Page 27 of Forbidden Ride
But my heart isn’t being rational. It’s hanging in midair, waiting and hoping for the possibility that William Johnson might, in fact, bethe one.
William feels the same way about me and doesn’t hold back when expressing his feelings. He also gives zero fucks about what our families might think about us.
I know endorphins flood the body after sex, but this ache? This tug? This fire whenever my eyes meet his—it’s thrown me off balance and made me rethink everything I thought I knew.
And now the SUV is upright on the road, in good enough condition to get me to my cabin and back to West Palomino. When I paid the tow truck driver, he said I should be happy the frame wasn’t bent. Even the tires are in good condition. But I wish the car was totaled. As expensive as it would be to fix or replace, at least I wouldn’t have the option of leaving. There’d be no decision to make. I’d get to stay with William longer.
I stand beside William and watch the tow truck drive away. I breathe in the crisp mountain air, feeling the warmth of his body so close to mine. God, I’m going to miss him.
“I don’t want to leave,” I admit, opening my driver’s side door.
“You’re not leaving me, Jenny.” My heart skips at his words. He takes my hand, and I turn back to him.
“I told you, you’re mine now. We’ll work through whatever problems with our families. Their issues have nothing to do with us,” he says matter-of-factly, like there is no question. “Now that we’ve found each other, we’ll be together, no ifs, ands, or buts about it.”
“Do you really feel that way?” I hate that I sound so needy, but I can’t help it.
William reaches for my face but doesn’t pull me close to kiss me. He runs a knuckle along my cheekbone, and his gaze lingers on my skin. Without saying a word, he’s making my blood hammer through my system—so much so, my knees start shaking.
“You said you wanted to go back to your cabin,” he softly explains. “I’m not going to beg you to stay. I’ll never force you into doing anything. You know that.” He brings his hand back to his side. “You’ll come back to me of your own free will. And I’ll be waiting.”
Oh shit. I was sort of hoping he’d talk me into staying. I stand silently while my heart plays ping-pong and watch him get a grip on my bags. He places them in the back next to Lara’s car seat.
“I’ll follow you back to your place, make sure you get there safely.”
“You don’t have to do that.”
“It wasn’t a question, sweetheart. You almost killed yourself the first time around. I can’t take any chances with you, beauty.” He closes the door and comes back around to my driver’s side door.
“So this isn’t goodbye forever?” Shit, there’s that neediness again.
“This is just the start of us, Jenny.” Against the puffy white clouds and bright sky peeking through the pine trees, William’s eyes are a liquid sea-blue gray, and I’m drowning in the undertow. He cradles my face in his massive hands and leans down, surrounding me in a blanket of comfort. His knowing lips touch mine, and soon I’m melting in the familiar again.
Is it possible thisisn’ttoo good to be true, and that he’s nothing like his family?
Kiss after soulful, tender kiss, I’m gone, floating up high somewhere in the clouds, the birds singing below. I close my eyes and lose myself, feeling every searing stroke as his fingers caress my face. Our kiss ratchets up from soft and affectionate to the point where I’m ready to rip his clothes off.
“You’re cold,” he whispers against my lips, his breath cloud lingering in the frosty air.
“Far from it.” I raise my brows, and a smile lights his rugged, beautiful face. I try to save this image of him to store in my memory bank. God knows I’ll use it. My life will be so lonely without him.
“Let’s get you inside,” he says, helping me into the car. I reluctantly settle into the driver’s seat and pull in a deep breath. I know what has to happen. I steady my trembling hands and grip the steering wheel, trying not to think about how I guided myself right off an icy road the last time I was here.
William takes hold of my seat belt clasp, tugs it over my lap, and locks it in place, something I constantly do for my kids. I can’t even count the number of times a day, and yet no one ever does that for me.
“Thanks,” I squeak, frowning, wondering whyIcan’t be reckless and wild for once. But I already know the answer.Because you have children who depend on you. Because being with a Johnson will destroy your family.I grit my teeth and push the key into the ignition.
“Go slow, love. The roads are still slippery.” He leans in and kisses my cheek. A flood of heavenly William smells enters the compartment.
“Will do.” I find a brave face and lock it in place.Let’s not turn into a pile of mush now.
I watch in my rearview as he tromps back to his truck behind me. His sexy body, tight ass, thick brown hair—nowhere near going gray. Jesus... I remember he’s younger than me. Another valid reason why this cannot possibly work out between us.
My heart races as I slowly ease off the clumpy, mud-slicked side of the road and onto the main drag where it’s paved and smooth. I keep watch in my mirror and slowly make my way up the grade. He’s right behind me.
It’s so rare to have someone looking after me. And as much as I hate to admit it, I could get used to this.
Obviously, my brothers would come running to help if I needed it. They’d move mountains for me if I asked them to, but I don’t. I never call them for help, because I know they’re taking care of their own families.
