Page 62 of The Star in Room 7

“Talk to me?”

“Kurt’s dad died recently.”

I suck in a breath.

“I’m not sure if I’m supposed to be happy, or sad, or even angry that he got to live so long after Kurt’s life was cut short.”

“Or maybe all of that?” I suggest.

“Huh.” He smiles thinly. “Maybe. I haven’t seen him since…” He touches the scar by his eye. “He didn’t even go to Kurt’s funeral. Didn’t even pay for it. A group of friends and I fundraised to cover the costs. We did car washing and went around the neighborhood mowing every lawn we could. That sort of thing. Our parents all chipped in, too, if they could. It shouldn’t have been that way. His family should have loved him. They should have accepted him.”

I wrap my arms around him and hug him tight. I’m not sure what to say or what else to do.

He sniffs and returns my embrace. “Sorry. I’m fine, I promise. I need to process the news. Thank you, baby, but you really don’t have to worry about me.”

I don’t let go.

He kisses my hair. “I hope the help I give Halo House is enough to make amends for failing Kurt.”

“You didn’t fail him. You did everything you could.”

“Did I?” he asks wistfully. “I tried, at least.” He puts his hand over mine. “You know this thing between us… It’s more than an arrangement made through Halo House. It’s far, far more than I’ve ever had with any of the boys I’ve sponsored. You know that, don’t you?”

“I do now.”

He holds my face and kisses me tenderly. “It’s gone beyond wanting to help you, Zach. I… I care for you. Deeply.”

I press my lips to his.

He takes over, kissing me desperately. “I needed to make sure you know that.”

Then we’re kissing again, and I never want him to stop. I end up on my back, him lying over me, his hands roving over my body. I hold him tight, not wanting to let go. He feels good to know he wants me, as I am. But can I be enough for him? I don’t want to think about it right now, so I let myself relax and enjoy his tender touches. For tonight, I know I’m his, and that’s all that matters.

I borrow Puck’s charger when Nate drops me off at Halo House the next morning, and then shower. Nate still seemed sad this morning, so I cuddled and kissed him as much as I could. During the drive here, I kept my hand on his thigh. I almost asked him not to work today, but decided he knew what was best.

When I get back to my room, I check my phone and discover I have a missed call and a voicemail from my agent. I put her message on speaker while I dry my hair.

“Zach! You’ve been invited to audition for a leading role. This is huge. We’re talking six figures as a base, plus performance bonuses. This could be your big break. It’s not a done deal. You still need to impress in the audition. I know you’re taking some time out, but you do not want to let this chance slip through your fingers. Call me.”

I freeze and stare at my phone, quickly jabbing the correct number to save the message before the screen goes dark. The message plays through my head on repeat.

This is huge.

Six figures.

Performance bonuses.

Big break.

You do not want to let this chance slip through your fingers.

Call me.

My heart is hammering so loudly, I almost miss the knock on my door.

“Uh, come in.”

Puck opens the door. They’re wearing a light, loose-fitting jumper with long flared sleeves that completely cover their hands. I have no idea how they can wear a jumper—even a thin one—when it’s so hot out. I guess I didn’t grow up in this climate, though. As usual, they’re hugging their teddy bear to their chest.