Page 124 of Forbidden You

“I wish we could stay like this forever.”

Forever. The word makes my heart beat pound in my ears, but it no longer alarms me like it would have before Kayla. Forever now seems connected with her in the most fulfilling way because it’s exactly what pops into my head when I say her name out loud.

Kayla.

Forever.

“Me too, baby.”

31

“I’m flying in tonight. We’re having drinks.” Jason announces through the phone.

My head shakes with a smile at his demanding tone, reading between the lines.

“What’s the occasion?”

“Can’t a man just wanna go see his friend?”

“That depends. Are you flying in from California or North Carolina?”

His silence is answer enough, but I hold my tongue until his long exhale gushes over the line. “They’re back together, and I just spent two days watching my brother be a dick to her, and her smiling through it to please my mom.”

“I told you not to fall for your brother’s girl.”

“I’m not! But she was my friend first.” Jason grouses, and I chuckle at his lie.

Julie and Jacob, Jason’s older brother, have been dating on and off for a couple of years, frustrating Jason to the core. He never admitted outright that he’s in love with her, but I see the look in his eyes when he’s staring at her from across the room. They might have started out as friends, but that line is definitely blurring for Jason.

“Do you think Julie really loves Jacob?” Because I’ve seen her with Jacob and I’m not buying any of it. There’s not that same level of chemistry like Hunter and Charlotte, or that type of passion that’s palpable between Jensen and Rae.

Julie doesn’t shine bright on his side, if anything, Jacob makes her dim her light.

And even though I’m no expert at love, I’m sure that’s not it.

“Pff, I don’t know. I just know she deserves better than my cheating dickwad of a brother.”Can’t disagree there.

A beep in my ear, has me glancing at the screen of my phone.

Peartree Park.

Instantly, my heart jumps a little with worry and my nerves go on high alert like every time they call. I should have gotten used to it by now, but it’s obvious I’m not.

“Hold on, I’m getting another call. I need to take this.”

“I’m coming in around five. I’m using my key and I’ll see you at the condo.”

“That key was for emergencies,” I grumble, rolling my eyes.

“This is an emergency,” he replies, then hangs up the phone before I can push out another word, and I run a hand over my face, then answer the incoming call.

Bastard.

“Hello?” The insecurity is audible in my voice, and I clear my throat.

“Mr. McKay, this is Dr. Grant. How are you today?”

“I’m good,” I answer, hesitantly. He’s going to fuck up my day, and I know it. “How are you, doctor?”

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