Summer Love in the Forest (Summer Instalove)

If she wanted to tell herself that I was out of her life completely, perhaps letting her think that for a while was for the best. But there was no way I was going to give up on her.

CHAPTER THIRTEEN

* Kate *

*** One Week Later ***

The rest of the customers at Julian’s Pub must have absolutely hated us. The second we all arrived there was a flurry of squeals, hugging, and laughter so loud I swear it shook the chandelier above us.

As soon as we had ordered a round of wine, the stories began. I couldn’t believe that Joanna was already making plans to move out to t he country with her hot farmhand, Dean. The photos of the two of them out in the field together warmed my heart.

Laura told us all about Paul, and how her crazy new boyfriend wanted her to move into his condo right away. She showed us the incredible necklace that he had made from one of her sketches.

“That’s amazing,” Kim squealed. She raised her hand, waving as if she were a prom queen. “Friends, we have a keeper over here.”

“What about you?” Joanna said to Kim. “You sent us a photo of some big guy with tattoos.”

To our absolute shock, Kim actually blushed. “Devin is amazing. He wants me to move in too soon as well, but I’m actually thinking about it.”

Becca shook her head. “I told Mitch that I needed a little time first. It’s cute how careful he is with me. He just floated the idea out there for me to consider as long as I needed.” Her eyes absolutely sparkled. “But I know that he wants me to move in so that he knows I’m safe all the time.”

After a too-loud round of “Awws,” Laura reached out to tap the back of my hand. “Hey, quiet one. We haven’t heard a peep about your forest getaway.”

Trying to arrange my features into a calm smile, it felt like a lie. “Well, I did meet someone, but I don’t think…” I burst into tears, shocking the others as much as myself. Instantly I felt arms around me, a tissue being pressed into my hand. Someone’s palm was rubbing my back.

“Let it out, sweetie,” Laura said.

“If some guy did you wrong, we will kick his ass,” Kim said sharply. “I’m not joking, I have a guy for that now.”

I shot her a look, blinking through my tears. “You had better be kidding.”

“Nope. What’s his name? I will tear him a new one if he hurt you.”

Shaking my head, I mumbled, “I’m okay...just give me a second.”

The girls sat down again, but Laura kept her hand on my back. “Breathe, sweetie, and try to tell us what happened,” she said softly.

Nodding, I tried to pull myself together. “His name is Ray. He runs the campground for a month every year to give his brother a break. He’s…” It was bizarre how hard this was to share. As if saying the words out loud made everything concrete.

“He’s incredible, but he’s just…larger than life. His energy is huge. I feel like I lose myself when I’m with him, and all I can think about is how much I want him.” Looking up at Laura through wet eyes, I asked, “I can’t put my dreams aside and lose myself for the first guy I’ve ever loved, can I?”

Laura’s head cocked to the side, and I saw her eyes dart to Joanna. “Kate,” Joanna said slowly, “Did he ask you to put your dreams aside? Did he ask you to change anything?”

“No, but I just can’t control myself around him. I know that I’m going to want to be with him all the time, and spend every waking moment with him. He’s just…instantly addictive.”

Joanna patted my hand. “I get it. We all probably had that at first, right? How we just wanted to be in his arms day and night?” The other girls nodded.

“You can figure it out,” Laura said. “If you really want to, I’m sure he’ll compromise and you guys will find out whatever lifestyle works for you.”

“Was he good to you?” Kim asked. “Did he really listen?”

“Yes.”

“Could you call him and get together some time for coffee?” Becca asked. “Maybe if you met in public where you wouldn’t be jumping straight into the bedroom, you could have a real discussion.”

“How did you know…” I looked around as four faces each raised an eyebrow.

“You’ve got it bad, girl,” Kim laughed. “It might as well be written across your face in big black magic marker.”