my throat, I check my makeup in my rearview mirror. For once, my mom let me borrow her car. I’m taking that as a good sign.

“You can do this, Baylee. Don’t chicken out. If you do, he might end up with Nicole.” That would be a damn tragedy.

Besides, I’m not the kind of person who waits around to see what will happen. I want to be in charge of my life.

Nodding to myself, I grab my purse, lock the car, and trudge up the hill to the Dicksons’ house. Chet’s throwing a huge bash. He’s an idiot, but his sister Daisy is a sweetheart, so I’ve been here a few times.

I make my way around the modern, three-story McMansion where kids are spilling out from the backyard. It’s the perfect place to party. Not that I’ve ever been invited to one of Chet’s bashes, but I’ve heard stories. The property doesn’t have any close neighbors, and the back opens to a huge field. Plus, his parents are out of town this weekend.

I was hoping to run my plans by Paige, but her stepmonsterIrma grounded her, so now I won’t get to talk to her until Monday, unless I sneak over there. But the last time I hopped in her window, Irma threatened to nail them shut.

So tonight, I’m flying solo.

I don’t know what I’m going to do without Paige next year. She’s a senior, so she’ll be heading to Lone Star State next fall. I’m going to miss her so much.

I follow the stream of partygoers to the backyard, where the music is blasting and everyone is hanging around the pool and drinking out of red Solo cups.

It’s mostly seniors, a lot of football players, and a gaggle of cheerleaders. I finally see a familiar face and beeline it to Daisy. “How does it feel to have the whole school trampling on your property?”

She laughs and gives me a hug. “Chet had better clean up afterward this time.”

I spot the meathead chugging a beer. I’m thinking those odds are slim. “Can I ask a favor?”

“What’s up?”

“Could I possibly use your room for about ten minutes to take a video for an assignment? I need to interview Maverick. It won’t take long.”

“Sure. Hopefully, it’ll keep out people who want to use my bed to bone.”

Even though I laugh, I feel a little guilty for stretching the truth. Not that I plan to have sex on her bed, but I wouldn’t be opposed to a little make-out sesh with Mav.

Oh my God. Am I actually going to kiss my best friend tonight?

Don’t throw up, Baylee.That would definitely mess up my plans.

I glance around, looking for him.

I finally spot Mav on the opposite side of the pool, talking to Penelope Nelson. I don’t need to see her face to know she’s batting her eyelashes at him.

If I was a cat, my claws would extend, and I’d hiss.

These girls are thirsty for my best friend. This is why I can’t wait around for him to get a clue.

Before I start growling like a feral animal, Penelope struts off, and Mav turns to talk to one of his buddies. A minute later, Nicole waves at Mav, and I decide I absolutely have to do this tonight.

I thank Daisy for letting me borrow her room and head around the pool. Maverick looks so handsome. His hair is damp from the shower he took after the game. He’s wearing another Wolves t-shirt that once again strains against his impressive muscles.

When our eyes connect, I can’t help the smile that stretches across my face. He holds open his arms, and I jump into them. He squeezes me tight, and I relish being smashed against his hard chest. The thought of being pressed up against him naked makes my whole body go up in flames.

I slide to the ground and tell his friend Finn hi before I look back to Mav. “Great game tonight.”

“Thanks, Bay.” He seemed laser focused on the field, more so than usual.

I grab my throat. “I’m a little hoarse from screaming.” His nostrils flare, and I wonder what I said.

Some kid runs from the back field and shouts, “There are shooting stars in the sky!”

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