Starlight stretched, feeling all sorts of aches and pains. All of her right side was covered in bruises. She groaned, going limp against the sheets. Everything ached. “That’s gotta hurt,” Elijah said, standing in the doorway. “It does.” “I brought you something.” Elijah sat on the edge of the bed, offering her some pain pills and a glass of water. “God… Best present ever.” She sat up and took the pills, aware that his eyes were fixed on her bruises. “I know it looks bad…” He winced, shaking his head. “You were extremely lucky. Unless your car…” Starlight wanted to reach for him. She loved the concern that creased his face. And hated herself for it. She’d lied to him last night. And she would keep lying to him. He didn’t need to know she was coming to him. Or that she loved him. Or that the way she felt, how overwhelming it was, scared her. She didn’t want to be scared… to hurt. Seeing his face in the hospital room,

Starlight smoothed her hands over her hair and straightened the tie on her sweater. Her skintight black pencil skirt, clinging cream wrap-sweater and tall black boots hadn’t been the most practical traveling outfit, but it had definitely drawn a lot of attention her way. Hopefully, it would have the same effect on Elijah. He’d been right all along… They really needed to talk. And even though she’d shut him down, Starlight hoped he’d give her another chance… Being vulnerable was something she avoided at all costs. And Starlight was nervous as hell. The last five days had been good for her but not great. Kara had been a truly generous host and friend, showing her the sights of San Diego, the coastal beauty, and the friendly people. There’d been a lot of laughing, a lot of drinking, and too many late nights talking about what they wanted out of life. Starlight hadn’t wanted to bring up Elijah. But Kara had asked.“‘Talk to me about him… I’ve been dy

Her phone was ringing. When it had started, Elijah didn’t know. And, at the moment, he didn’t even care. But the ringing sent Starlight into a tailspin, smoothing her tangled hair into place and holding her sweater closed. He frowned, reaching for her, trying to process what he’d heard. She loved him? She loved him, and he was staring at her like an idiot. She answered her phone.“Hey, Megs.” Elijah wasn’t prepared for the anxious look in her eyes. Or the uncertainty on her face.“He’s here,” she replied to his cousin. “His key doesn’t work.” She paused, then nodded. “Okay… I’ll send him down.” Did she seriously doubt how he felt? Because he’d be happy to fix that… now. Elijah waited as she hung up the phone.“You need to go… Your mother needs you now,” she said, brushing past him into her bathroom. “Don’t forget to have your key fixed.”“Star… Darlin’…”“Baby, tonight is about Jeremy and Anna… We can wait…” Starlight murmured.“You