Page 15 of Stardusted
Almost like he was looking for something.
A chill swept over me.
“Yeah. Something.” I rubbed my arms and lifted a shoulder. “I’m not sure what it was.”
Because what IthoughtI’d seen…couldn’t have been real. A fresh wave of shivers wracked my body, and my teeth chattered.
Sky faced me again, but he didn’t press. Gravel crunched when he stepped off the road’s shoulder and made his way around Faith, as if checking the angle of the ditch. Clutching my middle, I watched him. When he cocked his head, that chunk of his dark bangs flopped over his brow.
Twice in one day, he’d ended up in the place I’d least expected him. We’d spoken more in the last twelve hours than we had in the six months we’d worked together. In other circumstances, I’d be excited. Happy, even.
It was hard to feel happy while questioning my sanity, though.
My pulse had begun to slow enough for me to breathe normally by the time he circled back to me. Embarrassment, my old friend, was beginning to creep in. He probably thought I was evenmoreof an idiot now than he had when I’d ranted about aliens in the prep room.
My stomach flipped at the A-word. I swallowed hard.
Oblivious, Sky gestured at my car, his jacket rustling. “It doesn’t look too bad. I’ll pull my SUV over, turn on the hazards. We can probably get it out, if you’re up for it. You steer, and I’ll push. Just put it in reverse and give it easy gas when I say.”
When I didn’t move, just gazed up at him, feeling dazed, he shifted closer. Leaned down and angled his chin to meet my eyes. Concern furrowed his brow. “Are you sure you’re okay to drive? I can call someone. A family member. Or the cops. Whatever you need.”
That unexpected gentleness made something soft and traitorous flutter inside me, but I pushed it aside. Along with the suggestion. My mom didn’t need a panic attack. My brother didn’t need to wake his very pregnant wife. And as much as I loved Amelia, I wasn’t ready to explain this. Not yet. She’d take one look at me and know I was hiding something.
Calling the cops wasn’t an option, either. I really didn’t want my insurance to find out about this. I needed that good driver discount like I needed air.
“No, it’s okay.” I caught his dubious expression. “I’m good. I swear.” I swallowed and squared my shoulders. “I can do it. And…thank you.”
“Okay.” Sky gave a faint smile, the barest tilt to his lips that seemed more worried than anything. “And don’t mention it.”
But as he turned back toward his SUV, I caught him studying me sidelong. Like he wasn’t entirely convinced I hadn’t lost it.
That made two of us.
Chapter 5
ONSTAR? MORE LIKE HOTSTAR
Afew moments later, I sat behind the wheel again, white-knuckling it.
Through the windshield, I had a clear view of Sky giving the world’s hottest emergency roadside service. If I hadn’t been questioning the reality of my entire existence, it would’ve been a lot more enjoyable.
The blink of his SUV’s hazard lights cast rhythmic flickers, and my own headlights illuminated his tall silhouette in front of Faith’s hood. Despite the heat blasting from the vents, I couldn’t stop shivering, and I didn’t think it was just the cold air spilling through my open driver’s side window.
I couldn’t wait for a hot shower. Possibly a glass of wine—or six—if that bottle Amelia had brought over was still in the fridge.
“All set?” Sky called, and I nodded. He pushed up his jacket’s sleeves, and added, “Remember, keep the tires straight and don’t hit the gas until I say go.”
“Roger that!” I said brightly, then winced at myself.Roger that?If he thought it was a weird thing to say, he didn’t react. He splayed his palms on Faith’s hood, leaning in.
Blowing my bangs out of my eyes, I adjusted my grip on the wheel.
The whole situation felt surreal. Sky Acosta, pushing my car. After nearly hitting me. After that…that thing in the road.
Out of all the people who could’ve come across me…why did it have to be him? What was he even doing out here in the boonies? Maybe he had a girlfriend who lived in the country. Jealousy curled in my chest before I caught myself and rolled my eyes.
Seriously, Rae?Now wasnotthe time.
“Get it together,” I muttered, disgusted with myself.
