Page 126 of Forbidden You

I stare at my screen, my gaze fixed on infinity, head low to make sure I don’t let my eyes wander to Agnes across from me.

My heart thumps vigorously for more than one reason, preventing me from refocusing on what I was doing before Bodi did the unthinkable and pressed his lips against mine.In the office.In front of Agnes, and–holy fucking shit.

He’s been adamant about not crossing that line, knowing it could lead to a lot of backlash not just for him, but also for me. If word goes out I’m fucking the boss in his office, the publishing world will have a field day with that. Not to mention how it would tarnish what little reputation I build at KPI.

But not that he did, I’m both giddy and worried. The depth of that kiss reverberates through every ounce of energy I possess, filling me with hope that perhaps he’s ready to take the next step. It was filled with need, an unspoken plea for support, and part of me wanted to snatch my jacket and go with him. The only reason I didn’t is because he told me not to, and the expression on his handsome yet troublesome face made it clear he needed to do this alone.

My thoughts are interrupted by the squeaking of Agnes’s chair as she gets up, and I duck deeper into my screen.

I know she saw that, and I have no idea how she will respond. I like Agnes, and I think she likes me too. She reminds me of Nana, just sweeter, and I’d hate for her to change her opinion on me because of my involvement with her boss.

God, it sounds so bad when I put it like that.

I’ve been fearlessly voicing to Bodi how I don’t care what the world will think if they did find out about us, but I understand. But now that the cat is out of the bag with the one woman at KPI I respect like a family member, I feel jittery as fuck.

Her soft steps round her desk, before they lead her to me, standing beside me.

“Kayla?”

I hum, my gaze staring at the word on my screen, though not reading a fucking word it says.

“Look at me,” her caring voice tempts me.

“I’d rather not.”

She takes a seat on my desk, resting her warm palm on my wrist to force my attention her way. I suck in a deep breath, bracing myself for what I’m about to find in her matured gaze before I slowly twist my chin in her direction.

“I’m not judging.” The tender smile sitting on her burgundy lips shows no lies, and I exhale in relief when her coffee brown eyes radiate the same kindness behind her glasses.

“You’re not?”

She squeezes my arm. “Honey, I applaud you for keeping it behind closed doors for so long, but I knew the second you strolled out of here with a suitcase behind you to live with Bodi. This is nothing new to my ears. What is new is the fact that you’re embarrassed about it. You’re not the kind of girl that hides stuff.”

My heart stops for just a second, thinking about the secret no one knows except my Stanford friends. None of whom has called me since I left months ago though.

“You never call him Bodi,” I quip, doing my best to push my gloom away.

Her grin expands, and she winks. “Not when he’s around, but the boy could be my son. I sure as hell don’t call him Mr. McKay when I’m at home with my husband.”

I laugh, loving her spunk. I hope I’m this fiery when I’m her age.

“You wanna tell me what’s got you all awkward and worked up about it, though?”

I whine, giving her a tortured expression. “Do I have to?”

I don’t mind spilling my whole life story to this woman, but I’d rather do it over a bottle of wine and I’m still a fucking minor. Which is bullshit if you ask me. A fucking technicality.

“Are you kidding me, girl?” Her eyebrows rise above the rim of her spectacles. “I’ve been looking for a moment to get to the bottom of this for months! I’m not going to let it pass before you give me some answers.” Her expression brims with hopes and anticipation, and I burst out in laughter.

Fuck, this woman reminds me of myself so much.

“Fine!” I fake grumble. “What do you wanna know?”

“First time?”

I cast my eyes downward, suppressing the urge to lift my cheeks. “New Years party.”

“I knew it! You two were gone for way too long, after I saw you both disappear.”

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