Loyal Heir (The Heirs 4)

Fuck, Forest. You’re going to have to separate the fact that Aria is a woman from the equation, or this is going to blow up in your face.

She’s my best friend. We’re helping each other out. Even though it feels like I’m getting more out of the fake relationship. Aria just needs to date the right guy, and she’ll be okay.

Me, on the other hand? I’m stuck with the rumor that I’m walking around with a fucking broken cock, and I can’t have that shit spreading at Trinity.

I’ll have to talk this out with Aria tomorrow when she’s sober, and she can think straight.

ARIA

Once I’ve brushed my teeth, I take a quick shower and pull on a t-shirt and a pair of sweatpants.

My memory is a little jumbled, but I remember kissing Forest, and the fact that I got tingles keeps going off like an alarm bell in the back of my mind.

I pull a face, not knowing how bad the damage is.

Ugh, why did I have to spill my guts to him, as well? Yeah, I’ve been struggling with the type of guys I’ve been attracting, but God, did I have to unload all of that on Forest?

A frown forms on my forehead. Forest kissed me, though, and he seemed okay with it.

Taking a deep breath, I walk out of the room and go to the kitchen. Walking in, I find Forest already nursing a cup of coffee.

“Morning,” I murmur as I go to pour myself a cup. I definitely need caffeine before talking to Forest.

“Hey.”

When I have my coffee, I go sit on the opposite side of the island situated in the middle of the kitchen. Knowing I have to apologize, I shift awkwardly on the stool. “Sorry for last night.”

Forest lifts his eyes from his phone, and when he’s looking at me, he shrugs. “No worries.” He sets the device down on the granite slab. “Want to talk about it?”

I swallow a big sip of the warm liquid, then say, “Yeah. I didn’t mean to offload on you.”

Forest tilts his head a little, his gaze sharpening on me. “But it’s obviously something that bothers you.”

My shoulders slump. “I’m just so over guys. It’s exhausting. You know?” I nibble at my bottom lip, and my stomach tightens as I ask, “Were you serious about the fake relationship?”

I don’t know what I was expecting. Forest being awkward, or even upset, but not him being so casual about it all.

To my surprise, he nods. “We’d both benefit from it. Me more than you.”

Remembering the stupid rumor, I grumble, “It’s total crap, by the way.”

Forest shakes his head. “Yeah.” He finishes his coffee, then goes to rinse his cup.

“I have just as much as you to gain from the act,” I state. “I’m done with dating. I need a break from it all.” When Forest sits down again, I admit, “It feels like I keep lowering my standards to put up with guys I meet.” I square my shoulders and lift my chin, determined to make a change in my life. “Seriously, after the practice kiss last night, I’m done with sifting through all the crappy fish in the sea. Hell, it felt more real kissing you than any of the idiots I’ve dated.”

“Probably because we’re friends,” Forest justifies it. “We love each other, so in a way, it was real.” He begins to twirl his phone on the granite. “I mean, think about it,” his gaze lifts to mine, “friendship is a big part of any relationship.”

“Yeah,” I agree. “Are you okay with us being in a fake relationship? That way, it will save me from having to fight off guys until I’m ready to date.” I swallow a sip of coffee. “And you won’t have to worry about the ridiculous rumor.”

“I’m cool with it.” Forest grins at me. “I have one question, though.”

“Shoot.”

“What happened to no tongue?”

My eyes widen, and I let out a spurt of awkward laughter. “Yeah… uhm… I…”

He begins to chuckle. “I’m fucking with you. I know the kiss was for you to find out if the problem lies with you.” He lifts an eyebrow at me. “Which we established is not the case.”

“So, you’re cool with it?” I ask, just to make sure.

Forest shrugs. “We’ve swapped more spit sharing drinks and food. This is no different.”

Thank God.

“Yeah, totally,” I murmur.

Carla comes into the kitchen, already dressed for our shopping spree. She waves a piece of paper in the air before setting it down in front of us. “The contract.”

I let out a bark of laughter as I turn my head to read what she typed.

Forest Reyes and Aria Chargill hereby declare they are henceforth in a ‘FAKE’ relationship. By initialing, both parties agree to engage in all or some of the following acts:

Kissing. (no tongue)

Kissing. (tongue)