Forever Love: A Friends to Lovers Collections Read online

  “I guess I was scared. Sometimes I can’t believe it’s possible to feel as strongly about him as I do.”

  “But that’s a good thing, right? I mean isn’t it great to feel that way?” I wouldn’t know. I’d never been in love before. At least not the kind of ‘I want to spend my life with someone’ love.

  “It is, but it’s also terrifying. It’s like suddenly my decisions, and the things I want aren’t just mine.” She looked away for a second. “I’m afraid of letting him down.” She whispered the last words.

  “Letting him down?” I turned toward her. “How would you do that?”

  “I don’t know.”

  “Is this about your parents? About not getting into med school?”

  Maddy had ended up in Corolla after getting rejected from med school. I didn’t know all the details, but from what I gathered, I wasn’t the only one who used a summer in the Outer Banks as a post-graduation escape.

  “Maybe. I feel like I’m all over the place lately.”

  “Yeah, I know the feeling.” I put an arm around her. “He’s so in love with you it’s crazy.”

  She smiled. “I know. I feel the same way.”

  “Then finish getting packed.”

  “Are you trying to kick me out?” She wiped her eyes.

  “Possibly.”

  “In that case, I guess I should go.” She stood up.

  “I’m coming with you.” I hopped off the bed.

  “Why? What are you afraid of? Didn’t you bring half your stuff with you?”

  I laughed. “I figured I should probably tell Colin before I officially move.”

  “Why? He’s your brother, not your parent. You’re an adult anyhow.”

  “You don’t think he’d care if I didn’t come back tonight?”

  She played with a loose string on her cover up. “I never said he wouldn’t care, just that it’s not his decision.”

  “What about the rest of my stuff? And my car?”

  “It’s up to you, but we can definitely bring everything by. Just give me the keys.”

  I tried to get a read. Did she want to get me out of the house? That just didn’t feel like Maddy. Maybe she didn’t want me to chicken out or something. Either way, staying made the most sense. “Ok, you’ll have Colin bring my car and stuff over later?”

  “Absolutely. You know he’s going to want to come check on you anyway.”

  “Okay, good luck.”

  She laughed. “Shouldn’t I be saying that to you?”

  “Any last minute advice you have about living with these guys?” I lowered my voice hoping Brody wouldn’t over hear.

  “Don’t sleep with them,” she said completely seriously.

  “What?” I’m sure my mouth was hanging open.

  “You heard me.” She grinned before heading to the door.

  “You don’t know that from experience….” I really doubted it.

  “The only experience I’m speaking from is living with them. They can be annoying and full of themselves as is. If you get in their beds it will probably just be worse.”

  “Colin would freak if he heard you say that.”

  “I guess it’s a good thing he didn’t then.” She laughed again. “I’ll call you before we come over later. Enjoy the new place.”

  “I think I will.”

  “I know you will.” She disappeared through the doorway.

  I braced my hands behind me on the bed. What had I gotten myself into?

  Macon

  I pushed open the door to Maddy’s room, ready to give her a hard time for listening to electronic-pop music. It wasn’t her usual taste. “Hey, Maddy, what are you—” I stopped mid-sentence.

  “Hey.” Carly gripped a towel tightly around her.

  “Oh.” I forced myself to turn away despite the pleasant view of seeing her in just that blue cotton towel. Her skin was slightly red from the hot shower she must have just taken.

  “Yeah… could you give me a second?” Her cheeks were red, but otherwise she seemed unconcerned with my entrance. That probably meant she was really embarrassed. She was trying hard to hold it together.

  “Oh, sure.” I backed out of the room awkwardly. “Sorry.”

  “It’s okay.”

  I closed the door securely behind me and walked back to the main room. I made the mental note to start knocking on that door. It wasn’t Maddy, my friend who could care less if I saw her in a towel. It was Carly, the gorgeous girl who also happened to be Colin’s little sister. If I didn’t watch myself she’d think I’d invited her to live with us for other reasons. I hadn’t, and I needed to make up for my little invasion of her privacy.

  I waited until I heard the door open before I even walked toward her room. I practically walked into her. “Oh, hey.”

  “Hey. Sorry. I’m not normally in a towel in the middle of the day.”

  “You don’t have to explain. You’re more than welcome to hang out in a towel all the time.” Wow, that came off creepy. “I just mean you can do whatever.”

  “I went down to the beach and wanted to clean up.”

  “Oh, cool. How was it?”

  “Nice. I still can’t believe I get to spend the whole summer living on the beach.”

  “The novelty will wear off eventually.” I was thinking the same thing about my own thoughts, but mine weren’t about the beach. They were about the image of Carly in a towel that I just couldn’t shake. Or really I couldn’t shake the thought of what she looked like under the towel.

  “I doubt it.” She stepped to the side, and I let her pass, following her toward the living room.

  “I didn’t know you were moving in today. I was supposed to help you, remember?”

  “Yeah, it’s fine. I only brought one bag over and Brody helped me.”

  Brody. I shouldn’t have felt the wave of jealousy, but I did. I really needed to get myself in line. “I didn’t see your car outside.”

  “It’s at Colin’s. Maddy’s supposed to drop it by with him tonight. They’ll bring the rest of my stuff too.”

  “Why don’t we go get it? Save Maddy and Colin the trip?”

  “Oh, thanks.” She ran a hand through her wet hair. “Should we go now?”

  “Sure, unless you have other plans.”

  “Other plans in a town where I know no one.”

  “You know people.”

  “Yes, I know four.” She walked back to her room and returned with a purse.

  I held open the door. “In case math isn’t your strong point, four is more than none.”

  She laughed and followed me out. “Really? I had no idea.”

  “It’s actually a pretty simple concept.” I started down the stairs, and she followed.

  Her flip flops made little slapping sounds on each step. “I guess if I want to be stealthy I should wear different shoes.”

  “It might be advisable,” I teased as I held open the door to my Accord. She seemed surprised by the gesture before sliding into the seat.

  I pulled out of the lot once she buckled her seatbelt. “Were you serious about the no plans thing?”

  She tore her eyes away from her window. “Yeah. What would I be doing?”

  “I don’t know. Going out on the town.”

  “By myself? No thanks.”

  “Yeah, that’s probably not advisable for a girl.”

  “I don’t like how sexist that comment is, but it’s probably true.”

  I laughed. “Honest. I like it.”

  “What other way is there to be?”

  “How are you doing?” I hadn’t brought up the whole thing with her sister again, because I didn’t want to upset her, but she almost seemed more distant. I hoped it hadn’t gotten worse.

  “I’m fine. Excited to finish moving.”

  “You don’t like living with Colin, do you?”

  “It’s not that. I just feel guilty. He’s been so helpful and supportive, I don’t want to overstay my welcome, you know?”

&nbs
p; “I definitely do.”

  “But maybe I’m going to do that to you guys too. I hope you offered me the spot because you actually wanted to.”

  I decided to end her doubts immediately. “We wanted you to move in. You’re cool. It’s going to work out.”

  “I hope so.”

  “I know so.” I reached over to touch her leg to comfort her, but at the last minute I thought better of it, and instead I put a hand behind her seat. If it had been Maddy she’d have thought nothing of it, and let’s face it, neither would I. But Carly was different. She was wearing a short sundress that showed off just enough of her legs to mess with me. Why did I have to feel so comfortable and at ease with her? That comfort would get me in trouble if I wasn’t careful.

  “You’re pretty confident, aren’t you?” She watched me carefully.

  I continued down the one main road that cut across the island. “Usually.” She’d have to get to know me really well to see any other side.

  She laughed this kind of high pitched laugh. Normally I’d have thought it was fake, but I sensed it wasn’t. We rode the rest of the way in silence.

  I pulled into the driveway.

  She unbuckled her seatbelt. “I have to pack up a few things, so don’t worry about waiting.”

  “You sure?” I’d planned to help her.

  “I might need your help on the other side though.”

  “Just give me a call when you park.”

  “Awesome.” She reached to open her door. “Thanks for the ride.”

  “Anytime.” I smiled. “I’m glad you’re moving in.”

  “Me too.” She hopped out and closed the door.

  I waved before pulling out of Colin’s driveway.

  Before I’d made it halfway home Ralph called. “Hey, what’s up?” I answered. He only called for two reasons, to ask me to cover him at work or to tell me about a party. I was banking on it being the latter.

  “There’s a party at Sean’s tonight. You in?”

  “Sure.” I needed to get out. “I’ll see you there.” I hung up. Maybe I’d invite Carly to come with me.

  Carly

  “Hey, Maddy!” I called up the stairwell when I walked in. Her car was parked in the driveway so I assumed she was home.

  She didn’t answer, so I decided to finish packing. I’d just finished putting away the last of my clothes when I got a text from Colin.

  Sorry I didn’t reply earlier. Crazy day. Went well. I have a plan. I’ll fill you in later.

  Awesome! It was fun being in on Colin’s secret. It was the first hint at what our grown-up relationship would be. My brother was the only rock in my life, and I really hoped he wouldn’t push me away too.

  He texted me again. In case I need to spell it out, don’t tell her. I really want her to be surprised.

  I’m not dumb.

  That’s questionable, but good. Talk soon.

  Sure, but I’m moving today

  Today?

  Yeah…

  Ok, if you need help let me know.

  K. Thanks.

  I pocketed my phone and walked out to the kitchen. “Maddy?” I called again. I needed my keys if I was going anywhere. Still no answer. I decided to check outside. Sure enough she was sitting out on the deck.

  “Hey.”

  “Hey.” Her voice was so soft I barely heard her.

  I slumped down in the chair next to hers. “How’re you doing?”

  “I’m not sure.”

  “That doesn’t sound particularly good.” I looked her over. She looked a little pale again. “What’s going on?”

  “Life never works out the way you plan.”

  “Ok… so what’s going on?” She was moving in with Colin. This was supposed to be a really good day.

  “Have you ever found out something good but realized someone else would think it’s really bad?”

  “Uh… maybe.” I hadn’t experienced the exact concern, but I was pretty much an expert on worrying about what someone would think. I wasn’t sure where she was going with this conversation though.

  “That’s how I feel right now.”

  “Care to elaborate?” I leaned back into the slightly uncomfortable chair.

  “Yes, but no.”

  “You have to be the most confusing person ever today. Just tell me what’s up.” I didn’t want to be pushy, but I had the distinct impression that the person who would find the news bad was my brother.

  She turned to me. “If I told you something, would you swear to keep it between us?”

  “In other words, I can’t tell Colin?”

  “Yes.”

  I thought about it. I wouldn’t want to hide something from Colin, but if I wanted to help him, I needed to know what was going on.

  “I promise. Whatever it is stays between us.”

  She pursed her lips and looked back out at the water. “Do you think your brother wants kids?”

  What? What kind of secret was that? “I think so but it’s not like we’ve discussed it a lot.”

  “But what’s your gut feeling?” She turned to me. “Would he be excited at the idea, or upset, or—”

  “You’re pregnant.” The words flew out of my mouth.

  She nodded. “I finally picked up a test after I dropped you off.”

  “Wow. Congrats.”

  “You didn’t answer me.” She tensed up. “How would he react?”

  “He’d be surprised, but then he’d probably get excited. He’d want to get married right away.”

  “That’s what I was afraid of.”

  “Huh? You didn’t want him to be happy?” Either Maddy was losing her mind or the pregnancy hormones were already kicking in.

  “I want him to be, but I don’t want him to marry me because of it. That’s not a good way to start a marriage.”

  “Why would you think that’s the only reason he’d marry you? I just meant he’d want to do it sooner.”

  “It’s the same thing. I don’t want him being pushed faster than he’d want.”

  Seriously? Had Colin just made me promise not to tell Maddy? “He loves you.”

  “And I love him.”

  “So when are you going to tell him?”

  “I’m not sure.”

  “So you’re going to hide it?” I tried to keep my anger down, but it was my brother and his unborn child we were talking about.

  “Just for a few more weeks. I can’t even see a doctor until next month because I’m not far enough along. Why get him all worked up for nothing?”

  “He should still know…”

  “And I’ll tell him, when I’m ready.”

  “And you don’t know when that will be?”

  “Soon. I don’t like keeping things from him, but I need to figure out what I want first.”

  “You’re keeping the baby.” I sensed that wasn’t the decision she was trying to make.

  “Of course.” She crossed her arms over her chest. “Of course. That’s not the question.”

  “Then what is it? It can’t be whether Colin gets to be part of it?”

  “Carly, calm down. I just moved in with your brother. Do you really think I would have done that if I planned to run off with his child?”

  She had a point. “I’m sorry.”

  “I’m sorry you’d even think that about me.” She sighed. “Maybe I should just tell him. Get it out there.”

  “Secrets never help anything, but then again telling the truth can suck too.” I learned that the hard way with my sister.

  “I’m sorry… I know what happened with your brother-in law.”

  “Just stop. Let’s stop this negative talk. This is good, You’re going to be a mom. I’m going to be an aunt.”

  She laughed. “It is cool… but also terrifying.”

  “Well you know I’m here if you need me at all.”

  “I know, and I appreciate it.”

  “Are you going to tell your parents?” I probably shouldn’t have moved stuff back to a less
than easy topic, but I was curious.

  “Not until I tell Colin. I need his support.”

  She looked out at the water. “You’ve changed my mind.”

  “Hmm?”

  “I’m not going to wait to tell him, I’m telling him tonight.”

  “And how did I change it?”

  “You brought up my parents. Nothing will be scarier than that.”

  I laughed. “Glad I could help. Will you tell me how he reacts?”

  “Won’t he tell you?”

  I thought about it. “Eventually.”

  She sighed again. “I’ve never been this nervous about telling someone something before.”

  “He’ll handle it well.” I really hoped he did. I also hoped he didn’t just propose on the spot… but then again he had the ring. That’s when I came up with a crazy idea that might make everything work. “Don’t tell him tonight.”

  “What? You’re the one who told me I shouldn’t keep it from him.”

  “Just wait a little while. Enjoy your first few nights officially living together.”

  “It’s not like this is my first night staying here or anything.”

  “Just give yourself a few nights to enjoy it.” Whatever Colin had planned he needed to work fast, which meant I needed to talk to him without revealing her secret. It wasn’t going to be easy, but I was determined to make it work.

  “I guess that will give me the chance to figure out how to tell him. I feel like it’s hard to just say ‘I’m pregnant’ with no lead up.”

  “But you also don’t seem like the type to go all cutesy with little hints.”

  She leaned back. “Not exactly.”

  “You’re going to be such a great mom. I’m so happy for you.”

  “Thanks. I’m trying to stay calm and excited, but it’s still so early.”

  “I understand completely.”

  We talked for a little while longer before I went inside to pack the rest of my stuff. After a quick goodbye I headed back over to the condo.

  I tried Colin twice on my way back over. He didn’t pick up either time, so I gave up. I didn’t bother with a message. He’d notice the missed calls. I parked in the spot Maddy had used earlier and called Macon. If he’d given me his number, I might as well use it.

  “Well, hello there.” Everything the guy said sounded flirtatious.