Page 106 of Forbidden Fruit
He smiles back, a little more hopeful this time. “Did you have a good night?”
I lean over and press a gentle kiss to his cheek. “I did. Thank you.”
His expression softens. “Can I ask for a second date?”
“Yes.” The word comes easier than I expect. “But… want to come up and get the exclusive tour of my apartment?” I add teasingly.
He chuckles. “I’d love that.”
Inside, I toss my keys on the table and kick off my shoes. I settle onto the sofa and glance back at him.
“Do you mind if we just hang out? Watch something dumb? I want to give this a real shot… but I’m not ready to rush into anything.”
“I’m good with that,” he says, no hesitation in his voice.
Relief floods my chest. We curl up on the couch, a cheesy romantic comedy playing in the background.
“Thank you,” I whisper, snuggling into him.
“For what?” His voice is low, gentle.
“Not giving up on me.”
The next morning, I finally summon the courage to turn my phone back on. It buzzes violently as it lights up: missed calls from my parents, a string of texts, several from an unknown number.
But none from my sister.
My chest tightens. What did I expect? That she’d forgive me already?
I swipe through the notifications and open the Swoon Squad group chat first, bracing myself for the chaos inside. Facing them feels easier than facing what I’ve lost.
Swoon Squad
Meghan
Alright, ladies! It’s time to get serious. We need to pick our first book for the club. Suggestions?
I’m thinking The Billionaire’s Secret Baby, it’s got everything: drama, scandal, romance. I mean, who doesn’t love a good secret baby trope?!
Inès
You mean the one where the nanny falls in love with her boss and doesn’t realize he’s a billionaire until chapter ten?
Meghan
Exactly! It’s a classic.
Inès
Classic is one word for it…
Meghan
Oh, come on! Don’t knock it till you’ve read it. Blair? Thoughts?
B? Hellooo?
Inès
