In Dreams by J. Sterling Read Free Book Online

giggle.
    “Great, I’m caught in a love triangle,” Taylor looked at Danny and rolled her eyes. He leaned in to kiss her sweetly and she let him. Taylor’s eyes opened wide and she quickly shouted, “Wait! Wait...I have a question! But it’s for both of you guys.”
    The guys smiled and only imagined what would come out of Taylor’s mouth. “Go ahead,” said Cooper. “Shoot,” said Danny.
    “Well, Kat and I were wondering if you guys could lift up your shirts for a second?” Taylor looked at Katherine and winked.
    “What? Why? Our shirts?” the guys said, as they talked over each other.
    “Well after all your tanning and driving today, we were wondering if either of you got seat belt tans.” Katherine started to crack up uncontrollably and she turned to Cooper to try to lift up his shirt to see.
    “Seat belt tans? I don’t get it,” Danny responded, confused.
    “If you want us to take our shirts off, ladies, all you have to do is ask. You are the ones who told us to put them on in the first place. You two are giving us mixed messages. How are we supposed to ever know what you really want?” Cooper asked sarcastically.
    “Show us. Lift up your shirts so we can see!” Taylor demanded.
    The boys did as they were told and faint seat belt lines marked across their chest. The girls burst into hysterics and the guys looked down, shaking their heads.
    The group finished their dinner and the guys took care of the bill. The girls gave Dominic big hugs and kisses on the cheek before they left. The guys shook Dominic’s hand before he turned to the girls and said, “I approve, si. They seem-ah like good guys. Ciao, bellas!”
    “Ciao, Dominic!” the girls shouted in unison as they walked out the door.

Chapter Four
    The weather had definitely started to change and Katherine noticed how chilled the evening air had become as compared to a few weeks ago.
    “I’m totally going to have to buy a real coat, aren’t I?” Katherine commented as she threw a sweatshirt over her head.
    “You don’t own a jacket?” Taylor laughed.
    “I’ve never needed one before.”
    “You can always borrow one of mine. I have a hundred. Cause we have seasons here. Do you know what seasons are?” Taylor teased.
    “We have seasons in California!” Katherine shouted defensively.
    “What? Summer and summer light?” Danny interjected.
    “You two are made for each other.” Katherine stuck her tongue out at the couple.
    “So, what are we up to now? Where should we go?” Taylor wondered out loud. “Oh wait, should we give you guys alone time? Yeah, maybe you guys should hang out by yourselves for a bit? Danny and I can head back to his place if you want?” Taylor looked at the budding couple.
    The thought made Katherine nervous. It wasn’t that she didn’t want to be alone with Cooper, it’s just that she had a good idea where this headed and once again, her mind drifted back to the boy from her dream. She tried to shut him out, but no matter what she did, the thought of him always lingered. It was as if he existed in a part of her now and if she tried remove him, it would be as useless as if she tried to pull her own arm off. He was a permanent fixture.
    “Whatever you prefer, Katherine,” Cooper didn’t want to chase her away by being too enthusiastic, but he did crave alone time with her. “But I do have someplace I’d like to show you.”
    “Oh God Cooper, really? Let me guess, the stars in your bedroom?” Taylor said while she stuck her finger down her throat and pretended to puke.
    “Do you really think so little of me, Taylor?” He turned to Katherine and said, “It’s nowhere near my bedroom.”
    Katherine thought one last time of the boy from her dreams, took a deep breath and turned to Cooper and said, “I’ll go with you.” She gave Taylor a hug who whispered in her ear, “Have SO MUCH fun. Call if you need anything.” Danny gave Cooper some hockey guy handshake/fist bump thing and Katherine