She tangled her hands in my hair, and it only spurred me on. I could never get enough of how she tasted. I could never get enough of her, period.
When I felt her clench around my fingers and I tasted her orgasm, I slowed my movements, carrying her through it. I wanted it to be a slow ride, not quick. I didn’t want it to end. I wanted her to feel every ounce of love I had for her, even when I was too scared to admit the truth. In that moment, as I scooted up to meet Kaia’s smiling and satiated face, I knew I didn’t want to be anywhere else.Holy shit, I’m in love with Kaia!
I’d always had love for her on the best-friend level, but this felt different. This was actual romantic, I’d-do-anything-for-you love. This wasyou’re-my-safe-space kind of love. The kind of love I hadn’t felt for anyone before, and to feel it with Kaia was scary and also one of the best feelings.
I smiled and kissed her nose before heading off to get a little bit of work done before meeting with my friends. I’d tell her soon. Maybe.
After an extra-long shower with Kaia, who cruelly didn’t put clothes back on, I kissed her and Duke goodbye before heading out the door.
When I pulled up to the restaurant, everyone was already there. I was only a few minutes late, and I hoped they didn’t notice.
“It’s about time. You’re late,” Remy said once I approached their table.
I rolled my eyes and tried to hide my blush. Shit. “Only by a few minutes. I’m sorry.”
She waved me off and pulled me in for a hug. My next hug was for Nova, who I hadn’t seen in a few years. She hardly ever left Fairview, even to the next city over. She was only a few years older than her sister, and Remy never let her forget it.
“I missed you, sweetie. You need to come out more!” I admonished.
Nova looked like she belonged in a big city, not a small town in Washington. She had long hair, the color resembling red velvet, and big dark gorgeous eyes. She reminded me a little of Kaia, besides the hair. She was the sweetest, most down-to-earth person I knew.
“I know. I’ve just got a lot going on. I miss you too, Dais.”
“Okay, enough of the reunion. Let’s eat, I’m starving,” Emma interrupted.
I smiled and brought her in for a hug too. I said hello to the rest of the girls before our waitress came over and we ordered way too many wings and mozzarella sticks.
It really had been too long since we all got together. Growing up, we hung out every day, it seemed, especially Remy and Nova, because they lived down the street from me.
I left Fairview right after high school, but not because of some big meltdown. I wasn’t in love with my best friend who didn’t love me back. I didn’t get into a huge fight with my parents. I didn’t run off to some college in the city. But my parents were the reason I moved to Seattle.
They said I needed life experience, and I couldn’t get that in a small town. I had saved up enough money for a cheap apartment. From myallowance to side jobs I had picked up in high school. Babysitting, teaching sign language, tutoring, pet sitting, anything I could make money from.
For my graduation, my parents bought me a car and gave me a little nest egg to help me get started. With everything, I was able to find a studio apartment and survive for at least four months.
Finding work was the struggle, and I started to get nervous, afraid I couldn’t make it on my own. Then I was scrolling social media and saw a really cool book cover design and wondered how to get into that.
I’d always loved drawing and painting. For my sixteenth birthday, my parents got me a tablet with a fancy design program installed, and since then, that was all I did in my free time. I was always on that thing, drawing and doodling and just messing around.
After I did more research about becoming a freelance illustrator, I decided to give it a try. I still tried to find a steady job, but once I made a business account and put myself out there, I started getting emails and messages about work. I wasn’t bringing in the millions, but it was enough to keep me afloat. I was lucky enough to have supportive parents, and if I really needed help, I knew they would come to my rescue without a second thought. But I wanted to do it on my own.
Now, almost ten years later, I illustrated full time and lived in my late grandmother’s house she’d left me a few years ago.
Remy’s arm on my shoulder caused me to jump, bringing me back to the moment. “So, where’s your girlfriend tonight?” she teased.
Nova’s eyebrows perked up. “Girlfriend? You’re dating someone? Who is this girlfriend?”
“She’s at home tonight. She wanted me to spend time with you guys on my own. She’s probably reading and snuggling with Duke.”
I couldn’t hide the wistful smile dancing on my face. I wished so desperately to be there with them, cozy and warm on the couch like a little family, reading and smiling and loving every second of it.
“Daisy. Are you two actually dating?”
Confused, I frowned at Emma. “What?”
“Well, it’s just, usually you roll your eyes when we call her your girlfriend, but this time you didn’t deny it.”
I hadn’t even thought about it. Kaia was my girlfriend, and they always joked about us being together, so it slipped my mind.
