Forbidden Desires

by Jenna Hartley

  I sit up. “Okay, you cannot put those two thoughts together. Touching me and bringing your mom into it.”

  He chuckles. His hand lands on the back of my neck, bringing me down to him to kiss.

  Damn, he really is a great kisser. I press my hand on his chest and tear my lips off him.

  “What’s the matter now?” he whines.

  “We need rules.”

  “Rules?” He sits up, the sheet falling to his waist.

  I turn on the light.

  “Lights. Hurt. Eyes.”

  “Come on, you know we can’t very well just sleep together then go with the flow.”

  Finally I find some agreement in his expression.

  “So if we’re going to do this again—”

  “We’re doing it again,” he confirms.

  I blow out a breath. This new Enzo is surprising. “Well, if we do, nothing happens at work. No inappropriate talk or touches.”

  He clicks his tongue on the roof of his mouth and shakes his head. “No promises there. That’s half the fun. You expect me to be around you all day at work and not cop a feel?”

  I shake my head, but he’s probably right. “It has to be discreet. No one can know. Not your brothers. Not my sister. Not Mae. No one. This is going to the grave with the two of us.”

  He chuckles again and cups my breast. “I promise on your mouthwatering tit.”

  I smack his hand, but I can’t deny this playful side of Enzo is fun. And I don’t have it in me to be serious. It’s been a long day—emotionally and now physically. I’m sure in the morning light, reality will hit, and we’ll figure out this new terrain.

  So I slide down the bed. He turns off the light. As we fall asleep with his leg wedged between mine and his hand on my breast, I worry about what I’ve done to jeopardize the future I was making for myself.

  “The best day ever was when you had to cover as my assistant,” he whispers before kissing my jaw right under my ear.

  “That’s your concussion talking.”

  “I don’t have one.” He tightens his arms. “Just go to sleep.”

  And at some point, the freaking out over what I’ve done disappears and the euphoric feeling from Enzo holding me takes over and my eyes drift closed.

  Chapter 23

  Enzo

  * * *

  “We went through four condoms. You’re insatiable.”

  Annie peeks her head out of the bathroom. “I am? I believe it was me mumbling incoherently when you rolled over me at three a.m.”

  Lazy, middle-of-the-night sex with Annie was amazing. I felt bad waking her up, but I couldn’t resist having her when she was all I could feel, smell, and see.

  “You didn’t have to join me in the shower this morning.” I put on my shoe, my phone alerting me to a text. I open my phone. “The plane will be ready in three hours.”

  She peeks out again. “Three hours?”

  “We have two more condoms.” I raise an eyebrow.

  She emerges from the bathroom, clasping her earrings and wearing the clothes she did yesterday. “I’m surprised you bought the economy-size box. Most men would have bought the three-pack.” She sits on the bed across from me, putting on her heels.

  “If I’d only bought three, you wouldn’t have had any shower sex this morning.” I grin.

  She blows out a breath and shakes her head, but she’s smiling, which puts that warm feeling front and center in my chest.

  My phone dings again and I look at it.

  * * *

  Dom: Who’s the guy?

  Carm: ??

  Dom: For Blanca. Enzo?

  * * *

  “Fuck,” I mumble.

  “What’s wrong?” She stands.

  I ignore my brother’s text, wrapping my arms around her middle and dragging her down on the bed. She squeals, and I kiss her neck.

  I’m screwed. I realized it last night when Annie threw all the obvious issues on the table and I was okay with them. That’s me though—I take what I want, and I want Annie. If I had to guess, she feels differently though. Whereas I feel free, with all that tension gone, it seems as though she’s holding back. And I don’t like it.

  I sit up. “Talk to me. What’s up?”

  She meets my gaze, and I guess men’s intuition isn’t too shabby because I nailed it. She’s apprehensive. “Nothing.”

  She stands, but I wrap my arms around her waist and pull her down to my lap. “I can’t fix it unless you tell me.” I nuzzle her neck.

  “You don’t have to fix anything. I’m good.” She tries to get up, but I don’t release my arms. “Enzo…”

  “Say please,” I say.

  “You and your games. Pl—”

  I cover her mouth, muffling the rest of the word. “On second thought, you can do that at my apartment tonight. If you say it now, I guarantee our clothes are coming off.”

  She swings her arm around my neck. “Who said I’m going to your apartment today?”

  “Because you don’t wanna be away from me.” I smile.

  She doesn’t. She gives me the same look I got after we had sex. She doesn’t believe anything I’m saying.

  I tuck a loose strand of her dark hair behind her ear. “What’s going on?”

  She blows out a breath. “This. I don’t understand this.”

  “Let me recap for you. You started as my assistant. We were forced to work together on a campaign. The attraction was immediate. At least for me. We wanted to roll around in the sheets together. Last night we did, and it was fucking phenomenal, so we’re going to continue rolling around in the sheets together.”

  “So we’re just fuck buddies?”

  I hadn’t really thought about that. “No. You’re not just some woman I’m going to call for a good time.”

  “Then what am I?”

  “Do we have to classify it? I like you. I really like sleeping with you. Can’t we go from there?”

  “Okay, fine. You’re so touchy. Are you always so touchy?” She smiles, changing the subject.

  I can’t tell her I want to start dating. I mean, I don’t date. I’m not going to answer to anyone where I’m going and what I’m doing every second of the day. Though I don’t think she’d expect that. She said herself she doesn’t want to date anyone until she’s established.

  “I like to touch you. Now, let’s make out until we leave for the airport.”

  Her stomach rumbles.

  “On second thought. Breakfast?” I rest my forehead on hers.

  “Yeah.” Annie gets off my lap, grabs her bag. She looks around the room and some emotion crosses her face, but I can’t read what she’s thinking.

  To my surprise, I find that bothers me. This is new territory for me. Usually I don’t care what women are thinking. Was our one night together enough for Annie? Was it enough for me?

  I’d be a fool to even think that though. I knew one night wouldn’t be enough even before we slept together. Isn’t that the entire reason I waited until the need to have her was unbearable before I made my move?

  We eat breakfast then hop on the plane.

  Annie insists on sitting across from me in case the flight attendant says something to our boss about us. We’re lucky she didn’t see our kiss last night.

  Midflight, I text her.

  * * *

  Me: This is your opportunity to join the mile-high club.

  * * *

  When her phone vibrates, she picks it up then stares at me as if I’m boring her. I’m already laughing by the time she slides it open and reads the message.

  * * *

  Annie: Who’s to say I’m not already a member?

  * * *

  That’s not what I want to hear. At all.

  * * *

  Me: Not cool.

  * * *

  She checks her phone, not looking at me.

  * * *

  Annie: I told you, we’re strictly professional except behind closed doors.

  Me: Good thing the bat
hroom has a door.

  * * *

  She huffs and I chuckle, picking up my scotch now that Annie’s letting me drink again.

  * * *

  Annie: Not going to happen.

  Me: Come home with me.

  Annie: No.

  Me: Would you be more comfortable at your place?

  Annie: We’re spending the night apart.

  Me: I have the economy box of condoms at my condo.

  Annie: I’m sure you do.

  * * *

  Why is she giving me the cold shoulder?

  * * *

  Me: What gives?

  * * *

  She looks at me again, and I reach across the aisle for her hand. She narrows her eyes and shakes her head.

  * * *

  Me: I thought sneaking around would be fun. You could sit by me and I’d discreetly slide my hand up your skirt, slide your panties to the side.

  * * *

  Fuck, I’m getting a hard-on imagining it.

  She reads my text then puts her phone down.

  * * *

  Me: I’d apply the lightest pressure to your clit. Slow and lazy circles and then I’d dip my finger in, just the tip to test how wet you are. Of course, you’d be soaked, and I’d massage the wetness on your clit.

  * * *

  Her phone dings. I love that she can’t help but read the text. She inhales a deep breath.

  * * *

  Me: You’d be so close to me, your hands would be on my forearm and your mouth on my shoulder to muffle your enjoyment of my fingers inside you. I’d be rock hard under my slacks and you’d grow even wetter when you saw me straining my pants.

  * * *

  Ding.

  Me: Just when you least expect it, I’d arch my long fingers inside you, and you’d bite my shoulder in surprise. I’d plunge in and out, your wetness coating my fingers.

  * * *

  Ding.

  * * *

  She reads it then looks at me with a flush all over her body. It’s not only in her cheeks but her chest too. I’m not stopping now.

  * * *

  Me: You’d clench around my fingers, but I wouldn’t relent. You’d murmur how you’re almost there. Just when I’m about to open my slacks and plop you right in my lap, you clench around me so hard my knuckles almost break.

  * * *

  Ding.

  * * *

  Me: The flight attendant comes out and I slide my fingers out of you. As she asks you if you’d like a drink, my fingers are in my mouth, tasting how delicious you are.

  * * *

  Ding.

  * * *

  Her head falls back to the headrest and her eyes close. I notice her legs are partly open instead of crossed, as usual.

  * * *

  Annie: You play so unfair. Payback Mr. Mancini. Payback.

  Me: What did we discuss about calling me Mr. Mancini? Although now that you can use it in the bedroom, I’m kind of warming up to the idea.

  * * *

  She laughs and drops her phone into her purse.

  I look at my straining cock. We’re in for a long road, buddy. She’s a ball-buster for sure.

  Chapter 24

  Annie

  * * *

  I’m officially the weakest woman alive.

  “What kind of dressing do you like?” Enzo asks, putting the take-out place on hold.

  “Whatever is fine. French.”

  I tried not to come over tonight. I tried to give him some distance to really think about what he wants because if things go any further between us, I’m bound for heartbreak. I’d rather have it now than later. But after his teasing texts on the plane and advances in the limo, how could I resist? I wanted to come here.

  After he finishes on the phone, I say, “Your place is everything I assumed it would be.”

  “What does that mean?” He hands me a glass of wine by the window.

  “It’s a bachelor pad. A bunch of electronics and black.”

  He chuckles. “What’s your place like? Colorful?”

  “Compared to yours, it’s like a coloring book colored by a three-year-old. It’s neat, but there’re a lot of knick-knacks. Not like you and your perfectly placed sculptures and paintings.”

  “I hired someone.” He shrugs.

  “I figured.”

  I follow him to the couch. Black leather. How original. All of this pulls my wariness to the forefront. I should’ve never told him I couldn’t talk to Beth or Mae. I should’ve said I need to talk to them, otherwise I’m going to go crazy dissecting every little thing.

  It’s good that he wanted me to come over tonight, right? Maybe it’s all about the sex. We do it well together. More than well. It’s like nothing I’ve ever experienced. The girls Enzo’s usually with are probably a lot more experienced than me.

  I gulp down the wine, finishing the entire glass.

  “Another?” he asks, his fingers circling on my thigh.

  “No. I shouldn’t if I’m going home after dinner.”

  He tilts his head. “You said you were staying. We went to your condo and got your stuff.”

  I made him stay outside while I ran upstairs to change and grab an overnight bag so he wouldn’t have to see how small my one-bedroom condo is. “I forgot I have a family brunch, and you have your family dinner on Sunday.”

  He stares at me as if he’s wondering how the hell I know about that.

  “Your calendar. It’s marked on every Sunday.”

  He nods.

  “Oh, God.” Bile rises my throat. This is ridiculous. I’ve memorized his calendar. Not on purpose but still.

  “Annie? Are you okay?”

  I stare at his soft brown eyes and ask myself the same question. Truth is, I’m not. “I’m sorry. I can’t do this.”

  He places his wineglass on the table. “Do what?”

  I wave my finger between us. “I’d love to be a girl who can just turn it on and off, but I’m not. There’s no ‘call me when you want to hook up and I’ll be waiting’ thing for me. I’m a dating kind of girl. I’m not a ‘come to my condo, I’ll order dinner, and we’ll fuck like animals until the morning’ girl. I’m sorry.” I stand, disappointed it can’t be different but I’m at peace with my decision. I circle around before I leave his living room. “I hope this doesn’t affect—”

  He puts up his hand and I remember how those long fingers felt so amazing inside me. “We’ve been over this. Your job is secure.”

  I nod, hurrying to his bedroom to grab my overnight bag. When I come out, his hands are in his hair and he’s pacing behind the couch.

  “I’ll see you Monday,” I say, slipping into my shoes.

  “Annie?”

  I turn.

  He stares at me for a moment, and I wish I knew him well enough to read him, but I don’t. “Thanks for your honesty. I never would have wanted to hurt you.”

  “You’re welcome.”

  I lug my bag over my shoulder then walk out the door. I squeeze my eyes shut. You’re doing the right thing. There’s no future behind that door. He’s told you that himself. He doesn’t want anything serious. You’re looking at a long line of unanswered texts and phone calls. You’ll grow attached and he’ll probably be sleeping with other girls when you’re not available.

  After forcing myself to take the excruciating steps toward the elevator, I press the down button, glancing back at the empty hallway and closed door. Maybe I’m being stupid. He’s always treated me nicely. Maybe I could change him. Make him want those things. No, a man like Enzo is bound to get bored at some point and want to move on.

  The elevator arrives and I step on, looking one more time at the desolate hallway.

  “Bye, Enzo,” I whisper, and the doors slide shut.

  By the time I reach the lobby, his doorman stands to round the desk. “Miss Stewart?”

  “Yes?”

  “Mr. Mancini called down. He’d like you to wait.”

  I laugh. Of course he did. So he
can pitch some idea he’s brilliantly thought of in the last two minutes about why he and I aren’t a terrible idea? He can try to sell me like he does his clients. And I’ll fall for it just like they do because he’s excellent at his job. Probably convince me I don’t want to date him, and before I know it, I’ll be half naked in the elevator with my lips on his.

  “Please tell Mr. Mancini I’m tired and I had to go.” I circle through the doors, ignoring his protest.

  Turning right, I walk down the street and flag down my own taxi.

  “Annie!” Enzo yells from behind me.

  I turn in the direction of his building. He’s jogging toward me in his bare feet.

  I put out my palm before he can get close. “Don’t feel bad. This isn’t some kind of romance movie. You don’t have to come running after me.”

  “Just shut up and stop being so damn stubborn.” His hands grab each side of my face and he presses his lips to mine. Our tongues glide together, and he strips his mouth from mine. “I’ll try, okay? Is that enough? You’re not going to be just some girl I hit up when I want to screw. I can’t promise you anything, but I promise to explore this. Really explore it.”

  “But—”

  “Stop overthinking everything. You’re not that girl for me. You’re different.”

  I place my hands over his on my cheeks. “So you want to date one another?”