Page 28 of Forbidden Desires

Mae smiles at me like she has something on her mind. “Paisley tells me you have been gifted a car.”

I glare at Paisely; this girl has a real big mouth. “Not gifted, it’s a company car. And I’m not accepting it. Why would I?”

“Because you need one. It’s hard to get around this town without a car, and Brody knows that.”

“He must really like you,” Mae gushes like this is some romantic gesture, when we all know it’s not.

“He doesn’t like me at all.” I glare at Paisley. “And this stays between us. I don’t want anyone around this place thinking I’m getting special treatment. I feel awkward enough with our history.” I exhale heavily, scooping another mouthful of chicken into my mouth and trying to block out the situation with this delicious food.

“Why would he be giving you special treatment? Because you guys screwed each other’s brains out on a sexy one-night stand in New York? God, your life is exciting. First, you’re like some superstar, now this. I want to be you,” Paisley says dreamily.

I give her a look. “You said you wouldn’t bring up the star thing.” She promised me this morning she was going to keep it to herself. I’m so angry with Brody for telling Parker, but his explanation did make sense; it was before he knew I was coming here when he thought he would never see me again.

She winces. “I lied, sorry. I won’t tell anyone else, but girl, you’re like the coolest person I’ve ever met, and I couldn’t care less who your parents are, or where. It’s all because of you. Isn’t that right, Mae?”

Mae nods, agreeing around her mouthful. “Sure is. We love you already, Gisele. But you have to come clean with us. Roomies share everything.”

“And Parker already knows. He was acting all dodgy after he worked out that he’d said too much last night, then I couldn’t get anything else out of him.”

I shake my head. “I can’t confirm or deny anything.” I smirk, unable to help it. That night was one of the best of my life. I relive it on the daily, but I’m not talking about it with the girls.

“He’s big, right?” Paisley nods, using her hands to show what size she thinks he is. “I bet he is. You can tell he has that whole big-dick energy thing going on.”

Mae hits her on the shoulder. “Hush, you can’t say stuff like that, he’s our boss. And Emerson’s brother.”

Paisley rolls her eyes. “Oh, that’s right, a good Southern girl doesn’t talk about sex. I’m not Emerson!” She shakes her head. “That girl’s gotsecrets,good ones.”

“Secrets are that for a reason. Sometimes it’s best they stay that way.” I shrug my shoulders, not wanting to give anything away. I don’t know what Emerson’s secrets are, but if she hasn’t told her best friends, there must be a reason for it. And while I’m enjoying making friends with these girls, it’s nice to have something just for me. The night I had with Brody was perfection. And even though he’s determined to ruin it by being a controlling, overbearing ass, I’m hanging on to the memory of what we shared.

Mae points her fork in my direction. “You can’t deny the chemistry between the two of you. I’ve never seen anything like it. He’s so hot for you.”

“You have seen us together once,” I grumble. These two are relentless.

She shrugs. “It was that obvious.”

Paisley nods, agreeing with Mae. “And if that were me, I’d be all over it, screw the consequences. You only live once, right?”

I stare out over the beach, enjoying the salt spray hitting my face. “Can’t we talk about something else?” I whine. “What aboutyou, Paisley? Did you leave last night with the cute bartender you were checking out?”

She looks at us both, guilty as hell. “Nah. I’m off guys, remember? Jake’s just a friend from school. We played some pool, that was it.”

Mae gives her a funny look. “Guy drama normally only lasts a day with you. You’re over it now, right?”

They continue ribbing each other, and I eat the rest of my food, in culinary heaven, wishing I didn’t have a Jeep-sized problem that now needs addressing with Brody. I was hoping to stay away from him for a few days, create some much-needed space. But I guess I’m not that lucky today.

Chapter 13

Brody

Parker has just finished going over the plans for the new rooftop terrace. It’s going to be a modern stylish retreat with a predominantly white aesthetic.Crisp, light-colored flooring complements comfortable outdoor furniture adorned with plush white cushions. Greenery will take center stage in hanging pots, creating a lush, cascading display. Large pots will house statement plants, adding height and structure to the space. Privacy screens with climbing greenery will create an intimate atmosphere. I’m on board for his vision, but it’s not going to be cheap. I’m going to need to sink more money than I originally thought into this place. It’s an investment that I know will pay off. But what I don’t understand is where our current profits are disappearing to. There’s a gaping hole I haven’t been able to locate, and until I do, I’m reluctant to part with the money.

I glance out over the view and see what my great-grandfather saw all those years ago. This place offers 180-degree views of the beach, pier, and promenade below, and at this hour, it’s magnificent. The warm evening breeze carries the scent of the ocean, and the rhythmic sound of waves crashing against the shore below provides a calming backdrop. I know I have to get this right for our family. For the Alexander name.

“There you are,” comes Gisele’s voice, sounding almost breathless. “I’ve been searching the hotel for you. Parker said I might find you here.”

I turn to see Gisele approaching, her figure silhouetted against the fading sunlight. “Here I am.” I smirk, pleased to see her after a long day, even if I know what’s coming after the text I received earlier. I didn’t reply in the hopes I could have it out with her in person.

She moves closer, holding out the keys to her new car. “Thank you for the offer, but I don’t need this. Parker ishappy to drive me home,” she says, extending the keys toward me.

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