Forbidden Attraction: A Contemporary Romance Box Set

by K. C. Crowne

  “You can only do so much, man. Especially when she doesn’t have a woman to turn to for guidance. We both know she loves you to death, but you’re a poor substitute for a mom.”

  “Yeah...”

  My mind drifted to Jenna. Even though she’d known Tess for a short amount of time, she’d already been an influence on her. She was happier and livelier when she’d been around the woman. Eric was right. I could do as much as I could, but I wasn’t a woman, and at Tess’s age, she needed one around.

  I shook my head and tried to clear thoughts of Jenna out of my head. Before I could say anything else, the doorman rang the house phone.

  “Hang on, someone’s here,” I told Eric.

  The doorman informed me that Jenna was downstairs, and I frowned. Had I conjured her with my thoughts. I told him to send her up and ended my conversation with Eric, promising to call him later that week. A quick, quiet knock sounded on the door, and I opened the door so Jenna could come in. I tucked my phone away and closed the door behind her.

  As she walked in, she noticed my work stuff littered around the couch. “I hope I’m not interrupting anything.”

  I could feel the tension begin to rise between us. I could barely wrap my mind around the fact that she suddenly appeared after I’d pictured her in my mind. My eyes raked down her tall, curvaceous form, my cock twitching.

  “You’re fine, Jenna.” I gestured for her to sit down as I moved my laptop to the coffee table. I could tell she was a bit uncomfortable. “I wasn’t expecting you until Sunday.”

  She shook her head and blushed. “I know, and I’m really sorry to just barge in. I just had a lot of ideas and wanted to show them to Tess. Well, and you too.”

  “She’s going to a friend’s house tonight and won’t be back until Sunday”

  “Oh.” The blush spread down to her chest, and she looked like she wanted the earth to open and swallow her.

  I could have – probably should have – told her to go, but for some reason, I just couldn’t. I wanted to know more about her, and so my next question was awkward because it seemed to come out of nowhere. “Why did you become an interior designer?”

  “Oh…um…” The sudden topic change confused her a moment, but her shoulders relaxed. “My Grandma Susie. She was a huge influence on me and my biggest supporter. We would always watch home makeover shows, and I would gush over the finished products and how I wanted to do what the designers had done. I wanted to make people happy.” She paused, a beautiful smile on her face. “We would also walk around furniture stores and I’d marvel at everything available. She always supported me, no matter what. It was really her and my dad that inspired me to go to college. My mom wasn’t supportive of it all. Hell, she’s still not.”

  I didn’t know how to respond to that. I never had a close relationship with my own father, and my mother had died when I was young.

  “Would you like to grab a drink?”

  She thought for a moment and nodded. “I think that would be nice.” She stood up and followed me into the kitchen.

  I heard Jenna let out a tiny shriek in shock. I whipped around and saw her tip over the small lip at the edge of the entrance to the room. I reacted fast and grabbed her waist before she hit the floor.

  Her eyes were wide, glazed with both surprise and some other emotion I wasn’t sure of. Her lips were parted just enough for me to see her straight white teeth and the tip of her pink tongue. I straighten a bit, with Jenna still in my grasp.

  She stared up at me, her eyes locked on mine and I had no idea what to do.

  Chapter 10

  Jenna

  Noah and I stared into each other eyes as he held me close. I could feel my heart begin to calm as my feet were placed firmly on the ground. I cleared my throat when Noah didn’t let go of me right away.

  His hands shot away from me like I was made of flames.

  “I'm sorry. I didn’t mention there was a bump there,” Noah apologized. He sighed and walked to the fridge.

  “It’s not your fault. You’re used to it. I should have noticed it earlier. I’ve been here a before.”

  “You could have been hurt.”

  “I probably would have wound up with a nasty bruise but nothing else.”

  He nodded and smiled, and I felt a bead of warmth settle in my stomach. He pulled a bottle of water out of the refrigerator. “And what would you like to drink? We have water, soda, sparkling water, and apple juice.”

  “Water is fine by me.” My throat was a desert after feeling his hands on me.

  “Here you go.” He tossed me the bottle. I almost failed to catch it, but I succeeded.

  “Thanks. You know, I don’t think I’ve ever asked what your business is?” I prompted. I’d made a rather embarrassing admission about being my mother’s greatest disappointment, so it was only fair I could ask what he did for a living.

  “I’m the CEO of Clark Industries.”

  My mouth dropped. “Oh wow. Did you always want to do that? Run a huge company like that?”

  “Nope. Not even close. I wanted to be an architect. But my father started the company and left it for me to run when he died. So here I am.”

  “You don’t like it?” I asked.

  He seemed to consider for a moment before answering. “I don’t hate it, but I don’t love it. But it allows me to give Tess a very good life, so I guess I really can’t complain.”

  I nodded, understanding. “I’ve always wanted to open my own design firm,” I admitted.

  “So why haven’t you?” he asked.

  I laughed. “Well, I’m not exactly financially able to do that just yet.”

  “I get it,” he said sympathetically. “But I’m sure you’ll get there someday if it’s really what you want.”

  The softness in his voice made my insides tingle, and I could almost believe his words. The fact was, the longer it took me to get the money I needed to start my own company, the farther away my dream felt. But he was being so kind that I couldn’t bring myself to say that. I took a deep breath and thought about telling Noah about the wedding, about the deal with my mother. Maybe he’d be sympathetic. I’d told him about my dreams and he seemed to think I could make them come true. Maybe if he knew about my deal, he would help me...

  Before I could talk myself out of it, I took a deep breath and blurted, “Would you be willing to be my date to my sister’s wedding?” A beat of silence sat between us. His mouth opened, but I cut him off before he could speak. “Let me explain first. Please.” I smiled at him with what I hoped to be a pleading stare. “It’s my mother. She made this stupid deal with me surrounding my sister’s wedding. I have to bring a date.”

  His eyebrows raised. “And?”

  “My mother will finally hand over ownership of my Grandma Susie’s studio apartment. It was under my mom’s hold until I’m twenty-eight, which I am this year. I plan on making it home base for my business, but it’s a little hard to set up shop when I don’t have a key.” I hoped I didn’t sound too much like I was pleading. “It was my Grandma’s dying wish for me to have her apartment. I don’t want to lose it because of a missing date...” I fidgeted with my hair. “If you go with me, I’ll finally have access to the studio.” I paused for dramatic effect. “And I’ll put in a good word with my mother for you.”

  “What do you mean? Who’s your mother?”

  “When Tess mentioned what school she wanted to go to for high school, I recognized the name. My mother is on the board.”

  Noah’s jaw dropped. He almost dropped his bottle of water as he walked closer. “Are you serious?”

  I nodded. “Very.”

  “Then yes. It’s a deal.”

  “Seriously?” I felt stupid for asking. “I mean, thank you. Thank you so much, Noah.”

  “You do know that if it was put in writing, your mother has to give you that apartment, right?” he asked me, eyeing me with what looked like skepticism.

  I nodded, smiling at him. “I do, yes. But
she’ll make me to go to court for it, and I don’t have the money to fight her.”

  Noah considered for a moment before nodding. “I’m on board as long as this is treated as a business deal.”

  I nodded my head so fast my hair flew around. “Yes, of course, that’s fine. Thank you so much.”

  Noah offered me his hand to shake and I took it. Before I knew what was happening, we were only inches apart and Noah’s lips were on mine. His lips were firm and a bit rough against my soft flesh. I felt his scruff rub against my face and had to fight the urge to turn into jelly in his arms.

  The kiss ended much too soon, and I knew my face must have looked like a tomato as I stumbled away from him. I almost tripped over the lip on the floor again as I raced to the door. I made sure I had my purse and slammed the door behind me as I fled.

  I didn’t have a ride home, but I was able to catch a cab. I didn’t want to walk all the way home with Noah and the kiss on my mind. As I entered the cab, my mind wandered to the vibrator I had in my side table by my bed. Maybe Sara had the right idea. I squirmed in the back seat and tried to ignore how wet my panties were.

  I paid for the cab and sprinted up the stairs to my apartment. I was out of breath when I opened my door, and I felt too hot. I was aching between my legs and wanted to relieve this pressure before I exploded.

  I found the vibrator where I’d left it in the drawer. I made quick work of the packaging and thanked my lucky stars it came with batteries.

  With little thought, I yanked my shirt off and fondled my breasts through my bra. I let out a breathy moan and pinched my nipples. I laid back against my bed and squeezed my thighs together. I arched my back and shimmied out of my pants, and with one final kick, my bottoms went flying across my room.

  I spread my legs and began to toy with my lower lips. My pointer and ring finger parted to reveal my clit. I felt a shiver go down my spine as my sensitive nub was tickled by a wave of cold air. I toyed with the tip with my middle finger and clenched my toes at arousal flooded me.

  With my other hand, I grabbed the vibrator and aligned it with my clit. With my free hand, I toyed with my pussy. I imagined it was Noah and his large hot hands that spread my lips wide. He’d insert his fingers into me one-by-one, and I would be stretched wide in preparation for his cock.

  He’d then lower his face to my pussy and begin to lick it. He’d insert his tongue into me, and I would feel the muscle wiggle inside me in a way that a finger couldn’t.

  I turned on the vibrator at that moment and almost screamed. My back arched and my heels dug into the bed. The head of the vibrator barely brushed my clit and I felt like I was on fire.

  I could feel the muscles in my leg tense as I brought the toy back down. I cried out and my body tightened. I was soaking wet.

  I pictured Noah going down on me. He’d make me even wetter as he ate me out. He’d go for my clit and suck on it.

  My finger accidentally hit the button on the side, and the speed of the vibration accelerated. I had to fight to keep my voice down. I wanted to scream out in ecstasy and cry Noah’s name into my empty apartment. I could only imagine how his rough lips would feel down there as I sat on his face. His nose and tongue would play with me as I massaged my tits.

  My nipples were rock hard and almost hurt. I brought my free hand up and began to pinch them. They were coated in my natural lubricant and I groaned. I smelled the musk of sex, and I wished Noah was there.

  I wanted to suck his cock. I’d seen him in tight jeans and knew he was big. I’d have to work at swallowing him all. Even then, I didn’t know if it’d be possible. I ran my tongue over the roof of my mouth and licked my lips.

  I moaned and pushed the vibrator firmer against my clit. I didn’t know how long I’d be able to last. It was the most stimulation I’d had in a very long time.

  “Come for me, Jenna.” I heard Noah’s voice echo in my ear. He’d bite my nipple and I could feel his throbbing cock twitch inside me.

  I came with a cry. My whole body tensed, and I was overcome with pleasure.

  I got up on shaky legs. I barely made it into the bathroom. I washed my hands and my new best friend. I also gave my body a once over with a washcloth and threw on a tank top and shorts.

  I crawled under my covers and fell into a heavy sleep.

  Chapter 11

  Noah

  I was at home on my laptop when I noticed another email from the elusive LM. I growled and clicked to open it.

  You have 10 days. - LM

  I didn’t know who this LM bastard was, and I didn’t know what he wanted. I told him as such as I typed my own email. His email address was encrypted, so it gave no clue as to who he or she could be. The initials were too vague, and this fucker was annoying me.

  I have no idea who you are or what you’re talking about. Leave me alone or I will call the cops.

  I hit send and closed my laptop. I didn’t want to deal with this right now. I set my laptop to the side and pulled out some mixing bowls to make pancakes for Tess and myself. She had mentioned last night that she’d been craving them the last couple of day.

  As I suspected, Tess wandered into the kitchen with a skip in her step. Jenna had been working on her room for a couple of days, and the walls had been painted their new creamy color. Tess was sleeping in the guest bedroom for a couple of nights to air out the room. Thankfully while we waited for the room to air out, furniture began to pile up. Tess’s new mattress and frame were leaning against the wall in the spare room.

  Her new table was already in the room, and I had to admit that it looked good. Her old desk was donated, and now we had to wait for Jenna to stop by again. She said there was still more to do, but the bed was really important.

  I decided to give her a couple of prepaid gift cards so she could shop for stuff on her own. Tess was excited for this to be a surprise, even if the makeover was a process.

  Hey Papa. Are those pancakes I smell?

  I grinned and showed her the pan with a large flat cake cooking, then set everything down to sign. You know it.

  Oh! Can mine have chocolate chips?

  You’re gonna have a massive sugar high if you do.

  Tess didn’t seem to care as she rooted through the pantry to grab a half-used bag of chocolate chips. I rolled my eyes and let her add her desired amount of chocolate to her food.

  She pulled me into a quick hug and began to devour her food. I finished cooking mine and sat down across from her.

  So Tess.

  She glanced at me, eyebrows raised so I knew she was focused on me.

  I wanted to let you know that I’ll be going to a wedding this weekend.

  With Jenna?

  Yes. How did you know?

  Tess laughed and waved her fork at me before putting it down to sign. She’s one of the few people you actually talk to right now. And Uncle Eric isn’t getting married.

  I hope you’re ok with this.

  It’s ok. I like her. You should go have some fun. I can probably stay with Kaylee.

  Ok, I’ll give her mom a call.

  We finished breakfast with little talk as Tess inhaled her food. I escorted her to the front of our building and kissed her cheek goodbye. When the school bus pulled away, I dialed Kaylee’s mom as I went back upstairs, and she agreed to keep Tess overnight for the wedding. After thanking her, I hung up the phone and sighed, cracking my neck before I made another phone call to Jenna.

  She thankfully didn’t take as long to answer. “Hello?”

  “Hi Jenna. I was wondering if we could meet for lunch and talk about the wedding.”

  “Oh yeah, of course. There’s a cafe over my way if you don’t mind coming here.”

  “Send me the address and I’ll be there in twenty minutes”

  I was able to find a little parking lot behind the cafe Jenna sent me the address to. I parked and walked around to the front and found Jenna at a two-person table with her hands laced together.

  “Hello, Jenna,” I
greeted.

  She smiled and returned the pleasantry. “Hi Noah. So what did you want to talk about?”

  I sat down and noticed a menu on the table. “My tux is pressed and ready to go, and I’ve arranged for Tess to stay the night at her best friend’s house.” I spread my hands. “I’m all set to accompany you to your sister’s wedding.”

  “That’s great!” she gushed. “I really appreciate you helping me out like this.”

  I nodded and picked up the menu. “Have you ordered yet?”

  “No, not yet. I was waiting on you.”

  It was difficult to be around Jenna throughout lunch. My mind kept racing with things I wanted to do to her and the guilt that followed each and every dirty thought. She grabbed the menu from me and our hands brushed. Hers were cold, and I wanted to hold them in mine. I wondered what she was thinking as color rose to her face.

  I tried my hardest not to stare, but I found it difficult. She was a beautiful woman, and as I watched her, I found more things that woke the beast inside of me. Her hair was pulled back so I had a perfect view of her neck, which was pale and slender. I wanted to nip and suck at it.

  After ordering, I asked, “So, what can I expect at this wedding?”

  Jenna sighed and told me about her family, about how her mother was holding this wedding date over her head. She explained that even though she knew she legally was supposed to get her grandmother’s studio, she didn’t have it in her to fight her mother in court. She didn’t think that’s what her grandmother would want. And though I had to disagree with her, I didn’t say so. I actually thought it showed a lot of class that she wasn’t ready to just rush headlong into a legal battle with her remaining family. But I could see the stress and frustration it caused her.

  I sighed and lifted my hands to hers without thought. My fingers skimmed the back of her hand and I froze. I pulled my hand back and prayed that she didn’t say anything about it. That wasn’t the first time I had reached out to her, or she reached for me. We kept brushing one another as time went on, and I was beginning to feel my jeans tightening in the crotch.