Page 38 of Forbidden Desires

He’s not entirely wrong. The thought of Gisele on a date with another guy makes me murderous, and that might be why I’m here tonight. But I’m stuck between a rock and a hard place. If I admit to her that I can’t stop thinking about her, then what? I can’t date her, she works for me. And there is the small matter of the contract. I can’t throw her over my shoulder and drag her out of the place because I want to have my dirty way with her, because that would make me no better than my father. And I have spent my whole adult life trying not to end up like him. Yet, here I am working as the CEO of The Alexander just like him. Having inappropriate thoughts about one of the girls who works for me.

My chest tightens as I watch her take a sip of her cocktail. I’ve heard the whispers around town about Jake and Mason. They’re ladies’ men, and Gisele would be just another notch in Mason’s bedpost. I won’t let that happen to her. I’ll keep my distance, make sure she makes it home safe tonight. I’m here to protect her, that’s all.

Chapter 18

Gisele

This is my first Saturday night off since I arrived in Deception Bay, and Paisley has dragged me out to McAllister’s for a double date. All week I’ve been working on my excuse to getout of it, but when I saw Brody yesterday, my newfound anger toward him had me changing my mind. I glance her way, feeling nervous all of a sudden. “I don’t think I can do this.” My stomach churns uncomfortably.

She sips on her straw, a twinkle in her eyes. I already know there is no way in hell she will let me out of this now. “You’ve got this, girl. You look seriously cute. Mason is going to lap you right up.”

“Maybe that’s what I’m worried about. I don’t think I’m ready to date.” My mind drifts back to my conversation with Brody last night. I was so furious with him for getting me all worked up last weekend then just leaving me hanging. Then the way he ghosted me, not messaging or calling. And completely avoiding me at work was just the icing on the cake. I wanted to hurt him by telling him I was going on a date, and I hope he got really jealous about it. It would serve him right for being so flirty with me since I got here then just disappearing on me. It’s probably why I let Paisley convince me to actually go through with this. Maybe I was hoping he would show up and drag me out of the place, all caveman style. Or maybe I just wanted to prove I’m not that into him. Even though I am and it actually hurt my heart a little to walk away from him last night.

“Hush now. I’m not having you moping around the house pining for the boss you can’t have a day longer. You’re putting yourself out there. You came to our little town to change your life, right?”

I fiddle with my hands. “Yes, but…”

“So far, all you have done is work. You said so yourself, nothing will ever happen between you and Brody. You’re too special to be wrapped up in a guy who can’t give you what you need. And what you need is to play a little. Have some fun like me.” She shimmies her shoulders like she’s ready to party. And I’m sure she is.

“I thought you said no guys this year, that you were off dating for good,” I throw back at her, my face a little more serious. I distinctly remember her saying it the first day I met her. I worry about her. She acts like a party girl, but there is something more going on, a look of sadness she tries to hide behind her showstopping smile.

She sucks on her straw until her glass is empty, giving me a little shrug. “Everyone knows the best way to get over a guy who broke your heart is to get under someone else.”

Knowing she’s not going to let this one slide, I take a gulp of my sweet tea vodka lemonade, tryingto ease the butterflies that feel like they’re using my insides as their own personal jumpy castle. The cocktail goes down nicely; it’s my new favorite drink since the girls introduced me to it.

Paisley grabs my wrist from across the table and pulls me toward her. “Don’t look now but he has just walked in, and he’s looking fine.” She almost purrs, and I wonder which one she’s talking about. I have no idea who the guy is she’s set me up with. And right now, I’m wishing I asked more questions, or at least to see a photo. What was it she said he did again? A builder maybe? Shit, I can’t remember.

“Are you sure you shouldn’t be going on this date with both of them?” I mutter under my breath. She’s the one who wants to be here. I could be at home relaxing in a bubble bath with a glass of something strong.

“Honestly, girl, I would consider it, but Mason’s not my type.”

“I thought your type was available?” I joke.

She fakes a laugh, leaning in a little closer. “And now that’s yours as well,” she says a little too seriously before her painted red lips turn into a flirtatious smile as she waves them over, and all I can do is hope for a slither of her charm to help me get through tonight.

“Paisley, pretty as a peach like always,” says Jake. The look on Paisley’s face tells me she still can’t believe, after years of never calling him, she finally gave in to his request for a date. He’s right, though, she looks great in a fitted white sheath dress that accentuates all her best assets—that’s what she told me when she was getting ready tonight, anyway. She insisted we get ready together in my room. I wasn’t picky, so I let her select out my dress as well. She couldn’t believe my collection of cocktail dresses, but you don’t perform on Broadway without collecting your fair share of them to wear to events. I did think sequins were a little flashy for McAllister’s, but she wouldn’t take no for an answer, and truthfully, I miss getting all dolled up, so I was happy to play along.

Spinning around I greet Mason and Jake—she wasn’t wrong; he’s easy on the eyes, with his tall stature and rugged appearance, dark hair, with a jawline covered in stubble and broad shoulders ideal for heavy lifting. The lines around his eyes reveal stories of days spent outdoors. There's an undeniable appeal in his ruggedness. He’s a very good-looking man.

“Mason. This is my friend Gisele Kelley.” She beams, flashing her gorgeous smile. I can tell that she genuinely wants to help me and thinks this date will somehow benefit me in my journey to change my life. She gives me a little nudge, presenting me to him.

Mason takes my hand with a confident smile and presses a gentle kiss on my fingers, sparking an unexpected warmth that colors my cheeks. “Nice to meet you, Gisele,” he says, his eyes holding a twinkle of genuine interest, and I relax a little. He’s not as scary as I was making him out to be in my head. He’s just a regular guy.

We grab more drinks, and Mason gestures toward a quieter booth nestled in the back. The lively tunes of a country band reverberate through the space, and a spirited crowd sways to therhythmic beats as we walk past. This place is so different on a Saturday night, with a younger crowd.

In the booth, Mason leans back, a casual grin on his face, as Paisley and I settle in opposite the boys. She sips her cocktail, flashing me a wink. I can’t help but get on board with her and want to have fun tonight. She’s right, life is too short, and I can’t keep pining over the boss man. I take her lead and have a sip of my drink.

As Paisley, Jake, and Mason dive into animated conversation, I continue to sip on my straw, glancing round the bar. My spidey senses tell me that he’s here, but I can’t spot him anywhere. It’s also hard to see most of the bar from this spot, so he could be, but I just can’t see him. I also could be totally paranoid, and that I decide is the most likely option. Most likely he is still at work grumbling around in his office, complaining about something or other, not even caring that I’m here with someone else. I watch the other three, feeling a little on the outside. They all went to school together and know each other well.

Mason picks up on my quiet mood and encourages me with a smile, his eyes beckoning me to talk. “Paisley says you’re from New York, a big Broadway star?” He leans in, genuine curiosity lighting up his expression.

“That’s right,” I reply, nodding, not really wanting to talk about it.

“What brings you to Deception Bay? I love this place, but it seems like an odd choice for a star like you.” He sips his beer, his eyes roaming over my sparkly dress.

“I needed a change. Something with a little slower pace.”

“You came to the right place. ‘Bout as slow as it gets out here. Nothing exciting ever happens, unless knitting circles and street fairs are your jam.”

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