Page 56 of Forbidden Fruit

"I don't regret a moment," I reply, pulling her closer as we sink into the cool sand. The moonlight casts silver ribbons across the water, a sight I've seen countless times from this beach but never truly appreciated until now.

"Even knowing what we're heading back to?"

I turn to face her, cupping her cheek in my palm. Her skin is warm, slightly flushed from the margaritas and the night air. "Especially knowing what we're heading back to. It makes this all the more precious."

Becca

Two days after returning from Cozumel, I sit across from Holly at our favorite bistro in the West Village, watching her jaw drop as I finish recounting the details of my week with Clive.

"Let me get this straight," she says, leaning forward over her barely touched salad. "You went to Mexico with your boyfriend and his family, dumped said boyfriend, and then spent six days having mind-blowing sex with his stepfather?"

I wince at her volume and glance around the restaurant. "Could you maybe say that a little louder? I don't think the kitchen staff heard you."

Holly waves her hand dismissively. "Please. Nobody's listening." She takes a sip of her wine. "So the sex was really that good?"

"Holly!" I feel my cheeks flush. "That's not the point."

"Oh, honey, that's absolutely part of the point." She grins wickedly. "How big is he? I mean, he's like six-four, right? So proportionally..."

"I am not discussing Clive's... proportions over lunch." I stab at my pasta, trying to hide my smile. "But yes, everything is... proportional."

Holly squeals with delight, making several heads turn our way. "I knew it! I've been telling you for years that Jack was all wrong for you, but this..." She shakes her head in wonder. "This is so much better than I imagined. Clive Bishop.The Clive Bishop."

"He's just a man," I say softly, though my heart flutters at the mere mention of his name.

"A man who runs a multi-billion dollar security firm looks like he stepped off the cover of Silver Fox Monthly and apparently rocks your world in bed. Not to mention he's what—twenty years older?"

"Eighteen," I confirm. "And yes, Clive's all those things, but he's also... kind. And funny. And he listens to me, really listens. Do you know he remembered that I mentioned loving pistachio ice cream once, months ago, and had some waiting in the freezer at the house in Cozumel?"

Holly's expression softens. "You're in love with him."

It's not a question, but I answer anyway. "Yes. And it terrifies me."

"Because of the age difference?"

"That's part of it. And there's Jack to consider, my parents, and my career..." I trail off, pushing my pasta around my plate. "We've been texting constantly since we got back yesterday, but we haven't seen each other yet. He wanted to give me space to... I don't know how to process everything?"

"Smart man," Holly nods approvingly. "So what's the plan? Secret rendezvous? Sneaking around? Because I have to say, that sounds incredibly hot."

I laugh despite myself. "We haven't really figured it out yet. Clive wants to take me to dinner tonight. Somewhere quiet, where we can talk about... well, everything." I take a sip of water, trying to calm the butterflies in my stomach. "I know it sounds crazy, Holly. Two weeks ago, I was with Jack, and now?—"

"Now you're with a man who appreciates you," Holly interjects. "That's not crazy, Becca. That's an upgrade."

"But it's all happening so fast." I lower my voice. "What if this is just some rebound thing? What if I'm confusing great sex with actual feelings?"

Holly reaches across the table and squeezes my hand. "Honey, I've known you since freshman year. You don't do casual flings, and you definitely don't speak about guys like you're talking about Clive unless you're head over heels."

"But what about the complications? His company, my career?—"

"Stop." Holly gives me her no-nonsense look. "You've spent your entire life trying to check all the right boxes. How’s that been working out for you?"

I sigh. "Point taken."

"So, maybe it's time to color outside the lines a little. Follow your heart instead of your planner for once."

I'm about to respond when the restaurant door bursts open with such force that several diners gasp. My blood runs cold as I recognize the figure storming toward our table.

Jack.

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