Dangerous Crush (Dangerous Noise 2)

"I'm an adult. I'll do what I want."

He says nothing, but he does pull me closer.

"If you don't want to hang out with me, that's your call." It's a bluff, a horrible bluff. I'll be crushed if Kit pushes me away.

"Don't go to parties like that, Piper. I know you're a good kid but it happens fast."

"I won't." I rest my head against his chest. It feels good holding Kit, having him hold me, even if he's telling me I should run away.

I care about him in a way that goes far beyond friendship, far beyond any affection I've ever felt for anyone.

Chapter 11

Piper

I spend my spring break hanging out with my brothers and texting Kit about nothing.

And going on the two auditions I owe Kit.

Neither one is a good fit, but it feels good preparing and performing. Like it could be a big part of my life. Like this acting career thing really is possible.

Still, I have half a semester to finish. When school starts, I shift my focus back to studying.

I'm sitting at a sandwich shop, catching up on reading between classes, when a text from Joel grabs all my attention.

Joel: Don't get your hopes up, Pipes, but Violet crawled out of Ethan's bed this morning.

Piper: Details. Now.

Joel: It was a little after you left for school. I came over to practice.

Piper: Wasted an hour fucking with Mal?

Joel: Maybe.

Piper: Details!

Joel: She looked embarrassed.

Piper: Of course she was embarrassed. You were there.

Joel: No. Like she couldn't take the backslide.

Piper: Did she look good?

Joel: Of course. It's Violet. She's got that hot goth chick with a tortured soul thing going on. Fuck, the dress she was wearing—if she wasn't Ethan's ex, I'd be all over that.

Piper: You're a pig.

Joel: And you've never stared at a guy's ass thinking you want your hands on it?

Piper: Maybe.

Joel: Bullshit maybe. You've stared at my ass like that. Not that I blame you. It's a nice ass.

Piper: I have not. You aren't my type.

Joel: You should butter me up if you want details while I'm on the road.