Starstruck Read Online Paige Laurens

Categories Genre: Contemporary, Romance, Young Adult Tags Authors: Paige Laurens Advertisement1

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“Oh my god,” Sam exclaims, looking around. “Are you okay?” She feels Jess’s forehead.

I’m equally concerned.

I’ve known Jess since grade school. We grew up together and even went to the same college. While I graduated last year she continued to a Master's program. Sam only recently met Jess through me, but even she knows what a complete neat freak Jess is.

“I know, I know. I’m sorry. It’s been crazy. I leave this weekend and I’m just trying to get everything together." Jess throws a bunch of clothes into a suitcase to create a path for us.

I totally forgot she’s leaving for Australia with her study group for some biology thing this Sunday. The trip is the main reason she did the program in the first place. It’s been her lifelong dream to visit Australia and this was her ticket there.

She keeps throwing things around, which in the end just makes a bigger mess.

Sam and I remain stunned.

“More importantly,” she accuses, grabbing plates from her small studio kitchen area. “I have yet to hear about Asher Montgomery from either of you!”

Sam and I exchange a guilty look. We’re terrible friends, but I’m the worst.

Sam’s about to reply, but Jess doesn’t let her get a word in edgewise. “What was he wearing? What did he smell like? What did you ask him? What were his answers? Did he smile? Was he nice? Was he a dick? He was a dick wasn’t he? Oh my god, was he a dick?!”

I roll my eyes and grab a plate, listening to Sam as she spills every little detail.

Her interview was nothing like mine.

“He also said he’s good friends with Sabrina Wilson, but obviously he's in love with her. And Stacy!” she adds, referring to her boss. “She pulled my cover story and replaced it with his whole music speculation thing, but the original already went into production. It was a whole thing... but bottom line I think I lost my shot.”

I hear one of them clear their throat and realize I've tuned them out long ago.

They're both expectantly staring.

"Sorry," I mumble. "About your cover story. After his whole announcement tomorrow maybe it will be back on?"

"Yeah maybe," she sighs. "What did he say to you about Sabrina Wilson?"

"Oh," I swallow. "I, um, think he’s dating her too."

Sam gives me a look but shrugs. Jess is far more suspicious. She knows something is up.

I look away to open a bottle of wine and text Travis that I won't be home tonight.

Jess has to be at the lab early. I briefly register her getting up but ultimately fall back to sleep.

Screw work.

Everyone will be talking about Asher Montgomery, and screw him too!

A while later I wake to the sound of her cat making the most horrible noises ever.

I groan and roll over.

8:00 am.

Then I debate calling in sick.

I didn’t sleep well. I’m slightly hung over, and I don’t even want to see Asher Montgomery on live TV today anymore.

At some point last night I decided I’m over him.

Screw him for playing me like that!

I vaguely remember also talking about maybe going to Australia with Jess. Sure it would eat up my entire life savings but I need a fresh start.

I was serious about that.

The girls laughed when I told them.

Then, I couldn't be any more determined or commited when I said I'm in the process of breaking up with Travis, but no one believed me on that either.

Again, I was unwavering and firm.

They think I can't change or do anything drastic.

I rub my eyes and reach for my phone. There’s a text from Sam saying she’s going to sneak out of her cubicle to watch Asher on TV with me.

I’m about to respond that I won't be in when the stupid cat starts rubbing against my leg. Now there’s no way I’ll be able to get back to sleep.

I really hate cats.

I look down as he does that weird purring thing again.

It’s his creepiness that makes me get up and head into work.

That's my story and I'm sticking to it.

“I thought you like love Asher Montgomery?” Sam sets herself up with a bag of popcorn on my intern’s desk.

I feel like I'm gonna be sick.

"Yeah," I mumble. My teenage love for him seems silly now.

“Oh, well you don’t seem excited,” she throws a handful of the buttery snack in her mouth.

I silently shrug.

She's bored with me and turns to my cubicle-mate.

A few minutes later the commercial break ends and Asher’s introduced.

Oh god.

He offers the audience a slight wave as he walks out and heads towards his seat.

I think I forgot how to breathe. I wasn't expecting to be so aware of everything. Not through a TV screen.

The muscles through his shirt.

Wild hair.

Those alluring green eyes.

Firm lips.

I know up close how they move when he speaks, and smirks, and how he says things with them like I already told myself I can't have you.


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