Forever Love: A Friends to Lovers Collections Read online

  “Are you going into the station today?” Jade asked when we got in my car back at the airport.

  “Probably out of habit, but I don’t have to.”

  “Want me to go with you?”

  “That’s up to you. If you want.”

  Her face fell. “Ok, then I won’t.” She turned to look out the window.

  “Jade?”

  “Yes.” She turned back.

  “You’re not reading into that, right? I actually mean you should come if you want, but you don’t have to.”

  “Yes, of course.” She looked down at her hands in her lap.

  “Ok, I’m checking because you seem upset.” Even before our trip I was able to read Jade’s moods. I was even better at it now.

  She sighed. “I’m just going to put this out there. Are we going to pretend this week never happened?”

  “Of course not.” I shook my head. “I don’t think that’s possible.”

  “But what does that mean?”

  “It means we should try to make this work.” I mustered as much confidence as I could. I wanted things to work. I wasn’t ready to let Jade go. Things couldn’t return to where they were before the trip. Way too much had changed between us for that to happen.

  “I don’t want us to end up hating each other.”

  “I couldn’t hate you.”

  “You know what I mean.”

  “Do you want to make things exclusive? Give this more of a shot?” I’d laid awake the night before thinking about it. I knew I’d lose my cool if I saw another guy with Jade. The thought of one sleeping with her? I wasn’t okay with that.

  She said nothing.

  “I mean, are you planning to sleep with other guys?”

  “I’m not ready for a relationship.” She bit her nail.

  “I never used the word relationship.” I wasn’t sure if I was ready for that either, but I knew I wanted to see where things went.

  “Then what are you suggesting?”

  “We let things just happen—but no sleeping with anyone else.”

  “Because I tend to have random sex every night.”

  “You were the one who said you were looking for it,” I teased.

  “But since you’re providing your services, I’m good.”

  “Okay. So we’re good?” I glanced over.

  “We’re good.” She looked at her finger guiltily and put her hands in her lap.

  “Good.”

  “Yeah.” She looked out the window.

  “By the way, I changed my mind.”

  “About?”

  “I need you to come to the studio with me.”

  “Why the sudden change of heart?”

  “I want your company.”

  “Ok.” Her face relaxed. “I want to drop my stuff off first and maybe get a work out in.”

  “Take your time. We don’t have to do it early.”

  “Great.”

  “Want to come over for dinner tonight?” I wasn’t going to leave things to chance. If we didn’t want things to fizzle out, I needed to start us on a routine, and dinner the first night back seemed like a good way to do it.

  “You don’t have to invite me over. This isn’t a relationship, remember?”

  “Yes, but I also know the truth about you eating Ramen every night.” Jade had admitted to her complete lack of cooking skills the night before. “Don’t you want to see Savy anyway?”

  “You were the one who said she didn’t live with you.”

  “She does. I admit it.”

  “Fine. I’ll come over.” She smiled slightly.

  I assumed her initial hesitation was nerves. “Great. One of my goals for the summer is teaching you how to cook.”

  “Oh yeah? You think it’s going to be easy?”

  “I’m not pretending either of us is going to become a gourmet chef, but you need to be able to make normal food.”

  “I live in the house. During the year there’s food.”

  “Yes, but you won’t always live there.”

  “Fine. What are we making tonight then?”

  “What would you like?”

  “I’m not sure. I’ve eaten way too much this week already.”

  “I’ll come up with something.”

  “Good.” She closed her eyes and leaned back against the seat. “Thanks for a fun week.”

  “When we left here a week ago I never expected to hear you say that.”

  “Me either.”

  I reached over and took her hand in mine, relationship or not, I enjoyed touching her, and I was going to do it any chance I had.

  She opened her eyes. “By the way, what did you say to Dylan?”

  “When?”

  “After the first night.”

  “Oh, I reminded him that you were off limits.” And gave him twenty grand, but I wasn’t telling Jade that.

  “Ok… just wondering.”

  “Evidently that didn’t work.”

  “It wasn’t that big of a deal. I can handle that kind of stuff.”

  “You shouldn’t have to.”

  “It kind of comes with the ‘hanging out with bands’ territory.”

  “Are you trying to make me tag along every time you do interviews off air now?”

  “Nope. See, that’s another reason for the no relationship thing. You aren’t responsible for that kind of stuff.”

  “Not responsible? Technically I am since the interviews are for the station that I run.”

  “You never cared before, and don’t pretend you didn’t know.”

  “I care more now.”

  “Exactly. Don’t. I can take care of myself. Only care to a friend level.”

  “What if my friend level is really high?”

  “That’s fine then.” She laughed. “There is one thing I wouldn’t mind your company for.”

  “Oh yeah?”

  “Want to catch the Sinister Tour in Charlotte? It’s the last stop, and Cara really wants me to go.”

  “I do have anytime tickets from Chase for defending Cara’s honor.” Cara’s boyfriend had thanked me with a set of free concert tickets to be used on any stop during the tour.

  “Perfect. You can protect my honor while we’re there.”

  “Oh, I’ll be protecting your honor.” I turned onto Jade’s street.

  “Give me a call before you head over to the station.”

  “I will.” I drove as slowly as possible before stopping in front of her sorority house. I didn’t want her to get out. Despite all the promises I’d made her, I was nervous about what was going to happen.

  “Thanks.” She unbuckled.

  “Jade?”

  “Yes?” She hesitated with her hand on the door handle.

  I unbuckled and leaned across the center console. I didn’t hesitate before connecting my lips with hers. I needed another kiss, another taste before things moved into new territory.

  She kissed me back with just as much enthusiasm, opening up to me and encouraging me to deepen the kiss. Her hands tangled in my hair, and she pulled me closer.

  Finally, breathless she broke the kiss. “Can we finish that later?”

  “We can finish that anytime, remember?”

  “So glad you changed the Monday, Wednesday, Friday rules.”

  “Yeah, those were only going to hurt me.”

  She kissed me on the cheek.

  I got out and pulled her bag out of the trunk. I walked her up to the porch.

  I leaned in for another kiss, but she stopped me. “If you start that again now, I’m never getting inside.”

  “And the problem with that would be what exactly?”

  She laughed. “See you soon.”

  I waited for her to type in the code to her house and walk inside before returning to the car. Joking aside, I did worry about Jade. I couldn’t help it. I knew what jerks guys could be, and I wasn’t letting anyone mess with the girl I was determined to make mine.

  * * *

  “You’re
back!” Savy nearly ran me over as I walked into my apartment.

  “Glad you’re so excited.”

  “Where’s Jade?” She looked behind me into the hall.

  “She’s at the house.”

  “I’m going.” She glanced behind her. “Glen, I’ll be back later.”

  “Don’t interrogate her too much, babe.” Glen kissed her lightly on the lips.

  “I have to. I can’t trust you to get all the details from Kyle.” She gave me a long look. “You’re not going to hurt her, are you?”

  “No, of course not.”

  “Good.” She grabbed her purse and hurried out the way I’d just come in.

  “Didn’t take you long, huh man?” Glen asked as I headed down the hall to my room. At least Jade had shared the news with Savy. That meant Glen knew too. We weren’t old friends, but when you live with someone they tend to play a big role in your life. Hopefully that would make the transition less awkward.

  “I’ve known Jade for close to a year, so technically I did.”

  “I mean on your trip. You waited a few hours?”

  “It just kind of happened.”

  “You just happened to have sex with Jade?”

  “Hey, I know your back story with Savy. You’re not one to talk.”

  “No, I’m not. I also know what it’s like to hurt a girl. Just be careful.”

  “Trust me, I am trying to be. It’s still new, but I’m hoping it turns into something.”

  “Only hoping? Having doubts already?”

  I started to unpack. If I didn’t do it right away my bag would sit on the floor until I needed it again. Since I was hoping for company that night, I wanted my room clean. “Not doubts on my end. More on hers. She seems hesitant to commit to anything.”

  “Why?” He watched from the doorway.

  “I’m not sure. My guess is someone hurt her somewhere along the line. We’ve agreed to make things exclusive, and otherwise we’re going to let things happen naturally.”

  “If by naturally you mean having Savy interfere. Just warning you, she’s been rooting for you guys to get together for months.”

  I remembered what Jade said about how everyone knew about her crush. “Did you know Jade was into me?”

  “Even if Savy hadn’t told me I’d have figured it out, and I don’t even know her that well. She hasn’t exactly been hiding it.”

  “Why didn’t you tell me? You already knew I liked her.”

  “I figured I’d let things happen naturally.” He laughed. “This should be interesting to watch.”

  “She’s coming over for dinner.”

  “What are you making for her?”

  “I’m not sure, but part of it is a cooking lesson. I told her she needs to learn.”

  “Does it have to be tonight? I was thinking about grilling some steaks.”

  “She’d probably go for that. She wasn’t exactly thrilled about doing the cooking.”

  He laughed. “A girl who doesn’t want commitment or to cook. I like Jade.”

  “She’s something else.”

  “So is Savy. That makes things more interesting. I’m heading to the gym, want to come?”

  “Sure.” Maybe I’d get lucky and run into Jade while I was there.

  Jade

  Being back in the house was strange. I was so used to spending time with Kyle and his family, the vacant house felt even emptier. In a few months the house would be filled with girls again, but for now it was just me.

  I picked up my phone to text Savy. I’d promised to let her know when I made it in. I’m back. I was excited to see her, but I was also nervous about the inevitable questions that were going to come my way. I was also due the same questions from Cara. I’d been carefully avoiding her calls, like I’d been avoiding the calls from my mom. Eventually I was going to have to respond with more than a five word text: I’m fine, will call soon.

  Savy didn’t answer, so I tossed my phone and started changing into gym clothes. Some time at the gym was exactly what I needed. I’d never been into working out in high school, but my friends had gotten me over the intimidation factor and now it was a major part of my stress relief.

  I’d just pulled on my sports bra, tank, and shorts when the door burst open. Savy stumbled in half out of breath. “Tell me everything. Every single detail.”

  I took in her sweaty form. “Did you run over here?”

  “Yes! You promised to call when you got in.” She dropped her keys and phone on her perfectly made bed. She hadn’t used the bed in weeks.

  “I texted you.”

  “When?” She tied her long blond hair into a ponytail.

  I glanced at the digital clock. “A few minutes ago.”

  “You’ve been here more than a few minutes. I’ve already seen Kyle.”

  “You sound like my mom.”

  “Come on. Spill.” She took a seat on my desk chair. “Don’t spare any of the details.”

  “I already gave you some details.”

  “You gave me the cliff notes. No scratch that. You gave me the cheap imposter kind of cliff notes that probably don’t even get all the details right.”

  “I experienced it, so I assume I got the details right.”

  “Come on,” she groaned. “What happened?”

  “You know what happened. We had sex. Many times.” I didn’t fight the blush I knew was covering my face. This was Savy. I could be open with her.

  “Ok, how was it the first time? Romantic? Drunken?”

  “Completely sober. Hot. It started with an amazing kiss when we were out for a walk. It’s hard to describe, but there’s a spark between us.” Kyle made me smile more than anyone else I’d ever met. I felt such a connection with him that made me want to open up to him completely. I couldn’t, but I’d never been so tempted before. At least I had a week of incredible memories.

  “Ok, we’re finally getting somewhere.” She pulled her legs up to sit cross-legged.

  “There isn’t much else to say except it was amazing.”

  “So what now? You guys are a couple?” She nearly bounced in the chair.

  “No.”

  “I’m going to kill him.” She jumped to her feet, the excitement quickly turning into anger.

  “Whoa there nelly. No killing him. We’re both setting the pace. Neither of us want a relationship.”

  “Uh…. Why?” She looked at me like I had two heads.

  “It’s easier that way. It will make it easier when he inevitably decides he’s ready to move on.”

  “First of all, why would moving on be inevitable? You’re gorgeous and perfect for him. And secondly, how in the world would that make it easier?” She narrowed her eyes.

  “He won’t be an ex. We can go back to being friends without the sex.”

  “Are you ill?” She strode over and put a hand to my forehead as if to check my temperature. “Or maybe delusional? Nothing you are saying makes any sense.”

  “I want him to make sure he actually likes me before we make this anything more.”

  “Ok, I’m kind of getting it.” She sat down next to me. “You’re trying to make sure you can save face if he decides to break up with you?”

  “But see, if we’re not in a relationship it wouldn’t be a break-up. I hate break ups. I hate everything about them.” On top of all the internal pain, you also had to deal with the public humiliation. The combination was nearly deadly.

  “But your fear of break-ups can’t keep your from having a relationship, and besides, I know from experience whether you call it a real break-up or not, ending anything hurts.

  “I know, but it’s not as public.”

  “Jade, are you even listening to yourself?”

  “Sort of.” I pulled my running shoes out and slipped them on.

  “Do yourself a favor. Use your work out to do some thinking. Don’t ruin something good out of fear.”

  “I’m not ruining anything.” I closed my closet door with a little bit too much eff
ort.

  “When are you going to see him again?”

  “We’re going over to the station later, and then I’m going over for dinner.”

  “Nice. A side bonus of all of this is that we’re dating roommates.”

  “I’m not dating Kyle.”

  She rolled her eyes. “You’re dating Kyle.”

  “Just let me handle this my way. We’re exclusive so don’t even go down that line of thought.”

  She held up her hands. “Ok, that’s something, and I can’t stop you. I’m trying to help.”

  “You obviously got your workout running over here, but mind if I go do mine?”

  “Not at all. I’ll walk over with you.”

  “Thanks.” I grabbed my keys and water bottle and headed back outside. I’d never needed a workout more.

  * * *

  The gym was nearly empty. It was one of the perks of being on campus in the summer. I missed the hustle and bustle sometimes, but I didn’t mind showing up at the gym in the middle of the afternoon to find absolutely no lines for any of the equipment.

  I started off with my cardio, happily jumping onto an elliptical while I listened to my gym play list. Savy had told me to use my gym time to think about what I really wanted with Kyle, but I wanted to do the opposite. I wanted to push everything from my mind and focus on the workout. It was the only time I could manage to clear my mind and focus on the moment.

  After thirty minutes I downed some water and headed over to the weight room. The weight room was a little bit busier than the cardio area, but the free weights I needed were available.

  “Hey, you’re Jade, right?” I turned around to find a guy who I’d had some classes with freshman year.

  I adjusted a weight in my hand. “Yes. Hi. I’m sorry I don’t remember your name.”