Page 25 of Falling for the Forbidden
“It’s not necessary, Dad. We’ve got the weekend all planned.” He stares at me for a few seconds as if he’ll be able to see the evidence of my lie in my eyes. He must be happy with what’s reflected back at him, because he wishes me a good weekend and marches from the office.
“Staying with your mum, my arse,” Erica whispers when she comes to a stop in front of my desk to collect my mug.
I fight to keep my smile in, but the second I look up and see amusement dancing in her eyes, I can’t help but let it slip.
“I hope you know what you’re doing, Lauren, because you sure are playing with fire.”
Her parting words hinder my excitement a bit, but I push it to one side. Nothing is going to ruin this weekend. Nothing.
* * *
When I stepfoot outside the office later that afternoon, the last thing I expect to find is a guy getting out of a taxi, asking if I’m Lauren. I hesitate because wanting nothing to ruin this weekend includes not being abducted by a taxi driver.
“Ben booked me for you.” He rattles off my home address and shows his ID when I still look a little sceptical. Eventually, I climb into the back of the car. I’m grateful the second the air conditioning hits me because the humidity today is through the roof.
The driver tries making polite conversation, but he soon learns that I’m really not in the mood. I just want to get home to find out if Ben’s there waiting for me. I bloody hope so.
My stomach flips when I see his car parked alongside mine in the driveway as the taxi pulls to a stop.
“How much do I owe you?” I ask in a rush, impatient to get out.
“Nothing. He’s already paid.”
“Okay, well, thank you.”
“Have a good weekend.” I don’t have time to return the sentiment because I slam the door before running towards the house.
I had this crazy fantasy of him sweeping me off my feet the second I walk through the door, so when he’s not there, a little disappointment threatens to take hold. That is, until I see a Post-It note stuck to the mirror.
Go to your room x
Plucking it from the glass,I follow the instructions and head upstairs. When I open the door, the first thing I spot is a bag on my bed with another Post-It stuck to it.
Wear me x
My hands shakeas I pull the bag open and let the contents drop to the bed. Unfolding the fabric, I find a floral maxi dress, a man’s zip-up hoodie, and a jewellery box.
Quickly stripping out of my work clothes, I have a very quick shower before smothering myself in my favourite moisturiser. I pull one set of the lingerie I bought yesterday from the drawer and wrap myself in the soft lace before sliding my new dress up my body. It fits perfectly and shows off just the right amount of cleavage—I assume that’s on purpose. Finally, I slide my feet into a pair of flip-flops and pull the lid off the jewellery box. My breath catches when I see the two heart charms hanging from the dainty silver chain. I rush to put it on and hold the two hearts between my fingertips, taking a deep breath to prepare myself to go and find him.
When I get to the bottom of the stairs, the house is still in silence. Getting impatient, I begin checking each room downstairs, but I come up short. It’s not until I get to the final room, the kitchen, that I start to understand.
Walking over to the sliding doors, I can’t believe my eyes. It’s still light out, but I can easily see all the fairy lights hanging from the trees over the garden. Candles cover the decking and table, and the scent of vanilla mixes with the barbeque and fills my nose, making my stomach rumble. The furniture is all set up with cushions and the giant swing seat has a blanket thrown over the back.
As I round the corner, I find the best sight in the world. Ben’s stood in front of the barbeque wearing a pair of dark jeans and a white t-shirt. His feet are bare, his hair still damp from the shower.
Something inside me clenches at the sight and I stand, staring, trying to commit exactly how he looks right now to my memory.
“Feel free to take a picture,” he says, when he realises I’m frozen.
“Sorry, you just look—”
“Nowhere near as good as you.” His wide strides quickly eat the space between us and in seconds I’m in his arms, his lips on mine. My entire body sags against him. It’s been too long.
His tongue sweeps into my mouth and he kisses me like he hasn’t in months, not hours.
“Missed you,” he mumbles against my jaw as he kisses a trail towards my neck. My response is just a moan of pleasure as he licks at the sensitive skin below my ear. My body melts under his touch and I want nothing more than to give myself over to him. I want him to completely own me.
Hearing a bang in the distance, I stiffen. “They’ve definitely gone, right?”
