Page 7 of Forbidden Love

I shift my attention to the documents and focus on the plans. As I go through them, I monitor her, watching her reactions, gauging her interest.

She’s sharp, asking the right questions and pointing out potential issues. It’s clear she knows her stuff, and it draws me to her even more.

We go through the plans for the better part of an hour, discussing everything from the layout of the resort to the impact on local wildlife.

She’s still skeptical, but she’s engaged, the gears turning in her head. She scratches her temple. “Okay. This isn’t as bad as I imagined.

“Like I mentioned, I have no intention of causing harm. Let’s create something that works for everyone.”

Turning to face me fully, her enlarged pupils fixate on me. “You keep saying that, but do you really believe that’s possible?”

I want to touch her glowing skin badly, but I shove my hand in my pocket instead. “I do, but it’s going to take collaboration to achieve it.”

She’s quiet for a beat, considering my words. Finally, she agrees. “Okay. I’m willing to give it a shot.”

“Good,” I reply. “We’re going to be a great team, Maya.”

She doesn’t respond, just stares at me with those intense eyes of hers.

As the meeting ends, I stand, offering her my hand. “Thank you for coming, Maya. I appreciate you being open to this.”

She shakes my hand. “Don’t make me regret this, David.”

My skin tingles from her touch, but I put on my best poker face. “Why would you regret it?”

As she turns to leave, she pauses, glancing back at me. “Because you’re hiding something.”

I smile, keeping my expression neutral. “Aren’t we all?”

Her brown eyes bury themselves in mine before finally reaching for the door. “I’ll see you tomorrow.”

I smile, a surge of warmth running through me. “Tomorrow.”

She hesitates, her hand on the doorknob. After, she presents me with a small nod and walks out, leaving me standing there with a fervid sensation in my chest.

I exhale and walk over to the window, watching as she saunters away from the office trailer. There’s something about her, something that’s pulling me in, and it’s more than just the challenge of getting her on board with the project. It’s personal.

But just as I’m about to turn away, a small, buzzing movement on the office cabinet catches my eye. Stepping closer, I notice her phone vibrating against the wood. She must have left it behind.

I reach for it, my fingers brushing the sleek surface as it buzzes again, lighting up with an incoming text. The message on the screen stops me cold.

Cameron:Missing you already. Last night was unforgettable. Can’t wait to see you again.

My fingers tighten around the phone. I’m clueless about who this guy is, but I don’t like this one bit.

A sharp heat twists my abdomen. Is she with someone else?

Before I can think too much about it, the door creaks open, and Maya steps back in, scanning the room until her pupils land on me. “I forgot my—”

“Your phone,” I say, cutting her off, my tone rougher than I intended. While holding the phone out to her, I observe her reaction.

She averts her gaze before opting for a casual smile and reaching for the phone. “Thanks.”

I don’t let go immediately, but I eventually hand it over. “Looks like someone’s eager to talk to you.”

As her pupils dilate a fraction, she stiffens, but recovers quickly and slips the phone into her purse as if it’s no big deal. “Yeah, he’s a friend.”

My jaw clenches. “Must be a damn good friend.”

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