Forbidden Boy

She knew that the crew had their backs, but she also didn’t want to test that theory. She rolled over in almost mimelike slow motion to look at Remi. “Next time,” she breathed, “I think we should just go out for bagels.”

! ! !

For the second time in one summer, work was turning into Ocean’s 14. Jules and Remi spent all day waiting for stolen moments to see each other. Julia

Julia

Forbidden Boy

contact, they wouldn’t be able to stop staring, and they’d never get any work done ever again. In the trailer, they tried to keep things as professional as possible, but even the accidental touch of their hands caused them to forget all the official business they were supposed to be plotting out.

Between their warring families, and the constant procession of lawyers, co-workers, and even Bill, it seemed like every bit of their time was spent trying to deal with what other people’s reactions to their relationship might be. Neither Jules nor Remi was sure what, exactly, would happen if their respective families found out that they were together, but they were both sure that it would turn their summer romance into a Shakespearean tragedy.

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Chapter Sixteen

!

Julia

She already had one hand outstretched toward the waiting doorknob when she heard a quiet sound—almost a purring—over her right shoulder. She wheeled around to find Chloe there, clearing her throat softly.

“And where are you going, young lady?” Chloe’s voice was light, teasing, but Julia

“Oh, just down to the beach. Meeting up with Lucy and some of the guys from the site. We might wind up at Lucy’s later, or maybe the Fishtaill. . .” Julia

Forbidden Boy

especially mundane. She didn’t want to lie to Chloe any more than was totally necessary.

“Some guys from the site, or a particularly special guy from the site?” Chloe teased, clicking her tongue against her teeth.

Julia

“Like who? Like anyone! You work with two dozen hot guys, it’s almost impossible to narrow the field.” Chloe giggled.

“Sorry, Chloe. Not a date. Just hanging out.” Julia

She couldn’t wait until she and Remi were actually able to go on dates like other couples. But all this sneaking around was decidedly not di

“Darn. Okay, well have fun.” Chloe shrugged before adding, “I was over at the Fishtail the other night and the band was really good.” She headed for the steps, and Julia

Julia

Hailey Abbott

walking for what felt like forever, she saw the familiar shape of Remi’s tousled hair and broad shoulders.

Julia

Plopping herself down on the sand, she laughed and mock-gasped for breath.

“I feel like I’ve been walking for six hours. How did you find this place? I’ve lived here all my life and barely knew it existed.” She linked one arm through Remi’s and leaned in close. When they had decided they should try to meet farther away from their respective houses, Remi had, in true project manager style, undertaken a massive site search. As a result, they were now sitting on an out-of-the-way stretch of beach silhouetted by craggy sloping cliffs. The sunset coming down around the cliffs and breaking through the bowing palm trees was amazing.

Julia

Remi squeezed her hand. “I know. It’s pretty random, isn’t it? But it’s so beautiful. The cliffs are amazing.”

“The cliffs aren’t the only thing that’s amazing,” Julia

“Yeah, you are pretty great, aren’t you?” Remi responded seriously, but there was a laugh in his voice.

“I wasn’t talking about me, and you know it!” Julia

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Forbidden Boy

Julia

At work, both Julia

Julia

But now they sat staring at the ocean. The sunset had 155

Hailey Abbott

melted into evening, but the water was still shining just as beautifully as ever. Every so often, the quiet on the beach was punctuated by a burst of laughter or a happy sigh and Julia

Then her moment of bliss was interrupted by the sharp beep of her cell phone ringing. She dug into the pocket of her shorts, pulled out the phone, and looked at the display. It was Lucy.

“Hello?”

“Jules? Where are you? You were supposed to meet us an hour ago!” Lucy didn’t sound a

“Oh, damn! Luce, I totally lost track of time. I am so sorry!” Julia

“Don’t worry about it. I figured you were probably painting and spaced out for a while. You’re still coming out, though, right?” Lucy asked.

“Totally. Of course! I’ll be there as soon as I can. Tell the guys I’m sorry!” Julia

“No worries, Jules. We’ll see you soon,” Lucy chirped.