Page 3 of Never Gonna Lie (Forbidden #2)
Chapter Three
RAVEN
PRESENT DAY
I remember the first time James went from being the cool ‘uncle’ to a teenage crush. Mia and I had just started our sophomore year, and thought we were so grown up. Boys became the hot topic of every conversation between us, but looking back on it now, I think it was just the hormones kicking in.
We were sitting out by the docks, sunbathing, soaking up the last of the summer sun. I was desperate for a drink, so I made my way up the small winding path to the house, stopping short when I saw James talking to my dad by the pool.
I don’t know why he was there or why he was so… underdressed, all I know is that my lady bits started to flutter in a way I’d never felt be fore. He was shirtless with a pair of black board shorts that hung low on his hips, showing the perfect V dip going down.
My mouth started watering at the sight, even though only two minutes prior, I needed something to quench my thirst. His dark hair was pushed back out of his face, water droplets were cascading down his muscled arms and back. I’d never seen a more glorious sight, and I wanted more.
Everything went downhill after that day, and I wish I could take it back. Things were never the same.
You’d think that, being head over heels in love with the man, I would want to see him, but that’s not me.
After that fateful day, I made every excuse I could to avoid seeing James if I knew he’d be around.
Having him thrown in my face and knowing I can’t have him?
That’s torture of the purest form, and I just…
can’t. I’d rather dig my head in the sand and pretend he doesn’t exist while also comparing every man I meet to him.
It’s an endless cycle I can’t seem to get myself out of.
With a shake of my head, I concentrate on work.
It’s been hectic to say the least. College students and professors, a never-ending supply of customers walking through the door.
Some nice, some not so much. My feet ache and my back’s killing me, but I keep going with a smile on my face because really, what else can I do? I won’t get any tips if I’m rude.
I’m wiping down the counter when I hear the doorbell chime. I paste on my customer service face before glancing at the newcomer. “Well, aren’t you a sight for sore eyes?” I grin at my best friend.
“I know. I could say the same about you.” Strolling further into the shop, Mia props herself against the counter. “I missed you, so I thought I’d pop in, help you close up?”
I could honestly kiss this girl right now .
“Have I told you how much I love you recently?” I exclaim in delight, my tired feet thanking her.
Mia laughs. “Not today, but there’s still time.”
Grabbing a cloth from the side, Mia starts cleaning down tables while I clean the coffee machine—it’s the part I hate the most, having to take half of the machine apart to get it clean is not my idea of a good time.
“Oh, I forgot to tell you,” Mia says, bringing dirty cups to the counter. “I got an internship with your dad.”
“You did?” I ask, confused. “I didn’t know you applied. That’s great, though, I’m really happy for you.”
“I didn’t want to say anything.” Mia shrugs. “Instead of using my degree, I’m going to be interning for your dad. Doesn’t that seem a little… weird?”
I stop cleaning the machine, giving her my full attention, my eyebrows furrowing. “Why would it be? You aren’t the same person you were when you started college; none of us are. If you feel working for my dad is the right thing for you, then what’s the problem?”
She braces her arms on the counter, playing with the cloth in her hand. “I guess I just feel like people are going to judge me? ‘Oh, look at Mia, she wanted to be a lawyer but now she’s a PA to a billionaire, how pathetic.’”
My eyes soften. “Honey, there’s nothing pathetic about you. You’re just doing what all of us are trying to do—figure out life the best way we know how. Don’t be so hard on yourself.”
“Maybe,” she says pensively. Standing up straight, she gives me a wicked grin. “But I do get to spend time with your dad, who is hot as fuck might I add.” Mia fans herself as her eyes roll back into her head .
“You make me sick.” I fake gag at the image. “Please do not ever utter those words about my dad again.” I shiver before pointing out the obvious. “You do remember he’s married, right?”
“I know,” she sighs. “It’s such a tragedy. What I wouldn’t give?—”
I throw the cloth at her, grimacing. “Please stop, that’s a sight I don’t need to imagine,” I laugh.
Mia catches the cloth, chuckling. “I’ll wash the dishes, you finish up cleaning the tables.”