“He’s already threatened to check up on me that I’m staying with you, so I need you to tell him I am.”
“But why doesn’t he want you staying there—”
I watch as the penny suddenly drops.
“Lauren, who’s the boy you’ve met?”
Staring at her, I bite down on the inside of my lip. Once I say his name, I’m not going to be able to take it back. I’m terrified that Mum will think less of me, or won’t approve—or worse, have the same opinion as Dad about Ben.
“It’s…”
“It’s…” she prompts, her eyebrows almost at her hairline.
“Ben,” I whisper, looking down at the floor and cringing as I wait for her reaction.
“Jesus, Lauren,” she breathes. When I look up, she’s swallowing a giant gulp of wine. Her eyes find mine and I’m surprised when I see them crinkle with amusement at the sides. “Now I see your issue. Does your father know?”
“No. He already hates Ben. I overheard an argument between the two of them last night. I’ve never heard Dad like that before. He threatened to kill him if he so much as touched me.”
Mum slouches back in her chair as she digests all this information and takes another sip of wine before she speaks. “Lauren, you’re a bright young woman. I know you didn’t come here for me to give you the ‘but he’s your stepbrother’ speech. I have every confidence that you’ve considered every angle of this situation and don’t need a lecture from me. Having said that—” I can’t help the groan that falls from my lips. “Are you sure he’s worth it? Because I can guarantee you that when this gets out—and it will, you mark my words—all hell’s going to break loose. I’ve no idea the goings-on in that house or their relationship, because I’ve tried my best to take a huge step back, but I do know there are issues, and I’ve no doubt your Dad’s controlling streak is probably to blame. He wants what’s best for you, and he’s not afraid to bulldoze his way through others to make that happen.” Mum’s face saddens and I know all too well that she’s talking from experience. “So, I’ll ask again: Is he really worth the consequences of what happens when your father finds out what’s been going on under his own roof?”
The silence stretches out between us as images of our time together run through my head. My insides flutter as I remember how he makes me feel when we’re together, when he touches me. “Yes,” I state. “He is.”
“I remember what it was like to be young and in love,” Mum says with a dreamy look on her face.
“I never said I was in love with him.”
“No, but you’re my daughter through and through, and looking into your eyes right now, it’s like staring into a mirror and seeing the eighteen-year-old version of myself.”
“What would you say to her now?” I ask, knowing exactly what happened with the man she fell in love with at only eighteen.
She chuckles to herself before trying to form her answer. “I’d love to tell her that she’s young, foolish, and doesn’t know what love is. But, in reality, your heart doesn’t care how old you are, and it also doesn’t have a crystal ball. So, the man I thought was my knight in shining armour turned out to be a cheating control freak, but I know plenty of people who are still very happily married to those they met as a teenager. My first love might not have turned out to be the man of my dreams, but he gave me many things, one of which I could never ever regret.” Taking my hand, she stares at me through teary eyes. “If I had my time again, I think my advice would be to love as hard and as much as you can while you have it. Life is unpredictable and you never know when it might be taken away from you. You have to trust what your heart’s telling you, Lauren. If you don’t, you risk making a mistake you could regret for the rest of your life.”
Chapter Eight
Mum’s words run through my head all evening. It’s almost a distraction from the fact that I know I’m not going to see Ben tonight. He told me earlier that he was going to stay away, and I’ve no reason to think he’s changed his mind, as much as I might want him to.
After unpacking everything I bought earlier in the day, I run myself a bath, pour in the luxury bubbles I picked up, cover my face in a mask, and try to relax. Ben never said the words, but I’m assuming he’s intending to go all the way this weekend, and I want to be as prepared as possible.
I scrub every inch of my body, shave and wax every hair I can find, and spend forever perfecting my eyebrows and nails. If I had more time, I’d get them done professionally, but this weekend has been kind of sprung on me so this will have to do.
It’s long past midnight when I eventually get into bed. Just thinking about having a whole weekend alone with him has my heart pounding and excitement coursing through my veins.
I lie there, tossing and turning, but the anticipation of what the next few days might hold, plus listening for him to come home, stops any sleep I was hoping to get from coming. So much for being rejuvenated for tomorrow.
My body must have given up at some point because, when my alarm goes off the next morning, I almost jump out of bed in fright. I’m usually awake before it, so this is unusual.
It’s not until I sit up that everything comes back to me. Butterflies take flight as I try to imagine what it’s going to be like…Just the two of us doing whatever we want to do.
I sit there for way too long. I can’t believe what time it is once I come back to myself, and I end up rushing around as I get ready to leave for work. It’s only early, but already the heat of the summer morning has me melting as I run around, trying not to be late.
Dad’s car has already gone when I look out the window. I debate driving myself so I can be home faster, but if I can’t get parked, it’ll be a nightmare. Deciding the best thing to do would be to get the tube, I slide on a pair of ballet pumps, pull my bag over my shoulder, and set about leaving the house. The next time I’m here, it’s just going to be the two of us.
I get a knowing smile from Erica when I make it to the office, but thankfully the day passes without her saying anything. Dad spends a few hours locked away in his office before making a show of packing up while everyone else is busy. He can be a real arsehole when he wants to be. I’ve often wondered what my mum saw in him when she was only eighteen. Whatever it was, she clearly fell fast and hard if her words to me last night are anything to go by.
“Are you all set for the weekend?” he asks when he stops by my desk on the way out.
“Sure am.” I smile sweetly at him, hoping it’s enough to convince him that I won’t be spending the weekend doing unspeakable things with his stepson. The reality of it almost has me laughing, but I manage to keep a lid on my emotions.
“I fully intend to check in with your mother later today to make sure.”
“It’s not necessary, Dad. We’ve got the weekend all planned.” He stares at me for a few seconds as if he’ll be able to see the evidence of my lie in my eyes. He must be happy with what’s reflected back at him, because he wishes me a good weekend and marches from the office.
“Staying with your mum, my arse,” Erica whispers when she comes to a stop in front of my desk to collect my mug.
I fight to keep my smile in, but the second I look up and see amusement dancing in her eyes, I can’t help but let it slip.
“I hope you know what you’re doing, Lauren, because you sure are playing with fire.”
Her parting words hinder my excitement a bit, but I push it to one side. Nothing is going to ruin this weekend. Nothing.
* * *
When I step foot outside the office later that afternoon, the last thing I expect to find is a guy getting out of a taxi, asking if I’m Lauren. I hesitate because wanting nothing to ruin this weekend includes not being abducted by a taxi driver.
“Ben booked me for you.” He rattles off my home address and shows his ID when I still look a little sceptical. Eventually, I climb into the back of the car. I’m grateful the second the air conditioning hits me because the humidity today is through the roof.
The driver tries making polite conversation, but he soon learns that I’m really not in the mood. I just want to get home to find out if Ben’s there waiting for me. I bloody hope so.
My stomach flips when I see his car parked alongside mine in the driveway as the taxi pulls to a stop.
“How much do I owe you?” I ask in a rush, impatient to get out.
“Nothing. He’s already paid.”
“Okay, well, thank you.”
“Have a good weekend.” I don’t have time to return the sentiment because I slam the door before running towards the house.
I had this crazy fantasy of him sweeping me off my feet the second I walk through the door, so when he’s not there, a little disappointment threatens to take hold. That is, until I see a Post-It note stuck to the mirror.
Go to your room x
Plucking it from the glass, I follow the instructions and head upstairs. When I open the door, the first thing I spot is a bag on my bed with another Post-It stuck to it.
Wear me x
My hands shake as I pull the bag open and let the contents drop to the bed. Unfolding the fabric, I find a floral maxi dress, a man’s zip-up hoodie, and a jewellery box.
Quickly stripping out of my work clothes, I have a very quick shower before smothering myself in my favourite moisturiser. I pull one set of the lingerie I bought yesterday from the drawer and wrap myself in the soft lace before sliding my new dress up my body. It fits perfectly and shows off just the right amount of cleavage—I assume that’s on purpose. Finally, I slide my feet into a pair of flip-flops and pull the lid off the jewellery box. My breath catches when I see the two heart charms hanging from the dainty silver chain. I rush to put it on and hold the two hearts between my fingertips, taking a deep breath to prepare myself to go and find him.
When I get to the bottom of the stairs, the house is still in silence. Getting impatient, I begin checking each room downstairs, but I come up short. It’s not until I get to the final room, the kitchen, that I start to understand.
Walking over to the sliding doors, I can’t believe my eyes. It’s still light out, but I can easily see all the fairy lights hanging from the trees over the garden. Candles cover the decking and table, and the scent of vanilla mixes with the barbeque and fills my nose, making my stomach rumble. The furniture is all set up with cushions and the giant swing seat has a blanket thrown over the back.
As I round the corner, I find the best sight in the world. Ben’s stood in front of the barbeque wearing a pair of dark jeans and a white t-shirt. His feet are bare, his hair still damp from the shower.
Something inside me clenches at the sight and I stand, staring, trying to commit exactly how he looks right now to my memory.
“Feel free to take a picture,” he says, when he realises I’m frozen.
“Sorry, you just look—”
“Nowhere near as good as you.” His wide strides quickly eat the space between us and in seconds I’m in his arms, his lips on mine. My entire body sags against him. It’s been too long.
His tongue sweeps into my mouth and he kisses me like he hasn’t in months, not hours.
“Missed you,” he mumbles against my jaw as he kisses a trail towards my neck. My response is just a moan of pleasure as he licks at the sensitive skin below my ear. My body melts under his touch and I want nothing more than to give myself over to him. I want him to completely own me.
Hearing a bang in the distance, I stiffen. “They’ve definitely gone, right?”
“Yep. It’s just me and you, baby.”
A thrill rushes through me and I reach for him again. Twisting the fabric of his t-shirt in my hands, I pull him flush against me, desperate to feel his hard body against mine.
We stand and kiss on the decking for the longest time. I can’t get enough. When he pulls back, my lips are swollen and sore, but I can’t think of anything better.
“We’ve got all weekend; we don’t need to rush,” he says with a laugh when I refuse to let him go. “I should feed you first, anyway. I’ve got a suspicion you’re going to need sustenance.” His eyes drop to my necklace and my exposed cleavage, and I watch them darken even further as his tongue comes out to wet his bottom lip. My entire body throbs with my need for him, but nowhere more than between my legs. It’s bordering on uncomfortable.
“Stop looking at me like that or I’ll forget all about the dinner.”
“Would that be such a bad thing?”
“Lauren,” he half moans, half laughs. “I’m trying to do this properly. Treat you right.” For the first time ever, he seems so unsure of himself. It’s just another reminder that the bad boy image he shows everyone is just an act. Underneath it all is a kind and gentle man who wants to be loved like everyone else.
“You’re doing perfect,” I say, dropping a kiss to the side of his neck. Intertwining our fingers, I pull him back over to the barbeque. “So, what are we cooking?”
“What aren’t we cooking? I wasn’t sure what you liked, so I went a little crazy.” Lifting the lid, I see that he’s not lying. Everything you could possibly want at a barbeque is laid on the bars beginning to cook. “And I made mojitos. That’s what you drink, right?”
“Stop worrying. This is perfect. You’re perfect.”
Twisting us around, he pulls me in front of him and wraps his arms around my waist. I look out at the garden beyond as Ben breathes me in. “I’m far from that.”
“Not to me.” I feel his smile against my head and my heart beats that little bit faster. Mum’s words from last night hit me. “I remember what it was like to be young and in love.”
Was she right? Is this what falling in love feels like?
Turning me once again, he walks me backwards until my back bumps against the railing. His hips press against mine, and his arousal is impossible to miss. My eyes widen in surprise. I’ve barely touched him.
“You’ve no idea how badly I need you.”
“I think I do. How long until dinner starts burning?”
“Probably ten minutes. Why?”
With the railing at my back and him at my front, I manage to lower myself to my knees. Ben’s eyes follow my every move. The blue turns almost black and his lids hang heavy with lust.
“Lauren,” he moans when I reach out and undo the button on his jeans. I’ve no idea if it was meant to be a demand to stop or words of encouragement, but now I’ve got the idea in my head, there’s no way I’m not tasting him right now.
I feel his stare as I pull his jeans and boxers down his thighs, but I can’t tear my eyes away from his cock as it springs free.
His body shudders as I wrap my hand around him. “Fucking hell,” he groans. His pleasure spurs me on. I lean forward slightly and gently lick at the end of him. His hips thrust forward with his need for more, but I continue teasing him. “Jesus fucking Christ, Lauren. Shit. Argh,” he moans when I suck him as far into my mouth as he’ll go.
His taste fills my mouth as I pull back and slowly flick my tongue around him once more.
I start to smell burning coming from the barbeque behind us when I reach up and cup his balls in my hand. He moans loudly above me once again before his warning comes. Ignoring it, I suck him harder. His cock twitches and his entire body stills as his cum lands on my tongue.
Once he’s finished, I sit back and lick my lips. I can still feel his stare burning the top of my head, and when I look up, my breath catches. The desire in his eyes, his parted lips as he pants out his increased breaths—it all has my thighs clenching.
“Our first time’s going to be everything you deserve, but fuck if I don’t want to bend you over that railing right this fucking second.”
Standing back to full height, I allow my lips to brush his. “Ben…” His lids lower once again, expecting me to say something sexual, but instead I whisper, “Put your cock away. The dinner’s burning.”
Barking out a laugh that fills me with warmth, he quickly does as I suggest.
Sittin
g down on one of the chairs, I pour myself a mojito from the jug and enjoy watching him cook. Music softly plays on a speaker set up on the table, the birds sing in the trees above, and the evening sun warms my skin. I can’t think of a better way to spend tonight.
“What?” Ben asks when I look over at him with a smile on my face.
“Thank you for this.”
“You’re more than welcome. Where does your dad think you’re spending the weekend?” he asks as he brings over a plate piled high with food.
“At Mum’s.”
“I thought he said he’d ring to check?”
“He probably will. But Mum’s on our side.”
Pausing halfway through assembling his burger, he looks up at me, confusion filling his eyes. “You…told her? About us?”
“I did.”
“What did she say?”
“That if I think you’re important enough to risk it, she’ll support my decision.”
“Wow, that’s…” He trails off, deep in thought, and I can only imagine he’s wondering want Jenny would make of all of this.
“She’s pretty incredible.”
“She sounds it. It’s a shame everyone doesn’t think like her.”
“Everything’s going to be okay,” I say when a sad expression falls over his face.
He opens his mouth to respond but must think better of it. “Let’s forget about all of that for now and just enjoy our weekend.”
“Sounds like a perfect plan.”
Silence surrounds us as we eat, my concerns after that brief conversation at the forefront of my mind.
* * *
The night goes by all too quickly and, before I know it, we’re sitting in the dark under the twinkling lights Ben strung up in the trees. Most of the candles have long burnt out and we’ve drunk our way through the mojito jug. I’m feeling suitably full from all of Ben’s incredible cooking and buzzed from the slightly too strong cocktail.
Falling for the Forbidden: Forbidden Series #1 Page 7