Page 29 of Forbidden Fruit

“Isn’t that a bit much for dinner at home?” he asks.

I feel my face flush. “Your mother said to dress up.”

“You look beautiful,” comes Clive’s voice from behind me. He’s emerged from the villa, another drink in hand, though he seems perfectly steady. “The color suits you.”

Jack’s expression darkens. “Thanks for the fashion commentary, Clive. Mom, didn’t you say something about champagne?”

Jack leans close to me as Kay bustles off to fetch the drinks. “What were you talking to Clive about?”

“Nothing,” I say quickly. “Just small talk.”

Jack narrows his eyes. “Right. Well, try not to encourage him. He gets weird when he drinks.”

Weird. Is that what Jack calls it when someone speaks to me with genuine interest and respect?

“Champagne!” Kay announces, reappearing with a tray. The house staff follows behind with covered dishes that smell divine. “Let me take you to your seats. I’ve arranged everything on the beach. It’s simply magical.”

I follow Kay down the stone path to where a table has been set up directly on the sand. Tiki torches form a circle around us, and the waves lap gently at the shore just feet away. It’s breathtaking—romantic in a way that feels almost comically staged.

“This is... wow,” I manage, taking in the elaborate setup.

“Only the best for you two,” Kay says with a meaningful glance at Jack, who seems more interested in his phone than the romantic seating under the moon.

Once we’re seated, Kay raises her champagne flute. “To Jack and Becca—may tonight be everything you’ve been waiting for.”

I sip my champagne, feeling increasingly uncomfortable as Kay continues to hover. Jack shifts in his seat, finally looking up from his phone.

“Mom, weren’t you going to confirm the details for tomorrow’s fishing trip?” he asks, frustration lacing his tone.

Kay’s smile tightens. “Oh, yes. I almost forgot. You two, enjoy your evening. I’ll just...” She hesitates, reluctant to leave, but Jack’s stare doesn’t waver. “I’ll check on you later.”

Jack visibly relaxes when she’s out of earshot, loosening his collar. “Finally. She’s been hovering all day.”

“She seems excited,” I try to keep my tone neutral.

Jack rolls his eyes. “She’s been planning this for months. It’s exhausting.”

My heart sinks a little. If Jack’s been dreading this supposedly special occasion, what does that say about us?

“So,” Jack says, suddenly animated as he leans forward. “I’ve been meaning to talk to you about something.”

This is it. My pulse quickens despite my conflicted feelings. Five years. Five years of dinners, vacations, and family holidays. Five years of waiting.

“I’ve been thinking about our future,” he continues.

I hold my breath.

“I’ve got this incredible business opportunity,” he says, eyes bright. “Tech startup—cutting edge stuff. Clive won’t back me, of course. He never sees my potential. But I found some investors who get it.”

“Oh,” I say, my champagne glass halfway to my lips. “That’s... great.”

“It’s going to be huge, Bec. Like, life-changing huge.” He reaches across the table to take my hand, the first genuine gesture of affection all evening. “But I need to focus on it completely. No distractions.”

“What does that mean for us?” I ask carefully.

“That’s what I wanted to talk about.” He squeezes my hand. “I think we should move in together.”

I blink. “Move in together?”

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