Page 82 of The Summer Intern

"What about all the things you do at camp in the off-season?"

"Sutton's on board.He's going to manage things here while I'm gone."I gave him a reassuring smile."And Wade is going to stay on and work on maintenance and building renovations.They’ve both been looking for more responsibility anyway.It's perfect timing."

Casey looked dazed, like he couldn't quite believe what he was hearing."So how would it work?"

I shook my head and stood up, gently pulling Casey to his feet.The dock swayed slightly beneath us as I wrapped my arms around his waist and drew him close.His body fit against mine perfectly, like we were two pieces of the same puzzle coming together.

I leaned down and kissed him deeply, trying to pour everything I felt into that single point of contact.His lips were soft, yielding, still tasting faintly of the peppermint candy he'd been sucking on earlier.When I pulled back, we were both breathless.

"Casey Kim," I said, my voice low and serious despite the blush I could feel warming my cheeks, "would you do me the honor of being my boyfriend?My official, exclusive, live-in boyfriend?"

His mouth fell open again."Live-in?"

"I've found an apartment," I explained, the words tumbling out in my eagerness to share the full plan."Close to OSU.Not huge, but it has two bedrooms—one for us and one we could use as a music studio and office.There's this little balcony with room for some potted plants, and the building has a rooftop garden where I can get my hands in some dirt when I need to.It's month-to-month, so we're not locked in if it doesn't work."

Casey looked stunned."You've already found an apartment?"Then he slapped my arm."Matt, what the fuck?You planned this all without telling me?"

"It wasn't set in stone until yesterday, when a space opened up in the grad program.And I've been researching housing options," I admitted."Haven't signed anything yet.Wanted to make sure you were on board first."

"And after I graduate?"

"Hopefully we’ll come back here," I said simply."Just in time for next summer's programs.You could teach music full time if you want, or find a position in Eagle Ridge at the schools.Or both?We could live in my tiny house, or build something new together on the property.Whatever we decide."

Casey stared at me, his dark eyes searching my face as if looking for any sign of doubt or hesitation.He wouldn't find any.I'd never been more certain of anything in my life.

"Is this real?"he asked, his voice cracking slightly."Are you serious right now?Because if this is some kind of joke—"

"I've never been more serious," I assured him."I love you, Casey.I want to be with you.And I believe we can make this work."

He shook his head slowly, not in denial but in disbelief."I just...I can't believe you did all this planning.For us."

"Believe it," I said, pressing another kiss to his lips.

"But what if—"

"No what-ifs," I interrupted gently."We'll figure out the details as we go.The important thing is that we're together."

Casey's hands trembled as they came up to frame my face."You're really willing to leave all this," he gestured at the camp around us, "to move to Oregon with me?"

"I'm not leaving it," I corrected."I'm taking some time for my education so I can expand its reach.Build its future.And yes, I'm doing that with you because I love you, and I want to see where this goes.I think it could be something extraordinary, Casey.Don't you?"

The smile that bloomed across his face then was like watching the sun break through clouds—radiant and full of promise.He nodded, blinking back tears.

"I love you," he whispered, the words landing soft and perfect between us."I love you so much."

"I love you too," I said, pressing my forehead against his."We've got this.Together."

For a long moment, we just stood there on the dock, holding each other, the gentle lapping of the lake against the wooden posts providing a soothing soundtrack to our embrace.In the distance, I could hear the familiar sounds of camp life continuing—shouts and laughter, the clang of the dinner bell being tested for later.But here, in our little bubble, time seemed to stand still.

Casey's hands fisted in my t-shirt, pulling me closer.His eyes, still rimmed with red from crying, now burned with a different intensity.He looked around quickly, confirming we were alone on the dock, then stood on his tiptoes to whisper in my ear.

"We need to go to the kayak shed," he said, his voice low and urgent."Right fucking now.I need you to fuck me.Need you inside me."

thirty-two

Epilogue - Casey

February25

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