Page 1 of A Forbidden Spring
PROLOGUE
MERRICK
1 MONTH AGO
Ieasily could have done without this.
The thought plays over and over as a room full of eager employees stare at me, as the former owner, Erika, tells them what a smooth transition this will be.
And it will—because I expect nothing less.
Except I shouldn’tbe here.
I want to throttle my brother for forcing me into this situation when I could have been living the life in Colorado. Instead I’ve been relegated to Wintervale, Montana,while he gets his shit together.
“Mr. Ellis is sothrilled…”
Mentally, I go through the mile long to-do list, keeping my expression neutral as my gaze roams over the people whose names I undoubtedly won’t remember. My father would chastise me for my impatience, but it’s how I am.
I don’t want to talk about my feelings or anyone else’s. I want to do my job and get the hell out of here.
I’m just about to say something when my gaze snags on a woman standing off to the side. Her gaze is assessing more than it is enamored, like her fellow coworkers, her expression decidedly unimpressed.
I like it.
Like that she’s skeptical and not just willing to welcome a stranger with open arms.
It’s refreshing.
What’s not refreshing is the way my dick takes this moment to remember what attraction is even though it hasn’t stirred in God knows how long.
Because of course it does.
Shifting my stance the slightest bit, I continue to gaze around the room like the image of her isn’t already burned into my mind. Dark hair, dark eyes, and what I can already tell is an incredible body underneath those painted-on black clothes.
Pure illicit temptation.
So fucking off-limits.
Don’t be an asshole.
Focus.
I’ve stuck hard and fast to my no fraternization policy since I worked my very first job. There are plenty of places to get your dick sucked that are not riddled with complications and sexual harassment allegations.
Sensing Erika’s next words, I do my best to seem friendly as she turns to me, passing the proverbial torch, and like the good sport I am, I smile.
“Thanks, Erika.” Looking at the group again, my eyes lock on the dark-haired beauty for the briefest second before I force my gaze away. “Good morning, everyone…”
1
WREN
“Do you really think this is a good idea?” Astrid asks, her eyes full of hope and her smile tentative as she looks around the break room. Our day is technically done, but we all agreed to stay, for Astrid if nothing else.
It’s been a few weeks since Merrick Ellis was unceremoniously dumped into our lives, and despite his icy introduction and persistent cold demeanor bringing the vibe down in our little slice of Montana heaven, he still deserves a chance.
So Astrid rallied the troops for an impromptu welcome party to show Merrick that we are excited to have him here and want to formally welcome him into the Mountain Side family.
