Page 69 of Forbidden You

“I love you, too.”

When they break loose, I lock eyes with Mr. McKay, and he gives me a wink.

“I won’t forget your name anymore, Kayla,” he promises with a mischievous grin that makes me laugh.

“I’ll hold you to that, Mr. McKay.”

“Please, call me Terry.”

“Okay, Terry. Good night.”

We exchange another short wave while Bodi escorts me out of the room. He discusses some finalities with the doctors before we head down to get to the party, though I’m not sure I’m still in the mood. Seeing that man trapped in his body is doing something to my soul. I want to go back and read him a book or something.

Just do something to make sure he knows he’s not alone.

Bodi is here for him.

We’re here for him.

The car ride is silent, and for the first time, I keep my mouth shut, my gut telling me Bodi needs a moment to process his thoughts.

“I’m sorry about that,” Bodi tells me when he finally parks the car underneath the KPI building. His attention is directed in front of him, and his hands are still holding the steering wheel in a tight grip. There is worry and frustration on his face, and I imagine it must be hard for him to see his father like this.

Hell, it’s hard for me and I’ve only met the man once before.

“Don’t, Bodi.” I shake my head. “Your dad is great.”

He glances at me with an affectionate smile. “I’m glad you like him.”

“Ahem, didn’t you notice? He likes me too,” I say in a teasing tone to break the tension. “Maybe I’ll just run off with your dad.”

He slowly turns his neck and I stay still, my eyes nonchalantly focused on my lap. I expect him to growl. To bark. But what I don’t expect him to do is grab my neck and twist my head to face him with a possessive touch that almost has me gliding off my seat. When I peer into his eyes, they are dark and filled with that hunger I’ve become so familiar with. He licks his lips, then drags his tongue over the inside of his teeth.

“That’s not funny,” he rumbles.

“It’s a little funny,” I purr seductively.

His lips press together as he shakes his head. “You just want me to shut you up with my lips pressed against yours.”

“You got me.” I pause. “Is it working?”

He holds my gaze a little while longer before his hand falls from my neck.

“Let’s go, Kayla.” Without waiting for me, he exits the car and I stay, grinding my teeth.

“Goddammit,” I mutter.

Every single time.

So close. So damn close.

17

I’ll never confess to Kayla I heard every word she said.

‘He’s the best. He makes me laugh, makes me happy. He even cooks for me.’

I wasn’t supposed to hear, but I did, and when those words reached my ears, it completely washed away the worry I felt about my dad.

---