Truly Madly Deeply (Forbidden Love, #1)

by L.J. Shen

“You should do what makes you happy.” “I know.” She worried her lip, sitting upright. “But Chris Hemsworth is married. And lives in Australia. I’m not built for long distance, Dot.”

Rhyland shoved his head in the wide slit of the window, scratching his golden stubble. “I’m seeing a woman so lovable she just got tipped four Benjamins and refused to part ways with them when I explained to her we use a tip pool. Things almost got physical.” “But then you remembered I’d pelt you head to toe, turn you upside down, and stuff your inner organs with wasabi if you so much as lay a finger on her.” His grin widened. “You’re so good at not loving her. Highly convincing.” “Shut up.” “I honestly haven’t seen acting this bad since Tommy Wiseau.” He smirked. “You deserve a Razzie Award.” “I hate you,” I grumbled.

Pink tips framed her face. Her cheeks matched them in color, and she looked so thoroughly fucked all I could think about was laying her down on my truck bed and fucking every single hole in her body until it was the shape of my cock. Watching her waiting for my words made my dick hard. Come to think about it, watching her breathe made my dick hard. She could probably pick her nose and smear it all over my windshield and my dick would still go ramrod straight, awarding her with a standing ovation.

Cal was back, and so was my fascination with her. I was officially, royally, and completely fucked.

Because you still care, and she is still not interested. I wanted to yell at her, I’m McMonster. I’m your fucking fantasy. Me. The same guy who has always been there, in your periphery, waiting to save the goddamn day and not take any credit for it. I taught you how to drive. I made your birthday cakes up until your sophomore year. I fucking took your virginity because you asked not so nicely, even though I knew it was going to undo me.

“I’m out of shape.” “False. Your shape is fucking delicious. It’s the rest of you I have a problem with. Next.” “What if I fall again?” I choked out. “You won’t,” he barked out impatiently. “How do you know?” “Because I’ll always catch you.” He threw his hands out, exasperated, as if the mere idea revolted him. “When have I ever let you take the hit for something, Dot?” Now that I thought about the question…never. Grumpiness aside, I could always count on Row. To give me a job, drive me around, fix my problems…

“I’d rather be hated for who I am than loved for who I’m not.” Of course he was a Kurt Cobain fan. He had the same grungy, don’t-give-a-fuck air about him.

oBITCHuary: WHY are you even interested? You could have any woman in the world. McMonster: And you’re that woman. Where’s the mystery? oBITCHuary: I’m completely normal. McMonster: Respectfully, Cal, you’re not. oBITCHuary: LOL. I meant average. McMonster: You’re not that either. oBITCHuary: What am I, then? McMonster: If I have a say about it? Mine.

oBITCHuary: I miss you. McMonster: Then do something about it. oBITCHuary: Like what? McMonster: Change your mind before we say goodbye. oBITCHuary: You can’t promise me you would never hurt me. McMonster: You’re right. I can’t. That’s why you have to take a chance on me. Love is a high-stakes game, Bitchy. Show me I’m worth it. Because to me? You’re worth the entire fucking world.

“Let me make something very clear here—I love cooking. I love traveling. I love money.” I took a breath. “But I love you more than all of those things combined. That won’t change tomorrow, next month, or next year. You’ve given me in eight weeks what I haven’t had in twenty-seven years. You’ve given me smiles, laughs, warmth, and hope. But I have to protect my own heart too, and right now, spending time with you is killing me. If, one day, be it near or far, you change your mind, you know where to find me. Until then, it’s all or nothing. And I’ll take nothing over something.”