Page 83 of The Summer Intern

I leaned against the kitchen counter of our somewhat crappy apartment, watching Matt fold his flannel shirts with surprising precision for a man whose idea of organization was usually "throw it in a drawer and hope for the best."His brow furrowed in concentration, strong fingers smoothing each crease with unexpected tenderness.Five months of living together in this shoebox Corvallis apartment, and I still found myself staring at him like some lovesick teenager, a blush creeping up my neck whenever he caught me looking.

"What?"Matt glanced up, a half-smile playing on his lips.

"Nothing," I said, trying to appear casual as I tossed a pair of socks into my already overstuffed suitcase."Just appreciating the view."

Our kitchen barely deserved the name—a slim galley with counters on either side.There wasn't even room for two people to pass without turning sideways.But somehow, in the golden morning light streaming through our single window, with coffee brewing and Matt's humming filling the space, it felt like exactly where I wanted to be.

"You nervous about the wedding?"Matt asked, studying me.I knew he was working on communication, on checking in with me and my anxiety, and I appreciated that.I stepped forward and gave him a kiss, smiling up at him.

"Nothing to be nervous about.I've met all of these people half a dozen times since summer, right?And they think I'm fabulous."

"Casey," Matt said, grinning."Be honest."

"I'm serious!Everything's better with you by my side.Mostly.Sadly, they won't let you sit next to me during my midterms next month, or my anxiety would be cured!"

Matt laughed, shaking his head."So I could sit by your side while you drive us to Washington?"

"I said mostly.You're not a miracle drug!"

He laughed at that."I swear, one of these days, we'll get you over your fear of driving."

"Not today, babe.Not today.So anyway, Ben and Sutton.Whatever happened to the Hawaii plan?I thought they were set on that."

Matt laughed, the sound warm and rich."They decided on a Hawaii honeymoon instead.The wedding at Eagle Ridge makes more sense, since so many of their friends live near there.Wade is finished with the interior renovation on the lodge, and we're trying to market it as an events venue in the off-season, so we need some great photos."

"Look at you, it's like you’re a real businessman," I teased, reaching out to tug a strand of hair that had escaped his man bun.

"It's Sutton's idea as much as mine," Matt said, ducking away from my hand with a grin."The old lodge has so much potential, and now that I'm in business school, Sutton and I have been able to talk through the things he learned about in college.That marketing degree of his is really paying off."

"I'm still mourning Hawaii," I grumped."But I'm proud of you guys for finding a way to embrace change while staying true to your values, and not giving Walter a budget-related heart attack."

"Thanks, sweetie.And I, for one, will be happy to spend a long weekend back home," Matt said, zipping his duffel bag with a single smooth motion."It's been too long."

"Two months is too long?"I laughed."We were just there for Christmas."

"That's too long," he insisted, circling the kitchen island to stand between my dangling legs.He placed his hands on my thighs, and I wrapped my arms around his neck, pulling him closer.

"I hate to admit this out loud, but I can't wait until school is done and we can go back to your tiny house for good," I murmured against his neck, breathing in his familiar scent—pine and that ridiculously expensive sandalwood soap his stepmother kept sending him.

Matt pulled back, eyes wide with exaggerated shock."Wait.Not the same house you called, and I quote, 'a glorified garden shed with pretensions'?"

"I did not!"I protested, feeling heat rise to my cheeks.

"You absolutely did, Casey Kim.When you were in a rage about how long it was taking me to pack for Oregon."

"That was a stressful moment.Nothing I said counted," I mumbled."Besides, it was before I realized how much I'd miss waking up next to you every morning with the sun coming through those big windows."

Matt's teasing smile softened, and he pressed his forehead against mine."Who knew the sharp-tongued music major who got kicked out of that job fair for yelling at me would turn into such a romantic?"

"Shut up," I said, without heat."That was completely unfair.They should have kicked you out, too!"

He burst out laughing and kissed my cheek."I'll have a word with the organizers the next time they invite us to the fair.

I ran my fingers along the back of his neck, playing with the soft hair there."We should get going if we want to make it in time for dinner."

"Is your dad cooking?"I asked hopefully.Walter Blackstone's cooking skills were legendary.

"Of course.He wouldn't miss the chance to feed everyone.Plus, I think he's excited that the lodge is getting its first test run as a wedding venue.He might even do a little catering."Matt stepped back, allowing me to hop down from the counter.

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