Page 8 of Forbidden Mountain Man

Forest grips my hips, squeezing them and then gently pushing me away as he backs up. I’m out of breath and need to lean against the counter to maintain my balance. That was the single hottest kiss in existence. How lucky am I that it was my first? I can’t wait to do it again.

When I look up at Forest, however, the fluttering, floating feeling in my heart evaporates. He won’t even look at me. “I shouldn’t have done that,” he mutters. “It was a mistake.”

I swallow back tears and nod my head before turning around to face the counter. With shaking hands I attempt to cut the restof the apple I was working on, but I can’t even hold the damn knife.

Forest clears his throat and I peer at him over my shoulder. His eyes don’t meet mine, and I feel stupid and ashamed of my actions. Maybe he was just reciprocating because he didn’t want me to feel bad, but…God, I’m such an idiot.

“I’ve got it from here,” he informs me. “Everything will be done soon anyway. I’ll bring you a plate.”

I nod once again, not trusting my voice at the moment. Silently, I wash my hands off and then shuffle my way toward the living room. Right before I step out of the kitchen, Forest calls out.

“Fiona,” he says, making me freeze. He’s silent for a moment, and I turn halfway, not sure what he’s going to say. “I… You and me…” He sighs and runs a hand through his short hair.

“It’s fine,” I choke out. I sound pathetic, but there’s nothing to do about that now. Instead of sitting down next to Samantha, I dash into the bathroom before I burst into tears.

What the hell was that? And what am I going to do now?

5

FOREST

Iroll out of bed, rubbing my eyes to ward off the headache I know is coming. It’s still dark out, but I wasn’t sleeping much. Might as well get started for the day.

As I grab a pair of jeans and a shirt from my dresser, the kiss from last night replays over and over in my mind. Hell, it’s been on repeat ever since her lips left mine.

And then I went and fucked everything up.

I was so lost in the moment, so caught up in Fiona’s eager kiss, her soft, pillowy curves rolling against my hard body, the way she grabbed me and pulled me close like she was already as addicted as I was… But then I thought of Jett.

Guilt wrapped its way around my lungs, making it hard to breathe. I know I messed up when I pushed Fiona away and said those four awful words;It was a mistake.

Fuck that. It wasn’t a mistake and I know it. I knew it then, too, but the storm of emotions swirling in my head made everything fuzzy. Betrayal, lust, longing, and guilt twisted my stomach into knots until I could hardly mutter two words.

Fiona couldn’t even look at me when she left the kitchen. Her voice cracked with emotion, and fuck if it didn’t chip awayanother piece of my heart. I never want to be the cause of her tears.

I head to the bathroom and wash my face, hoping the cold water will reset my brain and help me think of a way to make it up to Fiona. She’s vulnerable, especially after the incident at the bar. Then I went and cornered her in the kitchen and kissed her before tossing her away.

Fucking fool, I tell myself for the hundredth time since last night.

When I get to the kitchen, I start up the coffee maker. I might need to finish an entire pot before my brain kicks in. I pour myself a cup once the coffee is finished brewing and then sit at the table, contemplating the gigantic mess I’ve gotten myself into.

“Oh,” comes a soft voice, startling me out of my early morning haze. I look up to see Fiona in a tiny pair of sleep shorts and a matching tank top. It’s too much. She’s too damn sexy for me to think straight. “Sorry, I couldn’t sleep and was going to make myself some coffee and get a little more studying before taking my final.”

She starts to turn away, but I find my voice just in time. “Join me for a cup,” I say, a little more gruffly than I intended. My voice is still raspy from sleep. “I mean, if you want. Coffee is fresh.”

I take a sip of my drink, wanting to do anything to distract myself from ogling Fiona’s thighs and breasts, both on display in her pajamas.

“Y-yeah. Sure,” she replies. She sounds a bit skittish, and I hate that I made her uncomfortable.

Fiona prepares her coffee and then sits across from me at the table. We each take a few drinks in silence, the morning light just beginning to peek through the window over the sink.The beautiful woman sitting across from me is bathed in golden light, making her even more ethereal.

“What time is your final exam?” I ask, hoping to start up a conversation.

Fiona shifts in her seat and nibbles on her bottom lip as she fidgets with her mug of coffee. “Well,” she starts, avoiding eye contact. “Technically it’s at ten.”

I furrow my brow. That’s an odd answer. “Do you need a ride to class?”

She shakes her head no. “I… I’m not proud to admit this, but I lied to my professor. I told her I was sick and she said I could take the exam online as long as I submit it by the end of the day.”

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