Covertly Strong (The Strong Series Book 1) by N.A. Alcorn Read Free Book Online

couple walking the streets of Naples, hand in hand, and it made me think of us. It made me feel hopeful and excited. I know one day we’ll be doing just that wherever we may be. I don’t care where we live or what we’re doing, I only care that you’re the one I’m living my life with. See? I told you this was a sappy letter. I can’t help myself. You stir something inside me that I just can’t deny.
    I know in my heart that you are my future and nothing will ever change that.
    I really do love Naples, but I miss Hawaii. Surf some waves for me, baby.
    And don’t ever forget how much I love you.
    Yours Always,
    Meli
    P.S. Remember that crazy party Steph threw when her parents were out of town after prom? I’ll never forget how we snuck away from everyone with a cheap bottle of wine and sat in Mr. Munn’s office getting drunk and making prank calls to everyone within a ten-mile radius. I have never laughed so hard in my entire life.
    P.P.S. You have a serious obsession with my Spanish-speaking abilities.

 
    November 15 th , 1999
    My Meli,
    Baby, I miss you.
    I keep looking at the pictures you sent and they make my chest ache. I love seeing your smile and those big, brown eyes of yours, but I can’t stand that I’m not there with you. I wish I were the person behind that lens making you laugh and flash that cheesy grin.
    Homecoming wasn’t the same without you there.
    Yes, I had fun, but I refused to go with the wrong girl on my arm, because, Meli, you’re my girl. No one else. Not now. Not ever. So it just didn’t feel right taking someone else.
    The guys give me shit all the time in regards to you, and you know what?
    I fucking love it. I love that I’m so caught up in your sassy little spell that I can’t see anyone else. I know you’re smiling right now, and, babe, you should be. I know what everyone thinks… We’re young and naïve and that our feelings for each other will change. No one thinks we can make this last, but I know we can. This will last because there isn’t any other option for me. I don’t want anyone else. I just want you. I want you. All day. Every day. On goddamn repeat. How’s that for sappy?
    I got a job helping out at Murphy’s Garage on the weekends. I’m hoping this will fund our need for frequent phone calls. My first paycheck is going to long-distance calling cards for both of us. And don’t even think about refusing it. I need to hear your sexy voice more often than once a goddamn month.
    Enjoy the ridiculous amount of chocolate chip cookies my mom made for you. And the pictures I threw in from homecoming. I also added one of my favorite pictures of us. Remember that day? The day you demanded that I teach you how to surf? I’ll never forget that day.
    I love you,
    Nix
    P.S. I drove by Old Man Kamaka’s place last week… Does that bring back any memories? I know it does. I’ll never forget watching you hop that crazy-high fence and kidnap his dog because you were pissed that he’d left his little mutt out in the heat too long. Watching him attempt to chase you down while I waited to drive you away in the “getaway car” was one of the funniest things I’ve ever seen in my life. But I will say… You taught that old guy a lesson. Every time I drive past his place, I never see his dog lying outside nearly dying from heat stroke. You are so crazy in the best kind of way, baby. I fucking love it.

MAY 1 ST , 2000
    Nix,
    I keep hoping that you’ll respond.
    I keep praying that my dad will come home from the post office with a letter from you.
    Please. Please. Please. Just give me something. A phone call. A letter. Anything.
    I can’t sleep. I can’t eat. I feel like I’m in perpetual night.
    I keep reading through all of your old letters and I just can’t understand why.
    Why?
    My heart refuses to accept that this is the end. Please don’t let this be the end of us. You were such a big part of my life. You were my best friend. Goddammit, you ARE my best