Forbidden Hearts (Whitlock Family, #1)

by Corinne Michaels

No matter what happened, I couldn’t let my friend deal with the blowback of my stupidity.

You can do this, Phoebe. You’re not a little girl anymore. You are a strong, independent woman who has been through the wringer, but that’s okay. It builds character. Watching a kid for the summer may not have been part of the plan, but neither was sleeping with your married professor, and you’re still breathing. Asher Whitlock doesn’t scare you, and you definitely are not into him. Sure, he’s ridiculously hot, but you’re not into hot guys. You know how that turns out. She’s not three, she’s nine and probably won’t want to cut her hair again. You’ll do this for Daddy, get some money, which you desperately need because you had to pull money from your inheritance to get home and . . . you’re a mess.

“Anyone ever tell you that you’re still annoying?” “Nope. Just you.”

There was something about the way she looked at me standing in my kitchen with her big, pouty brown eyes with thick lashes framing them, that made me forget she was the nanny and my boss’s daughter and not one of the most beautiful women I’ve ever seen. For just one second.

Jesus Christ. My earlier thoughts about her are smack dab in my face. She is beautiful. No, she’s more than that—she looks free and happy. Something about how she stands with her mouth open, letting out the worst sounds ever while completely unconcerned about how off-key she is, has my heart racing. Her eyes are closed, her head is back, and she’s just letting it out. Earlier, her hair was in a bun, and she was wearing sweatpants and a hoodie. Now that I know this is what is hiding under her clothes . . . I’m so fucked.

No, I do not see how perfect her ass looks in those shorts. And those curves, when the hell did she get those? It doesn’t matter that she looks adorable dancing around and singing into her fake microphone. All that matters is that she’s my daughter’s nanny, and the only person in the freaking county who knows ASL and will watch her. Also, she’s my boss’s damn daughter. I tell myself this, but my dick doesn’t seem to care.

Why do I find that adorable? Oh, I don’t. Nope. Nothing about this is cute. Not the fact that her long brown hair flows down her back in waves or how her arms are crossed, pushing her breasts into the perfect position.

“Mommy says bad days pass.”

Can you even imagine how that would go over if my dad ever found out? Jesus, he’d have a heart attack! Not to mention the only thing my father has ever asked me when it comes to men is that I never, ever date a cop.

I’m supposed to dislike this man and all I can think about is him pushing me against a wall and making me scream his name.

You’re not who anyone proclaims you to be. You’re who you are, and no one makes the right choice every time. It’s not possible. If it were, we wouldn’t have that saying about hindsight. You aren’t the mistakes you make—you are how you respond to those.”

“I’m a police officer’s daughter. It comes with the territory.”

“This is bad,” he admits, his voice barely a whisper. “I shouldn’t . . . want this.” “Want what?” I breathe the words, not wanting to break the spell. “You.”

“You are trying to kill me, aren’t you?” “Definitely not.” “That’s what you’re doing, walking around here in those shorts and no bra, looking far too fucking perfect. You’re sin, Phoebe, and I am going to hell.” “Take me with you.”

“I do hope you won’t get in trouble for leaving work. I can see you must be very important.” Uh, no, he’s not. I mean, sure, he’s a SWAT commander, a great cop, and everyone loves him, but that’s probably because they don’t know what an asshole he can be. All of that is great, but he’s not like very important. More like mildly important.

“No, baby, it’s not you, it’s whoever did it before. I’ll stay here for hours if that’s how long it takes. You’re going to come this way. You’re going to let me lap every drop from this pretty pussy until you fall apart.”

“Phoebe.” His voice has an edge to it. “I’m not going to apologize. I’m just going to say that I’ve never wanted someone as much as I want you. I’ve never been completely out of my mind to the point that I couldn’t walk away.”

“I shouldn’t be here. Why am I unable to stop myself with you?” His voice is soft, almost dreamlike. “You’re going to wreck my world, and I’m going to let you.”

“Hey, as much as I’d love to continue this convo, I have to go peg Rowan in the head with a ball.”

“And what about those who aren’t innocent? What about the ones who just trust the wrong people? How do we protect against that? How do we help those people who need it?”

“I see everything, even when I wish I didn’t. So, don’t lie to me.” My throat is tight as I look at him. “You see me?” “Everywhere I look.”

“I see a selfless girl. I see a smart woman who is going to change the world. I see a woman who is so fiercely protective of the people she loves that she’ll do battle for them. I see the most beautiful and desirable woman in the world. What I can’t have. What I want. What keeps me up at night. What has my entire belief system at war, trying to convince myself that I can’t give you what you want, even if I wish I could.”

“If you’re here, you’re not her nanny. You won’t be working for us—you’ll just be mine.”

“You are trying to kill me,” I say as it becomes easier to breathe. “Death by orgasms?” I laugh. “It would be one of those uncomfortable conversations. I’ve never had to give a notification like, ‘Yes, ma’am, I’m sorry to inform you that your brother died while having an orgasm.’” Phoebe laughs softly. “Can you imagine the eulogy? Dear friends, Asher was a good man, loving father, brother, and friend. He served his town with respect and dignity. He was a freak in the bed, and his heart just couldn’t take it when he was banging the nanny.”

“I knew you’d destroy me. I just didn’t know it would feel so good.”