Chapter 35
Chapter Thirty-Five
DAISY
Remy: POOKIE!
Me: Yes…
Remy: You’re still coming to dinner right? Nova will be there too.
Me: Of course I’ll be there! I miss her!
Remy: Good! See you at 6, love you!
Me: Love you guys
I smiled and set my phone back on the nightstand before rolling over and snuggling up to Kaia. She looked at me with a pout and I wanted to kiss it off her.
I furrowed my eyebrows at her in question.
“Who’s got you so happy over there?” she asked.
“Oh, baby. Are you jealous? That is actually so hot.” I bit my lip for emphasis.
“No, I am not jealous. I just want to know who is making you so happy this morning.”
“No one makes me as happy as you do, Kai. But if you must know, it was Remy. She was just checking that I was still making it to dinner tonight. Her sister’s going to be there.”
She didn’t say anything for a second, but it looked like she could’ve cried. Her cheeks took on a faint shade of pink before she finally spoke.
“Daisy, you’re very special to me. I just need you to know that.” I smiled, and she grabbed my face, kissing away any doubt I might’ve had.
I knew I was special to her, and I wanted to tell her what she meant to me, but I was scared. Everything was so perfect I didn’t want to ruin it.
“Are you sure you don’t want to come with me? We can fool around in the car before we go in?”
She laughed, and I wished I could’ve heard the sound. “No, baby. I went out with all of you last time. You’re allowed to spend time with your friends without me. Do they even know we’re dating?”
I shrugged. “I haven’t told them directly, no. If they bring it up tonight, I will. I’ve got to get some work done before I go. Care to join me in the shower later?”
She licked her lips and nodded, causing a fire to ignite inside me at the thought of our wet naked bodies together. “If I ever say no to that question, you might want to have me committed.”
I smiled and rolled on top of her, straddling her. “No more talking,” I said before I kissed her neck. She grabbed my ass and pulled me closer while I sucked and licked her.
I was obsessed with feeling her on top of me. Feeling her hands trailing my body. Feeling her tongue circling my nipple, making my back arch from her touch.
I reveled in her reactions too. Watching her face as I teased her nipples. Seeing her bite her lip as I made my way to her clit. That first hip thrust as my mouth connected with her pussy. I got just as turned on as she did every time.
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 was you’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 my allowance 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.
I nodded, excited to admit the truth. Kaia Rhodes was my girlfriend. How wild?! “Yeah. Kaia and I are together.”
“Together as in… sleeping together?”
I groaned while a small blush appeared on my face. “Very much so, Rem. Without clothes and everything,” I joked.
She rolled her eyes. “Oh my God. This is huge! Why haven’t you told us before?! The whole time you guys were together?”
“No, not the whole time. It just happened before Christmas. Will you calm down? You guys thought we were together before, so it shouldn’t be a surprise.”
“Holy shit, this is crazy! You finally asked her out? You’ve had eyes for her for years! I’m so proud of you, D!” Nova’s eyes were as big as a kid’s in a candy store.
I furrowed my brow. What was she talking about? “Technically I didn’t ask her out, but go back to the part after that. About me having eyes for her. Where did you get that idea?”
Nova gave me a pointed look. “Sweetie, since you first told us about her, I saw it in your eyes. When you talk about her, you get this look, and when you’re together, your eyes never leave her.”
“I don’t.” I didn’t know what “look” she was talking about. I acted like a normal best friend would.
Remy nudged me, and I turned to face her.
“Babe, we all see it. The way you two look at each other is how I want to look at my partner someday. When we’re growing old together, I want that loving look in my eyes.
When you went to the bathroom the last time we all hung out together, we were talking about you.
Nothing crazy, just about your work, and the smile on her face could’ve filled the whole room.
She stared dreamily toward the bathroom the whole time you were in there, and when she talked about how proud she was of you, Jesus!
I still get goose bumps thinking about it. ”
I didn’t know what to say to that. I jumped when Nova reached over and wiped away the tears I couldn’t keep from falling down my face.
Had I really felt this strongly for Kaia the whole time and just now realized it? I thought I looked at her like any other friend did. I wasn’t intentionally looking at her like my world would be crushed if I looked away. I supposed I had been. But what she said about Kaia?
“I think you’ve had too much to drink.” I shook my head and left it at that.
Clearly, I knew Kaia had feelings for me on some level based on our current relationship. But the way Remy was talking, like she could actually love me back, was ridiculous. Impossible. Not likely.
“She’s really special to you, isn’t she?” Nova’s expression was free of judgment, and I softened. She reminded me of Kaia so much.
I nodded slowly, my smile becoming gentle and loving. “She really is. I’ve always had love for her, but now…”
“You’re in love with her,” Remy finished for me.
I wasn’t brave enough to admit it. I wasn’t brave enough to face the reality that, while I knew Kaia loved me, she’d never be in love with me. Why would she?
“And she doesn’t know, does she?”
My smile fell at Emma’s question, and I shook my head. “I can’t, guys. I just can’t. Can we move on, please? Nova, tell me what’s been going on with you.”
I didn’t want to bring down the mood, and everyone just kept looking at me. “Daisy, why haven’t you told her? Trust me, honey, that woman is so in love with you.” Remy’s face was serious and void of any sarcasm.
I shook my head. “I don’t want to talk about it anymore. Please, let’s just change the subject.”
“Daisy.”
“I’m scared, okay? I’m scared she won’t love me back. I’m scared she will love me back. I’m scared she’ll love me back now and regret it later down the road. I’m just scared, okay, Emma? For the love of God, can we change the damn subject?!”
Remy’s hand on my arm was the warmth I needed to settle down, if only a little.
She always knew what I needed, even when I didn’t.
“Oh, honey. I’m sorry. We don’t want to push you.
We love you and we’re here for you, no matter what, you know that.
Tell her when you’re ready, but, honey? It’s all going to work out.
I know you’re feeling scared, and your feelings are valid.
Things always work out the way they’re supposed to.
If there’s one thing I know for certain, it’s that you and Kaia are supposed to be. ”
My smile was genuine and filled with so much love.
“Thanks, guys. That means a lot to me, and I hope you’re right.
I don’t want to put pressure on anything.
I’m just taking it one day at a time and seeing where life takes us.
I really care about her, and I don’t want to lose her.
Now, I’m begging, can we please talk about something else? ”
Nova nodded. “Of course. Let’s talk about this sexy bookstore I’ve heard so much about. Is it true someone got caught fucking on a chair?”
A laugh escaped me before I could stop it. I was more comfortable talking about Fallon and Mackenzie’s sexcapades than my feelings for Kaia.
“Yes, that is true. Remy, you’re such a gossip.
” She shrugged at my glare. “Anyway, Drea, Kaia’s former boss/now co-owner of the bookstore/friend/friend’s fiancee—she really has a lot of titles—caught them in the back room.
Fallon, who is now Mackenzie’s wife, claimed Mackenzie was helping her put boxes away, but we know what box she was really putting away.
” The whole table laughed, and it made my heart so happy to be with all my girls, even though I was missing my favorite girl.
We sat and talked for a few more hours until the grandma that Nova was couldn’t stop yawning, and Remy forced us all to say goodbye so she could take her home. I wasn’t mad about the night being cut short. As much as I loved my friends, I’d rather be home with Kaia and Duke.