Chasing My Forever (Beaumont: Next Generation 3)

“And if she’s wearing pants?”

I laugh. “Aside from the fact that she’ll be glued to her fiancé’s side, she’s the sweet one. The one you don’t want to talk sports with. And I think Elle’s hair might be darker right now.”

“And which one is your evil sister?”

“That’s Elle, she’s my manager and she’s not really evil. She’s just been through a lot. Her boyfriend will be here. His name is Ben. Noah is Peyton’s better half.”

“Well, this won’t be confusing at all, Nola and Noah.” Nola rolls her eyes before covering her face. I bring her into my arms and kiss her neck.

“You’ll be fine. They’re harmless, they’ll be inquisitive, but they all mean well.”

She nods against me. “Promise you won’t leave me?”

I nudge her forward, so I can look into her eyes. “Hey, Nola?”

“Yeah?”

“What do you think about being my girlfriend? I’d really like to introduce you as such.”

She leans forward, cups my face and gives me a kiss. “I think it’s cheesy and perfect. I’d love to be your girlfriend.”

“Let’s go meet my family.” Instead of taking her through the garage, I take her to the front door. My dad has owned this condo since I was young, but when he adopted the twins, he and my mom bought the upstairs one and converted both units into one big house. As soon as we step in, Nola stops in her tracks. I look at her, not surprised in the least, by the expression on her face. The view my parents have is beyond spectacular. The wall facing the beach is pure glass that slides open, leaving a massive space to walk in and out from, making it look like there isn’t a wall there at all.

“You live here?”

“I used to, but only in the summers until I graduated from high school. My parents own a house in Beaumont, where we grew up. Would you like a tour, or do you want to meet everyone?” Just as I ask, my aunt Josie walks in from outside.

“Hello, Quinn.”

“Hey,” I say. My palms are suddenly sweaty and as much as I want to let go of Nola’s hand, I don’t want her to think I’m doing so because I’m embarrassed by her. “This is my girlfriend, Nola. This is my aunt Josie. She’s Liam’s wife.”

Nola’s eyes go wide as she shakes Josie’s hand. “It’s nice to meet you.”

“You too. Everyone’s out back. I think they’re waiting for you,” she says, looking directly at me. My lips close together, and the trepidation starts to increase. It’s now or never. There’s no escaping.

Without even asking Nola or telling my aunt I’ll talk to her later, I walk toward the back patio. Voices grow louder, and I can hear music playing the closer we get. I pause at the door and shake my head.

“What’s wrong?”

“They’re listening to the demo the band made.”

“Is that you singing?”

I glance at Nola and nod.

“I missed your show last night.”

“There will be others.”

“With a voice like yours, I have no doubt. You’re amazing.”

“You mean in bed, right?”

Nola laughs.

I place my hand over my heart. “You’re bruising my ego.”

“Incorrigible,” she calls me. “I’m pretty sure you know how I feel about you.”