Forbidden Desires

by Jenna Hartley

  There’s no humor in my laugh. “Bullshit. There’s no way I’m settling down.”

  My friends study me far too closely. “Sorry, Foss. I gotta agree with Ethe. That girl has you strung up after one bang. Just wait until you meet The One.”

  I grind my molars and glare into the distance. Reasons they’re wrong roll through my brain, but none of them hold significance. Our server stops by with our food, and I sigh loudly. The sizzling platters provide a much needed interruption to this pointless conversation. We scarf down our food in record time, swallowing it with a few beers.

  I pat my flat stomach. “That hit the fucking spot.”

  “Time for dessert,” Ethan says.

  We pay the tab and exit onto the sidewalk. The hotel we’re staying at is centrally located so everything is close by. It’s nice not having to shovel out cash for cabs. The fluorescent frog sign is enormous and easily guides our way. It’s just beginning to get dark, and the streets are crowded with evening traffic.

  We show our wristbands and enter the club. Sheets of foam are already dropping from the ceiling onto the floor, quickly covering every available surface. Seeing anything but white fluff is already a challenge.

  “Let’s find some drinks,” Josh yells over the booming music.

  I squint and search the space. Ethan leads us through the thick crowd in what I assume is the direction of the bar. I nearly stumble when a familiar green bikini steals my focus. Again.

  And just like that, my decision to forget her vanishes in a puddle of foam.

  Chapter 9

  Harlyn

  * * *

  A pair of strong arms suddenly cinch around my waist. A sense of déjà vu streaks up my spine, setting me on fire in a snap. The techno beat and strobe lights and throngs of people fade into an iridescent shimmer.

  “We meet again, cowgirl,” Foss whispers in my ear.

  My heartbeat skyrockets, and I lean into him. Honestly, what are the chances? I turn around and look up at him. His light eyes are blazing, suspending me in place. I blink, and everything moves in fast-forward.

  His lips crash into mine, stealing my breath. I moan into the kiss and grip his wet shirt. Foss grabs my hips, hauling me into him. Our mouths fuse, and we tangle together. His tongue is a velvet caress that I want wrapped all around me. I shiver thinking it, and Foss pulls me closer. His hold is as hard as the steel rod prodding into me. His intention is clear. I grind forward, letting him know I’m game.

  Foss breaks away. His panting exhales hot on my face. “Hey.”

  His smile is infectious, and I can’t stop my lips from lifting. “Well, well. Looks like you found me, cowboy.”

  He squeezes my ass. “Directly in my path.”

  “How’d you find me in this mess?”

  Foss snaps the bikini strap that’s around my neck. “I saw this like a beacon. Even through your shirt.”

  I glance down at my white tank. My bathing suit practically glows under the soaked fabric. “Huh, how ‘bout that.”

  “Thanks for showing me the way. I’ll assume you wore that just for me.” He winks, and I melt a little inside.

  I feel my cheeks blaze. “Maybe I wanted a little more certainty after all.”

  He hums against my jaw. “Glad it worked.”

  I arch into him. “Couldn’t have planned this better.”

  A quick flash of movement interrupts our reunion. I glance over my shoulder and find Sutton grinning. Two guys stand next to her, staring at us with mild interest. Foss juts his chin at the small group. I offer a small wave.

  “Uh, hey,” I say lamely.

  Sutton’s smile spreads. “You’re such a hussy. I take it this is the same dude from the booze cruise.”

  Foss chuckles. “That’s me. I see you’ve met my friends.”

  She shrugs. “Yeah, we all stood by and watched the show. Thanks for that, by the way.”

  Foss turns back to me, pointing at the two guys. “My buddies, Ethan and Josh, who’ve hopefully been respectful to your girl.”

  “I’m Sutton,” she supplies. “And they were just about to buy me a cocktail.”

  “Ooooh,” I coo. “Glad they’re keeping you company.”

  She sticks her tongue out at me. “More than I can say for you. But I’m very good with what’s happening here.” She motions between Foss and me.

  “Appreciate that.” Foss tips a pretend hat to her.

  “You’re a dork,” I giggle.

  His lips lightly dust over my cheek. “You like it.”

  “And on that note,” Sutton starts. “We’re going to the bar.”

  One of his friends, Ethan maybe, slaps Foss on the back. They lean into each other, whispering words I can’t hear. When they pull apart, his friend’s smirk is full of naughty intentions. I’d be concerned if Sutton wasn’t extremely capable of dealing with unwanted interest.

  “Um, okay? Guess we’ll catch up with you later,” I mumble quietly, confusion clouding my brain.

  “I won’t wait up,” Sutton says before wandering off with Foss’s friends.

  I scratch my head. “That situation seemed very premeditated.”

  Foss links his fingers through mine. “Don’t worry about it. They’re all adults. I promise Ethan and Josh are good guys.”

  I bump into him playfully. “I’m sure they’ll have a blast.”

  His light gaze eats me up. “As will we. Wanna hook up again?”

  I lift a brow. “For real? Is that even a question?”

  Foss growls, the sound carrying above the music. “This time, I want you naked. Sprawled out for my taking. I didn’t even get to see your tits. That first time was more like a tease.”

  I toss my head back and laugh. “If I recall, you got off just fine.”

  He rocks into me. “Well, yeah. I’m testosterone-fueled, and you’re hot as fuck. All you gotta do is stroke me a few times and I’d bust a nut.”

  “That seems a little far-fetched.”

  “You know what point I’m trying to make.”

  I tug on his belt loop. “So, you wanna see me naked?”

  He nods quickly. “Very much so.”

  “When?”

  “Now.” He doesn’t seem to be asking.

  “You’re not fucking me in the foam.”

  Mischief paints his features. “No? Just think of the story.”

  “Not sanitary.” I wrinkle my nose.

  “I like how you didn’t mention privacy.”

  “The immediate concern is getting these nasty bubbles shoved where they don’t belong.”

  “Good point. Let’s get outta here.”

  I nod in the general direction of the bar. “What about our friends?”

  “Doubt they’ll notice we’re gone.”

  “You’re right. Okay, lead the way.” I make a sweeping gesture to the door.

  We step outside, and Foss surveys our surroundings. He peers down at me with a knowing grin. Butterflies take flight in my belly. He’s so handsome.

  “What’s that look for, cowboy?” His smirk is filthy. “Just thinking.” “About?” “Ever had sex on the beach?” I chew on my bottom lip. “Uh, that’s a no. Sand would get all up in my business.” He lifts a brow. “Cowgirl, while I’m fucking you? The last thing on your mind will be sand in your crack.” Well, when he puts it that way. “I thought you wanted me spread out and naked?”

  Foss seems to mull that over. “That’ll be our third round. This time, you can ride me with the water lapping at our feet.”

  I swallow down a whimper, the emptiness in my core has never been so obvious. “T-that sounds hot.”

  He pulls me flush against him. “It’s gonna be explosive.”

  Chapter 10

  Foster

  * * *

  I drop onto the damp sand and pat my lap. Harlyn slowly shuffles toward me. She glances up and down the shore, hesitancy shadowing her features. Good thing there’s not another soul in sight. She fidgets in front of me, her long legs
squirming. Light reflects off her skin, and I sit forward slightly.

  “Is that new?” I point to the flower on her ankle.

  Harlyn twists her foot, giving me a better look. “Uh-huh, yep. I went with Sutton a few days ago.”

  “I like it. Does the design mean anything?”

  “We have a pond behind our apartment. These gorgeous water lilies grow there every year. It was a way to remember this trip and our college years.”

  I tug her down on top of me. “I’ll give you something else to remember Cancun by.”

  Her nails scratch my scalp. “You already have, cowboy.”

  I lift her skirt higher so she can straddle me further. “Thank you for wearing this.”

  “You’re welcome?”

  “Very easy access,” I say and slide her bikini bottoms to the side. A rumble rises from my chest. She’s so fucking wet, my fingers glide over her slick slit. Lust pounds through me, and my cock is so hard. This woman already has me revving at maximum. A lazy wave splashes my legs, keeping me from overheating.

  I circle around her swollen clit, and Harlyn mewls. “Yes, Foss. More.”

  My name dripping off her lips is a siren call. I speed up my movements, and she rolls against me. Waiting isn’t an option.

  “This one will be fast and hard,” I murmur against her pouty mouth. “Then we’re going to my hotel, and I’ll devour you thoroughly.”

  She trembles in my hold. “O-okay.”

  I dig out a condom and sheath my dick. Harlyn watches with rapt fascination. I smirk at her. “Did you want to do the honors?”

  “Next time,” Harlyn whispers.

  She sinks onto me, and we both moan. Fuck, she’s fit just for me. I grip her ass and thrust up. Heat gathers at the base of my spine. I grit my teeth and force the release away. Dammit, I’m going to bust like a teenager. A blast of color shoots through the blank sky when she grinds down. All bets are off.

  “Jesus, this really won’t last long if you keep doing that,” I warn.

  Her tongue trails up my jaw. “You have all night to make it up to me.”

  And that throws control out the window. I buck into her like the wild bronco she called me. She’s bouncing on me, over and over, my dick making her scream. Harlyn’s fingers dig into my shoulders, keeping her steady. I keep pounding until her orgasm has her writhing. I let go, the climax making spots appear in my vision.

  We collapse in a heap on the sand, panting into the darkness. Harlyn is boneless against me. For the first time, I’m content just laying around after sex. Fuck, how will I recover from this chick? A sour taste fills my mouth. Now is definitely not the time for that shit.

  When we’ve caught our breath, Harlyn wiggles until she’s lodged into the nook between my arm and chest. This feels far too good.

  “Thanks for that,” she murmurs.

  I rub up and down her back. “Darlin’, you did all the work.”

  “Is it always like this?”

  I furrow my brow. “What do you mean?”

  “With a quick fling. Does the sex always end up being this amazing?”

  The idea of her with another guy in my position doesn’t sit well. At all. I cover up my grunt by responding. “No, not at all.”

  Harlyn snuggles deeper into me. “So, we’re lucky.”

  “Yeah, I guess so.” But not really. I clear my throat and ask, “So, you’re in college?” “Yup, graduating in May.” “Me too. What’re you studying?” She sighs dreamily. “I’m going to be a teacher. At least, I hope so. What’s your plan?” I tuck an arm behind my head. “I’m majoring in environmental engineering. I still need to land a job.”

  Her body tenses slightly. “That’s the tough part.” “Don’t worry about that. Not here.” I swallow and force myself to ask, “When are you leaving for home?” “Day after tomorrow. You?” “Same.” Harlyn rests her chin on my pec. “Well, that sucks.” I tuck some hair behind her ear. “All good things come to an end.” “Too bad this has to be one of them.” “I’ll follow you on Instagram,” I joke. Her laugh is loud. “Oh my gosh, that’s lame.” “Not sure I can offer much better.” A sinking feeling takes over me, and suddenly I’m drowning. Maybe my friends were right. I’m ready to find someone to get serious with. Too bad that can’t be Harlyn. She cups my jaw. “What’s happening is great. I don’t expect anything more.”

  “Well, let’s make the most out of this fling. I’ll give you plenty to remember me by.”

  Her mouth hovers over mine. “Sounds like an excellent plan.”

  Chapter 11

  Harlyn

  * * *

  I rub my temples and groan. We went a little overboard for our last night in Cancun. I’m paying the price for all those shots this morning. And being hungover on an airplane is torturous. Every turbulent bump is a knife stabbing into my skull. Can the pilot fly faster? Maybe he’ll take pity on me if I ask.

  “You gonna survive over there?” Sutton mumbles around her cocktail straw.

  I moan again. “How’re you feeling so good?”

  She shrugs. “I bounce back quickly.”

  “Lucky bitch.”

  “No need to be grumpy.”

  I thump my pounding forehead on the tray table. “I don’t wanna return to reality.”

  Sutton pats my back. “Or the snow. Urgh, I’m sick of winter. But we had a blast. Let’s start planning for next year.”

  My stomach somersaults, and I swallow roughly. “I’m gonna need more recovery time.”

  “And not just from the booze,” she mutters.

  I sit up and face her. “What’s that supposed to mean?”

  “How’d you leave it with your hot cowboy?”

  “He’s not my anything. We wished each other well, and that was it.”

  She thrusts her hips lewdly. “With a farewell bang?”

  I roll my eyes. “Something like that.”

  “Was it worth it?”

  I peer at her through my tired eyes. “What do you mean?”

  “I know you, friend. And you legit like that guy. Does it sting leaving him behind?”

  “A little,” I admit.

  Sutton pouts for me. “I’m sorry, boo. That sucks.”

  “Know what would make me feel better?”

  “What’s that?”

  “Tell me the latest with Bowen.”

  She wrinkles her nose. “Hard pass. I’ll buy you a mimosa instead.”

  “That’s the last thing I want.”

  “Now you know how I feel discussing that douche-nozzle.”

  I cross my arms over my chest. “Last I recall, you wanted—”

  She slashes the air. “Stop. Talking. That idiot is none of my concern.”

  “Oh-kay. Sorry I mentioned him.”

  Sutton frowns. “It’s fine. You’re in a fragile state. I’ll let this time slide.

  I scoff but don’t bother arguing. “Maybe drinking away this headache isn’t the worst idea.”

  “Hair of the dog,” she says. “You order. I gotta pee. Be right back.”

  I nod and grab a magazine from my purse. The sun is shining through the tiny circular window, casting a natural glow over the pages. I think about warm sand between my toes and scorching rays heating me up. I’m going to miss Cancun, but it’s more than that. Foss wedged his way far deeper than a surface level hookup allows for. I’m doing my best to hide the agony twisting me up. Try as I might, the hole in my chest continues to grow. Stupid, useless feelings. It’s ridiculous to be this upset.

  Movement to my left yanks me out of these miserable musings. “That was fast. No line?” I ask Sutton.

  “Couldn’t stay away, cowgirl.”

  My eyes snap up at his voice. I’m sure my mouth is hanging open. “W-what are you doing here?”

  “Surprise,” Foss murmurs against my cheek.

  “How… Where… I mean, why are you here?” I feel my face heat.

  “Didn’t miss me?”

  I gulp down the b
all in my throat. “N-no, that’s not it. Just, uh, how is this possible?”

  He laces our fingers together and kisses my knuckles. “We never talked about where we’re from.”

  My heart slams to stop. “Wait, you live in Montana?”

  Foss nods. “Born and raised.”

  “Me too.”

  “I attend MSU.”

  I blink at him, trying to wrap my mind around this extreme turn of events. “Shut the front door. No way! Why haven’t we met before?”

  He chuckles. “Um, campus is huge?”

  I manage to pick my jaw up off the floor. “It took some beach in Mexico to bring us together. What are the freaking chances?”

  “I’d say pretty good.”

  “So, what happens now? What does this mean?” I nod to our linked hands.

  Foss winks at me. “We fly off into the sunset.”

  “That’s a tad overly romantic.” I giggle, overwhelmed.

  “Okay,” he says. “We can start with a proper date.”

  “I like the sound of that.”

  He leans closer. “Yeah?”

  “A lot.” Then a thought occurs to me, and I squint at him. “What happened to Sutton?”

  “Ah, funny story. I saw her pass by and did a double take. She pointed me in your direction.”

  “So, she’s spending time with Ethan and Josh again?”

  “Yeah, she didn’t seem to mind switching seats.”

  “I’m sure they’re far better company than me.”

  “No way.”

  “I was being a sad sap.”

  “And now?”

  I snuggle into his waiting embrace. “Couldn’t be better.”

  More on Harloe Rae

  WHAT TO READ NEXT

  * * *

  Are you curious about Sutton and the mysterious Bowen?

  They’re from my standalone romance, Breaker.

  * * *

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