Page 52 of Wild Stars

Maybe it’s because it’s one in the morning and I am tired, or maybe it’s because the overindulgence of pizza, dumplings, and spicy pork has affected my brain chemistry.

“You will text me when you get home,” I demand.

Dare haughtily grins, as he bites, “I don’t think I have your number.”

Little shit.

Is he fuckingflirtingwith me?

My jaw tenses and I grit through my teeth, “Phone.Now.”

Dare giggles.

Fucking giggles.

“Yes, sir, Batman,” he chirps.

I scowl at his sarcasm, but I don’t miss the way his touch lingers as he hands me his phone.It takes me all of two seconds to transfer my number to his phone, and when I hand it back, I, too, hold on longer than I should.

His fingertips against my skin make my blood rush, and his cocky little grin makes my palm twitch.

A blue sedan pulls up, and Dare smiles.“Well, Matty, this is where I leave you,” he says softly.

“The minute you get home,” I growl.

Dare waves me off as he climbs into the car, and I am truly alone.

In the parking lot at one am.

I sigh in defeat as I leave the building, heading for my car.

By the time I get home, it’s nearing two thirty, and I groan because I know I’ll have to be up in four hours to get ready to head out for Karen Ingram’s morning show.

Usually, I’m much more aware of my time, but the hours went by so easily, so fast, at the studio.

A part of me actuallyenjoyedplaying my music with Dare, and helping him with his song.Though, I know he’s not one hundred percent happy with the chorus, at least we were able to get something down that I think sounds pretty good.

I remove my shirt and pants, letting the cool air of my room kiss my skin.The trees sway in the wind, and I stretch along with their movement.

It’s been years since I sat on that God awful couch in studio twelve, and my back is bitching.

It takes me no time to climb into bed, and just as I do, my phone chimes.

I reach to the nightstand, the light from my phone like a beacon.

I was abducted by aliens.

I smirk at Dare’s text and his string of alien emojis, and let out a laugh.

Curling under the covers, I debate how to respond.I know I could just say ‘k’, or I could send a thumbs up, because I know he is safe and home.

But a part of me, one I haven’t known for quite some time, rises from the ashes and decides to engage.

To play along.

Hopefully, they didn’t probe you too hard.

I let out a giggle of my own, but Dare texts back quickly.

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