Page 49 of Forbidden You

“Your parents would never approve.”

“Don’t give a shit if they do,” she counters, like it’s the damn Australian open.

Should’ve seen that one coming. Rae mentioned one time that Kayla spends most of her time at her house instead of her parents since she was old enough to ride her bike there.

“You’re not even allowed to drink.”

“That has nothing to do with it. Besides, I’m allowed in Europe.”

“We’re not going to Europe.”

“You’re being such a buzzkill.”

“Iama buzzkill,” I throwback as an argument.

“Smooth.” She chuckles, rolling her eyes. “Just stop, McKay. I’ll change your mind in five dates.”

I shoot her an incredulous look. “I just told you I don’t want to date.”

“And I’m telling you, you’re full of shit. This lunch is proof of it.”

“What?!” I screech. “It’s a business lunch.”

“Really? Because so far, we’ve discussed my academic life or lack thereof and us becoming a thing. Not really business-y, is it?”

“We’re not athing,” I grunt, holding on to my point of view.

“No, but we will be. This is date number one.” I shake my head at her cheerful face. I want to be mad at her, scowling at her for not keeping this professional, but I simply can’t. I will admit I like being with her, and I don’t want to stop that. But I can’t date her. I’m not going to let it fuck with my head anymore than it already is.

That’s crossing a line we’ll never come back from, and I have a feeling it won’t end well.

And it will end.

It always ends.

“Friends. We can befriends,” I suggest.

“He’s putting me in the friendzone.” She dramatically throws her hands up.

“It’s the only way we can still work together. I’m not going to sleep with one of my employees.”

“Fine, you stubborn Australian son of a bitch. You can call it friends if that gives you peace of mind.” She rests her elbows on the table, giving me a determined look. “But I’ll be telling you ‘I told you so’ when you decide you’re going to keep me in your bed when we are way past the friendzone.”

“Just friends, Kayla.” I laugh, but it’s really not funny.

I’m losing my resolve here.

The hairs on the back of my neck stand up, a spark going through my muscles while I hold her gaze, trying to convince myself I can do this. I can ignore my want for her and be her friend.

That shouldn’t be too hard, right?

As if on cue the universe is shoutingbullshit, my phone dings.

JASON:Did Kayla wake up in your bed yet?

ME:Shut up. We’re friends.

JASON:Is that a yes?

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