Page 27 of Forbidden You

“Before you move out, I’m going to cook you a homemade lasagna and fresh burgers. You can tell me I’m right after.”

She gives me an incredulous expression, like she’s just bit into a lemon wedge. “Look, I can eat. But lasagna and burgers? Not sure I can handle that in one night.”

“Who says anything about one night?”

She leans back on the couch, relaxing while resting her food on her chest. A fuzzy feeling wraps around my insides, taking in the sight of her looking all comfy against the soft cushions. As if she’s been laying there every night her entire life.

Like she belongs.

“Hold up. You’re going to cook for me more than once?”

“You think we’re going to eat takeout every night?” I cock a brow, mimicking her stance, while I keep my eyes in place, unable to look away from her mischievous smile. She does something to me. I’m not sure what it is, but she ignites something in me that feels brand new and exciting.

Dangerous too.

She points her fork between the two of us. “We’re going to be eating together every night?”

No.

I’ll avoid you for as long as I can until I find somewhere else for you to stay. That’s what I should tell her. But when I think about letting her fend for herself, there’s an even loudernoscreaming in my ear.

“Is that a problem?”

“No,” she replies with enthusiasm, and the little ache that was forming inside of my stomach quickly disappears. “I’m just surprised you have time to have dinner with me every night. Figured you would be busy.”

“With what?” I pull a face, before I find her blue eyes again, and then I realize where this is going.

“You know...” She averts her gaze, yet her smile stays intact. “Business, friends,girls.”

“Are you asking if I’m seeing anyone?”

Wait, is she…jealous?

“Noooo!” She drags out the word way too long to make it believable, shaking her head slightly, before turning it back to the TV, holding still for just a few seconds before she asks, “Are you seeing anyone?”

“Would it bother you if I say yes?”

She dismissively waves her hand in the air with a stretched smile. “Nah, just wondering if there will be any people roaming around the house at night. You know, don’t want to get a heart attack from one of your conquests.”

The only conquest that is giving heart attacks is her.

“You’re much of a sleepwalker?”

“Oh, no. Only when there are hot men around. So, you’re safe.” She winks.

Little troublemaker.

I want to yank her feet toward me and torture her for teasing me, preferable with my tongue between her legs.

“You’re playing with fire, Kayla,” I grunt, though there is a smile I’m hiding behind my clenched jaw.

“What’s up, kids?” Jason strolls out of the guest room hallway, wearing slacks and a hoodie, a rare look for him. He volleys his smirk between the two of us, and I give him a warning glare.

“How’s your hangover?” I nudge my chin at him.

The motherfucker’s wolfish grin just expands.“Not as big as the problems you’re facing.” He points his finger our way. “Can I leave you two alone? You’re gonna behave?”

“Shut up, Jason.”

---