When Stars Collide (Light in the Dark 2)

“What time did you guys head back? Xander did make sure you got back safe, right?” His eyes flare with anger, and I know he’d go off if he thought Xander had left me alone in the middle of Vegas. With an overprotective big brother, and his equally overprotective best friend, it’s safe to say I’d never gotten into too much trouble. Except for, you know, when said best friend and I ran off and got married.

“Don’t worry, he took me back to my room and tucked me in safe and sound.”

More like fucked me into the bed all night long.

“Good.” He nods. “I worry about you.”

“I know you do.” I pat his hand. “But you don’t need to. I can take care of myself. I’m tougher than you give me credit for.”

He chuckles. “You and Rae both.”

He settles into the seat again and I know he’s done talking.

The plane goes to take off and Xander ever-so-slightly grazes his fingers against the side of my knee. He knows I hate take-off and landing. He’s so incredibly in tune with me. He always has been.

I jolt awake as the plane touches down on the runway.

Xander flashes me a worried look.

“I’m okay,” I pant, out of breath like I’ve been running.

He raises a brow in disbelief and winds the earbud wires around his phone. Beside me, Cade looks ready to jump out of the damn plane. I know he’s missed Rae and can’t wait to see her. I love that he has that and with someone I call my friend. They both deserve all the happiness in the world.

And don’t you?

My eyes flicker to Xander with the thought. I swallow past the lump in my throat as the plane taxis in.

When it finally stops, we let the cabin empty out before grabbing our overhead bags and heading out.

We’re all silent as we make our way through the airport and to baggage claim. Cade leads the way, and Xander and I fall in behind him. That’s the way it’s always been. Cade leading the way, forging ahead.

I glance at Xander, and his dark brows are drawn together as if he’s deep in thought. He’s always been that way. A thinker. He’s smarter than a lot of people give him credit for.

We grab our bags and head for the exit. All the while, Cade types furiously on his phone, most likely letting Rae know we’re on our way out.

I nearly jump out of my skin at the feel of Xander’s hand on my arm, stopping me. Cade continues on, oblivious.

I look up at Xander, and his eyes flick from Cade’s retreating figure down to me.

“What?” I prompt when he doesn’t say anything.

He clears his throat. “I want you to know this doesn’t change anything.” I raise a brow, confused as to where he’s going with this. He blows out a heavy breath. “You and me,” he elaborates. “Us being married, it doesn’t change who we are. We’ve always been friends. I don’t want you to think you can’t talk to me.”

I nod and admit, “I don’t want to lose you.”

And I’m terrified that in three months when I tell you I still want the divorce you’ll leave me for good.

He nods. “That’s all I wanted to say.”

Somehow, I doubt that, but I let him off the hook. Cade waits for us by the sliding glass doors.

“Jesus Christ, you guys are slow,” he groans when we finally get there. “Rae’s outside.”

“You could’ve gone on out,” I tell him as we step out into the sunlight. Thankfully, it’s not as hot here as Vegas, but the humidity is a killer.

“Yeah, and then have you guys get lost?” He shakes his head.

I glance at Xander, both of us suppressing a laugh. “Yeah,” Xander chortles, “because we don’t know what your Jeep or girlfriend or you looks like.”