Page 36 of Forged Forever

When Alex and Bay come back out, we gather our belongings to leave. Penny steps up to Bay for a hug and kiss as I look away, and Seb slings his arm over my shoulder for support. “I still believe it’ll happen, Sunshine,” he murmurs in my ear. Leaning my head on his shoulder, I wonder which would be better. Bay is set on having a one-on-one relationship, so that is what he should have. Someday it won’t bother me to see him with another.

We’re going to the movies, except for Bay, this evening, so I text Jake to check in before I drive behind Alex to the cinema. Holly, Jaxon, and Adam are standing together outside the building when we arrive. As I’m waiting in line behind Alex for snacks, he buys me a bag of chocolate candy. I quirk an eyebrow and thank him, and he gives me a smile in return.

Seb insists Gabby and Adam sit in front again as he settles between me and E, with Alex on my right. We seem like such a small group without Bay and Nick. At least one of them is safe and happy. A frown tries to form on my face, but I mentally shake it off. Whatever Nick is up to, he’d want me happy, and I’m soon distracted by the great movie and Seb playing with my fingers.

I drive home after getting hugs goodbye from my guys.

Chapter 23

Alex and I decide to go with Dad to the gun range on Sunday morning. Alex has been here more often than I have and is pretty darn good now. I’m hitting the target regularly, but the bullseye is still elusive. He follows us home as both dad and I pack our bags. Dad is going to Savannah again tonight while I’m staying with E and Alex. I could stay here alone, but we’re all more comfortable with one of the guys here or with me staying with them. Knowing Seb, he’ll be at Alex’s too.

Hugging Dad goodbye at his truck, I remind him to say hello to Sarah for me when they have dinner. Alex follows me to Jake’s condo, where they play video games for a few hours as I watch. After Alex and Ray leave, Jake and I relax on the deck with smoothies. “Did you behave today, handsome?”

“Yes, you worrywart. I realize I was hindering my progress. When were you going to tell me you had boyfriends?”

Smoothie spews from my mouth, landing on me and the patio floor. Coughing, I wipe my mouth with the back of my hand as I try to breathe. Did he just…

Slowly, I hesitantly look over at Jake with my mouth hanging open, terrified of what I’ll see. A closed lipped smile and sad eyes greet me. “Wh…what did you just ask me?”

“Don’t freak out, Sum.”

“Uh…” Fuck! I was planning on talking to him soon, but he went and blew that out of the water. I’m not ready for this talk. I was going to write an entire speech and practice it for the occasion. My heartbeat is becoming a gallop, twisting into a sprint. Breathe, Summer, just breathe. One moment at a time.

“Look,” Jake interrupts my freak out. “You love me, and I love you. Am I your boyfriend? Because you are mine. My everything.”

Looking over at him after a deep breath, I answer. “Yes.” My voice is raspy from choking and the abrupt conversation.

“Good. I’ve had months to come to terms with this Sum.”

Say what now? My eyes must look cartoonish with how big they are.

“I’ve watched the way the guys look at you. All your friends are half in love with you, or more. Especially Seb. They’re all affectionate, not in an inappropriate way, but the chemistry is evident.”

Oh my gosh! I’m going to die of mortification. He’s known for months? I just…my mind isn’t processing this news.

“Seb suggested the audiobooks I’ve been listening to in the mornings after physio. One guess what kind of books they are.”

“Reverse harem,” I whisper.

“Bingo! They’re full of action too, some mystery, and there's even a few paranormal ones. By the way, why do I like paranormal stuff now, and I hated it before the accident?”

“Oh, ah, Mal, your nurse in Virginia read you paranormal books all the time.” I think I’m numb, in shock. Focus Summer.

“Interesting. Anyway, I initially freaked out, but I decided to just watch for a while because I knew little about that type of relationship. Seb told me he and E were bisexual, and he mentioned a group that was three guys and a girl that you all knew. I started reading the books and talking to Cameron about it. I was bitter for a short time, but Cameron helped me see it from a different point of view.

“You never wavered in your belief and support of me. When everyone else left, you stayed faithfully, and you never gave up. Seb told me you still called me your boyfriend. How can I be mad? It would be unrealistic for you to remain single for the rest of your life. There was no hope of my waking.

“Then, when the trial happened, you put your entire life aside to be there for me. You still visit me every single day. I know,” Jake says, placing his hand over his heart. “In here, I know how you feel about me. How deeply you love me.

“You are selfless, so there is no other choice but for me to be selfless too. Is it strange to think about? Yes, but I’ll be damned if I let you get away from me. You’re clearly capable of loving more than one person. So tell me, who's in your harem?”

I’m still frozen, stunned when he stops talking, and hot tears are trailing down my cheeks. I must be dreaming. How did I not catch on that he figured it out? “Did Seb do a terrible job of hinting to you?”

Jake shakes his head no. “No one said a word to me. I figured it out myself. I can be smart sometimes too.”

Tentatively smiling, I grab his hands in mine. “Are you really okay with this, because it doesn’t seem real.”

“I am Sum. Promise.”