Forbidden Desires (Forbidden Daddies #2)

Chapter 1

CHAPTER ONE

Dexter

Pete stands in front of the full-length mirror in our bedroom, his tall frame silhouetted by the soft morning light streaming through the curtains. He meticulously adjusts his tie, his fingers deftly maneuvering the fabric until it sits perfectly at his collar. Even now, as he focusses on his reflection, his natural handsomeness radiates—strong shoulders, a confident stance, and that effortless charm that draws everyone in.

I lean against the doorway, watching him with a mix of admiration and apprehension. Today is the day.

Obviously I’m not nervous about going to Ethan and Cole’s wedding. I’ve met them, and can see why they’re such good friends of Pete’s. And I’m hoping, that given enough time, I can cultivate my own deeper friendships with them.

If everything else goes well.

That’s my problem. The huge fucking elephant sitting on my chest, making it hard to breathe.

Suzie.

Ethan’s baby sister.

Pete’s ex.

His high school sweetheart.

The one he only dumped so she could go do the things she needed to do to live her dreams.

The one he’s still very much in love with.

Tell me again why I had this dumb idea? Why did I tell him we should approach her, and see if she would be open to something with us? Together?

Pete pulls apart the tie, and starts the process all over again, and I’m reminded why I am playing the martyr.

It took me ages to get him to tell me about her, but once he did, it was painfully obvious he was still harboring feelings. But even with that, I never got the impression that I was just a stop-gap. Just a rebound, or someone to pass the time with until he could get his girl back.

I know he loves me. I do. And I love him, more than anything in the whole world. Which is why I’m willing to do this. For him. For us.

But that doesn’t stop my brain from trying to fuck with me.

What if Suzie doesn’t live up to Pete’s glowing stories and she’s a raging bitch?

Or even worse, what if she’s as amazing as he makes her out to be, and she forgives him, and accepts him back in her life, but she doesn’t want me too?

When Pete starts to undo his tie for the third time I move closer to him, forcing him to look up at me.

“I think you’ve got it as perfect as it’s going to be,” I say forcing a smile.

A flicker of vulnerability flashes in his eyes before returning to his confident demeanor. “Thanks Dex. I just want everything to go smoothly today.”

I nod, stepping even closer into his personal space and placing a reassuring hand on his shoulder. “It will. With everything you’ve told me about her, I’m halfway convinced she’s an angel, so I don’t see how she wouldn’t give you a chance to talk to her and explain.”

Pete chuckles softly, the tension easing slightly from his posture. “I hope so. I just… I…” He shakes his head before resting a hand on my face. “How did I get so lucky, huh? I have a sexy, charming devil at home, who’s encouraging me to mend fences with my ex so we can what… hook up?”

I mirror his movements, cupping his face before kissing him softly.

“Don't cheapen it, babe. You know it’s more than that. It could just be a one-time thing, a way for you to close off that chapter of your life, or it could be more. It could be the start of something new and amazing for all three of us. But no matter what it is, we’ll do it together, yeah?”

His hand cupping my face moves down into my neck where he squeezes me gently, a silent thank you for my words.

As we finish getting ready, the minutes tick by, each one stretching longer than the last. Finally, the time comes to leave. We grab our coats, and head out the door, the crisp air a stark contrast to the warmth inside.

The drive to the venue is quiet, both of us lost in our own thoughts. I glance over at Pete, who’s staring out the window, his jaw set with determination. The weight of the upcoming encounter presses down on me, but I know we’ve got this.

When we arrive at the elegant venue, my heart pounds in my chest. The sprawling three-story building is adorned with twinkling lights and blooming flowers, creating a picturesque scene straight out a fairy tale.

“I love you, Dex,” Pete reminds me, his voice steady, despite the underlying nerves. “More than anything. And that won’t change, no matter what happens tonight.”

I nod, taking a deep breath. “I love you too, babe.”

As we step inside the venue, the flurry of activity from hotel staff draws my attention. Servers carry trays laden with glasses of champagne, florists adjust centerpieces bursting with fresh blooms, and a coordinator waves a clipboard while issuing brisk orders. There’s a hum of urgency in the air—everyone racing to finalize the details before guests flood in.

“I’m supposed to help check on the set-up,” Pete murmurs, tugging at his tie again.

I grab his hand to stop him from undoing the damn thing. “It’s fine. You’re fine. Let’s focus.”

He nods, but I can see the tension tightening his shoulders again. As we weave through the crowd toward the ballroom to locate Ethan and Cole, or perhaps Ethan’s fathers, so we can find out what they need us to do, I have to make a concentrated effort to get my nerves to settle down.

We finally spot Ethan near the far side of the ballroom. He’s deep in conversation with one of the servers, his sharp suit and easy confidence making him stand out among the chaos. He spots us approaching and excuses himself, a polite smile replacing the more serious expression he’d been wearing.

“Pete, Dex. You both clean up well,” Ethan says, clapping Pete on the shoulder before turning to me with a nod of approval. “Thanks for coming early. I know this might look like the traditional wedding but Cole’s too much of a control freak to have left the last-minute details to the wedding planner, so we’ve been running around down here instead of being ensconced in our separate rooms ‘getting ready’.” He says the last two words with air quotes and both Pete and I chuckle at the visual.

Ethan joins us in our laughter but too soon, his smile falters. “Listen, I need to ask you something,” he begins, his tone softer. “Obviously, Suzie is here. I just need you to be careful, okay? I don’t want a repeat of the night at the club, and she really just needs a break, please?”

Pete interrupts, his voice calm but firm. “I’ve no plan to hurt her, Ethan. At most we’ll have a calm civilized discussion.”

Ethan looks unconvinced but doesn’t push further. Instead, he sighs and rubs the back of his neck. “Fine. Just don’t blindside her.”

Pete gives a small nod, but he doesn’t verbally agree, and I can tell Ethan notices. Apparently deciding not to press further, Ethan clears his throat and gestures to the far side of the room.

“Now, I need someone to check on the bar and make sure the liquor delivery is complete. They’re supposed to have an extra case of the good bubbly. Can you follow up with them?”

“On it,” Pete says immediately, seemingly grateful for the distraction. He squeezes my arm briefly before heading toward the back of the room.

Ethan turns his attention to me. “Dex, can you track down the wedding planner? There’s been some confusion about the menu, and I need to make sure it’s resolved before the reception starts.”

“Sure thing,” I say, forcing a casual smile, though my chest feels like it’s in a vice.

Pete’s calm demeanor was an act—I know him too well to miss the way his hand had tightened on my arm before he walked away. And now, I’m left here, trying not to let my nerves show in front of Suzie’s big brother.

The man in question thanks me and strides off toward the stage where Cole is gesturing animatedly at a florist. I glance at Pete, who’s weaving his way toward the bar with single-minded determination. I tell myself to focus on my task and head toward the planner, but as I step into the hallway leading to the kitchen, something catches my eye.

Pete is heading toward the other end of the room. His destination?

A woman.

Even from this distance, I can see her blonde hair shining under the soft glow of the chandelier. Her pink dress is the perfect complement to her skin tone. She’s breathtaking.

I don’t need to get any closer to know who it is.

Suzie.

I guess it’s time.