Forbidden Love

by Phillips, Laura

  Forbidden Love

  Carol Wyatt

  Laura Phillips

  Table of Contents

  Wildest Dreams

  When Universes Collide

  Reckless Love

  Wildest Dreams

  By Carol Wyatt

  All Rights Reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form or by any means, including scanning, photocopying, or otherwise without prior written permission of the copyright holder. Copyright © 2018

  Chapter 1

  Kacey Jennings paid the barista for her iced coffee, checking her watch as she waited for her coffee to be made. Kacey hated being late. Well, she hated other people being late, but that was because she was always punctual. Almost always.

  She knew being late for a lecture didn’t really matter. She would just find a seat at the back and make sure to gently close the door behind her. Kacey liked being on time though, and there was something about being late, even if it was only to a lecture, that threw her off.

  Kacey picked up her coffee, putting her purse into her messenger bag as she turned and nearly bumped into the woman behind her.

  “I’m so sorry,” Kacey said, sweeping her arm out to the side to make sure she didn’t spill any coffee on the woman or herself, but thankfully she’d reacted in time, although she forgot to breathe when she realized who she nearly ran over.

  Ms. Malone... Well, at least I can’t be late if my lecturer thinks she has enough time to grab a coffee before class starts.

  “Good save,” Ms. Malone said, her lips sliding into a smile as she turned her attention to the barista.

  Kacey stood frozen, staring at Ms. Malone’s back and the way her silky chestnut colored hair flowed across her shoulders. Kacey finally remembered where she was and what she was doing. She tucked a stray piece of her blond hair behind her ear and made her way to the door, pushing it open as she stepped outside, reaching for her sunglasses and sliding them on.

  Kacey knew she had a serious crush on Ms. Malone, but she’d never been in her class before this semester when she signed up for Social Psychology to complete the requirements for her minor in Psychology.

  Kacey had always admired her from a distance, and it looked like things were going to be the same. Being in her class this year wouldn’t make much of a difference. That class had over two-hundred students in it, not that she really thought there was any chance of her lecturer knowing her name, but hey, a girl could dream.

  Kacey adjusted the strap of her leather messenger bag as she strode across campus, checking her watch to see that it was just 10:00AM. She went into the psychology building and up the stairs, taking off her sunglasses as she met students who were leaving their last lecture. She squeezed her way through the crowd to get to the right lecture hall and found a seat at the back of the crowded room.

  While Kacey took out her notebook and sipped on her coffee, Ms. Malone entered the room, dimming the lights as the door closed behind her, and she got her slides set up on the screen behind her.

  I think it’s her voice... There’s just something about the tone of her voice... A smoothness...

  “Just a reminder that your next assignment is due on the twenty-seventh,” Ms. Malone said as she left the podium area and prepared to start her lecture. “That’s two weeks from today. I’m sure you’ve all paced yourselves, and you’ve been working on it steadily for the past month.”

  That drew a few chuckles from the crowd, and Kacey couldn’t help smiling. She was one of those few people who were actually pacing themselves, but it wasn’t always the case. She’d had plenty of late nights during her first three years in college, racing against the clock to finish a paper, but her mother was getting re-married the day after this paper was due, so she had to make sure that she had it done in plenty of time.

  Those few days before the wedding were going to be busy enough without adding in this assignment. She was an only child and the maid of honor, so she knew she’d have her hands full. She’d be abandoning college for a day or two before the wedding to make sure everything was organized.

  Kacey’s eyes followed Ms. Malone as she paced the floor, delivering her lecture on Prosocial Behavior with confidence, explaining what factors influence whether or not someone will help another person. Kacey didn’t know if it was because she was single again or because she saw Ms. Malone at least twice a week, but this crush had somehow turned into complete infatuation.

  Kacey knew it wasn’t healthy for her to be this interested in one of her lecturers, but maybe a fantasy was exactly what she needed right now. She’d been so busy in the last few months with college and planning the wedding that she’d completely ruled out dating. Kacey and her ex had split up in September after spending the summer together because Kacey just didn’t have the time or energy for a relationship, and she probably wouldn’t until she’d graduated from college this year.

  Kacey tried to focus on what Ms. Malone was saying as she jotted down a few notes, willing herself to look at the slides and not at the stunning woman delivering the lecture. Kacey didn’t know what her type was, but she couldn’t imagine Ms. Malone not being someone’s type. Her dark hair was straight today, but it was often styled in waves or loose curls. Her charcoal pants fit her perfectly with her white scoop neck top that showed just a hint of cleavage.

  Kacey hadn’t realized how attracted she was to her Social Psychology lecturer until she’d almost bumped into her this morning at the coffee shop. It was the first time she’d been face to face with her, instead of gazing at her from across the room or passing by her quickly as they both made their way to and from classes around campus. Her green eyes had locked onto Kacey’s for only a few seconds, but it was enough to make her breath hitch and her mind go blank. Kacey hadn’t even responded to Ms. Malone when she’d said, ‘Good save.’

  Maybe I do have a type...

  Kacey had only dated three women seriously so far, and maybe that wasn’t a lot for someone who was twenty-five years old, but she’d done a lot of traveling before she started college. After that she’d focused on school and only had a few short-lived relationships. She’d dated other students, but when she really thought about it, none of them were her type. When she was out at a gay bar or just going about her everyday life, the women who stood out to her were a little bit older.

  Kacey studied Ms. Malone from the back of the room, trying to figure out how old she was. She never thought about it before, but she was probably thirty-five, maybe forty? She had to be at least ten years older than Kacey, and she wondered if that was part of the reason she was so drawn to her.

  Kacey took a deep breath, pushing those thoughts away. She needed to focus... And not on Ms. Malone.

  Chapter 2

  Madison took off her shades and placed them on top of her head, her eyes taking a second to adjust to the lighting in the latest store that Ashley had brought them to. She loved her best friend, but this shopping trip was taking a lot longer than she’d expected, and her rumbling stomach pleaded with her to make sure this was the last one they visited. Then maybe they could stop for some lunch.

  “I don’t even know what I’m looking for,” Ashley said, tucking a lock of her chestnut brown hair behind her ear. “What do you wear to a beach wedding? Have you ever been to one?”

  “No... You’d think one of us would have by now.”

  “Because you’re approaching forty?”

  “No,” Madison said, trying not to be offended. Ashley was only five years younger than her, but she never missed an opportunity to tease her about how close she was getting to forty. “Because we live in Tampa, and beach weddings are always an option.”

  “So what kind of dress should I be looking for? It s
hould be a dress, right?”

  “You can wear a pantsuit if you want.”

  “Just not white.”

  “No... Not unless they said in their invite to wear white...”

  Madison walked over to one of the rails, pushed a few hangers to the side, and taking out a flowing sea green dress. “What about this one? Casual but still a dress.”

  “You should try it on,” Ashley said, holding up a peach color dress and standing in front of the full-length mirror propped up against the wall beside them.

  “I don’t need another dress.”

  “Just try it on. Humor me. You can keep me company while I try this one on,” Ashley said, motioning for Madison to follow her into the changing rooms.

  Madison reluctantly brought the dress with her. She rarely wore one, and there were already four if not five hanging in her closet collecting dust, reserved for the occasional wedding or Christmas party. At work, she always wore slacks with a dressy top.

  Madison pulled back the black velvet curtain and stepped inside the tiny space to try the dress on. She took off her tank top and khaki shorts and slipped the dress on, surprised at how good it looked on her. She opened the curtain to take a step back and get a better look at herself, turning to see the dress flowing away from her body as she glanced over her shoulder to see how it looked from behind.

  “You should get that,” Ashley said as she came out of her changing room. “It’s perfect for you.”

  “Like I said, I don’t need another dress... But you,” Madison said, turning to face her. “You found exactly what you’re looking for.”

  Madison wasn’t just saying that to put an end to this shopping trip. Ashley did look amazing. The peach colored v neck dress showed off her toned legs and slim figure.

  “Really?” Ashley asked, turning to the side as she checked her reflection.

  “Yeah. It’s perfect for a beach wedding. It’s dressy without being too formal. I’d get it if I were you.”

  “Okay... Sold,” Ashley said, smiling as she went to put her shorts and top back on.

  Madison got out of her own dress, wondering if she should just get it, but as she walked back out into the store, she left it on the rack. Her closet was at maximum capacity, and a dress was the last thing she needed to try and find room for.

  “Do you want to get some lunch?” Ashley asked as she paid.

  “I’d love to,” Madison answered as she checked her phone, her stomach rumbling again as she spoke.

  *****

  Madison ordered another beer while they waited for their food to arrive. She didn’t like drinking during the day, but she felt like she deserved it today after spending almost three hours helping Ashley find a dress.

  “So, what are you doing a week from Saturday?” Ashley asked.

  “I don’t know. I don’t think I have any plans. Why?”

  “How do you feel about coming to that wedding with me?”

  “What? Is that why you wanted me to try on that dress?”

  “Maybe...,” Ashley said, putting on her best innocent face. “Oh come, Madison. Please.”

  “Why? I don’t know the bride or the groom.”

  “I have a plus one, and I don’t want to bring someone I just met online or at a bar this weekend.”

  “So, you want to bring a friend,” Madison said, bringing her bottle of beer to her lips and taking a long drink.

  “Well, I was thinking...”

  “I don’t like the sound of this.”

  “What if you pretended to be my girlfriend,” Ashley suggested, almost wincing as she asked, as if she knew that Madison would shoot that idea down.

  “Your girlfriend? Why would I do that?”

  “Have you ever noticed that you get more attention at a party or a bar or whatever when you’re in a relationship?” Ashley asked, stirring her cocktail with a straw.

  “No... Not really.”

  “Well, it’s happened to me... Without fail. Every time I start dating a woman, that’s when I get all the attention.”

  “So, you want me to play the part of your girlfriend,” Madison said with a smile. “You are unbelievable.”

  “What? It’ll be like a social experiment. You can witness the whole thing.”

  “All the women who’ll be throwing themselves at you?”

  “Well, no... Not exactly. It’s a straight wedding so... But I’d still expect one or two women to potentially be interested or tipsy enough to let me flirt with them.”

  “Maybe this is why you’re single,” Madison said, shaking her head slightly.

  “That’s a bit harsh. I’m not a player and you know that. I just don’t want to go to this wedding on my own, and I don’t want to bring someone I barely know.”

  “Couldn’t I just go as your friend? I don’t like lying to people.”

  “You won’t know anyone there.”

  “Still...”

  “I’ll be in your debt,” Ashley said, smiling across the table at her as their food arrived.

  “Fine.”

  “Thank you! You’ll have to go back and get that dress now.”

  “I can’t believe I’m doing this,” Madison said as she picked up her fork and started mixing the dressing into her salad.

  “Think of it as a social experiment... This might all work out for you too, you know.”

  “You think the same thing’s going to happen to me? Because I’m there with my ‘girlfriend’ I’ll suddenly get more attention? I don’t think so. Like you said, it’s a straight wedding, and my gaydar’s shit.”

  “That’s true.”

  “It’s a good thing you’re a chef, and you never have to worry about your awful social skills.”

  “You can see my social skills in action next Saturday,” Ashley said with a grin.

  Madison rolled her eyes. She knew she’d regret agreeing to this. What if she did know someone there? How would she explain Ashley being her girlfriend?

  “So, I guess we need to come up with a story,” Madison said as she pushed her fork into a slice of tomato.

  “About how we met, and how long we’ve been together?”

  Madison nodded. “We can’t each be telling different stories.”

  “True... Okay, so how did we meet?”

  “Why don’t we stick with the truth where we can?”

  “Yeah, okay. So, we met online, which is true,” Ashley said as she took a bite of her burger.

  “Except for the part when we start dating...”

  “We didn’t have any chemistry, but I did make you laugh.”

  “You still do... Okay, what else? How long have we been together?” Madison asked.

  “Not too long because no one at work has heard about you... Until I name drop you tomorrow that is.”

  “A month?”

  “No. Not serious enough.”

  “Three months?” Madison suggested.

  “Yeah. Three months sounds good...”

  “Do you know who we’re going to be sitting with?”

  “I think the rest of the restaurant staff,” Ashley said, stirring her drink. “How do you feel about people thinking of you as a cougar?”

  “What?”

  “A cougar is-”

  “I know what a cougar is. Ashley, do you know how old you are? You’re thirty-four. Not twenty-four. I’m five years older than you so I don’t have to worry about that... Sometimes, I wonder what planet you’re living on.”

  “I forget that I’m thirty-four, okay? I do still feel like I’m in my twenties,” Ashley said with a shrug.

  Madison sighed, resisting the urge to roll her eyes. “I can’t believe I’m doing this.”

  “And I’m so grateful that you are. Seriously... I need to meet someone. This is the longest I’ve been single.”

  “It’s only been a year since you broke up with Paula, right?”

  “Yeah. Just over a year.”

  “That’s not a long time...”

  “I don’t want
to be single for the next five years,” Ashley said, taking a drink. “And weddings are a great place to meet someone. I’m tired of the usual scene around here. I need to go further afield.”

  “By pretending to have a girlfriend...”

  “I know it doesn’t sound great...”

  “Because it doesn’t,” Madison said as she finished her salad.

  “Well, I’m out of ideas. I’m tired of meeting weird people online.”

  “Hey...”

  “That wasn’t directed at you... But come on, the last few have been exceptionally strange.”

  “You’re just going through a rough patch,” Madison said, taking a sip of her beer.

  “I know I’m only thirty-four, but I’m starting to feel this panic... That life’s passing me by.”

  “You love your job... You have an amazing apartment. Your love life is just the last piece in the puzzle, and how do you think I feel? I’m nearly forty and still single.”

  “You just need to be more open minded. You’re too picky,” Ashley said matter-of-factly.

  “What?”

  “You are.”

  “I don’t think so. I mean, I know I don’t go out enough, and I probably should consider online dating again...”

  “No, you’re just picky,” Ashley said, her lips moving into a smile. “Remember that woman at the first store we went to? The one that was asking you about your necklace?”

  “Yeah.”

  “She was flirting with you,” Ashley said with a smirk.

  “What? No... She definitely wasn’t.”

  “She definitely was, and you didn’t give her anything back.”

  “Really? She was flirting with me?” Madison asked.

  “For someone who’s supposed to be so clued in on human behavior and body language, you suck at flirting.”

  Madison rolled her eyes. “I’m just out of practice, and flirting is not the same as reading someone in a professional setting.”

  “I’ll get this,” Ashley said as the waiter left the bill on the table and took away their empty plates.

  “Thanks.”

  Madison thought back to the woman Ashley was talking about. She’d been pretty, maybe the same age as Ashley, but she never would have thought that she was being flirtatious.