Forever Love: A Friends to Lovers Collections Read online

  “That’s the thing. I’m trying to figure out how not to hurt her.”

  “Do you like her?”

  This conversation was bordering on impossibly awkward. Talking to a guy about his sister was just about as bad as it could get. “Yeah. I like her.”

  “Then it shouldn’t be too hard.”

  “Are you giving me permission to date her?”

  “Were you waiting for that? Do you really care what I think?”

  “Surprisingly yes. She’s too good for me, and we both know that.” I glanced at the door that beckoned me.

  “No. She’s too good for the way you usually deal with girls, but I’m assuming you’re not stupid enough to treat her that way.”

  “I’m not that bad.” It was one of those moments when I wished I’d worked harder to combat the player reputation. Normally it was convenient.

  “Either way, respect her.”

  “Of course I’m going to respect her, but I don’t know what she wants.” Maybe Colin had some insight into Carly. I certainly didn’t know what to make of her.

  “Then find out. We both know I had no idea what I was doing with Maddy in the beginning.”

  “All right, I’ll do that.”

  “Good.”

  “Is that all you wanted to talk about?”

  “Mostly.”

  “What else is there?”

  “She loves surprises. Don’t forget about it.”

  I smiled. That was very important information. “Thanks. I’ll have to remember that.”

  * * *

  I wondered if this was how stalkers felt. I’d been standing off to the side of the outdoor tiki bar for a full five minutes and neither Maddy nor Carly had noticed me yet. I probably could have said something, but honestly I liked watching Carly. She was studying everything Maddy did like a hawk, and she was even taking notes on her phone. There was something ridiculously cute about that.

  “Can we help you, creeper?”

  I’d been so busy watching Carly that I didn’t notice Maddy’s attention move to me.

  “Oh, hey.”

  Carly glanced at me and she smiled. “What are you doing here?”

  I could tell she was dying to know what Colin had said to me.

  “Carly left before I could tell her something.”

  “And what’s that?” Carly settled a hand on her hip. She was wearing a couple of bangle bracelets in bright primary colors. I hadn’t noticed earlier. She had a quirky sense of style I was starting to get used to.

  “I signed us up for an online bartending class. We’re starting tonight.”

  “What?” Maddy eyed the crowd forming around the bar. “Is that a joke?”

  “Didn’t Carly tell you about our first attempt at teaching ourselves?”

  “Attempt? Are you actually admitting you’re not good at something, Macon?” Maddy unsuccessfully tried to bite back a smile.

  “Completely. I suck at it, we both do. We’re going to change that though.”

  “Are we really starting tonight?” Carly’s question was loaded. She was asking me whether I thought it was a good idea or not. It was. I was going to be prepared this time.

  “Yes. We’re all set.”

  Maddy opened a couple of beers. “I so need to watch this.”

  “Nope. You’re not invited.” I loved Maddy, but this was just for Carly and me.

  She handed out the beers and pulled out two martini glasses. “You can’t keep me out.”

  “Sure we can. You don’t live there anymore.”

  Maddy groaned. “Whatever you say.”

  “Exactly.” I winked at Carly. “See you at home.”

  She shook her head. “Bye, Macon.”

  Carly

  “How does this work exactly?” I pulled up a stool to the island where Macon had lined up liquor bottles, glasses, shot glasses, and every other bar accessory we could ever need.

  “We just sign in and listen to the lessons. Then we practice. At least that’s how I think it’s going to work.”

  “And you’re really just going to sit here and do this with me?” Helping me for one night seemed normal, but agreeing to take a whole online class with me?

  “Yeah. I could use the education myself. What if I meet a girl who wants me to mix her drinks?” His face fell as he said the words, like he regretted saying them.

  I refused to let my face fall. I wasn’t delusional enough to think that anything was actually going to happen with us. And even if it did, it’s not like he wouldn’t date other girls later on. “Yeah, well, you never know when the skill will come in handy.”

  “I’m going to refrain from making the dirty response your comment is begging for.”

  I laughed. Macon was so good at breaking awkward tension. “And I promise to keep my clothes on this time.”

  “Who said you had to do that?” His tone was light but his eyes sent a different message.

  “All right. Let’s start this thing.”

  He opened his laptop and logged into the course.

  A simple graphic welcomed us to the program. I shifted in my stool to get comfortable.

  “So you want to bartend?” A guy with a pink polo with the collar popped stared at us from the screen.

  I nudged Macon. “Is this for real?”

  He laughed. “Just pay attention.”

  “There are lots of reasons why you might be taking this class. Maybe you want to be able to mix yourself drinks, or maybe you’re trying to impress a special someone.” The guy winked in an exaggerated way that had me nudging Macon again. “Or maybe you want to transfer to a new profession. No matter what the reason, this class will help you reach your goal.”

  He walked over to a bar and hopped up. “Are you ready to get started? What’s that? I couldn’t hear you. Are you ready?”

  “Hell yeah!” Macon smiled. “We’re so ready.”

  “All right, that’s better. Let’s get started.”

  “This is like a bad work-out video. Where’d you find this class and how much did it cost?”

  “Shh. We’re going to miss the first lesson.”

  I rolled my eyes. “The horror.”

  “Today we’re going to talk about the supplies you’ll use and the terms you need to understand before bartending. Let’s start with the different types of glasses.”

  I groaned. “Seriously, Macon? Glasses?”

  “It has to get better.”

  “Sure.” I nudged him again, and he put an arm around me. I happily rested my head against his shoulder.

  Macon was wrong. It didn’t get better. After learning about every type of glass known to man Mr. Popped Collar moved on to shakers and measuring tools. Just when I thought we might learn something interesting the lesson ended.

  “Seriously?” I looked at Macon. “When do we get to start something fun?”

  He shrugged. “Maybe class number two.”

  I laughed. For some reason the whole situation seemed incredibly funny.

  A low battery alert flashed on the screen.

  “And on that note.” Macon closed his laptop. He spun on his stool toward me. “What are you up to now?”

  “Now? You do realize it’s almost two a.m., right?”

  “Yes… I’ll ask again, what are you up to now?”

  A door squeaked and Brody walked out. “What are you up to, Macon?”

  “Did we wake you up?” I felt bad. Maybe my jeers about the class had woken him.

  “Not really… and at least you’re dressed.” He pulled a grey t-shirt on over his head.

  “Because you thought we wouldn’t be…”

  “You two have a bad track record when it comes to bartending…”

  “Unfortunately I didn’t get her liquored up tonight.” Macon winked at me.

  I groaned. “Please don’t go there.”

  Macon stretched his arms above his head. He was probably stiff from sitting so long. “Want to go for a walk?”

  “Now?” I c
aught Macon’s eye.

  “Yeah. Let’s grab some flashlights and head down to the beach.” Macon glanced at Brody to get his approval. Brody nodded.

  “Won’t we get arrested or something? It’s the middle of the night.”

  Macon shook his head. “You sound so much like Maddy it’s scary.”

  “What? Because I think about things like my arrest record?”

  “Wait…” Macon’s lips twisted into a smile. “Why do you I get the feeling you have a record?”

  “I don’t have anything on my record… thankfully.” I walked down the hall to my room and found my favorite black flip flops. Nervous about getting in trouble or not, I wasn’t giving up the chance for a night walk. There’s just something special about being outside at night like that, especially by the water.

  “You’re going to spill, Carly, whether you know it or not.” Macon stood by the front door, holding the door open.

  Brody placed a small flashlight into my hand.

  “That’s what you think.” I slipped out and headed down the stairs.

  The night was cool, and I immediately regretted not throwing a sweatshirt over my tank top. I wrapped my arms around myself as I gazed up at the starlit sky.

  “Cold?” Macon asked as the three of us walked along the sand.

  “Not as cold as when you threw me in the ocean.”

  “So what you’re saying is that you’re dying to take another swim?”

  “No. That’s not what I’m saying at all.” Getting in the ocean again while fully dressed was not high on my list of activities.

  “Okay. If you’re sure.” Macon got that twinkle in his eye, and I knew I was in trouble.

  “Do not throw me in, Macon.”

  “Or what?”

  “Or else.”

  Brody laughed. “That’s it? No creative threats?”

  “My threats are so creative I can’t share them with mere mortals like you.”

  Macon wrapped an arm around my waist. “Mortals?”

  “Ok, wrong word, but you get the picture.”

  “Nuh uh, you just admitted that you think you’re more than human.”

  “No I didn’t.” Had I really just said that? Maybe I was reading too many paranormal books.

  “Yes, you did.” Brody just had to join in.

  “It’s the middle of the night, and I just finished watching the world’s most boring video, cut me some slack.”

  “Sure, no problem.” Macon smiled right before he yanked the flashlight from my hand and swooped me up in his arms.

  Moments later I made contact with the dark, cool water.

  “Macon!”

  “Chill out, I’m coming,” Macon called.

  “As much as fun as a late night swim sounds, I’m heading home. Don’t get in too much trouble you two.” Brody laughed before turning back toward the condo.

  “You’re such an ass.” I splashed Macon.

  “Admit it. You’re glad I did it.”

  “Why? Why would I be glad?”

  “Because you secretly wanted to go for a night swim but were too chicken.”

  “I am not chicken to do anything.” Maybe I didn’t want to get wet, but it didn’t mean I was afraid.

  “Is that so?”

  “Yes.” I floated on my back, watching the full moon above us.

  “Kiss me while you’re sober.”

  His words had me submerging as much of myself as possible in the water. “What?”

  “You said you’re not too afraid to do anything, so kiss me. No alcohol to make excuses this time.”

  “You think I’m afraid to kiss you?” I stood up.

  “No.” He came closer. “I know you are.”

  “I’m not afraid.”

  “Then do it.” His hand circled my wrist.

  “Why? Why do you want me to?”

  “Because I need to know how you feel, Carly. I need to know what you want.”

  I shivered, half from the cold and half from his words. “I know what I want.”

  “Then show me.”

  “What if it’s not the same thing you want?”

  “Worry about that later.”

  I leaned toward him, letting my lips brush against his.

  “Really kiss me, Carly.”

  I pressed my lips against his, still not sure which way was up. Why was he pushing me? Why couldn’t he make the move? His lips started moving against mine, and I stopped hesitating. I wrapped my arms around his neck and let my lips do the talking.

  He deepened the kiss, and I pressed my body against his. I wasn’t wearing a bra under my white t-shirt, and my nipples rubbed against his bare chest.

  He broke the kiss momentarily. “I feel exactly the same way, babe.” His lips returned to mine, and I pressed against him again.

  He groaned, cupping a breast through my t-shirt. The sensation of his hand through the wet fabric had me about ready to lose control. His other hand started to tug down on my pajama bottoms. I stilled him. “Not out here.”

  “If I take you to my bed again, it’s not going to be to cuddle.” His expression left nothing to the imagination.

  “Take me to your bed then.”

  “There’s no turning back this time. You need to know that.”

  “There’s been no turning back since the last time you threw me in the ocean.”

  “You’re right about that.” His lips attacked my neck as his hand found its way underneath my wet top.

  I moaned as he squeezed my breast, and I didn’t resist when he pushed my shirt up so his lips could settle on my other breast. I braced my hand on his chest, letting my fingertips explore his muscular planes.

  His lips left my breast. “I want you so bad. I don’t know how much longer I can wait.” He breathed the words in barely a whisper.

  “That’s why you’re supposed to be taking me home.”

  “Let’s go.” He tugged on my hand and pulled me out of the water.

  The cold wind stung, but I was so numb from excitement that I barely felt it as we made our way back to the condo.

  Macon

  I wanted her. No, I needed her. The weeks of resisting her had broken down my restraint. As easy as it would have been to take her right there on the beach, I knew I couldn’t. I practically towed her back toward the condo, and up the stairs. Once inside, I kicked the door closed, only pausing to lock the door before picking her up. She wrapped her legs around my waist. Her lips found mine, but I had to break the kiss to keep myself moving forward.

  Thankfully the walk to my room wasn’t long. I set her down right in front of my bed and wasted no time pulling off the wet top that had been in my way. Several trails of water streamed down her chest. I licked them away, using the excuse to give my mouth the opportunity to explore her breasts more. Her nipples were so hard and responsive, I needed more. She moaned for me, and I could tell she was struggling to stay standing. I was about to make it even harder on her. Without moving my mouth, I untied her pants and let them fall to the floor. I pushed away the satin fabric of her panties and slipped one finger inside her. Her moan became more of a groan. As I expected she stumbled back, and I caught her, easing her down on my bed. I pulled her panties down and tossed them in the pile with the rest of her wet clothes. A moment later my boxers joined them.

  I looked at her. I looked at every naked part of her body, determined to memorize every inch of her.

  She looked up at me with the sexiest damn expression ever. “Are you going to join me?”

  “Hell yes.” I ran my eyes over her again. She was so damn beautiful I couldn’t really believe she was giving herself to me. I’d been with plenty of girls, but Carly was different inside and out.

  I lay down next to her, letting my hands trail down her body. Her eyes were locked on my obvious arousal.

  Things were hot and heavy—they were perfect really, but something was missing. I wasn’t making her laugh. “Aren’t you going to thank me for taking my pants off?”

/>   She pushed my chest. “No, I think you’re supposed to thank me first.”

  “But I took your pants off for you.”

  “Macon?”

  “Yes, babe?” I trailed tiny kissed from her neck down.

  “I already told you that I want you.”

  “Yeah?” I let my fingers move between her legs again, watching as her eyes widened. “What was that you were saying?”

  She moaned before closing her eyes and letting her hands settle at her sides. “Macon.” My name came out of her as half a moan, and I could barely hold myself together.

  “I want you, Macon.”

  “You’re going to get me.” I kissed her, loving that I was able to surprise her because her eyes were still clenched closed.

  She reached out for me, gently stroking me. I groaned. Her touch was so careful. I’d have never imagined that was the touch that would set me completely on fire, but I could barely hold it together.

  I reluctantly got up to grab a condom from the night stand. When I returned she was looking at me with those big sexy eyes again. “I’ve never wanted someone this bad before.”

  “That makes two of us.” I moved above her, locking my eyes on her as I positioned myself between her legs. I hesitated for a moment, wanting to watch the excitement on her face before entering her for the first time. Damn, she felt incredible. Wet, hot, and ready for me. I moved in further, as her breathing sped up. I tried to go slow, wanting to make sure I didn’t rush things, didn’t hurt her, but when her nails dug into my back I realized that’s not what she wanted. I sped things up, driving into her harder and faster. She opened up to me more and wrapped her legs around me. I moved my lips to her breast, as I continued to move inside her.

  “Macon.” She said my name again, and I lost myself in her.

  * * *

  Light flooding in through the window woke me up. Carly stirred beside me. I had her very naked body cocooned in my arms and legs, and I couldn’t think of a better way to sleep.

  “Morning, babe.” I let my lips brush against her ear.

  “Morning.” Her voice was still heavy with sleep. With sleep she’d been having while naked in my arms—in my bed. I was already hard, but now it was worse.