Always, Not Forever: The Attraction Series, #3

By Samantha Montague

Kristin and Luke have been inseparable for almost three years. Plans have been made for a future together...white picket fence, kids in the yard, daydreams that young love has created.  

But in the real world they have to deal with the impending adult-hood that awaits after college.  Decisions are made and plans begin to change, jeopardizing the once strong relationship. 

 

Sometimes love isn't enough...

• Language: English
• Publisher: Samantha Montague
• Release date: Jan 12, 2022
• ISBN: 9781736931073

Samantha Montague

Samantha Montague is the author of the Attraction Series.  She has always loved reading, especially fantasy and romance stories.  In 2020, she was introduced to the Wattpad platform and discovered a new passion for writing. Sam was born and raised in New England, where she still resides with her husband and two daughters. Find her at samanthamontaguebooks.com, on Instagram @samanthamontague_author, and on TikTok @smontagueauthor.

Book preview

Always, Not Forever

Samantha Montague

Copyright © 2022 Samantha Montague

All rights reserved.

This book is a work of fiction.  Any references made to historical events, real people, or real places are used fictionally.  Any other names, characters, places or events are products of the author’s imagination.  Any resemblance to actual events, places, or persons living or dead is entirely coincidental.

No part of this book may be reproduced, or stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without express written permission of the author/publisher.

ISBN-13: 978-1-7369310-7-3

Cover design created using Canva.

To anyone who has experienced the incredible rollercoaster ride of love.  It's the most fabulous feeling when it's good, but it can also lead to the stinging sadness of heartbreak.  

But just because one love ends,

doesn't mean happiness isn't waiting for you...

Contents

Title Page

Copyright

Dedication

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Chapter 19

Chapter 20

Chapter 21

Chapter 22

Chapter 23

Chapter 24

Chapter 25

Chapter 26

Afterword

Acknowledgement

About The Author

Books In This Series

Books By This Author

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Chapter 1

Beginning of the End

Kristin

My finger moves over the foggy mirror, writing the letters, L – U – K – E, before enclosing them in a large heart.  I stare at his name in the steam filled bathroom, my still damp skin wrapped in a soft oversized towel.  My hand moves across the smooth surface as my palm wipes it clean and small droplets of condensation run down the glass.  I catch sight of my still tear-stained face just before it starts to fog back up again.  Even after a shower the evidence of my afternoon of crying is still clear on my face.

My cousin, Mia, had suggested taking a shower to try to relax.  I’ve tried and it just isn’t cutting it.  Sure, the warm water felt amazing on my tense muscles, but my mind and stomach are both in knots and a hot shower offered no relief for either of those ailments.

Luke, my boyfriend of almost three years, is five hours away.  He’s gone with his dad to meet with an agent and some higher management uppity-ups with the New Jersey Devils.  Luke was drafted into the NHL during his freshman season with Boston University, and now after three years at BU they called a meeting and wanted to see him.  I won’t know the outcome until I hear from him later, but I already know.  In my heart and in my gut, I can feel it.  He’s going to sign early and he’s going to leave me.

We’ve made plans for our future together.  I know if he signs early, it will be an amazing opportunity for him, it’s his dream.  But will he leave me behind?  The thought of this hurts my heart, especially since Mia will be leaving me too. 

My cousin, Mia, moved here to Boston last August to transfer to BU.  She’s been my roommate for the past year and I can’t handle losing both her and Luke.  Her boyfriend, Dex, also happens to be Luke’s older brother.  Dex was also drafted into the NHL during his college career.  He decided to finish school, but he just graduated and he’ll be heading to Rhode Island to start with the Providence Bruins.  Like me, Mia still has a year left at BU, but Dex asked her to go with him.  I feel crushed thinking that Luke might not ask the same of me.

I pull a comb through the wet strands of my long blonde hair and pat my skin dry with the towel before retreating to my bedroom.  I sit on the edge of my soft bed, but the comfort I want from this space doesn’t come.  I’m surrounded by photos and memories that are too much for me to handle right now.  I know I’m letting my emotions and imagination get the best of me, but I can’t seem to reason with myself.

I slip into a pair of soft stretchy leggings and an oversized sweatshirt, then I drag myself down the hallway towards the kitchen.  The emptiness of the apartment is overwhelming.  I lived here alone for two years before Mia moved from California, but now it feels so empty without her.  She hasn’t moved yet, but she’s gone for the weekend to look at apartments in Rhode Island.  I know this is just a taste of what it will be like when she’s gone.  I guess I should get used to it.

I drop my phone on the couch cushions as I walk through the living room and into the kitchen.  I can’t eat, my stomach can’t handle food right now, but I am thirsty.  I wrench the fridge open and grab a bottle of Vitamin water.  I twist the cap off and take a long drink of the pink liquid before making my way back to the couch. 

As I sit, my phone starts to ring.  My heart stops in my chest when I see his name flash on the screen.  I grab it from the seat beside me and swipe the screen before lifting it to my ear.

Hey.  So, how’d it go? I ask lightly, biting my tongue in anticipation.

His deep voice touches my ear and even through the phone he makes my body weak.  So good, babe.  I’m so fuckin’…I don’t even know the word.  It’s like beyond excited, whatever the fuck that is, his deep laugh is the sweetest sound.  It’s just amazing, so fucking amazing.  I signed!  It’s official.  I’m heading to Binghamton next season.  Can you believe it? he asks excitement filling every word.

Really? is all I can manage to utter before he starts again.

Yeah, I guess they were really impressed with my play this season and they just want me to start now, he explains.

I push out a deep breath.  That’s so amazing.  I’m really happy for you.  Your dad must be on cloud nine right now.  I mean, both you and Dex in the same season.  It’s crazy, I say.  And as much as I want to know what this will mean for our relationship; this isn’t the right time.  Right now, I need to listen and be supportive and just be excited and happy for him.  We can have the conversation we really need to have later, when we’re face to face.

I think he and my mom are both pretty happy, to say the least.  I just had to call and tell you the news.  I still can’t even believe it.  I think Dad and I are going to get some food and drinks to celebrate before we settle in at the hotel for the night.  I’ll call or text you when we get back tomorrow.  I can’t wait to see you so we can celebrate together, his sweetness is overwhelming.

I love you, Luke.  I’m so proud of you, my words slip out softly.

I love you too, babe.  Sweet dreams, he kisses my ear and then he’s gone.

I knew in my heart this was going to happen, but I still feel numb.  I touch my screen and open my messages.  I type, *Luke signed.  He’s leaving.  I push the send button but don’t wait for Mia’s response.  The phone slips from my hand and falls on the cushions as I lie down on the couch, curling my body against itself until I’ve formed a small ball.

I wake up in the apartment surrounded by darkness.  I must’ve fallen asleep on the couch once my tears dried up and my body stopped shaking.  I obviously exhausted myself.

Lifting my tired body from the couch I let my feet lead the way towards the bedroom.  I tap the screen on my phone to use the light to guide my way, and as I do, I see a new message from Mia from hours ago.  I read, *I hope you’re okay.  I’ll be back tomorrow and we can talk about it.

As much as I love her, I don’t want to talk about it…I can’t talk about it with her.  I know her heart is in the right place and she truly wants to help, but I just can’t.  Dex is taking her with him and even though we haven’t talked about it yet, my gut is telling me that Luke is going to leave me here.  I can’t help the mixture of bitterness and jealousy I feel bubbling in my stomach.

Chapter 2

Clueless

Luke

Ican’t keep the smile from creeping over my face.  I’m fucking ecstatic.  The meeting went beyond what I imagined today and there was no way I could refuse what they were offering.  No, I don’t get to stay as close to home as my brother, Dex, but I get the opportunity to start my pro hockey career a year earlier than expected.  Plus, I’ll still be on the East coast.

I lift my beer off the table and tip it back, taking a long drink before picking up my fork and knife to dig into the giant steak in front of me.  It completely fills the plate, and along with the side salad and baked potato, I don’t think I’ll have to eat for a couple days.

Congratulations, son, Dad offers with a smile as he takes a sip of his own drink.

Thanks, Dad, I smile back.  Mom was pretty excited.  I could barely understand her on the phone through all her happy crying.

We’re so proud of both you and your brother.  But having you both going through this at the same time is a little overwhelming.  She’s incredibly happy, but you also have to understand that to her, you’re both still her little boys and the thought of you both leaving home at once is hard on her, he explains honestly.

Shit.  I hadn’t even thought about that, I breathe out the words and he nods in understanding.

I’m not surprised.  You’ll get it one day, when you have some kiddos of your own, he grins.  Speaking of that, how’s Kristin taking to the idea of living in New York? he asks.

Wait, what?

What? the question spills from my lips.

Kristin.  Is she excited about moving to New York? he asks with a smile.  His words are clear, but my head goes fuzzy.  I shake it to clear my thoughts.

Uh…I…I didn’t ask her to move with me, I admit.

Oh.  Okay.  I’m sorry, son.  I just assumed that you’d follow your brother’s lead, especially since you and Kristin have been together for much longer than he and Mia.  We don’t have to talk about it, he mutters seeming suddenly uncomfortable.

No, it’s okay.  Kristin and I are still together.  I didn't ask her at first because in all honesty, I really wasn't sure how this meeting was going to go today or what they were going to offer.  And now…well, I don’t want to be selfish and take her away from her last year at BU.  I’m sure she wants to finish school and I don’t want to make her move five hours away from all her friends and family just because I want her closer to me.  It’s just one season, only a few months really.  I think we can handle it, I offer a small grin before continuing.

I know Dex asked Mia, but they literally can’t be apart from each other.  It’s like a sickness, I let out a loud laugh because it’s true.  My brother is completely head over heels for his girl.  Mia moved to Boston from California last August and he was hooked the second he saw her.  It’s been a fucking messy whirlwind, but they made it through in one piece and I don’t think they’ll ever let each other go. 

Dad laughs too, "Yes, Dexter