Forbidden Love

“Oh.” I paused. “Yeah, a lot has happened since then.”

“Since Thursday? Today’s Monday!” Pepper said.

“How was dinner with Finigan? Do you like him? He’s cute, right?” Grace’s questions came out in rapid fire.

“Finigan’s cute, but well, Barrett came to dinner and then cornered me before he left and asked me to go to his house after.”

“Wait. Why did Barrett come to dinner? Wasn’t he here in the Hamptons? Oh my God, how awkward!” Pepper laughed.

“You could say that.”

“Barrett had to watch you with Finigan? That would have been torture.” Grace pursed her lips at the thought.

“I didn’t make it easy on him, either. I was flirty and touchy with Finigan.”

They both split into strained laughter.

“You’re blushing, Lourde. Tell us what happened? Are you back together?” Pepper asked.

“Oh, I hope so!” Grace's voice was noticeably high-pitched. These girls knew how much I crushed hard on Barrett for years. They were just as part of this romance as I was. Okay, well, almost.

“Make sure no one, and I mean no one, can hear this!” I pleaded with a stern voice.

Pepper glanced over her shoulder. “I couldn’t give a fuck what Jake thinks right now. He’s probably ogling some little social climber over the balcony with your ex.”

“Okay, chill, negative Nancy,” Grace said.

“I went to his place like he asked only to thank him.”

“What for?”

“Because my parents allowed me to get a job because of what he said.”

“Wait, hang on. It’s only been a few days, and you’re telling me you’re getting a job, you’re back with Barrett, and you’re moving out?” Grace asked.

I squealed. “Uh-huh.”

“Shhh! I want to hear about Barrett!” Pepper nudged Grace.

“Okay, so I went to thank him for what he said to my dad, and then he didn’t want to let me go. He said that he couldn’t be without me and can’t stop thinking of me.” I sighed, my hands finding the ends of my hair. “That’s when some detectives came and ruined our moment. and when they left, it was magical.”

“Magical how?” Grace asked, her eyes like dinner plates.

I laid down on my stomach, braced on my elbows. “We made love, and he gave me three orgasms.” I kicked my feet back and forth. “Is it weird that I’m imagining a wedding with him?”

“Holy shit, Lourde, what the fuck! I’m so excited, I am screaming over here.” Grace jumped up, and Pepper pulled her back down.

“Yes, but it’s a secret. We can’t tell my family until we figure out what to say. Especially now, since I’ll be working with him.”

“You’re working for Barrett at his construction company?” Pepper questioned.

“Only for two weeks. He just needed some help because someone quit, and apparently, I know style and design.”

“Girlfriend, you know style like I know every rerun of Sex and the City. You were born for this job,” Grace said.

“I actually think it’ll be a bit of fun, but you should see all the women who work for him. I visited him today at lunch, and they’re all gorgeous enough to be models. I’m sure he’s slept with most of them.”

“What does that matter, what he did in the past? He’s with you now. He told you he only wants to be with you,” Grace said.

“I know, you’re right. Still, after everything that’s happened with Hunter cheating and basically every other boyfriend I’ve had doing the same… you have to wonder. I mean, he is one of the biggest playboys in Manhattan. He doesn't just get that title.”

“And you’re Lourde Diamond, heiress to a publishing empire, all-around, superhuman being and one of the most grounded women I know, and I think he knows that,” Pepper said.

“Hang on, men bashers. Just because he has pretty women working for him doesn’t make him a bad person. Can you guys just chill out and actually realize he’s declared that he wants to be with you, Lourde? Put aside the bullshit and enjoy the ass-splitting orgasms you're getting!” Grace added, and we burst out laughing.

“Okay, maybe you’re right. It’s just been so amazing these last couple of days. It’s almost too good to be true.”

“So what is Connor saying about you working for Barrett?” Pepper asked, twisting the ends of her curly black hair.

“We haven’t told him. No one knows yet. He only asked me at lunch today to work for him. I think maybe we can keep it a secret.” Placing my hands on the side of my temples, I rubbed them in a circular motion. “Or do you think I should tell Connor? I could say we became great friends when I stayed at his home in the Hamptons, and I’m just helping him out as a consultant on this?”

“That could work.” Grace nodded in agreement.

“I don’t know. I think Connor can smell bullshit. And I think he’d be pretty hurt if he found out you were lying to him,” Pepper added.

“How do you know?” I asked.

She shrugged. “I don’t. It’s just a hunch.”

“I don’t like lying about our relationship, but I think with Connor stressed at work and some discord between my parents… it’s just not the right time.”

“The longer you leave it, the worse it’s going to get,” Pepper interjected.

“You're right. Barrett wants to tell Connor. Can you believe that?” I said, half laughing.

“I can. He wants to tell the world you're his. Starting with the person who could take it the worst,” Grace said.

I shook my head, dreading telling Connor. “Don't say that.”

“You're going out with your brother's best friend, who, might I add, is a whole eight years older than you. Do you really think Connor is going to be cool with that?” Pepper asked.

“Maybe?”