Page 79 of Forged Forever

“Text your dad if you haven’t, and I’ll be back later.” I kiss his cheek and leave the room to find the guys.

Peeking into Seb’s room, it’s empty, and the shower is running in the hall, so I walk downstairs. The guys are in the living room, drinks in hand, with the tv on. I get water from the fridge and drop down beside Nick. E joins us a few minutes later.

“What did we get for graduation presents?” Seb asks. “I got money for school and new basketball sneakers.”

I tell them about my unique gift from Zander. He said he had a hard time deciding what to get me. Since I have my own money, there wasn’t anything I needed for college, so he put my name on the ownership papers for the house, so that we both own the property now. It's his way of ensuring I always have a home. I was very touched by the gesture. Between that, the bouquet, and all the decorations, I was spoiled.

Bay’s family got together to give him a gift certificate to the college bookstore, and Olivia made him a banner and cards.

“My father released part of my inheritance to me,” Alex tells us. “E, please share with the others what you received.”

“Steven gave me an inheritance too. Three million dollars,” E says. “I still can’t believe it.” E genuinely seems shocked, despite it being hours later.

“What?” Seb exclaims, jumping up from his seat. “Are you serious? That’s amazing, E.” Seb is gesturing wildly, pacing the floor. “No more money worries. Steven is a good man. Wow.” He plops back down as quickly as he got up, pulling E into a hug. “I’m so happy for you.”

We congratulate him as well; Seb still wrapped around him. E’s eyes are glassy with tears, but he has a brilliant smile on his face.

“It seems we all did rather well,” Alex comments, a gentle smile on his face, watching E. That was an amazing gift from Steven. The more I get to know the man, the more I like him. I imagine the idea may have also come from Alex as well.

After we watch a movie, I excuse myself to bed. Jake is out cold, sprawled out like a starfish, covers already wrapped around his legs. I check that the screen door on the patio is locked, pull the sheer curtains closed, and hop into bed. Sliding Jake’s arm and leg closer to his body, I make room to lie down.

Growing up, before we started dating, we often fell asleep together, and it was a struggle when Jake was truly exhausted, like tonight. More than once, I ended up on the floor when he stretched out. We learned to let me sleep against the wall to prevent it. Unfortunately, there’s open space on both sides of the bed here. I always had the covers over me in the morning, often cold where Jake kicked them off soon after falling asleep. That part at least worked well for both of us.

Untangling the covers from his legs, I pull them over myself and turn off the light.

Chapter 45

Jake wakes me the next morning, kissing my neck. “Morning,” I mumble, stretching my arms and legs out. I roll over to see his face. Jake’s hair is sticking up every which way, sapphire eyes bright. “Hey handsome. Did you sleep well?”

“Yup.” He leans in for a kiss, disregarding the morning breath we are both probably sporting. Twining my fingers through his hair, I lick his full bottom lip, and he opens immediately for me.

Leaning some of his weight on my side, he runs his fingertips under my shirt and across my belly, causing my abs to contract. We are languid, slowly exploring each other’s mouths.

Jake breaks the kiss, leaning on his elbow, hand splayed over my belly. “It’s weird. I’m 18 and a virgin. Thought I’d lose my virginity to you ages ago, but my brain is still 16 and I’m not ready yet.”

“No rush, handsome. We'll go at your pace. We have forever now.”

Jake smiles down at me. “What’s on the agenda today?”

“The beach, probably. Let’s go see.” He grabs my hand as we walk down the stairs and find E, Nick, and Alex in the kitchen already. I get morning hugs from Alex and E, and then Nick grabs me and pulls me onto the stool beside him, resting his hand on my thigh.

Jake says hello to Alex and E before watching Nick for a minute. Snapping his fingers, he points to him. “Nick. I remember.”

Nick’s lips pick up a tiny bit at the corners. “Morning,” he rumbles.

I squeeze Nick’s hand before getting up to help E with breakfast. We eat on the patio, enjoying the quiet beach and salt-misted air. E makes omelettes for Seb and Bay, leaving them warming in the oven while Alex and Jake clean up.

The plan for today is simple. Water and sand. While we’re waiting for the other guys to emerge from slumber, I text Sue and Dad to check in. Dad is making breakfast for Sarah and Sue arrived home safely last night.

Wandering back out to the deck after I change into my swimsuit, I take a seat on the sofa with Nick quickly following. Leaning against his side, I ask him his plans for school. He’s getting his GED this summer and plans on studying with Jake when he’s not working. “I’m sure he’d like that, Grumpy. He’s an extroverted guy. Are you staying full time at Finn from now on?”

“Yeah. I’m permanent next week.”

Jake, E, and Alex join us once the kitchen is clean. It’s close to 10am before Seb and Bay grace us with their presence. They shovel their breakfast as if they haven’t eaten in a month, then we trudge under the house for supplies.

As expected, it’s a busy beach day. Umbrellas and canopies are scattered everywhere on the sand. I help the guys set up, lather their backs, then take a seat in front of the shade structure.

As soon as the sunscreen is absorbed, we hit the water. The tide is out, allowing easy entry through the wet sand, and tiny little waves are lapping at the shore. Alex and Bay immediately get deep enough to dive, with Nick beginning a freestyle stroke out to deeper water. The rest of us float and play around in shallower water.