“Didn’t she confront him a while back?”
“Yeah, she did. She was picking me up and caught Drake hassling me. Mom already knew that I was being bothered, but I thought she wasn’t taking me seriously.” Chrissie couldn’t help but smile. “To say she ripped him a new one is an understatement.”
Forrest chuckled.
“I remember that. I don’t think I’ve seen anyone dress him down like that.”
“Mom’s always been a little protective about us, but she liked to think she trusted us. I guess her momma bear side came out big-time.”
“And then some.”
Chrissie did remember that day. She had never felt the urge to cry in her mother’s arms more than that moment. Megan Frost was one of those people you didn’t want to get angry, and Drake found that out the hard way.
“Chrissie?” Forrest’s smile was fading. “Are you crying?”
“What?” Chrissie wiped at her face, seeing her hand coming away wet. “I guess I am. God, my makeup is probably everywhere.”
Forrest didn’t respond immediately. He went to the coffee table and took out two tissues from the box. Then he approached her, holding her chin as he wiped at her eyes. The gentleness of the action almost started Chrissie off again. She knew he was sweet, but this was something else.
“That’s better. You don’t look like a panda anymore.” Forrest gave her a gentle smile. “You can maintain your dignity.”
“Thanks.” Chrissie swallowed back the hard lump in her throat. “I wish Drake would leave me alone. I don’t get why he is so fixated on me.”
“You could always say you have a boyfriend. That might make him back off.”
“A fake boyfriend?” Chrissie snorted. “I doubt he would believe that. And even if he did, he would be trying to find out who it was to harass them. I don’t think I’d be able to find someone who would be able to stand up to that behemoth.”
“You might be able to.” Forrest shrugged. “I mean, you’re a gorgeous woman. I’m sure you would be able to find someone who wants a stunner like you on his arm.”
For a moment, Chrissie’s brain short-circuited. She stared at him.
“Did you just say I’m gorgeous?”
“What? Oh!” Forrest cleared his throat and eased back. “Sorry, I…”
Chrissie didn’t want him to go. Not after that confession. Grabbing his shirt, she tugged him back, rising up on her toes. Her lips brushed over his, and Chrissie felt Forrest freeze. She pulled back, giving him a small smile.
“Thank you.”
* * *
Forrest had not expected Chrissie to kiss him. And he felt it all the way down to his toes. She was so soft and sweet, and it took everything in him not to grab her and yank her to him.
She tasted really good. Forrest could easily get lost in that taste.
But that was a bad idea. Really bad.
Swallowing, Forrest put his hands on Chrissie and gently set her away.
“I…you can use Deanne’s room tonight. Up the stairs and second on the left.” He didn’t look at her as he backed away. “Bathroom is across the hall. If you need anything to eat, you can take what you want from the kitchen.”
“Forrest…”
“Goodnight, Chrissie.”
Forrest tried not to run as he left the room, almost tripping over his feet as he went up the stairs. His heart was racing as he went into his room and leaned against the door. Why the hell was he running away like a coward? Why didn’t he just stay and tell her that this couldn’t happen?
Why didn’t you just take what she’s offering?