Page 4 of Forbidden Fruit (Sweet Treats 7)

But this isn’t the time to think of that. I glance flirtatiously at Ryder while stroking my fingers gently over his knuckles.

“Are you ready for our big night?” I coo. “It’s going to be fun, don’t you think?”

Ryder looks over at me and laughs huskily. His blue eyes gleam in the evening light, and I feel a tingle of heat shoot through my belly.

“Oh yeah, it’s going to be amazing,” he growls, inverting his palm so that we’re holding hands. “Ah-may-zing.”

I giggle. I wish my boyfriend had a better vocabulary, but that’s fine. Ryder’s never been academic, and his reading consists mostly of graphic novels and the occasional men’s magazine. Boys will be boys, I suppose.

Finally, we arrive at the hotel, and Ryder pulls into the circular U of the driveway. He rushes around the car to open my door for me, taking my hand and helping me out as if I’m a princess.

“Why thank you,” I say coyly.

“Of course,” he says, those blue eyes running up and down my form hungrily. “Hubba hubba.”

Again, my boyfriend’s not really a poet, but that’s fine. I just want his body tonight, and then maybe tomorrow, we’ll break up. Who knows? Ryder puts his arm possessively around my waist, and as we step into the hotel, I shoot him a flirtatious look. Tonight, my innocence will be taken, and I’m looking forward to it.

2

Kristy

“So where’s Ryder?” Britt screams into my ear. “He was crowned Prom King, and I want to congratulate him! It’s so weird that he’s not here!”

I look around the sea of gyrating, shimmying bodies. The ballroom at the hotel has been done up in soft pinks and sea foam greens because this year’s prom theme is “Under the Sea.” Pinatas of aquatic creatures hang from the ceiling and there are a couple nets and tridents strung somewhat randomly on the walls.

“I don’t know,” I scream back with confusion. “I haven’t seen Ryder since he was crowned. Maybe they’re taking pictures?”

Britt shakes her head, still trying to be heard over the thumping beat.

“No, they did that right after the Prom Court presentation. That’s over and done with.”

I shrug, just as befuddled while scanning the crowd again.

“I have no idea!” I yell over the music. “Maybe he’s in the men’s bathroom!”

Annoyed, I look around the ballroom for the umpteenth time. It’s been fun seeing all my friends, dancing to the beat, and then getting amped up over the Prom Court spectacular. My heart pumped with excitement as my boyfriend walked up on stage to accept the scepter and crown bestowed upon the king each year. Ryder looked so handsome and charming, and very much like a movie star with his deep tan and flashing smile. Plus, as he accepted the regalia, he waved and blew a kiss to me in the crowd. My heart accelerated and my insides loosened. I was ready to be his receptacle for the night, and to feel his hardness deep inside.

But now, Ryder’s gone missing. What the hell? How annoying. I roll my eyes and scream in Britt’s general direction again.

“I’ll go look for him! We want to get the party started ASAP!”

My friend nods and high-fives me, not attempting to make herself heard over the thrumming beat. Hitching my dress up with annoyance, I step out of the hotel ballroom and into the carpeted hallway. The place they picked to host prom is nice. There are chandeliers and elegant wall sconces in ornate niches on the walls. There’s also cream-colored molding lining the ceilings and deep red carpeting which gives the hotel an old-fashioned, Hollywood elegance.

But where’s Ryder? Annoyed, I let out a stream of air from my nose. He better not be getting drunk because otherwise, he won’t be able to perform tonight. Where is that boy?

Feeling more and more annoyed, I wander around the maze downstairs. This hotel is huge, and we’re not the only party here. There are several ballrooms, and it appears that more than a few are in use. To the left is a convention where everyone looks like a nerd, with their heads bent over their phones while wearing glasses as thick as Coke bottles. Maybe they’re discussing the latest robotic technology. Uninterested, I move on.

To the right looks to be a giant family reunion, and the attendees actually look quite cute in their matching t-shirts. They’re posing for pictures with one another while feasting on Mexican food, and my heart contracts a bit. I wish I had a family so numerous and warm-hearted, but so far, it’s only me and my dad.

Then, I come to a corner alcove, and make a right. The hallway here is a bit deserted, and I pad silently down the aisle. I pass a set of big double doors that are slightly open, and peek inside.

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