Forever Maybe: Canary Series, #2

By CL King

Nate and Olivia promised each other forever, but what happens when forever doesn’t come? 

Olivia is accepted into her dream college. She has always had aspirations of making it big and she 
thought Nate would be right there beside her. When her shot came she took it. Little did she know that 
in order to follow her dreams, she might have to give up her heart. 

Growing up Nate never imagined he could have a perfect life, but that’s what he’s living. He’s on 
track to being one of the top agents and his future is planned with Olivia. That is, until she decides to 
be selfish. 

Is he her past or is he her forever...maybe?

• Language: English
• Publisher: CL King
• Release date: Jun 12, 2016
• ISBN: 9781508626145

CL King

When CL King isn’t hard at work writing you can usually catch her reading, baking cookies, dancing to music, or just simply being crazy. She has a huge passion for baseball and the theatre. But her true nerd side comes out when she is doing math for fun. She has an old soul which is evident with her love of the 70s show Emergency. If you want to get on her good side bring her an Ocean Water from Sonic. Even though she tries to focus on one project at a time she always seems to be working on multiple projects at once, it’s a good thing that she is highly organized. Just don’t take her to a bookstore, you do that and you’re likely able to spend hours browsing.

Book preview

CHAPTER 1

It had been three months since graduation and in a week Olivia would be going off to Moore University for orientation. She had been going back and forth about leaving Nate to attend her dream school. He kept saying that she needed to go but, in true Olivia fashion, she would argue that she wanted to take a year off to make sure that she was doing the right thing for her.

She was in the middle of filling out her forms when a thought hit her, What if I’m not able to keep up? What if I get sick again?

Canary stop worrying; you are going to be great. You wouldn’t have gotten in if they didn’t think that you would be able to handle it.

What if no one likes me?

Nate laughed, Everyone is going to love you, who wouldn’t?

You know the kind of household I was raised in. I’m scared that they are going to want to change me and try to make me into something that I’m not, like my parents wanted to. I’m a big enough perfectionist as it is, but that doesn’t stop me from trying to better myself daily.

Now, how could someone like Olivia McGuire get any better when she is already perfect the way she is?

She looked at him suspiciously and smiled, I don’t know, you tell me?

He walked over to her and picked her up in his arms, kissing her on her neck as she laughed, You’re so perfect Canary. The way you walk, smile, talk and you sing with the voice of an angel. Your eyes sparkle like a million diamonds. But it’s your heart, mind and soul that makes you so perfect. I don’t care what anyone says, you’re perfect to me.

Olivia smiled and kissed his cheek, I’m going to miss you. He walked over and sat down on the couch and held her tight. We’re going to be alright, aren’t we?

Of course we’re going to be alright. You’re my forever and nothing is going to tear us apart. She rested her head on his chest and traced the tattoo that he had gotten of a canary over his heart.

I still can’t believe that you got this tattoo, she said as she continued to trace it."

Do you hate it? He asked, knowing what her answer was going to be. It was always the same answer but he continued to ask because of how she reacted.

I didn’t say that, she replied as she hit him on the chest. I just never expected you to get something so permanent.

I got it because, when you’re gone, I will have a part of you with me no matter what.

What if we break up?

We won’t.

But what if we do?

Olivia, are you or are you not my forever?

I am.

And am I or am I not your forever?

You know you are.

Then don’t worry, we are strong and going to make it. Let’s just enjoy this time we have together, OK?

She nodded, I love you Cole. I’m just going to miss you a lot.

I love you too, and you know I will come visit you and we will talk all the time. I’m not going anywhere; I don’t care what you do. You will not push me away no matter how hard you try. We have gone through so much together that this will be a walk in the park. Olivia started to laugh. What’s so funny now?

Nothings funny, it's just that this whole situation is something I never saw coming. Usually I'm confident in my choices, I don't know why I am so scared. This is a whole new chapter in my life and I should be excited and embrace it. Yet here I am, acting like a coward and just wanting to stay here where I'm safe.

No matter where you are, you’re going to be safe. You have no reason to be scared. I will always be here for you; plus you have Garrett and Christine here for you as well. You aren’t going through this alone babe, so don’t ever think that.

She nodded and turned to where she was straddling him, How in the world did I get so lucky to have you in my life? And not only have you in my life but have you as my boyfriend?

He laughed, I guess we are finally being rewarded for surviving the hand we were dealt. Nate rubbed her back with both of his hands and she leaned forward and rested her whole body on his, Feeling better now? Olivia nodded. Good, because I hate it when you’re tense and freaking out like that. It worries me.

I don’t mean to worry you; I know I have done that enough over the past year.

Just remember all that I said and try to stay calm. Don’t bottle things up inside you Liv. That’s not the right way to handle situations; I am just a phone call away. Or go to the piano or pick up a guitar and play a song. You always seem to do your best writing when you’re feisty like this.

She sat up and pushed him playfully into the back of the couch. I am not feisty!

He took her into his arms and moved her to where she was lying on the couch and he was lying on top of her then kissed her, Yes you are and I love it.

She laughed and squirmed trying to get out from underneath him, Cole get off me please. This isn’t funny.

Nate started kissing her more passionately, moving his lips down her jaw line to her neck until she finally stopped trying to fight against him and just relaxed, That’s right baby. Just relax. You are way too tense and you need to lighten up. He went to give her another kiss and took her bottom lip in between his teeth and gave it a soft tug. She moaned and went to kiss him again when he let go, but he stood up and walked to the kitchen leaving her alone on the couch.

Olivia heard the pop of a can and Nate sighing after taking a sip, SERIOUSLY! His laughter drifted in from the kitchen which caused her to get off the couch and move to where he leaned up against the counter smiling. Right this second I hate you so much.

Why? Because I got thirsty while we were kissing and just left you lying on the couch looking amazing to come get a drink? Or is it because, while kissing you I made you moan? Which one of those is the reason for you to hate me right now?

You know the reason!

I do, do I? I can’t really come up with anything else that I could have done that would make you hate me.

Olivia reached out, took his can from him and placed it on the counter, I hate you because you make me want you so badly and then you tease me like that. It drives me crazy. We have been together for 6 months and yet nothing. He gave her a smile that seemed to make her even angrier, Wipe that smile off your face mister. What kind of game are you playing here? She tried to stay strong but in the end she started to cry.

When the tears started to fall it was like a punch to his gut. He placed his hands on her hips and brought her to him, Please don’t cry, I never meant to cause you any tears. You don’t know how hard it has been for me to stop things before we go too far. I love you so much and think you are the most beautiful girl in the whole world, but you are different. I want to take things easy and slow. So, to answer your question, I am not playing any kind of game. I just want to make what we have last and don’t want to take away something so special when I know that we aren’t ready yet.

But you have already been with other girls.

True, but they weren’t you. They meant nothing to me. As bad as that may sound I did use them to try to get over you and I regret it. But since Ian passed away I haven’t looked at another girl. You have been the only one that I want to be with. The only one that my eyes see no matter where I am; trust me though, when it finally happens, it will be so special for the both of us.

Olivia nodded and wrapped her arms around him and held on, I am so sorry. I don’t know what has gotten into me.

It’s ok; you have been through a lot. You are going away for school and will be on your own for the very first time without having someone you know beside you. It’s all very understandable. You know what? I have an idea. Why don’t we go out for dinner tonight? Just the two of us; we can go to that bistro that you like so much in the park.

She leaned back and looked at him with nothing but pure love in her eyes, I would love nothing more than to go out with you tonight.

Nate smiled, Good. You stay here and get ready. Might I suggest that blue dress that I love so much? He winked and then shook his head as if he needed to clear his mind of things. Anyway, I have to go run a couple of errands but I will be back to get you at six.

Olivia nodded and he kissed her quickly before he slipped away leaving her alone in the kitchen. She placed her fingers on her lips like she always did when he kissed her like that and smiled. After cleaning up the kitchen and finishing up the drink that Nate had opened she went into their bedroom and started to get ready.

***

It was just before six o’clock when the doorbell rang. Olivia laughed and grabbed her blue clutch that matched her dress perfectly. The dress was strapless that stopped just above her knees. She wore green heels and had her hair piled on her head in a loose bun. Nate had given her a pair of earrings that looked like canaries along with a necklace that had a canary carrying a music note. She chose to wear those for this evening. Nate had his romantic moments but mostly they just enjoyed staying in cuddled on the couch watching movies, or he would play video games and she would read with her head in his lap.

Her favorite moments though where when she was at the piano that he had bought her. She would be playing and working on a new song and he would come in, sit in the chair in the corner and watch her. He once told her that the look on her face when she was so deep into the song was one of his favorite looks of all time. It should be captured in a painting of an angel, Nate said multiple times. She would always laugh. It was when he brought in a camera and started taking photos of her while she was working that she knew he was serious.

Cole, what are you doing?

I’m taking photos of my love doing what she loves most, working on her music.

Please, put that away.

Nope, you will be gone and I will have nothing but these photos to keep me company until I can see your amazing self again. Olivia started to blush, Wow Canary, did I actually embarrass you enough to make you blush?

No, she said as she looked back down at her sheet music.

I did make you blush. Don’t hide babe, it’s cute when you blush. He moved beside her and used his knuckles to lift her face up to look at her. She smiled and he kissed both of her cheeks, That’s better. Now, get back to work on your music while I take photos. She rolled her eyes and got back to work.

The doorbell rang again followed by a knock which snapped Olivia back from her memories. I’m coming, I’m coming. She yelled as she stopped and checked herself in the mirror before she answered the door. Standing there was Nate dressed in a suit with a bouquet of yellow carnations smiling. Why didn’t you just come in? She asked, not sure what else to say.

Nate laughed, Because, dear, I am taking you out on an actual date tonight and a man doesn’t just walk in, even though it is my place, they knock on the door and greet the lady when she opens it.

Well aren’t you the sweetest gentleman. Thank you, she said as she took the flowers from him. Let me go put these in a vase and then we can leave. He nodded and she turned to walk toward the kitchen and stopped when she got to the entryway then turned back around to Nate, You can come in if you would like. Olivia smiled and winked.

He smiled and took a step forward and closed the door, Thank you; might I say that you look lovely this evening Ms. McGuire.

Why thank you Mr. Bowen, you clean up nicely yourself, Olivia said as she stepped out from the kitchen glowing with happiness. Well, I am ready whenever you are.

He held out his hand, May I?

She placed her hand in his and interlaced their fingers, You may. He moved closer to her and they walked out of the apartment hand in hand. They stopped only long enough for Olivia to lock the door before they headed out.

Cole, you shouldn’t have? She said when she saw the limo waiting outside for them with the driver holding open the door.

Only the best for my princess and tonight is all about you my dear, he said as he helped her into the car and then slid in after her.

You shouldn’t have done all of this.

Do you not like it?

I didn’t say that, it’s just a lot. You already did so much for me this summer. I don’t want you to feel like I’m taking advantage of you.

You aren’t taking advantage of me Canary. Here, he wrapped his arm around her and moved her closer to him. I love you so much and would do anything for you. No matter what, you are my number one priority. So don’t ever think that you are taking advantage of me. If I thought that you were taking advantage of me would I continue to surprise you with special gifts, have you move in with me into my family’s apartment, stayed with you and paid for your medical treatments, and taken you to see Garrett throughout the summer? She shakes her head, Exactly, I do all of that because I love you and because I want you to be happy. Now stop thinking like that and enjoy tonight, OK?

Olivia nodded, OK, so why all the secrecy tonight?

No secrecy tonight, what are you talking about?

Don’t give me that, she said as she hit his arm. You know what I’m talking about.

I know you don’t take surprises well.

No I don’t because it seems like all these surprises I have been getting lately have been bad.

Well, tonight’s surprises haven’t been bad so far have they?

No, they haven’t. They have been very lovely.

Then please just sit back, relax and enjoy this evening out. Because we both know that this will be the last night we will have out together for a while. I want it to be memorable.

It already is, she said as she smiled and moved in closer to kiss him. He wrapped his arms around her and brought her onto his lap and deepened the kiss. She turned the tables on him and bit his lip causing him to gasp. He pulled back and just looked at how swollen her lips were from their kiss. Nate took his finger and traced them causing her to close her eyes.

Why would you do that? He said breathlessly. She smiled and slid off his lap and moved to the other bench in the car. You know how hard it is for me to control myself, then you go and do that.

What can I say? Two can play this game. She winked at him and started playing with her necklace.

You drive me crazy, you know that, right?

As long as I’m the only one that is driving you crazy then I am OK with that.

Nate moved from where he was sitting and sat beside her. He took her hand into his and kissed her knuckles, I promise you that you’re the only one that has ever drove me crazy and will be the only one to do so. Now, I suggest you fix your lips because your lipstick is a bit smudged.

She laughed, took out her lipstick, looked in the mirror and reapplied. When she turned to look at him she laughed and used her free fingers on her other hand to wipe the lipstick off his face. He looked at her wondering what she was doing, Oh, don’t worry, I’m not going to kiss you. I’m just cleaning up your face. It just turns out that you got some lipstick on you while you were kissing some girl. I would hate to see the reaction of some people when they see you with lipstick all over your face.

Nate laughed, Yeah, well, once they see you on my arm all they are going to be thinking about is that I am one lucky guy to have such a beautiful lady with me tonight, and they are right. I am lucky to have such a beautiful lady with me tonight, but what they don’t know is that I get to have you forever.

Olivia smiled and tightened her grip on his hand, Well, they better be jealous then because no one will ever be able to say that I am theirs for as long as we both shall live. Then again, you can’t say that now either.

And why is that?

Because we are still just boyfriend and girlfriend, are we not?

Yes, we are.

Well, until you put a ring on the finger, we walk down the aisle and say our vows we won’t really be promised to each other forever.

Well, if you see it that way then I guess, by your standards, we won’t be promised to each other forever for a while then. But I know you are my forever in my heart, I don’t care what you say.

She smiled and kissed him on the cheek, Forever Cole.

Forever Canary, he gave her a quick kiss on the cheek as they stopped and the driver put the car into park. They heard his door open and shut and Nate smiled big, We’re here, are you ready?

Olivia looked at him with the biggest smile on her face that just lightened up any room she was in, Of course.

He leaned in and kissed her softly, Then come with me Canary and let me treat you like a princess. She nodded and he helped her out of the car. When she stepped out and took a look around she gasped and looked at him with tears in her eyes, Surprise! Olivia threw her arms around him and gave him a soft kiss before moving to his side and they walked with their arms around one another’s waist.

This was turning out to be a very special night and the butterflies in her stomach started to flutter like crazy. She could only wonder what he had planned for the rest of the evening. Whatever it was though, she was all in. Who knew that surprises could be