The Trouble With Love: An Age Gap Romance (The Forbidden Love Series Book 1)

My eyes jolt open to the sound of a siren blaring outside the building.

Releasing a groan, I struggle with the morning glare coming from the large window near my bed. Where am I again?

The familiar room, one I had spent much time in, begins to register—it’s our townhouse on the Upper East Side.

I bury my face into the pillow, pulling my quilt above my head to drown the outside noise with the intent to fall back into a blissful sleep. With the temperature perfect, warm, and nothing like the cold outside, it’s ideal for spending the morning after Thanksgiving.

You’re the one I can’t stop thinking about.

My body jerks up, sitting in an upright position as the memory of last night comes roaring back to my center of attention. The beat of my heart begins to quicken, and throughout my whole body, a pleasurable tingle spreads like wildfire as my mind replays the touch of Will’s hand against my skin.

How his eyes did something to me, I just can’t explain. They held me captive, tortured me with desire, begged me to say and do things that even my wildest of imagination never dared to explore.

But it wasn’t just the weight of his stare. It was everything his body did to me. We moved so effortlessly, in sync, like a band playing in harmony to a tune. Every inch of his perfect body had me mesmerized—his toned arms, the sculpted chest, and, of course, his perfect size cock.

I gulp at the memory, knowing damn well what we did last night was wrong.

My body did things I’d never experienced, dangerous things I’d only read in romance novels. I became possessed, throwing all rationality out the door to succumb to whatever it is that makes me crumble beneath his touch.

I fall back, staring at the ceiling, trying to decipher what this all means. I’d be a fool to ignore that what happened last night was amazing, despite it being wrong.

And surely, without a doubt, he enjoyed it. We fucked twice in the space of an hour, and he had no problem finishing.

Yet, I’ve heard enough stories about him through Mom and Aunt Nikki to know that he enjoys his women only for one night. And why would I be any different?

As I continue to lay in bed, I toss and turn, regretting my actions, filled with remorse to then craving more. Unable to think straight, I hop out of bed, wincing as my sore muscles ache with every sudden movement. Grabbing my phone, I drag my tired self to leave my bedroom with the hope that Mom has brewed coffee because I desperately need it.

I turn the corner into the dining room, my eyes peeled to a story Andy put out about last night’s dinner back home. I smile at the caption of his turkey, missing him so much since we rarely spend time together anymore.

“Good morning, honey,” Mom greets politely.

Caught up in another story of a friend, I laugh while returning the sentiment to Mom until Ava blurts out. “You look like shit. What the hell happened to you last night?”

My eyes lift, and there at the table, they fall onto the same blue eyes which devoured me last night. Shit. Will is sitting beside my father, dressed in navy business attire with a devious smirk on his face. He appears to be put together, freshly shaven, and sexy.

Highly aware that I’m only wearing my night shorts which barely cover my ass, long socks, and an old ratted tee, I’m pretty sure my hair is a tangled bird’s nest.

“I, uh… didn’t sleep well. The noise…” I swallow the giant lump inside my throat, hoping my skin doesn’t flush over. “Sirens and stuff.”

“Well, you look like death,” Ava scoffs with a mouthful of toast.

“Thanks for the reminder, dear sister.”

I quickly take a seat across from Will, though avoiding his stare as Mom asks, “Coffee?”

“God, yes…” I clear my throat. “I mean, please.”

I relish the warm liquid with a cup in my hand while trying to figure out an escape plan. Avoiding eye contact is necessary, and surely, if I ignore him, my parents or sisters won’t suspect anything.

“Are you heading back to campus tonight?” My father asks, placing his phone down to focus on me.

“Uh, yeah.” I scratch the back of my neck. “I’ve got a lot of work to catch up on.”

“I’ll have the driver take you.”

“Honestly, Dad, it’s okay. I can take a train.”

“I’d really like it if you would accept my offer of a car, Amelia,” he almost demands.

I think about it again. Perhaps it’s not such a bad thing. I could spend more time in the city, but what for? He hasn’t even said two words to you.

“I’ll think about it, but if I agree, nothing flashy. I don’t want to be treated differently because you’ve gifted me a Porsche or something like that. How about something economical, good for the environment?”

“You know, Daddy,” Ava goads with a wide smile. “I’ll take the Porsche. I like to be treated differently and don’t care for the environment.”

Dad scoffs, shaking his head in amusement, then turns to Will. “Do you hear what I have to put up with? Nothing flashy. Like she expects me to walk into a used dealer to buy her some beat-up old truck.”

“Now, now. Go easy on her.” Mom laughs before patting my hand. “You know I’d normally defend you, but being a car enthusiast, I’d take your father’s offer.”

“I’ll think about it,” I say, wishing they would focus on anything else besides me.

“You have a bruise on your wrist,” Ava points out. “What the hell are you doing in college, or who the hell are you doing in college?”

“Ava!” Dad almost yells. “Is it your intent to give me an early stroke?”

“Sorry, Dad.” Ava snickers.

My gaze purposely focuses on the plate in front of me. It’s empty and white, and I wish that I could think of anything else. It proves pointless as something forces me to look up into Will’s eyes.

“I must have banged something, my dresser or desk.”

“Just like when you were a kid,” Will muses, lowering his gaze. “You were always scratched up when I saw you, but you never seemed to care.”

“I guess I didn’t feel pain.” My eyes zone in on him. “My pain threshold far outweighs a certain cry baby next to me.”

“Hey!” Ava sulks. “I resent that. Besides, all I ever remembered is Amelia daring Will to do things with the high chance of hurting himself.”

“Do I want to know what exactly?” Mom cringes.

“The point is—” I interrupt. “We’re all alive and well.”

“Speaking of being alive and well.” Mom directs her stare at Dad. “What time do you expect to be back?”

“We have back-to-back meetings, so I’m not sure.”

“We?” I ask, regretting it when my dad looks at me oddly.

“Me and Will. We have very important things to finalize,” he states firmly.

I remain quiet as Mom lectures Dad, reminding him of other commitments. A small argument interrupts between them, though nothing out of the ordinary. When it comes to Dad working, Mom usually understands unless he committed to something else.

“Argh,” Will groans, falling back on his chair while rubbing his chin.

“What’s wrong?” Mom asks, worried.

“My housekeeper is sick, and I’ve got a delivery arriving today.”

“Can your concierge let them in?” Mom suggests. “What’s being delivered?”

“A new TV,” Will states. “It needs to be installed and takes about an hour. I just need someone to make sure they do it right.”

“I’m sorry, honey, I’m heading out to meet your mom today. Ava is watching Addison and Alexandra, but perhaps, Amelia, you can do it?”

“Me?” I almost choke on my coffee. The liquid catches in my throat, making a gurgling sound. “You want me to go to your place and watch a man install a TV?”

“You’re basically making sure they don’t rob me blind.”

Behind his stare, there’s something I can’t quite put my finger on. It takes me a moment to come up with a plan to play dumb. “Where do you live?”

“I’ll text you the address.” He busies himself on the phone as mine beeps.

Will: How many times can I make you come in an hour?

Shit! I force myself to keep a straight face, my body the first to react despite everyone watching me. Thank God they can’t hear the loud thump of my heart or the butterflies inside my stomach fluttering like crazy. I have to do something quickly, terrified someone will sniff our trail.

“Fine, but you owe me. Next time, get one of your secretaries to do it,” I mouth so quickly. “Oh, that’s right, you don’t have one because you couldn’t keep your pants zipped up.”

“Ouch!” Ava laughs the same time Mom shakes her head.

I could almost see the proud smile come from Dad.

“I’m going to shower,” I mention casually, my eyes falling upon Ava. “Since apparently, I look like death.”

I head out of the dining area, and the second I’m out of sight, I almost run upstairs to my room. Shutting the door behind me, I lean against it, heart racing as I struggle to breathe in the air. Inside my hand, my phone buzzes.

Will: Well played, Miss Edwards. It’s nice to see you’re always thinking about my dick. Am I going to guess twice? Maybe three times if you don’t touch yourself in the shower.

Me: Aren’t you quite an overachiever. Let’s see if you can deliver or you’re all talk.

Will: If you’re going to tease me like that, you better not complain when you’ve gotten no sleep. Sirens? Or perhaps you couldn’t stop thinking about me fucking your sweet pussy inside my bed.

My face turns red, praying that by the time I leave the house, he’s already gone.

Me: I strongly suggest you behave, Mr. Romano. You are with my father all day long, are you not? If you want to play dirty, don’t underestimate my ability to make you suffer in your meetings.

Will: Always the daredevil. See you at 2.

Throwing my phone onto my bed with a smile, I grab my things and head straight to the shower.

I enter the code as the door unlocks. The second I step inside, I smell him everywhere. The scent—intoxicating—causes my concentration to shift. I place my phone down on the hallway table, closing the door behind me. Gravitating toward the window, I stare into the Hudson River, lost in thought when I hear a noise behind me. I don’t turn around, but my breathing hitches in anticipation. The footsteps move closer to me until a warm breath lingers against my neck, forcing me to close my eyes.

His lips press against my skin as I reach back to pull him into me, desperate to have him closer. The gentle kiss sends my skin into a frenzied static, tiny goosebumps forming all over.

Turning around, my body is flush with his as he lifts me, cupping his hands beneath my dress and kissing me deeply. Our tongues battle, wanting more, arousing every inch of my body. I can feel his tongue swirling in my mouth, imagining the exact thing being done between my legs. A desperate moan escapes me, no care to what’s right or wrong because I need him to own me. Now.

I think he’s going to take me toward the bed, but instead, he lays me on the couch and watches me with a hungry stare.

“And you so easily came back?”

“To see if you truly are a one-night-stand-type-of-guy and your reputation precedes you.”

His eyes battle, almost as if I’ve struck a nerve. Will pulls back, momentarily, his face turning away. Then, as if something clicks, his stare swiftly moves back onto me, thirstier than before.

“We shouldn’t be doing this,” he reminds me.

“So you’ve said, yet here you are. In fact, you insisted I come here to do what exactly?” I search the room knowingly. “I’m yet to see your new TV or the hot men you promised me?”

A slight growl escapes his throat, his lips pressed flat while adopting a sullen look.

“Don’t push me, Amelia.”

Without a second thought, he lunges onto me, kissing me deeply as his hands explore my entire body. In a matter of seconds, he has unbuttoned the front of my dress, desperate to expose my breasts. Tugging my bra down, his mouth finds its way to my nipples, sucking hard without an apology for his ferocity.

I arch my back, welcoming his desperation but equally desperate to feel him inside me. My hands wander to his belt, fiddling with his buckle until he assists me, and his cock springs free from his boxers. I swallow at the sight—perfect and hard—eager to taste him, yet I know he just wants to bury himself inside me.

I lay on the sofa, my chest rising and falling as he enters me slowly, my mouth opening with an uncontrolled pant. Closing my eyes, I writhe in pleasure with every thrust, the quick and fast pounds to the sound of his groans. My eyes spring open, drawn to his tortured face as he begs me to come with him.

My hands clutch onto the sofa arm behind me as I warn him loudly that I’m ready. His movement picks up, the build of pleasure overwhelming me until his fingers wander to my nipples, tugging them hard and causing a sudden flush of warmth to spread throughout me. The air in the room is stifling hot and barely attainable while I try to breathe in, basking in a state of euphoric satisfaction.

Resting my hand on his cheek, willing him to calm down from his pleasurable victory, he kisses it but then pulls it away swiftly.

“Shit, I have to go.”

In a frenzied panic, he jumps off me, pulling his pants back up and escaping quickly to what I assume is the bathroom. As I sit here, fixing my attire, he returns to the room.

“I need to be downtown to meet your Dad in fifteen minutes,” he states, distracted by patting down his pockets. “You can let yourself out.”

And with a quick kiss on the forehead, he’s out of sight, though not out of mind.

I beg to hold back my questions, knowing once I start the thought process in my head, it will be a vicious cycle with no end.

But I’m weak and vulnerable, having just fucked a man who kissed me goodbye on the forehead, then walked out the door.

What now? I need to go back to campus, study for classes, and immerse myself back into college life. Are we in a relationship, or is this it? A two-day stand?

What if he sleeps with other women? Or he wants to pursue a friends-with-benefit type of relationship. Is that something I can see myself getting involved in?

I know I’m inexperienced, but is it so wrong of me to question where we stand? I let out a long-winded sigh until I realize that being in this apartment will cause more harm now than good.

The damage is done.

Just how much, I’m yet to find out.