Page 44 of First Verse

I break the kiss with a gasp.

Behind us, Cory says, “Great to meet you, Lily. I’ll see you and Eva Monday afternoon,” then a bit louder, with clear amusement, “Have fun, kids!”

Mortified, I jerk backward but barely move, belatedly realizing Wilder’s arms are locked tight around me.

“Let go,” I hiss.

His hold only tightens, pulling me against the bulge in his pants. He stares down at me, cheeks flushed, lips glistening, eyes feral and hopeful and bewitching.

“I broke up with Kendra,” he whispers fervently. “I haven’t touched anyone since you. I’m yours if you want me. Only yours. Say yes, Fairy. Say yes to us.”

The world drains away. We’re alone in space. Just us. Like it’s supposed to be.

I nod, and his smile is a sunrise.

CHAPTERFIFTEEN

evangeline

After a final, searing kiss and a promise to meet me at my house in an hour, Wilder retreats to the stage to help load our gear into Rye’s SUV. Lily drags me back to the dressing room, closes and locks the door, then spins on me.

“What the ever-loving fuck? What did he say to you? You look like he knocked your brain out.”

I swallow, my tongue moving over my teeth, tasting him. Mint and storms. “He dumped his girlfriend,” I tell her, lingering shock in my voice. “He said he wants to be with me.”

She blinks fast, then frowns. “That’s a complete one-eighty from what he told you last month, what he’s been telling you since you guys were teenagers. What changed?”

“No clue. I guess sleeping together made him reevaluate? It was… super intense.”

“No shit. You limped for three days.” She pauses, her voice lowering. “What happens if he wigs out again? This is the same dude who knew you had feelings for him but still paraded groupies into his bed right in front of you. Who gave you just enough attention to keep you tethered to him and starving for more.” She shakes her head. “We’ve talked about this, Ev. Tortured bad boys with magic dicks are only acceptable in fiction.”

I wince. “I know. But I couldn’t say no, Lil. I’ve wondered for so long, wanted him for so long. I’ve never felt anything like what I feel when I’m with him.”

She drags me to the couch and pulls me down, threading our fingers together. Her eyes brim with worry.

“I know we’re not the type of women who share every little feeling with each other, but you’re still my best friend in the whole world. If I could grow a wiener, I’d put a ring on your finger right now and fuck Wilder out of your system.”

I laugh weakly. “Thanks.”

She grins, but it fades fast. “This is coming from my love for you and your giant, beautiful heart: this is a bad idea. You’ve told me a thousand different times how toxic your friendship—or whatever you’d call it—was toward the end. Think of what happened when you left the band. All the shit he’s said to you over the years.”

You’re my muse.

I’m poison.

Nothing will ever compare to us.

I need you.

We’re musical destiny.

This isn’t a love story.

I hear her words and remember his. I even remember my father’s warning.He’s an addict. He’s usingyou.But nothing penetrates the golden haze of Wilder’s declaration. I can’t feeldoubt or fear.

All I feel is a lifetime of us.

His haughty, little-prince voice telling me to stop following him around and me never listening. Wearing him down until he played with Rye and me—but mostly me. Endless games of hide-and-seek and him begrudgingly pushing me on the swings in my backyard. Piggyback rides and popsicle-stick crafts and sneaking into the kitchen before dinner to swipe frosting off cupcakes. Backyard barbecues and pool days and camping trips. Sharing a blanket under the stars as one of our dads played guitar. Singing together, our small voices harmonizing in a way that made our parents trade surprised looks over our heads.

---