Crazy for You: 80's Baby

The kiss had been nothing short of amazing.

To me, anyway.

And nothing I’ve experienced thus far has come close in comparison.

How sad is that?

Trust me, I know exactly how pathetic it is. It’s not like I haven’t tried obliterating Ty from my brain by dating other boys. I have. Half a dozen of them. But that’s exactly what they always end up seeming like.

Boys.

They burp, fart, and shotgun their beer at parties. It’s kind of hard to get into them when they act like a bunch of idiots. They’re more interested in impressing their friends than me. A few have even driven me out to The Point that overlooks the lake to make out.

Gag me with a spoon.

Like that was going to happen.

Not.

“Earth to Danielle,” Lizzie waves a hand in front of my face, “your mom is trying to get your attention.”

When I blink back to awareness, I realize Ty is staring at me and freeze like a deer caught in the bright glare of oncoming traffic. His lips quirk into a smile as he raises a hand in greeting.

Oh my god.

What do I do?

What do I do?

As if understanding my panicked quandary, Lizzie elbows me in the ribs. “Wave back before he thinks you’re a total loser.”

Yeah...it’s much too late for that.

By the time I jerk my hand up to respond, he’s already turning away and nodding at something my brother is saying. My shoulders slump in defeat.

And that, my friends, would sum up this crush perfectly.

Ty

“Did you hear about the bash at Miller’s lake house Wednesday night?” Brett doesn’t wait for me to confirm or deny the information, which is probably for the best, given that my interest is focused elsewhere. “It’s gonna be totally rad.”

I watch Danielle from the corner of my eye as she greets her grandparents. A smile wreathes her face, and her dimples pop.

Damn. I’m such a sucker for a girl with dimples.

“Hey, asshat—did you hear me?”

I jerk my head and focus on the guy next to me. Brett’s brows beetle together as a frown morphs across his features.

Well, fuck. I really need to be more careful. There is no way Brett would be cool with me perving on his sister. And that’s exactly what it’s always felt like. Perving. In high school, I was a senior when Dani came in as a freshman. At that point, it felt like a massive age gap. Adding to the complication is that it’s Brett’s little sister we’re talking about here. He’s beaten the crap out of guys for even glancing in her direction.

“Yeah, I heard you.” I wrack my brain before pulling something out of my ass and hoping it’s correct. “Chad Miller. Party at his parent’s lake house on Wednesday.”

The concern marring his expression melts away. “Yeah, dude. It’s going to be—”

I lift a brow. “Rad?”

He chuckles before punching me none-too-gently in the bicep. “Totally.”

My attention flickers in Danielle’s direction. It’s like there’s a magnet drawing me to her. What is it about the girl that I find so irresistible?

If I’m being honest, I’ve felt the hum of energy between us for years.

She’s blond with big, espresso-colored eyes that dominate her heart-shaped face. Her body is long and lean from years of dance classes.

If only I could figure it out and move on. She’s not someone I should be interested in. I dated a girl senior year and then went out with a few others in college, but none have held my attention the way she does.

Trust me, it’s a fucked-up situation, and I damn well know it. Luckily, Brett hasn’t figured out my secret. It would probably ruin our friendship, and I love that guy like a brother.

I plow a hand through my hair; it’s a little longer than I usually keep it.

“Thanks for dropping by,” Brett says, glancing around. “All these geezers and high school kids are seriously lame.”

I snort and point out the obvious. “Three years ago, that was us.”

“Yeah,” he jerks his shoulders, “I guess. Feels like forever ago.”

It sure does.

“You want a beer or something?” he asks.

“Nah, I can’t stay long. I’ve got to work this afternoon.”

“That’s a major bummer.”

“It’s only for a couple of hours.” I shrug. “Pops needs the help. One of his guys called in sick this morning.” And I’ve never minded landscape work. I like being outside in the fresh air. It beats sitting in an office, pushing paper, any day of the week.

I hold up a small, gift-wrapped box. “I wanted to stop by and give this to your sister.”

He glances at the present, and I find myself shifting with unease, hoping he doesn’t read too much into the gesture. “Dude, you didn’t have to get her anything.”

Yeah, I know. But this is Danielle’s high school graduation. It’s a big deal, and I wanted her to have something special to commemorate the achievement.