Page 36 of The Pinkie Pact

"Okay. Deal," Kieran said, looking over my shoulder.

I turned around to see Bear walking up, his biggest, brightest smile on that gorgeous face. Man, why couldn't I like him again?

Kieran soon left to go back to his group of friends while Kara, Bear, and I did our usual routine closer to the stage. Bear and I shared a few kisses, enjoying some inside jokes about our little arrangement. I loved how respectful he was, always asking if everything was okay with me, never letting his hands venture south.

As much as I would miss him, Bear certainly deserved to find someone special, someone else who would fully appreciate his sweet kisses. But I was glad to have his company, especially because that was the night that Kara met Genevieve.

Dinner in Georgetown

Sky

I could tell right away that Kara was obsessed with her, and I could absolutely see why. She was stunning, sassy, and sweet... all at the same time.

But the second I saw them dancing together, I had this feeling that something was off about her. I didn't know what, and I certainly didn't say anything to Kara. But as I snuggled with Bear, I kept my eye on them.

Over the next few days as Bear and I texted, I brought it up with him to see if I was crazy. But he surprised me by totally agreeing with me. Maybe I was being protective of my new roommate, and maybe I was a bit jealous too because Kara and Gen, as she called her, already texted and talked to each other all the freaking time which made me feel a little left out, to be honest.

So on Thursday night, as we walked to Kieran and Christina's place, I tried to ask Kara about her. Maybe it'd help to talk about it and take an interest in her new relationship.

"So how's Genevieve doing?" I asked, pulling my coat tighter against the chilly evening air.

Kara's eyes took on the dreamy quality I was getting used to seeing whenever she talked about Gen. "She's good. She's going out of town tomorrow for a week."

"Oh, wow. I know she works on the Hill, but what exactly does she do?"

"She's a social media strategist for a representative from Florida. Can't remember his last name. Jonathan something. She travels a lot apparently."

"That sounds really cool."

"It is. For her." Kara sighed. "Can I tell you something?"

"Of course."

"I think I'm in love."

Was she serious? After four days? I had to literally bite my tongue to keep from laughing, and I knew I needed to tread carefully here. "Wow, really?"

"I know it's fast. But that's the way I do it."

Um, okay. It was crazy, but it honestly fit her personality. "Have you been in love before?"

"Yeah, like fifty times."

At that, I couldn't keep it in anymore, and I let out that laugh. But thank God, she laughed with me.

"I know I'm ridiculous," she said. "I fall fast. And hard."

"I guess so." At least, she was aware of it? Hopefully, that was a good thing.

"What about you? Have you ever been in love?"

"Nope."

"No? Really? Never? Not even close?" She stared at me, clearly shocked by my answer.

"Never. Not even close," I admitted.

"Wow."