Page 6 of Forbidden Mountain Man

“She’s Jett’s little sister. I shouldn’t… I can’t just ignore that.”

“Forest,” my mom scolds, narrowing her eyes at me. “I thought I taught you better than that. Fiona is twenty-one. She’s smart and clever and capable of making her own choices. No man - brother, boyfriend, or otherwise - has the right to dictate what she does.”

I blink a few times, surprised by my mother's immediate, fiery response. "I'm not saying Jett owns her or has to give her permission," I respond my voice even and non-confrontational. "I'm just thinking of how betrayed he'd feel. I don't want to cross a line with Fiona and risk losing them both."

"I know, honey," my mom says with a sigh. "Sorry, I snapped at you. Clearly, I still have some things to work through in my past."

“I love you, ma,” I tell her, leaning over to squeeze her shoulder.

"And I love you, son. I didn't make the connection before, but you and Fiona…" I shoot her a warning glance and she puts her hands up, palms out in surrender. "I'm just saying. You two complement each other. She deserves a good man and I happen to know the best man in town."

“You may be slightly biased,” I tease.

“Nope. Facts are facts,” she says, crossing her arms over her chest. “Now, hush while I watch my soaps.”

I shake my head at my mother and chuckle before returning to my laptop to finish up the work I’m able to do while away from my workshop. It takes all of ten seconds for my mind to float back to Fiona and how I could be everything she needs. I could take care of her, provide for her, support her dreams, and give her more pleasure than she’s ever known.

I shouldn’t. I really, really shouldn’t. But I know I’m going to crack soon. I’m only so strong, and Fiona is too precious to let out of my sight for long. I just pray Jett sees how good I can be to his sister…

4

FIONA

Iclose my laptop and rub my temples in hopes of somehow keeping all of the information I just absorbed inside my brain. I’ve been studying for a few hours now and I definitely need a break.

We didn't discuss my staying another night with Forest and Samantha, it just kind of happened. I spent yesterday finishing up an essay for one class, then Samantha offered to order us pizza for dinner while we watched a movie, and… well, I just sort of stayed. When Samantha started yawning, I took it as my cue to head off to bed.

Being around Forest and his mother is comforting and healing in a way I never knew possible. My childhood was anything but stable. With parents who loved drugs more than their kids, we didn’t have very many family dinners together or pizza and movie nights. Actually, we had zero, to be exact.

Jett stepped in to be my guardian after our parents died in a car accident. It was awkward at first since he’s so much older than me and left as soon as he could. I don’t blame him. How many nights did I spend hiding under the covers wishing I could escape? Too many to count.

My older brother did everything he could to provide for me. I can never thank him enough for coming back to raise me. He had to grow up fast and we both had to figure out this new life together. Jett and I are still close and it kills me to think about hurting him. My feelings for Forest have developed into more than a schoolgirl crush and I'm not sure how Jett would take that piece of information.

The mouthwatering smell of garlic and herbs fills the room, making my stomach grumble. Looking at my phone, I see it’s almost five-thirty in the evening. Did I really spend that long studying? No wonder I have a headache.

After going to the bathroom to freshen up a bit, I follow the tantalizing aroma of whatever Forest is cooking in the kitchen. I pass by Samantha, who is engrossed in whatever show is on this time of day, then enter the kitchen to see the most delicious sight.

Forest has on a black t-shirt that molds to his muscles. God, those biceps… I notice a few swirls of ink peeking out from the sleeve, making me wonder what tattoo he has. Is there more artwork scrawled over his chest? I want to see it. I want to trace each line with my fingertip and–

“There you are,” Forest says, startling me from my inappropriate thoughts. “How’s studying going? I don’t think I ever worked that hard in school,” he admits.

“My head is so stuffed full of information I may have forgotten my own name,” I say with a dramatic sigh.

“Sounds like you need some food and a good night’s rest. Exams start tomorrow?” he asks, focusing those otherworldly, ice-blue eyes on me.

I nod. “About food and sleep,” I start, darting my eyes away from Forest’s intense blue gaze. “If I’m overstaying my welcome here, just let me know. My roommate should be back soon and then I won’t be alone at my apartment. Plus, I need to toughenup eventually. I can’t just hide out with you for the rest of my life.”

I end my rambling thoughts and twist my fingers together, staring at my hands until Forest officially kicks me out of his mom’s house.

Instead, he covers both of my hands with one of his, engulfing them in his warmth. “Fiona,” he murmurs, his shadow falling over me as he steps into my personal space. I look up - way up - at him, my eyes locking with his. “You’re not a burden. I enjoy your company and so does my mother. We’re here for you.I’mhere for you.”

I sway toward Forest, needing to be closer to him. I can’t explain my need to touch him, to feel his skin on mine, to taste his lips…

The timer on the oven beeps, making us jump apart. It’s probably for the best. I was going to make a fool of myself by trying to kiss him and then his rejection would be too humiliating to endure and I’d have to leave this house, possibly the entire town, and never return.

“Better get that,” Forest says in a rush, seemingly thankful to have something to do.

Oh my god, does he know I wanted to kiss him? That I was about to steal my first kiss from my brother’s best friend?

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