Forbidden Attraction (Forbidden Trilogy)

by S. R. Watson

  “I was actually speaking about a meal, not sex. Although I’m finding I like the way you taste. You could be dessert,” he jokes.

  “You are such a cornball. Tonight I can’t. Jordan and I are having a girl’s night with watermelon margaritas.”

  “You have such a colorful vocabulary,” he chides. “I love all your Siobhanisms. I tell you what. What do you say to spending this weekend in San Francisco? We can take in the sights during the day and have fantastic sex each night.”

  My heart flutters and I’m glad he isn’t here to see the silly grin on my face. I’m flattered he wants to spend time with me outside of “fucking.” I’ve only been to San Francisco once with Liam, but that was three years ago. I can’t say I’m one hundred percent sold on the extent of his relationship with Vanessa, but I’ll trust what he says for now or until irrefutable proof proves otherwise. In the meantime, I want to make new memories with Grayson. “Sure. That sounds like a wonderful idea.”

  “Great. I’ll pick you up at five o’clock Friday. Don’t drink too much tonight. You have classes tomorrow,” he warns.

  “Yes sir,” I reply with sarcasm.

  “Hmm. I like the sound of that. See you Wednesday, Siobhan.” He ends the call and I immediately feel bereft. I love the sexy rasp of his voice. He has managed to awaken my desire over the phone. Delayed gratification is for the birds. Ugh.

  OUR GIRL’S NIGHT is filled with alcohol and gossip. We vow to make Monday nights our regular margarita time to energize for the week. I have to admit it’s nice to expand my circle of friends beyond Jordan, especially since I wasn’t keen on the idea of company earlier. Liam had monopolized most of my time so I didn’t have the inclination to hang out with anyone but Jordan in my spare time. Looking back, I was somewhat a stick in the mud. I rarely drank, rarely went to parties, rarely cursed, and let's not talk about my sex life. See the trend here? Now I’m more uninhibited, so in a way, I have Liam to thank. His act of betrayal has made me reevaluate the things I want from life. I’ve given myself permission to have fun. I’m not completely there yet, but I’m taking baby steps. After all, I never would have pictured myself in a no-strings arrangement, yet here I am.

  I leave the girls in the living room around ten o’clock. I only have one class tomorrow, but all the alcohol has made me sleepy. I shower and get ready for bed. I find a text waiting for me from Grayson. I’m elated.

  Grayson: I hope you had a good time tonight with the girls. Sleep tight beautiful.

  The text was sent two hours ago, but I reply anyway.

  Me: Going to bed now. Had a great time. Until Wednesday :)

  He doesn’t text me back before I fall asleep. His sweet words are enough to hold onto for now.

  WEDNESDAY IS FINALLY here and I’m excited to see Grayson today. He didn’t text me again after Monday night. Today I’m determined to get his attention. I take extra care choosing an outfit that’s not over the top, but sexy. I choose a fitted tee that puts the girls on display, a pair of skinny jeans, and wedge sandals that make my legs look great. When I leave my room, I’m greeted with a whistle.

  “Wow. You look hot. I wonder what the motivation is,” Jordan teases. “Or should I say who?”

  She is already dressed and preparing to head out as well. Her first class isn’t until nine. “Whatever. Where are you headed so early?”

  “Trevor and I are meeting on campus for breakfast before class.” A twinge of jealousy lasts for about a nanosecond.

  “Good for you. How are things? Is he bringing the thunder?” Thunder is Jordan’s word usage for awesome sex.

  I arrive at class and am disappointed to learn that Grayson isn’t coming. Donovan hands out our exams and tells us once we finish we can leave. I forgot we were having another exam today, but I’m not worried. I’ve been keeping up with my reading and practice questions. I pull out a scantron and put my things away.

  So much for getting Grayson’s attention. Where is he? Is he sick? He didn’t tell me he wouldn’t be here today. I’ll check on him after I get out of class. During the entire exam Liam is sneaking glances at me. What is he doing? Does he want Donovan to think he’s cheating? I decide to ignore his penetrating stares and focus on my test. I’m surprised when Liam finishes before me. Once he leaves, I breathe easier. The test is pretty straightforward. It actually has some repeat questions from the last exam. I’m confident when I hand my test to Donovan before walking out the door. I startle when Liam comes up behind me.

  “How do you think you did?” It is obvious that he was waiting around for me.

  “I think I aced it. You?” I don’t want to encourage his stalking.

  “Same. It was pretty easy if you read the chapters.” Heather walks out of the class and calls out to him. This is the distraction I need to get away. It is still too soon. To raw.

  “I guess you better see what she wants.” I turn to walk away, but he grabs me by the shoulder.

  “Shiv. No. Don’t leave.” I see the panic in his eyes. There’s a slight tremble with his fingers.

  “Liam it’s fine. I need to find Jordan before my next class,” I lie.

  “Okay,” he says reluctantly. This time when I walk away he doesn’t stop me.

  I feel his eyes on me as I leave. I don’t feel sorry for him though. He did this to us. I gave him everything and he threw it all away to sample another cookie. How many cookies, I may never know, but it’s no longer my concern. If nothing else, my arrangement with Grayson is giving me the strength I need to avoid letting him back in. I pull out my phone to see if he’s okay, but he doesn’t answer so I send him a text instead.

  Me: Missed you today. Everything okay?

  The hairs on my neck stand as I feel I’m being watched. I look around, but don’t see anyone or anything out of the ordinary. I head to McKay’s for lunch. I need to start eating healthier before my ass gets larger than life. I get the distinct feeling I’m being followed so I pick up my pace, being attentive to my surroundings. I question whether it’s paranoia from the unknown calls. Whatever, I’m not taking any chances. I don’t hear from Grayson until I’m finished with my other two classes. His text states that he’s fine—he had business to tend to that couldn’t wait. I know he’s okay so I call Jordan to see if she wants to eat out tonight.

  “HELLO, SHIV.”

  “Hey. I was wondering if you wanted to eat out tonight?” I throw my bags in the back seat. I’m careful to look around since this eerie feeling of being watched has grown.

  “Sorry, girlie. No can do. I have an exam tomorrow I have to study for.”

  “Okay, I’ll stop and pick up something so nobody has to cook tonight.” I don’t cook much, but I do have a few go-to meals I can prepare. I’m not in the mood tonight though. “Anything in particular you want?”

  “Have you left school yet?”

  “No. I just got in my car.”

  “Oh good. I want our usual from The Lab.” Our usual consists of vegetable quesadillas and tuna nicoise salads. My mouth is watering with the thought.

  “Sounds like a plan. I’ll see you in a bit.”

  Dinner was great. I’ve gotten ahead on my studies and now I’m bored. After getting ready for bed, I decide to snuggle up with a good romance book. The hero in my novel is making me miss Grayson even more. I look forward to our time together this weekend. What is he doing right now? Does he ever think about me or am I alone in my countdown to seeing each other again? I’m tempted to text him, but I tamp down the urge and finally let myself drift to sleep.

  TRUE TO HIS word Grayson picks me up at five on the dot. I’m in awe of his silver sports car. He gets out to open the door for me and I swear I have a mini orgasm at the sight of him. I love casual Grayson. His jeans hug him in all the right places while his black fitted tee outlines his chiseled chest and abs. A black Firelli baseball cap helps to conceal his identity, but the over-the-top car will surely attract attention. I’m surprised he didn’t send a driver to come get me. He opens m
y door and it pops up like a butterfly wing. He helps me into my seat and puts my overnight bag in the trunk before going around to get in. He lets the top down and I know my hair is in trouble. I wore it down since this is his preference. Now it’s probably going to end up looking like a bird’s nest by the time we make it to San Francisco. Grayson is ahead of me though and pulls out another Firelli cap for me.

  “Hello, beautiful.” Before putting on his seat belt, he leans and plants a tender kiss on my lips. I’m stunned silent for a moment. When I look over at him he’s quirking an eyebrow at me. “You miss me?”

  “A little.” Who am I kidding? I’ve thought of him nonstop since our last time together. I don’t want let on how much he’s starting to worm his way into my heart.

  “Just a little?” He starts the engine before letting a hand grasp my thigh. He massages the area, waiting for me to reply.

  “Okay. Maybe more than a little.” That’s the only confirmation he’s going to get. Instead I turn the question back on him. “Did you miss me?”

  “Everyday,” he says without hesitation.

  The sexual tension in the car is thick. I swallow the lump in my throat and focus on something else. I see the Mercedes emblem on the steering wheel, but the model is not one that I am not familiar with. “What kind of car is this?”

  “A McLaren Stirling Moss. You like it?” He gives me a knowing smile before removing his hand from my leg.

  “Yes, but if incognito is what you’re going for, I’ll say it’ll be an epic fail,” I tease.

  “Let’s hope not. I wanted to see you just like this. A ride up the coast with the wind in your hair.”

  It’s mid November so the temperatures have dropped to the mid seventies during the day. Even so, the warm sunshine beams down on my face as the wind whips my hair around the cap. I lean back and indulge in the rays and nearness of Grayson. Watching him handle this exotic car with ease is a sight to see and is turning me on something fierce.

  “See something you like, baby?”

  I guess I wasn’t as inconspicuous as I thought. “You know it, handsome.”

  “Hmm. Knowing you’re sitting over there wanting me is making me so hard.”

  To prove his point, he reaches over and grabs my hand. He places it over his erection and I feel it straining against his jeans. “I’m going to fuck you so hard.”

  I’m not as versed in the sex talk so I simply squeeze him in agreement. I don’t want us to crash so I reluctantly remove my hand. I close my eyes and wish for our remaining five hours on the road to pass quickly so I can let this gorgeous man take me.

  When we arrive at the Fairmont Hotel, it’s after ten o’clock. Once again we check into the penthouse suite. I don’t think we need this much space so it’s a waste of money. He says he only wants the best for us, but I think he’s using the extra space to create a barrier between us. It’s a moot point; I don’t bring it up again.

  “Are you hungry?” He pushes a strand of hair behind my ear. I probably have hat hair.

  “Starving actually.” The elevator stops and we’ve reached our suite.

  “Me too.” The hunger in his eyes tells me he isn’t talking about food.

  “I’m talking about food, you sex fiend.”

  “I’m not.” He kicks the door closed and pins me against it. He lips crush mine and I have no choice, but to open for him. Our tongues meet in a frenzy.

  He groans against my lips while hitching my leg over his hip. I feel how hard he is. “I like kissing you. What are you doing to me? I don’t kiss.” He’s made this declaration before. I love that he can’t resist kissing me. He looks intently into my eyes, takes a deep breath, and seems to hesitate as if he’s reluctant to stop this from going further. I am all for going further. Every part of me is humming from his presence in the car, the conversation, and then his voracious attack. Sigh. “Come on, baby. Let’s get you fed so I can eat.” He winks at me and it’s beyond hot.

  We step away from the doorway and I get a look at the room for the first time. It’s beautiful. The space is so grand I don’t know where to look first. The furnishings are contemporary with an overall elegant decor. I leave Grayson’s side to take a tour while he finds a menu to order dinner. Holy crap. This suite has three bedrooms and four baths. The dining area has seating for twelve.

  “Grayson, this is way too much space for two people.” I said I would not bring it up again, but this is crazy.

  “Are you on that again?” He lets out a calming breath. “Do you not like the suite?”

  “I love the suite, but why do we need such a huge place? This suite has three bedrooms, Grayson. Three!”

  “Well it’s hard to find a regular suite that has two bedrooms. A penthouse will always have what we need.” He reaches for my hand, but I pull away.

  “No. It’s what you need, Grayson. I knew you were only getting the penthouse to distance yourself from me. You want to fuck me and then pretend I don’t exist on your side of the suite,” I scream.

  “What’s your problem? You knew up front I wouldn’t share my bed,” he huffs. “Goddammit, Siobhan. I don’t want to fight with you. This is new for me, too. Before you, there were no overnights. I didn’t have to worry about sharing my bed.”

  We discussed our sleeping arrangements up front. I didn’t expect it to hurt like this. To feel so rejected by his insistence. I didn’t expect to want more or to fall for him, but I have. That realization causes a tear to slip down my cheek. I wipe it away furiously, not wanting him to see, but it’s too late.

  “Oh, baby, come here.” He pulls me into his arms and kisses the top of my head. “I’m so sorry. I don’t want to hurt you. This is who I am. I can’t make you any promises.” He doesn’t elaborate so I let the subject drop. The truth is he’s been honest from the beginning. I’m the one who changed the rules, in my mind, anyway. For now, I’ll take what he is offering me. I’m playing a dangerous game that will obliterate my heart in the end. I want to delay that day as long as possible.

  Grayson leads us to the balcony. The moonlight casts a romantic glow over the terrace enhanced by the candlelight of a lone candle on the table. I’ve lost my appetite. I go along with his suggestion for the California sea bass. He pours two glasses of some kind of pinot grigio, but even the alcohol does little to pick up my spirits. I’m so upset. Why in the hell do I keep doing this to myself? I know how volatile love is. I have watched first hand how it destroys lives. I thought the heartache I experienced with Liam would have been enough to turn me away from love for at least a couple months. And now I go and fall in love with a man, who by his own admission, isn’t capable of love. This is going to hurt so much more. The sad part is I walked into this willingly.

  I chance a glance at Grayson and see pity in his eyes. His silence is telling. This will probably be our last weekend together. I’ve already shown my cards. He’ll probably run.

  “I think we should get some rest tonight and start again tomorrow. I have a great day planned for us.” He smiles at me, but it’s forced. Weak. “Your room is to the right. Your overnight bag is at the foot of your bed.” He gathers our plates before heading back inside. I gulp the last of my wine and head inside too.

  In the shower, I let the hot water wash away my frustration. The tears flow nonstop. I’m helpless to stop them. I slide down the glass and hug my knees. My sobbing is uncontrollable now. I feel so alone. I’m surprised when the shower door opens. A naked Grayson steps in and pulls me up. He pushes my wet hair away from my face. His masculine frame blocks the water flow. He tilts my head back and I see the sorrow in his eyes. He then wipes away my tears before gently kissing me. My back is against the glass. He grabs my legs and wraps them around his waist. He leans into me until I feel his erection heavy against my core. I hold on tight to his masculine frame as he wields his control. He deepens the kiss as he slowly enters me. He slides in and out at a leisurely pace. The slowness is igniting a fire so deep in my belly. God, I can’t help the feel
ings this man inspires. I love that he can be gentle. His tenderness is just as passionate as his wild side. There are no words. I’m in ecstasy, desperate to hold onto this moment. This is not fucking, but I’m afraid to think otherwise. He swallows my screams as I explode around him. This is enough for him to find his own release.

  He doesn’t utter a single word. He grabs a loofa and washes my body thoroughly before washing my hair. He steps out of the shower first to dry off then reaches for me.

  After drying me off he walks to the bed and pulls the covers back. I’m speechless when he gets in and signals for me to get in next to him. More tears form at the gesture. “No more tears, baby.” He wipes them away and pulls me into the bed with him. He turns me so that he is spooning me. If I only get one night with him like this, I’m going to savor the moment. His breathing evens out and I know he’s already asleep. I snuggle in the comfort of his arms and his unique smell. Sleep takes me easily in the comfort of the man I’m starting to fall for.

  THE SUN FILTERS in and I don’t want the moment to end. The warmth of Grayson’s arm circles my waist. I turn slowly so I can view his beauty openly. His thick eyebrows and long lashes add to his masculine beauty. His full lips are calling my name. I want to kiss him again. He is perfect. His eyes flutter open and a wicked smile crosses his lips. He pulls me into him. His legs tangle with mine.

  “Morning, baby.”

  “Hmm ... hello to you, too.” I feel his morning wood poking me in the thigh. I raise the cover to take a peek at my morning present.

  “See something you want?”

  “Yes.” I barely get out a response before he has me on my back.

  He pins me to the bed and wraps my legs around his waist. He wastes no time plunging into me. “I knew you were already wet for me. I smell your desire, baby, and it’s a fucking aphrodisiac to me.” He yanks my hair back as he slams into me. There’s a bite of pain, but I welcome it.