Dangerous Crush (Dangerous Noise 2)

When Mal tells me she needs a ride to the venue for the show that kicks off the second half of their tour, I jump at the chance.

Seeing Violet is sublime. She looks even prettier than she did two years ago. Her once-long strawberry blond hair is now cut in an awesome short, edgy bob.

God, I hope she sticks around. Not just to teach me how she manages such a perfectly blended smoky eye, but to watch trashy TV with me, to cook dinner with me, to give me advice.

I get lost in catching up with her all the way to the venue. As soon as Ethan locks eyes with her, I know this is happening.

The two of them belong together.

They're going to be together again.

Then I'll have Violet back in my life too.

I'm bouncing with excitement when my eyes catch Kit's.

He's in the back talking to the poor stage slash tour manager Jim. Next to always in control Kit, Jim looks even more nervous and rambling.

My heartbeat picks up. My chest gets light. Kit and I are still texting every day, but there's been something missing since our talk in downtown LA.

I hate it.

Tomorrow, I'm going to wake up in the big house all by myself. Usually, I dread my brothers' leaving for their tours. But all week I've been looking forward to talking more with Kit. I've been excited instead of worried.

Now that I'm looking at Kit, unsure of what he's thinking or feeling, I'm equal parts excited and worried. I want our intimacy back.

What if I can't get it back?

I take a deep breath and make my way to his side of the stage.

His dark eyes light up as he sees me. He nods hello.

"Hey." I move close enough to lean in for a hug. Then my arms are around him.

He hugs me back. "Hey."

"We haven't been talking much." I keep my voice even as I step backwards. This doesn't have to be a big deal. "Did I tell you about the auditions?"

He nods.

"I got a callback for one of the parts, but they went another way." I look up into his eyes. "I need to find some roles meant for twenty year olds."

"You really looking for a part?"

"If I can find something over the summer." I brush my hair behind my ears. "Or maybe some short films shooting on the weekends."

His entire face lights up. "You really going after acting?"

"I'm thinking about it."

He wraps his arms around me and spins me. "Fuck, Piper, that's amazing." His brows screw with confusion, like he isn't sure why he's holding me. He sets me down and takes a step backwards. "I've been busy."

"Busy doing...?"

He flexes his bicep with a smile. He's deflecting. I want to demand an explanation. I want to know if he's been thinking about me, because I can't stop thinking about him.

I want to taste his lips again.

I want to touch him and have him touch me.