Page 91 of Fame & Rhythm

I hesitate, my thumb hovering over the screen.

Too much?

Too obvious?

I go to delete it and accidentally hit send instead.

“Shit,” I whisper under my breath, scrambling to type a follow-up, but his reply comes through before I can.

Aston: I wouldn’t want to cuddle with anyone else, Lennox. I’ve been waiting to cuddle you my entire life <3 A1 xo

My breath catches, and my heart does this ridiculous little flip in my chest.

He really does know exactly what to say.

I smile and type back.

Me: U can talk sweet as well as dirty then? ;) A2 xxxx

I hit send, grinning to myself as I sink back into the seat. Tomorrow suddenly can’t come fast enough.

Aston: U have no idea how sweet I can be, but ur going to find out. That’s a promise. I’m so glad u stopped pushing me away. The last two days has been perfect for me. Other than your dad threatening to castrate me, but u well and truly make up for his downfalls. A1 xo

I smile and bite my bottom lip.

Me: Well, I’m glad that ur happy, and I’m sorry it took me so long 2 figure out what the hell was happening to me. It’s nice 2 finally realize what I was feeling isn’t just friendship, and that I want u in my life as more than just Aston, the best friend. A2 xxxx

I hit send.

Aston: I thought I wasn’t imagining it, and that u felt the same surge of electricity I feel when I’m around u. Every time I’m near u, I get a shiver down my spine that tells me when ur near. I luv that feeling. A1 xo

I open my eyes wide and gasp, realizing that he feels something like I do when we’re close by, and it’s so nice knowing we’re on the same page. I hit reply.

Me: Oh no, I feel it, trust me, I feel it! Well, we’ve just pulled into the driveway, so I better go before Dad catches me texting u. I’ll see u in the morning. Can’t wait. A2 xxxx

Aston: Sleep well my beautiful, Lennox. A1 xo P.S. I can’t wait to kiss you again, under the willow tree xoxo

A smile lingers on my lips as Dad pulls the car up outside the house.

“So, did you girls have a good time at the after-party?” he asks.

Ella jolts awake beside me. “What? Huh?” she mumbles, stretching and yawning.

“Did you have a good time?” Dad repeats.

I smile, my fingers brushing lightly over my lips as the memory of Aston flickers through my mind, his kiss, the way he held me, the way he made me feel like I was the only person in the room. Yeah… that definitely counts as a good night.

“It was okay,” Ella says sleepily.

Mum turns in her seat, her gaze landing on me as I drop my hand, and I smile quickly.

“I had a blast,” I say.

She smiles knowingly before climbing out of the car.

We all follow, heading toward the big, beautiful manor we call home. The dogs start barking the moment we reach the door, and as soon as Dad opens it, they come barreling toward us. I crouch to pat Sassy as she jumps up at me, laughing softly, but I don’t linger.

“Night, Annie,” Mum calls.