Page 100 of Twice as Forbidden

“It’s a lot to take in. Don’t push yourself. Things will come back to you when you’re ready.”

“And Noah?”

“What about me?” Jackson leans back as Noah walks into the room. My heart drops at having to face him, knowing all the pain I’ve caused. He stops in the doorway, refusing to come any closer.

“Noah,” I say his name, my voice laced with remorse.

“Glad to see you awake, Georgie. I’ll grab the doctor.”

“Noah, wait.” But he doesn’t stop.

“He needs time. He’s taken this really hard. All of it.”

“Oh, Jackson, what have we done?”

“I know this is all fucked up, but I won’t apologize for falling in love with you.”

“Where do we go from here?”

“Mom, is that a new top? I must say, it looks lovely on you!” The sound of Lettie’s raised voice from down the hall tells me she’s giving me a heads up. Jackson steps back, shoving his hands in his pockets as my sister and mom enter the room.

“Hey, baby. You’re awake. How’re you feeling?”

“Like I got hit by a car.” My mom’s eyes widen, then narrow, not appreciating my humor. “Sorry, too soon? I feel awful. My head is throbbing.”

“Let me find the doctor and see if they can prescribe anything for you.” She retreats slowly from my room while Lettie sips her coffee, her gaze fixed on me.

“Just say what you have to say.”

“Who, me? Why would I have anything to say? Why don’t you say whatyouhave to say?”

“I’ll give you two some privacy.”

“Wow. Thanks,Mr. Blake.”

“Lettie,” I scold as he walks out, ignoring her snarky comment. “That wasn’t necessary.”

“Neither was hiding that you’re sleeping with your boyfriend’s dad from me—”

“Shh! Can you keep it down? Mom can come back any time.”

“Georgie, what the hell are you doing? I mean… really?”

I sigh, trying to get comfortable. “It’s not what you think.”

“Oh, I’m pretty sure it is. I know you and Noah had problems, but how can you do that to him?”

“We broke up at the beginning of summer. I didn’t want to tell you because I didn’t want you to worry.”

She throws her hands up. “Well, too late for that! Instead, we get a call that you’ve been run over and to get here now to most likely say my goodbyes. Not how I expected to take my first flight, by the way!” She raises her voice, shocking me. “And when you finally wake up, I find you playing kissy face with aman—an attractive, hot, super built man—but what thefuck!”

“Lettie!”

“WHAT!”

“I’m in love with him.” She stares at me, then bursts into laughter. “What’s so funny?” I ask, frustrated.

“What you said. Oh… wait. You’re serious? Shit… wow…shit.” She scratches the top of her head, bewildered. “And how exactly is that gonna work?”

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