Loyal Heir

by Michelle Heard

Carla quickly rushes to her dad and gives him a hug. “Sorry, I got pulled into a conversation.”

  We head out of the hall and find our assigned tables. The brunch is long and tedious, and halfway through, I’m ready to get out of here. I catch Carla’s eye and nod in the direction of the dorm. She instantly catches on, and we excuse ourselves from the table. I walk to where Aria is sitting next to Uncle Mason. Placing a hand on her shoulder, I lean down. “Are you done?”

  She nods and quickly telling her parents goodbye, she scoots her chair back and takes hold of my hand.

  It’s become a habit to hold her hand, and before anyone can stop us, the three of us escape the stifling affair.

  I let out a sigh as I finally get to change out of the suit and into a pair of cargo pants. I pull on a shirt, and as I begin to button it, there’s a knock at my door.

  “Yeah?”

  Aria peeks inside. “Come on. What’s taking you so long?” She lets out a huff as she walks to me, and pushing my hands out of the way, she continues with the buttons. “So I was thinking we can stop at that adorable little café on main street.”

  “We just ate,” I remind her.

  She fastens the last button, then grabs hold of my left arm and begins to roll up the sleeves. “You know I can dress myself?”

  Aria gives me an overly patient look. “Yeah, but you take forever, and I didn’t get to have any dessert.”

  “You had cake yesterday,” I remind her. I hold my right arm out for her, a grin spreading over my face. “If someone saw us now, there would be zero doubt in their minds that we’re a couple.”

  “A couple of slowpokes,” Carla teases as she comes to stand in the door. “I want to stop by Victoria's Secret.”

  I let out a pitiful groan. “We were there Saturday, and you bought half the store,” I complain. “What on earth could you still need?”

  “Probably granny panties,” Noah suddenly says as he passes by my room.

  “Oh, you’d love to see my granny panties,” Carla calls after him.

  “Nope.” He gives her an uninterested glance. “Don’t want to be scarred for life.”

  Carla lets out an annoyed growl as she glares after him. “One of these days…”

  Wondering what’s going on between her and Noah, I ask, “Are you sure nothing happened between the two of you?”

  “Yeah,” Aria nods, pointing a thumb at me. “What he just asked.”

  “Ugh,” Carla huffs. “I’ll tell you once we’re in the car.”

  Aria and I rush out of my room, curious to hear what’s going on, and it makes Carla laugh.

  Once we’re in my car, I glance at Carla in the rearview mirror. “Okay, spill it.”

  I steer the car off-campus as Carla says, “Don’t judge me.”

  “Of course not,” Aria assures her.

  “So… during our sophomore year, I had this stupid crush on Noah.”

  Aria almost sprains her neck to glance over her shoulder. “And you didn’t tell us?”

  “Oh, trust me, I’m over that phase of insanity,” Carla grumbles. “But, I was also so damn stupid because I told him I liked him.”

  “Oh, my God,” Aria gasps. “What did he say?”

  Anger flashes over Carla’s face. “He’s not a pedophile.”

  My eyes widen. “Holy shit. Noah said that to you?”

  “Yep.” Carla shrugs one shoulder. “Since then, we’ve been enemies.”

  “Well,” I sigh, “you can’t really blame the guy. You were underage.”

  “Still,” Carla mutters, “he didn’t have to be so cold about it.”

  Aria’s features soften as she asks, “Was he your first love?”

  Carla lets out a huff. “Let’s talk about something else.”

  Seeing the hurt in my cousin’s eyes, I instantly change the subject. “What do you want to get at Victoria’s Secret?”

  “Oh, a bathing suit.”

  “And then we can stop at Arabella’s for dessert,” Aria jumps in.

  I park the car in front of the store and let out a sigh. “Come on, let’s get this torture over with.”

  If I thought it would be a quick in and out, I was sorely mistaken. The girls gush over every single damn bathing suit, and after an hour, they purchase three each.

  “Why three? It’s not like you swim a lot,” I mutter as we finally walk out of the store.

  “That’s going to change. I plan on swimming every night,” Carla mentions. “I’ve never been one for the gym or jogging, and I need to get exercise somehow.”

  “Yeah, we’ll see how long that lasts,” I joke.

  ARIA

  Carla and I are excited to wear our bathing suits, so we convinced Forest to go swimming with us. Little does he know there’s a pool party happening on campus.

  I pull on a pair of shorts and slip my feet into my sandals. Remembering to take a towel from my bathroom, I walk out of my room.

  Forest is already waiting, checking something on his phone. “Oooh, that reminds me. Let’s take a photo so I can post it to Instagram.”

  Forest gets up and throws his arm around my shoulders, which has me saying, “That’s my bad side.”

  “You don’t have a bad side,” he mutters.

  I move to his right and then smile as if I’m madly in love with him.

  Forest grins at me as he takes the photo, and we both look at the result. “Oh yes, it came out great. Send it to me quickly.”

  My phone buzzes, and opening the text from Forest, I retrieve the photo and post it to my Instagram account. “Hashtag, in love. Hashtag, my one and only. Hashtag, I have the best boyfriend in the world.”

  “Yeah, as long as you remember that,” Forest jokes.

  “How do I look?” Carla asks as she comes into the living room wearing a white bikini with black flowers on it.

  Forest pulls a face. “Don’t ask me. We’re related.”

  “You look amazing,” I reply. “God, I wish I had your legs and butt.”

  “Thanks,” Carla chuckles, “cause one of us is still single and ready to mingle.”

  A frown forms on Forest’s face. “Hold up. There’s a pool party, isn’t there?”

  “Busted,” I grin while linking my fingers with his. “But you can’t back out now.”

  “Clearly not,” he grumbles.

  As soon as we step out of the dorm, I can see lights on in the pool house and students gathering around the building.

  When we walk inside, someone shouts, “Royalty’s in the house!”

  I shake my head while Carla rolls her eyes. Guys instantly flock to Carla, and we leave her to flirt to her heart’s content.

  I let go of Forest’s hand and quickly shimmy out of my shorts while kicking my sandals off. I drop my belongings on one of the lounge chairs and let out a burst of laughter before I run and jump into the pool. As my head pops through the water, I smile up at Forest, where he’s still standing by the lounge chairs.

  “The water is nice. Jump in.” Suddenly hands grab hold of my sides, and I let out a shriek as I go airborne. I hit the water, and when I manage to swim back to the surface, and I blink the water out of my eyes, I’m met with Noah’s laughing face. I splash water his way.

  A wave of water hits me as someone jumps in, and then I let out a shocked gasp as hands grip my hips, and I’m yanked back against a hard chest. Glancing over my shoulder, I let out a breath of relief when I see it’s Forest. I turn to him and wrap my arms around his neck. “Now you can do all the hard work, and I’ll just hold onto you.”

  “Lazy little shit,” he grumbles playfully.

  Music fills the air, and a couple of guys holler before they jump into the pool.

  Forest moves us to a corner, so we’re out of the way but still able to enjoy the cool water. As he wraps his arms around my waist, I turn my back to him and rest my head against his chest.

  Just then, Julianne and Kristen walk into the pool house, and before I can even mention it to Forest, he press
es a kiss to my shoulder.

  “They’re looking our way,” I whisper, and it earns me a kiss against my neck. “Crap, they’re coming over.” I turn back to Forest and wrap my arms around his neck again. His eyes meet mine for a second before he lowers his head.

  The instant his lips touch mine, he pulls me right up against his body, and it makes an explosion of tingles ripple through me.

  Forest nips at my bottom lip, and when I part my lips, his tongue tentatively slips into my mouth. It feels as if someone tasers my heart as it starts to beat frantically against my ribs.

  Forest’s muscled body presses against mine. His skin feels hot beneath my fingers. It all works me into a frenzy, and I begin to lose control over what’s real and what’s fake.

  His tongue massages mine, and our breaths start to mingle faster, making a moan drift up my throat.

  God, I’ve never been kissed like this before.

  Before I can begin to feel awkward about the emotions whirling in me, Forest breaks the kiss. Still, in a daze, I stare at him and whisper, “I’m starting to understand why people love being friends with benefits.”

  Chapter 5

  FOREST

  Aria’s words stun me, and it’s clear there’s an attraction between us. My eyes are locked on her blue irises, and they’ve never looked clearer than they do at this moment.

  “Hey, guys,” Julianne says as she comes to sit on the edge of the pool, lowering her legs into the water. “Aria, I saw your Instagram post. I really love the photo of you two.”

  Aria’s never one to hold a grudge for long, and taking the olive branch Julianne is offering, she says, “Thank you.” A smile forms around Aria’s mouth, instantly drawing my attention back to her lips.

  My body is humming with the need for more.

  More of Aria.

  Unable to stop myself, I begin to brush my thumb against her lower back. I watch as goosebumps break out over her skin, and it makes the corner of my mouth lift.

  “God, Forest,” Julianne suddenly laughs. “The way you’re looking at Aria.” Julianne lets out a wistful sigh. “You guys are so hot together. I don’t know why I didn’t see it before.” Something catches Julianne’s attention across the room. “Oh, look, there’s Noah. See ya.”

  My eyes are still locked on Aria. She brings her gaze back to mine, and her smile widens. “That was soooo good.”

  “Yeah,” I murmur.

  “Julianne totally fell for it.”

  I meant the kiss.

  God, this is becoming too real. “I need to go to the restroom.” I clear my throat and let go of Aria. Placing my hands on the edge of the pool, I heave myself out of the water. I don’t stop walking until I’m in a stall, and I shut the door behind me.

  Then I stare at the tiled floor, trying to make sense of what’s happening.

  I close my eyes as the realization sinks in – I want more with Aria.

  Fuck.

  It’s too late.

  I’m falling for Aria.

  I want to be able to kiss her whenever I want to. I want to explore every inch of her.

  “Fuck. Fuck. Fuck!” My fist connects with the wall, and the burst of pain over my knuckles does nothing to ease the panic building inside me.

  My breaths explode over my lips as worry claws its way into my heart.

  We never should’ve started with the fake relationship. It was begging for trouble.

  And now you fucking found it.

  What the hell am I going to do?

  Should I tell her? Damn, it would mean the end of the act. She’ll probably put distance between us. She made it clear she doesn’t want a relationship right now.

  Christ. I’m fucked.

  Okay, calm down. Think this through.

  Aria doesn’t know how I feel. Can I pretend I’m not falling in love with her? Maybe I’m lucky, and she’ll start feeling more than friendship for me, as well?

  Knowing I have to get back to her, I suck in a couple of deep breaths.

  You can do this.

  God, can I?

  Come on, Forest. Get it together. Aria’s your best friend and a stunning woman. It’s not surprising you’d fall for her. She ticks all of your boxes.

  I take another deep breath and square my shoulders.

  Okay, I’ll just go with it. I’m not going to panic… yet. With a little luck, Aria will return my feelings.

  Now’s my chance to show her that I’m the guy she’s been wanting all along.

  The corner of my mouth begins to lift, and the panic fades away.

  Feeling confident that I stand a good chance at making Aria mine, I open the door and walk out of the restroom.

  My gaze scans over all the students until I find Aria. Two guys are talking to her, and she glances around until her eyes land on me. I see the desperation to get rid of them on her face. Walking right up to her, I lift my hand behind her neck and crush my mouth against hers.

  Aria doesn’t hesitate and lifting her hands, she grips hold of my shoulders.

  I thrust my tongue into the heat of her mouth and kiss her as if she’s really mine. My heart hammers in my chest, and a relentless need for more surges through my veins.

  I move my other arm around her waist, and I yank her up against me. Her breath explodes into my mouth, and her hands move up, disappearing into my hair.

  God, my soul sighs. Is this the reason I haven’t been interested in any girls since Kennedy left? Has it been Aria all along, and none of the girls at school ever measured up to her?

  The kiss is possessive, intense, and filled with the desire to make her mine.

  Her body trembles in my hold, and a sinful moan escapes her. Hearing her make the sound sends goosebumps spreading over my body.

  I fight to reign in my emotions, and when I break the kiss, we’re both gasping for air. Aria opens her eyes, and they look dazed as she focuses on me. Her cheeks are flushed, and I almost haul her back against me so I can kiss her until I’ve had my fill of her. But knowing it won’t be my wisest move, I let go of her.

  She clears her throat, and her hand flutters up, tucking hair behind her ear. “Uhm… wow?”

  Wow is the understatement of the fucking year.

  I glance around us and notice the guys have left. My voice sounds low and hoarse as I say, “It looked like you needed help.”

  “Ah… yeah.”

  “Hey guys,” Carla says as she joins us, unknowingly saving us from an awkward moment.

  “Are you having fun?” Aria asks her.

  “Totally.” Carla’s gaze locks on Noah as he pulls himself out of the pool. “Oh, look what the cat dragged in.”

  Noah’s eyes glide over Carla, and tilting his head, he asks, “Did you only get half your pocket money this month, and that’s why you couldn’t afford the other half of that bathing suit?”

  Carla’s eyes narrow on him, and for a moment, I’m worried, but then she shakes her head. “You are a sad, strange little man, and you have my pity,” she impersonates Buzz Lightyear from Toy Story.

  Noah takes a step closer to her, and his voice is low as he says, “Don’t you think it’s time you grow up, little girl? You’re in the adult world now.”

  “God, help me,” Carla hisses, clearly losing her temper.

  I dart forward and grab hold of her arm. Pulling my cousin back, I lock eyes with Noah, “That’s enough.”

  He holds up his hands, and with one last glare at Carla, he turns around and walks away.

  “Just ignore him if he bothers you so much,” I snap at Carla, partly upset that she baited Noah and also still out of my depth from what’s happening between Aria and me.

  “I’m going up to the suite,” she mutters before pulling her arm free from my hold.

  “But, it’s still early,” Aria quickly jumps in, apparently not ready to call it a night.

  “Stay guys. I’m just going to shower and climb in bed.” She gives us a reassuring grin. “Enjoy the night.”

  We wat
ch her leave the pool house, then Aria turns to me. “Well, that was intense.”

  The kiss between us or the fight between Noah and Carla?

  “Yeah, I hope they make peace soon, or we’re all in for one hell of a wild ride.”

  ARIA

  I’m trying to act normal around Forest, but damn, after that last kiss, I feel… God, I don’t know how I feel.

  The kiss was everything I’ve ever wanted. It was toe-curling, spine-tingling, downright possessive…

  I glance up at Forest, where we’re standing by a group of freshmen. I can’t remember any of their names because I’m one hundred percent focused on Forest.

  The way the corner of his mouth lifts in a hot grin.

  His strong hand gripping a water bottle.

  The way his throat works when he takes a sip.

  His golden skin stretching over his muscled chest, down to his abs.

  The V disappearing under the fabric of his shorts.

  The veins on his arms, like a map begging my fingers to trace them.

  “Are you okay?” Forest suddenly asks, and my gaze snaps up to his face. The moment our eyes meet, I feel a kaleidoscope of butterflies take flight in my stomach. Forest places his hand on my shoulder, a frown forming on his brow. “Aria?”

  “Huh?”

  “Are you okay?”

  I begin to nod like an idiot. “Oh… yeah.” I swallow hard. “Just tired.”

  “Let’s go.” Forest slips his hand down my arm, and his fingers link with mine. He sets the bottle of water down on a table and pulls me to where we left our belongings.

  I drag on my shorts and slip my feet into my sandals. Picking up my towel and phone, I turn to Forest, and I watch as he shrugs his t-shirt on.

  He wraps an arm around my shoulders and pulls me close to his side before we leave the pool house.

  At first we walk in silence, then Forest asks, “Are you really tired, or is it more?”

  “Can we talk when we get back to the suite?”

  “Sure.” He drops his arm from my shoulders, and I instantly miss his touch.

  Moving my phone and towel to my left arm, I reach for his hand and weave my fingers through his. Forest’s gaze darts to me as we walk into the building, and I try to gather my thoughts.