Forever Love: A Friends to Lovers Collections Read online

  “Nuh uh. You don’t need to change in there.”

  “Why does it matter?”

  “Because you’re not supposed to be afraid to change in front of the guy you’re sleeping with. I’ve seen you naked plenty now.” He stopped. “Ok, not plenty. I could use a lot more of it.”

  I smiled. “It seems different at those kind of times.”

  “I know a quick solution to that problem.”

  “What?”

  He slipped the strap of my pajama top off my arm. “I can just undress you right now. Clearly it makes you more comfortable when I do it.”

  “That’s not what I mean.”

  “It’s what I mean.” He slipped the other strap down my arm and tugged down on the top, fully exposing my breasts. He quickly covered my breasts with his mouth and hand.

  “Kyle, that’s not the kind of getting dressed I meant.”

  He grazed my nipple with his teeth, and I stopped caring about getting dressed. “But if I’m getting undressed, so are you.” I unbuttoned the shorts he’d just put on.

  “I have no problem with that.”

  * * *

  I pulled myself off the bed and slipped on my panties and a bra. “So much for an earlier hike.”

  “It was a very worthwhile reason to delay.”

  “Remember that when we get hot halfway through.”

  “It’s not that hot here, besides, now you won’t get bug bites.” He buttoned his shorts.

  “Oh yeah? Why is that?”

  “Haven’t you heard? Bugs prefer their blood more virginal. They don’t like biting after the victim has had sex.”

  I arched an eyebrow. “Then I shouldn’t get any bug bites.”

  “If you do that means we’re not doing it enough.”

  “Once again no hoping I get lots of bug bites.” I tied my tennis shoes.

  “Like I said before, I don’t want anyone or anything biting you except me.”

  “I’m going to pretend you don’t sound creepy.”

  He brushed his lips against mine. “We better get out of here before I ravish you again.”

  “Sordid? Ravish?”

  “You’re dating an English major, get used to it.”

  “Actually I’m sleeping with one, but close enough.” I headed to the bathroom. “I assume it’s okay if I go in there to brush my hair.”

  “Hey, you know I wasn’t saying you couldn’t change in there. I just didn’t want you doing it because you were nervous or anything.”

  “I know.”

  A few minutes later I was dressed, and we finally managed to leave the room. Kyle had already talked to his mom about borrowing her car, so we drove a little ways from the hotel before Kyle pulled over to the side of the road. “This is my favorite hike up here.”

  “Your favorite? Now you’re setting the expectations high.”

  He laughed. “I said my favorite here. I won’t claim it’s the best hike anywhere.”

  “Sure, sure.” I got out and waited for Kyle on the dirt shoulder.

  We started up the path through the trees, and I took in deep breaths of the crisp air. There’s nothing like getting away from it all in nature. The sun was bright, but the tree cover helped protect us as we continued up the trail. An hour later we finally reached the first lookout.

  “I thought the lake was beautiful, but this. This is unreal.” I gazed all around me to make sure I didn’t miss any of the views.

  “Now I know the trick.”

  “What trick?” I gulped down some water from the canteen Kyle had packed for us.

  “To impressing you. I need to get you out into the great outdoors.”

  “I love that movie.”

  He laughed. “I should have known you’d share my love for 1980s comedies.”

  “You can thank my mom for that too.”

  “I really need to meet her one day.”

  “No you don’t.” The thought of Kyle meeting my mom terrified me. She’d somehow know what I’d done. She had a sixth sense like that. At least she usually did.

  “Why not?”

  “First, she’d kill you for what we’re doing, and secondly, she’d ask you so many questions it would make your head spin.”

  “I’ll wait to meet her later then.” He took my hand and started walking again.

  “Why would later change anything?”

  “Time can change many things.” He winked.

  “You’re such a dork.” I knocked my shoulder into his.

  “So are you, but who cares?”

  “How am I a dork?”

  “You like my humor which makes you just as dorky.”

  “Dorks or not, let’s enjoy this beautiful day.” I ran up ahead. I couldn’t wait to reach the next lookout.

  “Yes, the trick really is to get you out into the great outdoors.”

  Kyle

  I’d never seen Jade so happy and light. Her smile was real. It wasn’t the sarcastic, casual smile she used at school, but a giant, I love life smile that made my heart beat faster.

  This was the real Jade. Jade with the pony tail and no makeup, with sneakers and shorts, and a little bit of mud. I wanted to believe it was more than the outdoors bringing it out in her. I wanted to believe it was me. But it probably wasn’t. I generally didn’t have that effect on people, but I could pretend. I could pretend that the night—and morning—we spent together would become something more.

  “I could stay out here forever.” Jade pulled on my arm to get me to look out at the view.

  “I could too, but it’s going to rain.”

  She sighed. “I don’t mind getting wet.”

  “Oh, I’m well aware you don’t mind that.” I wriggled an eyebrow.

  She pushed me playfully. “Kyle.”

  “Sorry, I couldn’t resist.”

  “Yes you could. You can always resist.”

  “Not always. Sometimes words slip out.”

  “Are we only talking about words?”

  I pulled her close. “Are you asking if I can always resist you?”

  “Maybe.”

  “Don’t you already know the answer to that?”

  “Do I?”

  “Is there a reason you’re teasing me?”

  She ran her teeth over her bottom lip. “I’m not teasing. I’m being me.”

  “And being you means teasing me?”

  “I’m only asking a question, Kyle.” She bit her nail for a second before quickly dropping her hand to her side.

  “Did you have to say my name that way?”

  “What way?” she smiled.

  “That way. The way that makes me want you again.”

  Her face flushed. I loved knowing I had that effect on her. “I thought it was going to rain.”

  “It is, but as you reminded me, you don’t mind getting wet.”

  “Not if it means kissing you.”

  “I have to agree with you there.” I connected my lips with hers right as the sky opened up.

  Jade laughed, breaking the kiss. “We probably should start heading back.”

  “Changed your mind about getting wet?”

  “It sounded better in theory.” She started retracing her steps down the trail. I followed behind, eager to get her back to our room.

  The rain picked up, making the ground slick and muddy. Jade started to slip once, but I caught her in time.

  She steadied herself against me. “Thanks.”

  “Anytime.”

  “You like playing hero.”

  I brushed some of her wet hair away from her face. “I like playing it with you.”

  She smiled and turned around. We made it the rest of the way down without incident and dashed to my mom’s car.

  Jade buckled up as I started the car. “I hope your mom doesn’t hate me for getting her car dirty.”

  “Why would she hate you? It’s more natural to blame me.”

  “You know what I mean.”

  “Don’t worry about it. She can get i
t cleaned.”

  “This car might cost more than my parents’ house.”

  “I doubt that, but you really don’t need to worry.”

  “Easy for you to say.”

  “You don’t need to be intimidated by my mom. She didn’t have much money growing up.”

  “Until she married your dad…”

  “And you don’t need to be intimidated by my dad either. They like you. I can tell.”

  “Well, as long as they like me enough for me to get through this week, I’m okay with it.”

  I put a hand on her leg. I couldn’t keep my hands off her. “Trust me, you’re going to make it through this week.”

  “What’s the plan when we get back to the resort?”

  “We’ve got a boat trip.”

  “A boat trip? Like the scenic kind?”

  “Yes, exactly. You said you liked the water….”

  “I do.” She looked out the window.

  “No worrying about my family.”

  “I don’t want to do or say something stupid.”

  “There’s an easy solution to your worries about that.”

  “There is?”

  “Yeah. Stay with me. No one can grill you if we’re together.”

  “I wouldn’t mind staying with you.”

  “Good.” I squeezed her leg gently as I turned into the resort. “Want me to drop you off out front?”

  “I’m already soaked, so I don’t mind walking.”

  “If you’re sure.” I pulled into a spot and grabbed my backpack from the backseat.

  We got out and ran to the front door and up the stairs. I opened the door and she walked in first. “I need to get these wet clothes off.”

  “By all means.” I gestured for her to start taking them off.

  “I didn’t mean it in that way.”

  “Oh wait, I forgot the new rules.”

  “What rules?”

  “That if I want you getting naked, I have to do it myself.” I pulled her sopping wet t-shirt off her.

  “If you’re undressing me, I’m undressing you.”

  “Go right ahead. I have no problem with that.” I grinned.

  She pulled off my shirt and tossed it on the floor on top of hers.

  “Now comes the hard part.”

  “What do you mean?” She chewed her nail.

  “I’m deciding whether I should take off your bra first or your shorts.”

  “And what’s your decision?”

  “Your bra.” I reached around and unhooked her bra, happily tossing it onto the pile.

  She went to cover her chest with her arms, but I carefully lowered her arms to the side. “You’re not supposed to be nervous when I’m doing it, remember?”

  “I’m still nervous.”

  “Maybe this will help.” I lowered my mouth to one of her breasts while I cupped her other breast with my hand.

  She moaned lightly while I used my free hand to unbutton her shorts.

  She reached over and unbuttoned mine. I refused to release her breast, so I stepped out of my shorts while I still had my mouth on her.

  She moaned against me as I pushed her shorts down, and slipped my fingers inside her panties. I released her breast. “Feeling less nervous?”

  “Mmm hmm,” she mumbled while she took me in her hand.

  “Do you think we need a shower first, or can we get in bed?”

  “As long as I get you again I’m good.”

  “Then let’s do both.” I grabbed a condom from my bag before leading her into the bathroom. Showers were never going to be the same again.

  Jade

  I was still on a high from the hike and the sex when Kyle announced we had to get ready for the boat ride.

  “Are you sure we have to go?” I rolled onto my side, keeping the sheet close to me.

  “Yes. Trust me. I’d rather stay here too.”

  “I want to go, but all this sex is only going to make it harder to face your family.”

  “Why?” He rolled toward me. “They already think we’re doing this.”

  “It’s still different.”

  “It makes it easier.” He left tiny kisses on my arm.

  “All right, if we’re going I need to get up.”

  “Ok, do it.”

  I tried to get up, but he didn’t loosen his hold.

  “Kyle.”

  “You did it again.”

  “Did what?”

  “Said my name in that way. I’d have thought you’d have had your fill already.”

  “I have.” I slipped out of bed. “At least I should have. No more sex right now. We have to get moving.”

  “I love that you said right now. That means they’ll be more later.” He arched an eyebrow.

  “If you’re good.” I picked out a dress and headed into the bathroom before he could complain about me changing in private again. A girl needed time to get ready.

  * * *

  I walked as slowly as humanly possible as we neared the dock. I rationalized that every minute might give me more courage. The rain had stopped sometime while we were in the room, making it a pleasant evening for a boat ride if I could only handle his family.

  “Hey, nice of you two to show your faces.” Dana grinned as we walked over.

  I waved. “Hey, we were out for a hike all day.”

  “All day, huh?” She arched an eyebrow. “I hope you didn’t get caught in the rain.”

  “Most of the day,” Kyle wrapped his arm around my waist. His touch brought back images I didn't need to be seeing with his family around. “We enjoyed ourselves despite the rain.”

  “Hello!” Kyle's grandma walked over dragging her husband with her. “Isn’t it nice how the weather cooperated with us tonight?”

  “Absolutely.” Kyle replied with far too much enthusiasm. He might as well have been wearing an ‘I got laid’ sign around his neck.

  “Glad to hear it.” His grandmother touched my arm gently. “How about we go ahead and board. Dana, why don't you come too? The men can wait for the others.”

  “Sounds great, Grandma.” Dana smiled.

  Kyle kissed me on the cheek, and I followed the other women on board the large boat.

  “It's nice to have another woman here.” His grandma walked around to the front of the boat.

  “It's great to be here.” I forced away all thoughts of my alone time with Kyle. It was only an hour and a half boat ride. I could handle it.

  His grandma watched me with a smile on her face. “Kyle seems happier than I've ever seen him.”

  If she only knew the truth—it was all probably post sex glow. I nodded and smiled politely.

  She leaned in. “Have you discussed the ring yet?”

  “The ring?” I coughed. How serious did his family think we were?

  “I'm sure she's going to finish school first.” Dana gave me a reassuring smile. “How many years do you have left?

  “Three.” I wasn’t planning on rushing my college years away. I still wasn’t sure what I wanted to do with my life, but that was the point of college, wasn’t it? Like everything else, I’d figure it out eventually.

  His grandmother shook her head. “Well, they can't wait that long.”

  My head spun. Clearly Kyle and I weren't getting engaged, but it still stressed me out. Plus how was Kyle going to let his family down with the truth? At least I wouldn’t be there for it. I craned my neck to look for Kyle on the dock bellow. So much for not getting separated.

  “Would you like some wine?” Dana asked, once again saving me from an uncomfortable situation.

  “That would be great.” I smiled. “Is the bar inside?”

  “Yes.” Dana nodded. “Grandma, why don’t you take a seat? We’ll bring some back for you.”

  “Sounds perfect.” His grandmother sat down, and I followed Dana inside.

  “Thanks.” I glanced over my shoulder to make sure we were really alone.

  “No problem. I know how annoying that wedding tal
k can be.”

  “Do you mind if I ask you something?” I didn’t know Dana well, but she didn’t seem like the type to mind a few semi-personal questions. She had asked about my sex life within a few hours of meeting me after all.

  “I guess that depends on what you’re asking.” She held open the door.

  “Why is your family so obsessed with everyone getting married?” I certainly couldn’t figure it out. I’d heard about people pressuring girls to get married young, but Kyle? He was a twenty-year-old guy. He hadn’t even hit his prime.

  She laughed. “Blunt.”

  “It’s starting to feel like a running theme.”

  “I wish I had an answer for you.” She clasped her hands together. “I suppose it’s their way of trying to look out for us.”

  “Is it just your grandparents?”

  She shook her head. “My parents aren’t easy on the subject either.”

  “Where are they?” I’d been wondering about them since I met Dana the night before. Had it really been one day? It felt like forever ago.

  “They’re in Europe right now. Business stuff.” She was completely unanimated discussing them, as though she were talking about acquaintances, not parents missing the family reunion trip.

  “Oh ok.” I didn’t ask more. I didn’t know if it was the same business as Kyle’s dad or not, but it didn’t really matter. None of it really did, and I should have probably stopped asking questions. I was too curious by nature for my own good.

  Dana nodded toward the bar. “Is Chardonnay okay? It’s my grandmother’s favorite so she always expects me to drink it.”

  “Your grandmother dictates what you drink?”

  “Don’t ask. It has to do with avoiding red wine since it stains your teeth.” She rolled her eyes.

  I dropped it. Had Dana been my friend and not Kyle’s cousin maybe I would have pushed it. “Chardonnay sounds fine,” I said belatedly. I knew drinking around his family wasn’t the best idea, but I needed to do something about my nerves.

  “Great, you’re easy.” She walked over to the bar.

  “Found you,” Kyle whispered in my ear from behind me.

  “I didn’t know you were looking for me.” I couldn’t deny the butterflies fluttering in my stomach every time he came near.