Page 23 of Falling for the Forbidden
“We’re only young once, Lauren. And if I eavesdropped correctly, your dad and Jenny are out of town this weekend, right? You probably need time to get prepared,” she says with a cheeky wink.
I can’t help the laugh that falls from my lips before a more serious thought fills my mind. “You don’t think…” I trail off, not knowing if I really want someone else’s opinion on what I’m about to ask.
“I don’t think what?”
“That it’s…wrong?” I whisper, feeling a little ashamed for the first time.
“Lauren,” she breathes. “The only thing stopping you is your own mind. People might frown upon it, but the reality is that you’re not blood related. It’s not illegal or whatever. None of us can help who we fall for. If he treats you right and makes you feel like a better version of yourself, then who is anyone to stop you? Plus, there’s also his killer good looks and god-like body, so how were you ever going to say no?”
I know words are just that,herwords, but they make me feel a hell of a lot better. “I knew there was something. The way he looks at you. I’d pay for a man to look at me with that kind of passion in his eyes. Now, get out of here. Go!”
Grabbing my stuff, I rush out of the office before anyone else spots me. I walk down to the tube station, intending to head home, but when I get to the bottom of the escalator, I turn left instead of right, deciding at the last minute to take Erica’s advice and spend the afternoon getting prepared for the weekend.
* * *
With freshly colouredhair and arms full of bags, I put the key in the door and step inside.
“Lauren, oh my God. I’ve missed you!” Mum calls the second she hears my arrival. “Wow, look at you.” After taking in my new hair, she grabs my shoulders and pulls me into a tight hug. We talk most days, but being in her arms again has tears stinging my eyes.
“I hope you haven’t eaten. I brought our favourite,” I say, holding up a bag of Thai takeout.
“No, I haven’t. Come on, I want to hear everything.”
Following Mum down to our little kitchen, I sit myself at the table while she dishes up and makes us both a drink. All the while, I go over and over what I’m going to say to her to get her on board for this weekend. I’ve always told Mum everything, and I think the only way I’m going to get away with this is to be honest. Even if I have no idea what she’s going to think.
“So…” she asks, once she’s settled opposite me. “What’s it really like living in the show home?”
“Pretty much what I expected. There’s hardly ever anyone home, and when they are, they’re not exactly what I consider welcoming and friendly. Other than the quick commute to work, I’m still wondering why you thought it was such a good idea.” I quirk an eyebrow at her, hoping she’ll give me more.
“It’s good to get out of your comfort zone every now and then, Lauren. I know it’s not where you’d probably choose to live, but it’ll teach you a lot about life. Plus, your father can be very persuasive.”
I fight to keep my cheeks flaming at the suggestion of everything that house will teach me.
I know the real reason Mum was so keen to agree to Dad’s plans was the financial burden of putting me through university. This way, I might have to move in with them, but he’s paying for everything plus giving me hands-on experience with the business. Most parents would have a hard time turning down that kind of opportunity for their child.
My life pretty much carried on normally when Dad met Jenny. It wasn’t until they married that things started to change. Suddenly, Dad enrolled me into the same school Ben went to for sixth form, expressing their delight with Ben’s education and that it would give me the best start in life despite the cost. I’d agreed because I hated my school and the thought of spending another two years there didn’t really appeal to me. It was obvious I’d get more out of two years at a private school, and I was up for a new challenge. I wasn’t aware that by agreeing, I basically gave him permission to control my education and life from there on out.
I can’t really complain. I finished my two years with a whole set of As, acceptance into an incredible university, and my best friend.
“What’s that look for?” Mum asks, noticing my slight embarrassment.
“I need to ask a massive favour of you. I’m not sure you’re going to like it.”
“Go on…” she encourages.
Blowing out a breath and casting my eyes to the other side of the kitchen, I prepare to tell Mum what’s going on. “Dad and Jenny are going away this weekend and Dad wants me to stay with you, but…”
“But…”
“I’ve got plans that involve me staying there.”
“Oh, have you met someone?” she asks excitedly.
“Yes…no—I don’t really know.”
“Lauren, you know I’d never stop you from having fun.” The wink she gives me makes me want to curl up into a ball in embarrassment. “I don’t understand the issue.”
“He’s already threatened to check up on me that I’m staying with you, so I need you to tell him I am.”
