Page 35 of Forbidden Desires

“Sorry, I’m working next Saturday,” Mae jumps in quickly, and I eye her suspiciously. Did she already know about this?

“I’m good. Gisele’s new here, and she hasn’t experienced the wonders of dating in this town yet. I think she should join you. Think of it as an experience you can’t go without,” Emerson agrees with Mae, and I don’t like the little smirk the two of them share. Why do I feel like I’m being set up here?

I look back at the three of them, defeated. “Thanks, girls, nice to know you have my back,” I exhale sarcastically.

Mae wraps an arm around my shoulders, hugging me to her. “We do, sweetie, that’s why I think you should give it a go. It’ll be a good laugh watching Paisley navigate Jake McAllister.” She chuckles. “And besides, it’s you his friend has a thing for.”

Paisley smiles sweetly like she’s just won because she knows I’m going to do it. I would like to know who this guy is and how she knows he has a thing for me, but it really doesn’t matter. Because he’s not Brody, and the truth is he’s the only guy I care about. “I’m going for another drink, anyone else want one?”

Everyone declines, so I make my way to the cider truck we have been visiting all night long. I line up waiting to be served, unable to help the way my body sways to the music. I’m racking my brain, trying to work out how to get out of this date. It’s been a long time since I dated anyone. Even Dallas and I didn’t really date, we just saw each other on set and went out after for food. Going on a double date with a complete stranger seems like a bad idea. Especially since my mind is on someone else.

A hand comes to my waist, and I feel hot breath on my neck. “Having fun?” Brody’s deep voice whispers in my ear, sending a flush of goosebumps over my skin. He’s so close I can feel his warmth, smell his aftershave; it’s an intoxicating combination. What I wouldn’t give to lean into him and get carried away. I’m just tipsy enough that it feels like a terrific idea.

I smile toward him. “I’m glad I came. This town sure knows how to throw a party.”

“That it does.” He smiles back at me, and it’s filled with genuine warmth. It takes me right back to our night together. I can’t help but find myself getting lost in his dark eyes. He looks so handsome tonight. I sigh, wishing things were different.

We get to the front of the queue. “What’re you having?” Brody asks.

“Just an apple cider, please.”

“A cider and an ale,” he tells the bartender. He pays then takes the two bottles. We shuffle out of the line and off to the side of the van into the shadows where it’s darker. He clinks his bottle with mine. “To the coordinator who’s lasted longer than any of the others.” He chuckles happily.

“I thought it was all over last weekend. Lucky you saved the day with our runaway.” I laugh along with him, thinking back to our missing bride.

“Actually, it was your words that did it,” he corrects me.

I look him over, wondering what he means. “What did you tell her?” I never did get a chance to ask him, I was too busy doing damage control.

His eyes sweep over my body, holding an edge of desire. “Just some wise words I heard earlier that day. I figured maybe you were right. Once you find the right person, you should hang on to ‘em.”

“Brody Alexander, is there a heart in there somewhere?” I laugh, touching his chest where his heart should be.

“You know there’s not,” he jokes, but his eyes tell a different story. The way he’s looking at me makes me weak in the knees. His gaze drops to my lips, and I lick them, suddenly feeling like they’re dry. For a second, I think he’s going to kiss me right here in the shadows where anyone could walk past. But instead, he drops his lips to my ear, and my heart starts to race like it never has before. “You’re making me crazy, Gisele. I’ve never wanted anyone like I do you right now.”

“I want you too,” I admit, whispering back.

He backs me up a little, further into the dark and between two buildings. “I can’t touch you,” he whispers in the other ear.

My breath catches in my throat. “I know.” But Lord, how I want him to. When he’s so close to me, I can feel his hard cock inhis pants, and what I wouldn’t give for a taste. To run my tongue over his thick shaft. Moisture soaks my panties at the thought.

His head drops dangerously close to mine, his lips just a hair’s breadth away. “Touch yourself for me. Show me how much you want my hands on you.”

My insides clench, a tingle of excitement running through me. Is he for real? “Out here?” I ask, searching our surroundings.

He nods, his eyes shifting down my body. “I can see the party from here, I’ll tell you if anyone is coming close to us.”

I swallow the lump in my throat, desire taking over any rational thinking.

He takes my drink, placing it on a nearby log. “Slip your hand under that cute little skirt I hope you wore just for me and play with yourself.” This time his voice is more demanding.

I glance over his shoulder, and seeing the coast is clear, I spread my legs a little wider and move my hand under my skirt. “Like this?” I purr, not even recognizing my voice.

“Yes.” His eyes drop down my body again, and he takes a swig of his drink as he watches me slip my hand inside my panties. “How wet are you for me?”

“Soaking,” I whisper, letting my fingers explore. I’m so sensitive with all the pent-up sexual energy from being around him the last few weeks.

He drops his head closer, his lips grazing my earlobe. “Finger yourself for me, sweet pea.”

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