Page 34 of Forbidden Desires

We both look in Gisele’s direction, and I can tell she’s wondering what on earth is going on.

I offer a half smile, not admitting to anything. “You better get back to your groom.”

The bride hurries off, and Gisele offers me a wave and mouths thank you as she follows her, leaving me to shake my head in disbelief. If there was a person for me, I’m sure it could be her, but I just can’t see all of this like they do. Even if I did, the hotel policy rules out anything ever really happening anyway. At least for the next ten and a half months we’re stuck in this weird limbo. I can’t deny I want her, and late at night when I’m all alone, I reach out to her because I’m desperate for any little scrap of attention she might give me. I want to know everything about her, and more than anything, I wish I were there with her, showing her exactly how wild she makes me. I’m not sure how much longer I can keep my distance.

Chapter 16

Gisele

Music and laughter from Deception Bay’s fall fair travels through the house. It seems as though the whole town is enjoying their lazy Sunday afternoon except for me. Paisley,Mae, and Emerson begged me to join them, but I just wasn’t feeling up to it. That dang story that came out last week has really rattled me. I thought I could come out here and hide who I was. I thought it would be easy. But now that the word is out, there’s nothing I can do. People will make their assumptions, and I guess I just have to live with it.

I sit in my bay window with a cup of coffee watching them all have their fun. A band plays on the main stage, and little kids dance around in pumpkin costumes, their clunky moves adorable. Food trucks and stalls line the other side of Main Street, the waft of fresh pumpkin pie filling my nostrils and making my belly rumble.

I hate missing out. It looks like they’re all having so much fun. I glance over at the outfit Paisley laid out on my bed when she was trying to convince me to come. It’s pretty cute. I must admit the girl has a good sense of style. Tan knee-high boots with a floral mini skirt, all in caramels, and a soft cream knit sweater. I’m only punishing myself by not going. So what if they know who I am now. I can’t let it define me. Gisele the performer is just one side of me. In the short time since I arrived, I’ve already proven I can be so much more. I place my coffee down and grab the sweater, pulling it over my head. Screw it, I’m not letting someone else dampen my spirit.

Five minutes later I’m dressed and making my way through the crowd toward my friends.

Paisley sees me first. “You made it.” She squeals with excitement.

“I wasn’t going to let one silly newspaper story make me miss my first fair. This all looks like way too much fun.” I beam, proud of myself for getting out of the house.

“Good for you, Gisele,” agrees Emerson.

Mae hands me a slice of pie. “You have to try this. I was going to bring some home for you, but since you’re here now.”

“Oh my, you are the best, Mae.” Her generosity warms my heart. I take the fork from her and dig into the enticing slice. “Mmm,” I groan out loud, unable to help it. The pastry is buttery and flaky, and the filling melts in my mouth—a perfect blend of aromatic spices and smooth pumpkin.

“The Delaneys know how to make a good pie,” Emerson agrees with a satisfied nod. “I had two slices already, and I’m considering going back for a third.” She laughs.

After savoring the last bite of pie, the four of us take a leisurely stroll around the town square, immersing ourselves in the lively atmosphere. Locals greet me with friendly warm smiles that make me feel at home. The girls tell stories of past events when they were younger; the three of them are so close, having known each other since they were born. I don’t have any friends like that. I never really felt all that close to anyone I went to school with. It was always so competitive. You didn’t get close to anyone else in fear they might be out to take your spot at the top of the class. Cassie was a lucky find when she joined the company, but she’s only been in my life a year. This group of girls feels more like family, and I know they would do anything for each other. And I think I’m already a part of it. I feel guilty for quickly assuming that one of them might have shared my story with the media. Looking at them now, I know they wouldn’t have, just like Brody said. I also get a sinking feeling every time I think about my father. He wants me home in two months to audition for his show, but I don’t ever want to leave.

With the band on a break, the spotlight shifts to small children who take the stage to showcase their delightful homemade costumes. It’s a charming display that adds a playful touch to the festivities. I would have loved to be involved when I was a kid.

Paisley grabs my arm and leads me toward a tempting lineup of local breweries and wineries. Aromas of seasonal beverages beckon, and handwritten signs flag the stalls, promising a tasteof the region’s finest. “This is always my favorite part.” She grins, sampling an apple cider from a tray. We all follow her lead, giving it a try. “I’ll take a bottle,” she tells the vendor.

This isn’t like anything I ever had in New York. The burst of flavors dances in my mouth. The initial sweetness of ripe apples gives way to a subtle tartness, creating a refreshing balance. I’m with Paisley, I want more. “I could go for one too,” I agree, and the four of us grab our drinks before settling at one of the picnic tables set up for today’s festivities.

As a new band takes the stage with a country-pop vibe, I sway along to the music, relishing my cider. The day seamlessly transitions into evening as we watch passersby and continue to top up our drinks while chatting about everything and anything. The atmosphere is light and fun, and I find myself grateful for stepping out of the comfort of my room to join the girls. I haven’t been approached, not once. No one seems to care who I am, and I’m so grateful. I smile happily to myself, thinking there is only one thing that could make tonight better.

And then I see him. Brody is standing with Parker and Elliot by a bonfire, beers in hand. They talk animatedly, and for the first time since I arrived here, he looks like he’s genuinely having a good time – a stark contrast to the serious demeanor I’m accustomed to seeing around the office. His gaze unintentionally meets mine, and he catches me gawking. I offer a small smile, and to my surprise, he responds with a slight tip of his head in acknowledgment that lights me up inside.

He’s dressed in a pair of relaxed-style jeans and a navy-blue button-up, his hair intentionally tousled on top, adding to his effortlessly handsome demeanor. A part of me wishes for things to be different, for the freedom to just walk over there and talk to him. To confess that I can’t seem to stop thinking about him. Especially after he came to my rescue twice last weekend. But reality holds me back, and I know I can’t cross that line.

“Finally going out with him.” Mae laughs. “Poor boy’s not going to know what hit him.”

“Sure am, and I’m bringing Giselle with me. It’s a double date.” Paisely laughs.

I fling my attention back to their conversation. I had tuned out for a second, but that part I caught. “What? I don’t remember agreeing to any double date,” I ask, horrified. What on earth has she got me tangled up in?

Paisley flashes her most charming smile at me. “Pretty please, will you come with me? I can’t go alone, it’s going to be awkward. We’ve known each other our whole lives, and he has a really cute friend who has a thing for you.” She places her hands in front of her chest like she’s praying. “Please.” She flutters her lashes.

“Might take your mind off someone else,” Mae says, looking in the boys’ direction like she thinks she knows what she’s talking about.

“My mind isn’t on anyone else,” I respond a little too quickly, with my teeth clenched. I push my hair over my shoulder and sit up a little higher. “I’m enjoying my independence, thank you.”

“Sure, sure,” Paisley brushes me off. “But this would be doing me a massive favor.” Her eyes plead with me to give in.

“Why can’t Em go, or Mae? They’re just as single as me.” I look to the other girls for help. I don’t know a lot about their love lives; both of them are a lot more reserved than Paisley, but neither of them seems to be dating anyone.

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