When Stars Burn Out

by Carrie Aarons

The word boyfriend left me dumb-struck, and I swear I had to check if my jaw was on the floor. We hadn’t discussed a title, nor what we were to each other. So much for not pushing things on me, or moving too fast. Paxton Shaw was like an adorable bulldozer. He ran you over to get his way, but he looked damn cute doing it.

I could never tell if Pax was lying, or if he really just believed his own bullshit.

A person doesn’t just forget the dismantling of their heart, ventricle by ventricle.”

And I believe that everyone is entitled to one big mistake in their life. And you … you used yours already. So please don’t hurt me again.”

“It doesn’t matter if there were a hundred women in my past. I’ve only ever been in love with one. You. I love you. I’m in love with you.”

“If it’s written in the stars, then it is fated to happen.” She smiled, repeating her phrase.