Starlee's Hope (The Wayward Sons 4)

I groan, but this time not from bliss. “Not you too.”

He holds up his hands in surrender. “Just asking. No judgments.”

I sigh. “It’s just overwhelming. A year ago, my life was on a very defined path. A path I did not create. I knew everything about my future, every step, and it’s the catalyst to why I ran away.”

“So you went off trail. That doesn’t mean you have to ditch the plan completely.” His eyes search mine. “Do you really not want to go to college?”

“That’s the problem. I don’t know. It’s like I threw away my map and now I’m completely lost.” I bite my lower lip. “You guys have a way of being distracting.”

He steps close and slips his arms around my waist, dropping his forehead to mine. His arms are strong, hands firm, body confident. Dexter is a man that knows what he wants in the present and future. “There’s something I’ve known since the moment I met you—it’s what got under my skin so bad back then and shook me so much.”

“What?”

“As long as we have each other, then no one is lost, Star. Follow your heart about what comes next but understand that whatever you choose has nothing to do with your relationships with us. We’re all individuals with our own hopes and dreams, but I have no doubt what we have is a bond that won’t be broken just with distance. Think about everything we’ve gone through already.”

I nod, knowing he’s right. We’ve been through the ringer.

My phone buzzes in my pocket, vibrating against the table. I fish it out and look at the message. “It’s Claire,” I say, glancing at the photo on the screen. Dexter kisses my forehead.

“Oh yeah? What’s going on with her?”

I read the message and a slow grin crosses my face. It feels like perfect timing.

“What?” Dexter asks, a curious look on his face.

“Want to go to a party?”

17

Starlee

Jasper’s house overlooks Mammoth Lake. The lights are so bright I can see the glare off the remaining snow long before we reach the cabin. Cabin isn’t the right word, even though it’s made of planked wood, has a tin roof, and wide front porch with rocking chairs. When Dexter parks the car, all I know is that I’m different from the girl who went to my first high school house party six months ago. Back then I was overwhelmed by everything; the music, the drinking, the PDA. Tonight, I walk in confidently, four handsome boys flanking my sides. The thump of the base and packed house doesn’t scare me and when someone points out the giant vat of punch in the kitchen, I ladle a scoop in my red party cup.

The eyebrows of all four boys raise at that one.

“First sugar, now alcohol?” Dexter asks.

“I’ve had a hard day.” I take a sip. It’s sweeter than the icing. Claire appears at my side with her own cup.

“This stuff is awful,” she says, swallowing a gulp.

“Then why are you drinking it?” Jake asks—like he’d taint his epic body with any kind of garbage.

She elbows him in the stomach, then winces. “Damn, Jake, you got a brick wall under that shirt?”

I take another sip and nod. “Pretty much.”

He shakes his head and gestures to the guys. “Let’s let them have their fun. I know Jasper has a game room in the basement.”

Charlie perks up at the word “game” and George bailed three minutes ago and is talking to a group of kids from school. Dexter takes my hand and leans in. “We’ll be downstairs if you need us, okay?”

“Yep.” I blow the boys a kiss and look at Claire. “I had a seriously dumb day. Is it wrong that I just want to pretend like I’m a totally basic teenager at a house party and do what everyone else is doing?”

“I think that sounds like the most perfectly perfect thing to do tonight.” She holds up her cup and I “clink” it with mine.

Here’s to being basic.

18