“Oh my god, JJ. It’s right there!”
JJ turns to me with a grin, our lips could easily brush if I leaned in, but I freeze. “I’m just teasing, princess. I can see it.”
I roll my eyes and drop his fingers.
“Are you into astronomy?”
“Finn bought me a telescope when I was sixteen, and I literally was out here every night trying to see all the different constellations.” I laugh to myself. “It was the best gift I’ve ever received. There’s something calming about looking out at the stars and wondering what else is out there, you know?”
JJ hums in agreement. “Yeah, I get that. It’s an interesting thought, and there is no way we’re the only intelligent life in the universe.”
“Exactly! And it’s rare to see Scorpius so brightly, so think yourself lucky.”
“I’m a Scorpio.”
“That explains a lot,” I mumble with a smile.
JJ turns to me and grips my hand again, dropping it to his chest, entwined with his. “What’s that supposed to mean?”
“Nothing…” I trail off, my fingers vibrating against the beat of his heart. “They give good advice, but sometimes they’re bigheaded.”
His mouth falls open, and he tugs me impossibly closer. “That is a lie.”
“Is it?”
JJ rolls to his side but keeps my leg over him. “Actually, they’re loyal, patient, and protective.”
I study the shape and curve of his lips as he whispers the last word, and I know I shouldn’t be looking at his mouth right now—not in his vulnerable state. My heart beats out of my chest, the air between us becoming thinner and thinner.
“You’re freezing,” he says as he rubs his hands over my arm, and it sends waves of fire across my skin.
“Doesn’t bother me, I like summer nights,” I murmur into his T-shirt.
His other hand cups the back of my head, and he smooths down my hair, the motion making my eyes flutter shut.
Something is telling me that this is right, and I need to stop pushing him away.
“Your heart is beating incredibly fast,” he comments.
My eyes ping open, and when I try to push myself off his chest, he doesn’t let me. He cages me in with his large arms. “Because you’re crushing me,” I gasp with a chuckle.
I feel his lips press to the crown of my head, and I melt back into him again, not wanting to fight this feeling. It’s like peace has found me all at once.
Because in this moment, there is no one else. It’s just us.
CHAPTER 28
JJ WOODFORD
Islept a lot better than I thought I would.
When my father rang me with the news about my mother’s treatment, I went outside to let everything out because I didn’t want to disturb anyone. I failed that mission as soon as I saw Ivy crouch down beside me and flash me a look of concern.
At first, I didn’t want her there. I didn’t want her to see me like that. But when she placed her hand so delicately on my arm, I couldn’t help but fall into her chest. I needed her comfort and company.
Anything to make me feel human again.
I’m miles away from my parents, and I was struggling with the loneliness of it. Until Ivy lay down with me and we looked up into the sky with our fingers entwined and her head on my chest.
