Page 20 of Forbidden Desires

Irritation crawls under my skin. This morning, I thought we could put what happened between us a month ago behind us and act as though it never even happened. But it’s only day one and having her here in my space already has me on edge. I hear so often that I look like my father. I’m taller than he was, but even I know there is a striking family resemblance in nearly every other way. I never wanted to be anything like him and have spent my whole adult life avoiding relationships to make sure I never hurt anyone the way he did my mother. If you’re up front with a girl and tell her it’s just one night, it’s simple. No one gets hurt. But Gisele being here complicates my one-night-only policy. Because I can’t forget how sweet she tasted or the way her soft moans filled the hotel room as she writhed over my cock. I can’t forget how soft and silky her hair was wrapped around my wrist as I fucked her face. And I can’t forget what a good little girl she was just for me.

Chapter 10

Gisele

Ilie on my new bed staring up at the ceiling with a stupid smile on my face. I survived day one. Knowing I’m going to burst if I don’t tell someone what happened today, I dial Cassie’s number,impatient for her to pick up. “Cassie, you’re never going to believe who my boss is,” I whisper into the phone, not bothering with hellos.

“Who?” she asks, sounding excited.

“The sexy stranger with the Southern accent,” I blurt out, biting into my lip. I still can’t believe it.

She starts to choke on the other end of the line, coughing and spluttering.

“Are you okay?” I ask, concerned.

“Just choking on my noodles. That wasn’t what I was expecting you to say,” she splutters.

“Sorry. It wasn’t what I was imagining when I arrived at the hotel this morning for my first day of work either.”

“I bet.” She chuckles. “Well, it’s a happy coincidence then. You liked him, right?”

I sigh heavily. “The night we had together was hot as sin. But I don’t really know him well enough to know if I like him. We had fun, but maybe that’s all it was ever supposed to be. We never expected to see each other again. And it’s really more inconvenient now, because he can’t date staff. It’s against company policy. And he’s different here, broody. Oh, and get this, I didn’t start on the reception desk. During orientation, I met his sister who’s in charge of recruiting, and she decided I should take over the event-coordinator role. Twice the pay and with my own office,” I squeal, still not believing my luck.

She bursts out laughing. “You really are the lucky one, Gigi. I don’t know any other person on this planet who would be hired for an entry-level job and score a promotion on day one.”

“But I’m not even Gigi Kelley here. No one, with the exception of Brody, knows who I even am.”

“I don’t think it matters what you call yourself, hun, you just have a knack for landing on your feet. It’s a good thing, own it.”

As I’m talking to her, I shrug out of my blouse, knowing I need to get ready for dinner with the girls, Paisley’s treat. “I’ll let you know if that is still true after I get through this weekend’s two weddings,” I say, anxiety dancing in my stomach. Emerson thinks I can do it, but I won’t feel good about it until I survive this weekend.

“Yeah, that sounds like it’s going to be a whole lot of fun.” She laughs.

I wiggle out of my skirt, flicking the phone onto speaker so my hands are free. “How’s the new show going?” I ask, not missing it at all.

“As well as can be expected without you,” she says sadly, and I feel bad.

I slip on the dress I have picked out. It’s a cotton summer dress in a lavender color. “I miss you too,” I tell her, even though I only saw her a couple of days ago.

“Oh, but get this. Dallas didn’t get the best part, so in overly dramatic fashion, he picked a fight with our new casting director in front of the entire crew, not realizing he wasn’t going to take his shit like the old guy did. He erupted at him, causing Dallas to stumble backwards and tumble right down the stairs. He couldn’t get himself up fast enough and stormed out of the place, threatening just about every person in there. It was hilarious! I wish you were here to see it. Told you karma would bite him in the balls.” She is cracking up laughing by the time she finishes the story.

“I can’t believe I missed it.” I giggle, imagining the look on Dallas’s face as he tumbled down the stairs.

“It was awesome, Gigi.” She wheezes as she tries to catch her breath and stop laughing.

There’s a knock at my door, and Mae calls out telling me we’re leaving for dinner in ten.

“Gotta run, the girls I’m living with are taking me out for dinner and a drink.”

“I’m jealous but have fun. Talk soon.”

“Thanks. Tell Brandon I said hi,” I add before hanging up.

I chuck on a pair of white high-top Converse and head out the door to meet the girls.

My new roomies have brought me to their favorite spot to grab dinner and a drink, McAllister’s Bar and Grill. With its inviting atmosphere, exposed brick walls, and the aroma of smoky barbecue, it oozes Southern charm. The soft glow of string lights overhead sets the perfect mood for a relaxed dining experience. The television at the front plays highlights of a football game, and the four of us sit in a booth looking out over the empty main street.

With an ice-cold sweet tea vodka lemonade in hand, Paisley fills us in on her disastrous morning. The poor girl had been seeing this guy for nearly a month, thinking he was some handsome older man who wanted to spoil her. Turns out he was married with a family, and she was the side piece. She’s a lot calmer now than she was this morning, even able to laugh about it.

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