Always and Forever Read online

  What changed? Was it my insecurity taking over? I sipped my beer and thought it over before Micah reached out to touch my hand. “Are you here?”

  “Yeah. Sorry.” I stared at him. “You intimidate the hell out of me, Micah.”

  “How so?” He asked with a smile.

  “Every way. You’re gorgeous, you can charm anyone into anything, and everyone in this town wants you.” He smirked and drank some beer as he considered his answer.

  “I can’t help who I am or how I look. I sing for the band purely for the music. It was never about meeting anyone, even if it has worked out that way at times. I met you that way, and it thrills me, but I don’t need a new face next week in my bed.” His voice was stern, and I frowned at him. “Understand that.”

  “I do. I understand it, and your selective compassion for people is incredible. I just need to forget that I’m new here and you’re you. My ex wasn’t great, either.”

  “I hear that. I have my walls up, as you’ve seen.” I nodded, and the air grew serious around us. We ate our meals, and I watched the sunset intently, snapping some pictures of it. “Do you want to do anything else?”

  I was tired of my churning emotions. “Maybe a movie. I want to relax after our busy day.”

  “Perfect. How does my couch sound?” I nodded, and we drove back to his place, walking inside. He got beers for us, and we settled on the wide cushions. I sent a message to Mom to make sure things were good there and smiled when she assured me that it was. She told me to enjoy myself, and I set the phone on the couch, closing my eyes.

  I woke up in a dark room, blinking as I glanced around. I was on Micah’s couch, and I searched beside me to see him spread out to my right. I rubbed my eyes and looked at my watch to see that it was two in the morning. Shit. I didn’t stay awake long at all, but he stayed here with me. I reached out to touch him softly, and he shifted under my hand. “Keller?”

  “We fell asleep on the couch. Do you want to go to bed?” I whispered as he stretched.

  “Sure. I don’t think we finished a movie. Are we getting old or what?” He rose and moved beside me.

  “I don’t think we have the standard lives of twenty-somethings.” He nodded and kissed my hair.

  “Bed.” We managed to grab water on the way and stripped before climbing under the covers. After making love, he dropped to his pillows and looked at me in the dim light from the moon. “Today had some crazy points, didn’t it?”

  “It did. We’re also racing at the speed of light in this thing between us. I met your family, you met my family, and we’re getting serious fast.” I hoped that I was right in that assumption.

  “There’s that and the fact that we both have pasts that we’re still dealing with. It’s complicated.” Micah smiled and leaned in for a kiss. “I’m happy with you.”

  “I’m happy with you.” I kissed him, and we settled in to fall asleep for a few hours.

  I got up first to use the bathroom, deciding to make some coffee. I was certain I slept more than Micah last night, so I felt energized. I unpacked my laptop and set it on the table before letting Mallory in. “Morning.” She smiled as she took in my work area. “You two are serious, aren’t you?”

  “It would seem so.” She went to get coffee and joined me, turning on her computer. “He’s sleeping. We had a busy day yesterday.”

  “Good or bad?” She pressed, and I ran a hand through my hair.

  “Both?” We heard footsteps, and Micah wandered into the room, wearing shorts and a muscle t-shirt. He looked good enough to eat, and I had to pull my eyes away.

  “Morning, Mal. Keller.” He seemed tired and went right for coffee. “I can’t believe that you both woke up before me.”

  “It’s not a crime to sleep in sometimes,” Mallory told him as she snickered. “He was the one up for school, always rushing me. It was so irritating.”

  I laughed and reached for my coffee. “I’m not surprised.”

  We settled into work, making toast when we were hungry. There were some cookies from their mom in the kitchen that we kept nibbling on, making me want to run around the state a few times. I knew that he was playing tonight while I watched another band across town. I also knew that it shouldn’t bother me since it was my job. I needed to reign in this jealousy and remember the career that I was working toward.

  I wrote out the questions I had for tonight’s band based on the things my editor liked about the first article. I wanted to do a great job on every piece and earn a good reputation. I had a few reasons to stay in Colorado now and planned to make something of myself. Watching Micah and Mallory work so hard was inspiring for me, and I had watched them a few times. He was all about focus as he worked, turning his head this way and that. Mallory was picky and scowled a lot, and I held back my laughter.

  We took a lunch break, and I went to get some Indian food for us. I needed the break and fresh air and enjoyed the short drive. The weather here in the Spring was great if not a bit cold, and I cracked the window a bit. I smiled when I took the bag and turned to leave, seeing the waiter from the previous dinner. He seemed to be picking something up as well, and I took him in as I held the door. “Thank you.” He smiled and then looked in my face. “You were with Micah last night, weren’t you?”

  “I was.” I kept my tone even.

  “You’re hot, but don’t think he’ll be around forever. That one likes to switch things up.” He smiled as he placed his hands on his hips.

  “He was in a relationship for several months. Are you referring to the time before that?” I asked, knowing that he got under my skin. His eyes gleamed, and he shrugged.

  “Was he? The ex might not be saying that, so enjoy your time. I’ve heard he’s good.” The waiter turned and walked to the counter as I watched in disbelief. My insecurity was taking over at this moment, and I forced myself through the door. I didn’t even know if anyone else had come through it.

  “Fuck, fuck, fuck.” I cursed as I got into my car. I didn’t need that today I tried to think if Micah had a beer and then considered just dropping the food off and leaving. “Pull it together. More talk than truth. That’s what he told me.” I started the car and drove back to Micah’s house, listening to music on the way to clear my head.

  We ate, and I told them I was going to check on Mom before the show tonight, using the reason that I finished with work. I needed to get out of there and took the laptop with me just in case I started working right away tonight. I felt Micah looking at me but kissed him goodbye and told them to have a fun night.

  I sensed that he was concerned about us when I left without a lot of explanation. I didn’t give him one, but I didn’t feel like dragging the same shit up again. I needed to get over my insecurity, and that was all there was to it. I went home to hang out with Mom, telling her that I was going to a show tonight. I was sure that she sensed there was more but fixed an easy dinner for us and chatted with the twins over the meal.

  I showered and dressed in black jeans and a dark gray T-shirt with boots. I looked like I’d fit right in, which I preferred. It was work and not just fun. I told them to have a good night and drove to the small club, parking on the side of the building. I glanced at my phone and saw a message, opening it to see that it was from my California mom. I responded, promising that I’d call her tomorrow.

  There was nothing from Micah, which was fine. I hadn’t been away from him enough to know if he was a text or phone guy. That seemed so weird to me a few days into whatever was happening between us. I shoved my phone into my pocket and walked to the door to pay the cover. I ordered a beer and found a table in the corner so I could work as I listened to the music.

  I opened my notebook, preferring to work that way before using my laptop to make the first draft. I looked around the crowd that was forming, seeing a mix of people. This band had more of a pop-punk sound, and it showed in the fans that drank around the bar.

  Someone announced the band, and I watched as a group of four took the
small stage. It was three men that played guitar and drums and a vibrant redhead that sang with a keyboard in front of her. They were catchy and fun, and she filled the place with her energy. I liked the music, but my mind would wander to Micah before I forced it back to the present.

  I took notes on the sound and the members, watching the fans dance around the club. They were having a great time, but I missed Micah and the way he took over the room. The girl wasn’t doing the same for me, although I suspected her bright spirit captivated most of the crowd that way, men and women alike. When they finished, I offered to buy them drinks. They agreed to an interview, and we sat down at a large table once the fans calmed down.

  They started a couple of years ago in the local area and wanted to take it farther. Each band member was just old enough to perform in bars and had a lot of energy to get to their dream: vitality and talent. I enjoyed the interview as much as I could in my mood and found myself wanting to know Moira better as a friend.

  “Thanks, guys. You sounded great up there.” I smiled, and they nodded, sipping beers as they shared looks.

  “You’re new in town?” Moira asked as I nodded.

  “Mostly. My stepmom lives here with her daughters, so I have visited. I just decided to move a few months ago to help them out, and I like it.” I smiled and sipped my water. I stopped at one beer due to the fact I had to drive home and getting drunk wasn’t part of my plan. I knew my client got burned like that in the past and wanted to show them that I was professional.

  “What other bands have you seen?” She pressed, and I smiled as I thought about Micah.

  “Linger Longer was my first last week.” She grinned, and I smiled at them.

  “Love them. That guy is so damn talented on the mike and easy on the eyes.” She giggled as I nodded. “We’ve tried to talk them into maybe a small tour with another local band and us. They aren’t into the idea.”

  “They have ties here. It sounded like it was just for fun, but I agree on their talent. I have the greatest job to get to come to shows and write about them.” I smiled, and they all agreed. They told me if I needed some friends in town, they’d love to hang out. We exchanged numbers, and I headed out to my car while they went to hang out with more fans.

  Home or Micah’s house?

  I checked my phone to see that there were no messages or calls. I didn’t want to assume that he’d want me to show up at the bar or his house, choosing to drive home. I parked in the driveway and walked into the dark house.

  I grabbed some water and headed to my room. Nobody was awake, and I closed my door before pulling on some shorts. I checked my phone again before charging it, seeing that there was nothing there.

  Chapter Eight

  Micah

  “You were off tonight. Is everything okay?” Mallory asked as we sat at the bar.

  “I sounded passable, right?” I checked, and she laughed as she reached for her water.

  “Yes. Your worshipers were happy with you, but I’m your sister. I notice more.” She gazed at me. “Is it Keller?”

  “Maybe. He was off when he came back with lunch. Did you notice?” I asked and watched as she shrugged.

  “It isn’t easy dating you, Micah. You know that, don’t you?” She asked me as I stared at her. “You’re the singer of a band that’s huge here. Everyone wants you, and he notices that when you’re out and about. I notice it, and it means nothing to me.” She raised a brow, and I shrugged. “Keller is gorgeous, but he might have some insecurities.”

  “He told me that he does. I told him to try and understand that I wasn’t going anywhere.” My shoulders slumped, and I sipped my water.

  “I’m sure that he’s trying. He’s new here and getting his footing. You two practically live together already, so I don’t know what you’re worried about.” Mallory smiled at me, and I nodded. I checked my phone and noticed that there was nothing from him.

  We’d talked today, so she knew that I spent some time with his family. She was surprised at how well everyone seemed to bond and amazed at how quickly I warmed up to them. She knew how kind I was and told me I shouldn’t hide it so much.

  We went home, and I wandered through the house that felt so empty. Grabbing a beer, I sat on the couch because the bedroom smelled like us. This room reminded me of him as well, but at least the TV would distract me.

  When did this happen to me? I thought that I loved Trey, but looking back, it was never real. I enjoyed being with him but knew early on that we weren’t forever. When Keller told me that he was falling for me, my stomach went wild, and I felt like I just won a prize. I felt the same way about him, but I didn’t say it at the time.

  I woke up on the couch in the morning, blinking in the sunlight that was shining through the windows. “Fuck.” My back hurt despite the comfort of the furniture, and I knew I should move around. I rose to stretch and pulled on some running clothes after drinking some water.

  I popped an earbud in and locked the door before heading outside. I turned right to head to the usual trail and kept a steady pace. I remembered last time when Keller called me for coffee and wished for my phone to ring again. Everything was new but so hot then, and as I analyzed things, I realized they still were. Maybe I could call him this morning, and I smiled at the thought. I’d get a few miles in and then make that call.

  I hit the park and paused to drink some cold water. I slipped my phone out of my pocket and paused the music as I considered my next move. I dialed his number and waited for it to ring.

  “Hello.” He sounded breathless, and I thought back to the times we were in bed and sounded that way.

  “Hey, Keller.” I heard him breathing heavily and smiled.

  “Hi. Sorry. I was running. What are you up to?” He asked as I thought I heard dismissal in his tone.

  “Running as well. I thought you might want to grab some coffee.” I waited for him to respond, not realizing that I stopped moving until he did.

  “The same place we did that one morning?” I let out a sigh of relief.

  “That’s what I was thinking. I’m close by.”

  “I’ll see you there in about ten minutes.” I agreed, and we ended the call. I splashed some cold water on my hand to run through my hair before replacing the ball cap. I walked to the street and turned to make my way to the coffee shop. I looked ahead to see if I could find Keller and grinned when he walked to the door to let himself in. He was wearing loose shorts but a tight t-shirt that showed everything off. He looked good. I jogged forward and walked in, looking around to see him in the recliners in the corner.

  “Hey. How was the run?” I smiled as he looked at me with a clear desire in his eyes.

  “Good. I needed to move. Yours?” He asked, and I told him I was feeling the same way.

  “What do you want? I’ll order.” I knew what he was going to say and was headed to the counter before he finished speaking. I knew he was watching me and grinned as I ordered the drinks. I added a couple of their power bars to the order and paid, thanking the girl with a smile. I waited for them to be ready and took the tray to the table, adding what he liked to his drink.

  “You know my order.” He was watching me as I set everything on the table.

  “I’ve drunk a lot of coffee with you.” I smiled as I sat down, taking in his flushed skin. “Have fun last night?”

  “I did. Echo Hearts was a good band. They’re fans of yours.”

  “We’ve hung out. Moira has as much energy as a kindergarten classroom.” I laughed, and he nodded. “I think they’ll make it.”

  “Probably. They’re fun.” He sipped his coffee, and I watched his mouth. “How was your show?”

  “The usual. I had a good time, and Mal watched us.” I wanted to ask why I didn’t hear from him or see him, but I held that in. “Dinner with the band is Wednesday. I hope you can make it.”

  “I’d like that,” Keller replied as he genuinely smiled. “I wanted to see you last night but felt like I was imposing. I didn’t
want just to show up.”

  “You could have called.” I grinned as he blushed.

  “I was thinking the same thing.” He shook his head. “I don’t know what the hell I’m doing.”

  “You have to be home sometimes, and that’s okay. I won’t demand that you stay with me, though I enjoy it when you do. I think we should call or text if we want to. There’s no need to think that out. Cool?”

  “Yes. It is.” He nodded, and we both laughed. “I’d like to see you tonight. The twins have friends over to study, and Mom is well-taken care of.”

  “Perfect. We can do dinner somewhere and just hang out.” He nodded. We chatted once everything settled, and he told me that he’d come by at six. We walked out together and kissed before running our separate ways. I felt good again and knew that this might happen again. I just didn’t want it to. I jogged home and let Mallory in since she was sitting on the front porch. I told her I was going to take a quick shower, and I’d be out in a bit.

  “Keller?” She asked as I headed back to the bedroom.

  “Maybe.” I winked, and she laughed as she went to make some coffee. I stripped in my bathroom and showered before pulling on clean clothes. Mallory was settled at her computer at the table with some cookies. I poured my own coffee and joined her, booting up my laptop.

  “Spill.” It was just one word, but it made me smile.

  “I went for a run and called to ask if he wanted to meet for coffee. We met. It went well.” She stared at me, and I gave her an innocent look. “What?”

  “It went well? You almost came out of your skin last night.”

  “We talked about feeling awkward and decided that we weren’t going to do it again. Well, for now.” I shrugged, and she laughed. “We’re going out tonight.”

  “Look, if you want to be with him, be with him. I don’t think there’s such a thing as too much. Just live your life.” Her eyes were bright, and I smiled. “You two are good together.”