Page 42 of My Forbidden Billionaire

Eventually, the music fades and we come to a stop, our bodies still entwined.

I look up at Jacob, my heart full of love and gratitude. “Thank you,” I say softly. “That was magical.”

He smiles at me, and his gaze is tender as he brushes a lock of hair away from my face. “It was my pleasure,” he replies before gently kissing my forehead. “It’s late, Jo, I should probably take you home.”

I nod, appreciating his concern for my well-being, but also wishing that we could stay here forever. He wraps his jacket around me again and takes my hand in his, interlacing his fingers with mine.

We walk out of the theater in silence, both lost in thought, until we reach his car. Jacob opens the door for me, and I slide into the passenger seat, feeling a bit sad that our date is coming to an end.

As he starts the car, I turn to him. “Thank you for such an amazing night. I don’t think I can ever repay you for this.”

He chuckles, running a hand through his hair. “You don’t have to repay me. Just being with you tonight was everything I could have asked for and more.”

During the drive, Jacob turns up the radio, and we sing along to our favorite songs. I feel lighthearted and carefree, as if nothing in the world could bring me down. When we arrive in front of my apartment building, he walks me to my door.

We stop in front of it, and I turn to face him, feeling a sense of nervousness about what comes next.

“Thank you again, Jacob,” I say, breaking the silence. “Tonight was perfect.”

“I’m glad you enjoyed it, Jo. I had a wonderful time too,” he replies softly. “Can I take you out again next week?”

I smile, feeling my heart flutter in my chest. “I would love that,” I say. “Just tell me when and where.”

“Great,” he says, his eyes alight with excitement. “I’ll think of something special.”

We stare at each other for a few seconds, and I can feel the tension building between us. I’m not sure what to do or say, but before I can think further, Jacob’s lips are on mine again.

This time the kiss is searing, as if he’s trying to convey all his emotions through it.

I give into my desire, wrapping my arms around him, reveling in the feeling of his strong muscles against my body. His hand finds its way to the small of my back, pulling me even closer. I can feel the warmth of his body against mine, and it’s almost too much to bear.

I part my lips for him, inviting him in, and he does not hesitate to deepen the kiss. His tongue expertly explores my mouth, and I moan softly, my body igniting with desire. His fingers lace around the nape of my neck, sending shivers down my spine, and I melt into his arms.

The kiss continues for what seems like hours, until I’m gasping for air. Then, slowly, he pulls away, his lips still hovering close to mine.

“I ... I better go,” he says softly, his eyes smoldering with desire.

I nod, still too overwhelmed. We stand there for a few moments more, neither of us wanting to break the spell.

As if sensing my thoughts, Jacob pulls me in for one last kiss, then he reluctantly pulls away. “Until next time,” he whispers.

I watch him walk away, feeling my heart swell with joy in a way I haven’t felt in a long time. He turns around and says “I’ll call you tomorrow.”

I give him a shy smile and nod. “Okay.”

“Good night, Jo.” I feel the butterflies flutter in my stomach.

“Good night,” I say back, a smile playing on my lips.

As I close the door, I can still feel his lips on mine. I press a hand against my chest—my heart is racing.

For the first time in a long time, I feel truly alive.

Chapter Sixteen

Josephine

“Are you up for a hot cocoa?” I ask Stephanie, as I hand her a paper cup from the vending machine in the hallway.

---