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

Everything changed after that night in LA.

The admission we both made was raw, in the moment, but nevertheless, the truth. We were fighting the same battle against our emotions and finally gave up—the force too strong.

We’d become addicted to one thing—each other.

With this came the challenge of holding together our relationship while trying to hide it from those close to us. Being in LA in the presence of Lex and Charlie was too hard.

We tried our best to remain amicable without the stolen glances, but it all became too much when Charlie insisted we spend time together as a family.

I’ve always respected Charlie, thought of her like my own mother, which makes the deceit harder to control. I’ve allowed myself to take their daughter under their roof, but resisting Amelia is futile. She has this hold over me, one that consumes me whole.

Work needs attention, and thankfully, Lex doesn’t question my desire to fly back to New York. He knows the importance of closing some deals we’ve been trying to finalize, so I fly back the next night, eager for some normality.

Amelia follows two days later, using some excuse of trying to catch up on studying before New Year’s with the hope to gain some additional class credits. Our reasons, while somewhat valid, are all in an effort to be alone.

The days when we returned, we spend most of the time in my apartment in bed because I can’t get enough. I should’ve been working, and while I tried to pull my laptop out on several occasions, her body proves too much of a distraction.

“Do you realize we have been in bed for two days?” Amelia lazily mumbles in the pillow. “Why is there no search party for me?”

“Because you made up some pretty sweet lies,” I remind her with a smirk, trying to type an email to some moron in London. “And besides, it’s not like I’m holding you captive.”

She snorts before shuffling her face to the side. “I quote, ‘I’m holding you captive,’ end quote. I believe those exact words left your lips yesterday morning when I arrived here.”

Distracted once again, I slam my laptop shut and run my fingers along the curves of her spine. Her skin is smooth, flawless even. Just a simple touch, and I find myself hard, again.

“Are you complaining about the multiple orgasms you’ve received over the last day?”

With a wide grin, she turns around, her tits exposed, making me groan at the beautiful sight. They’re fucking perfect.

“Now, why would I complain about that? If anything, I’d encourage you to continue to make me come as you please.”

I climb on top of her, kissing her deeply before entering her without warning. Her back arches, her chest at my complete disposal as I tug on her nipples and suck them softly. She winces slightly, only because I ravaged them last night while fucking her in the shower.

Her moans become an addiction, a beautiful sound I’m desperate to hear each time my hands touch her skin. It doesn’t take us long before we both end on a complete high.

“That was…” she stammers, out of breath.

“Breathtaking?” I laugh, kissing the side of her neck.

“Amongst many things.”

“So, listen, I have to go into the office to get some work done,” I tell her, looking at the time. “You’re welcome to stay here, naked.”

“Nice offer. I’m going to head back to my parents’ place. I need some new clothes to change into. A few friends want to catch up tonight for dinner.”

I still my movements. “Which friends?”

“Girlfriends, you jealous freak. Well, tiny lie. Andy and girlfriends.”

“I never said I was jealous.”

“Uh-huh…” She nods with a knowing smirk. “By the way, we haven’t spoken about tomorrow night. I mean, that’s if you want to do something, or is the Boston thing true?”

Tomorrow night is New Year’s Eve. I don’t want to break it to her that Boston is, in fact, true. I’ll need to leave early to make it back here before midnight.

“There’s something I want to do with you,” I tell her teasingly.

“Is it dirty?”

“It depends on where you’re standing?”

“Huh?”

I kiss her lips, tasting her once again. “Come back here tonight, please?”

“It’ll be late,” she informs me.

“That’s okay. You know I barely sleep.”

Hopping out of bed, I find appropriate pants and a business shirt to wear. Once I’m dressed, I lean in to kiss her one more time before heading to the office.

As I sit at my desk, my fingers tap against the glass tabletop while I try to concentrate.

My mind begins to drift, and I find myself opening Insta and scrolling through Amelia’s photos. With the smiles and laughter, a typical young woman is living her life. Am I selfish for holding her back? I remember all the years I spent in college, the careless behavior, and the wicked parties. For me, not being in a relationship meant I could study and party. There was no one to occupy my time or fight for attention. This gave me the ability to dream big and complete my Master’s in Business.

This is her time to experience all that.

Our lives are at completely different stages, yet somehow, it almost feels like our worlds are the same, and that alone terrifies me. Whichever way I look at us, someone will have to make the ultimate sacrifice.

My phone buzzes. Lex’s name appears on the screen, demanding attention.

“Lex,” I greet.

“McGuire tells me he’s still waiting on you to send across the proposal?”

“Yes.” I clear my throat, stretching my neck to ease the tension. “I’m on it.”

“Well, get on it faster. You don’t want him to look elsewhere. I thought you were sending this last night?” Lex stresses with an agitated tone. “Is there something you’re not telling me?”

“I’m trying to play catch-up, that’s all, Lex.” I strain, biting my tongue not to give anything away. “He’ll have it in an hour.”

Lex doesn’t say another word, hanging up the phone. Fuck. I’ve riled the beast. I’ve witnessed Lex on the warpath, and it’s not pleasant.

I tell my new secretary, Heather, to hold all my calls and bring me some coffee so I can power through this. Exactly an hour later, I’m beyond done, sending across the email to McGuire with a follow-up phone call. By the time it ends, night has fallen, and I want nothing more than to forget this day existed.

As I enter my apartment, not a single sound can be heard, the outside noise disappearing the moment I step inside. Suddenly, this apartment feels incredibly lonely. I can almost hear the echo of Amelia’s laughter, only to realize she’s not here.

There’s nothing to do besides continue to work. I sit on the couch with my laptop, answering an email from some fucker trying to sell me something I’m not interested in. There are a few emails from Lex, some of which I answer because I can, but even he’s getting on my nerves with his ridiculous demands.

I check the time, noting it’s after midnight. There’s no text message from Amelia. I think about sending her a text but talk myself out of it. The worry turns into jealousy once again, and I find myself stalking her stories like a fucking maniac. There are many images of food and them sitting in a restaurant with the only male being Andy.

Feeling somewhat relieved, I grab a drink from the liquor cabinet and pour myself a glass, welcoming the taste of the smoky whisky to ease the tension I’ve been feeling all day.

Another hour passes before the door opens, and Amelia stumbles through, dressed in a navy blue tight-fitting dress and oversized white winter jacket. Her camel-colored boots touch her knee, exposing her thighs more than I’d prefer.

There’s a cheeky smile on her face, and the glassy eyes tell me she’s been drinking. It only validates my concerns, but I keep my opinion to myself, not wanting to get into an argument now.

She sits on my lap, wrapping her arms around my neck. I close my eyes briefly, inhaling the smell of her perfume and burying my head in her neck, allowing her hair to fall gracefully against my face.

“I missed you,” I murmur.

I lean back on the sofa to get a better look at her, still in my work clothes, as she begins to unbutton my dress shirt. I graze my hand along her thigh, knowing that every touch makes it harder to pull away. She runs her hands along my chest before placing soft kisses along my collarbone.

“I love you,” she utters, followed by a small hiccup. “I love you, William Rockford Romano.”

My body freezes as she says the words. But slowly, her tiny snores fall between us. I shut my eyes tight, just for a moment, begging myself to ignore the three words attempting to break down all my walls.

Three words that change everything between us.

I carry her to the bedroom, laying her on the bed, removing her coat and shoes with incredible difficulty. She’s dead asleep, so I place the blanket over her and head to the shower to get changed for bed.

With only three hours of sleep, the morning light hasn’t even risen as I’m sitting on the edge of the bed dressed in my suit with the car service waiting downstairs.

“Amelia,” I say softly. “I have to go.”

She begins to stir, her eyes opening a few seconds later. “Go? Go where? What time is it?”

“Shh, sleep. It’s early.”

“But…what time is it?”

“Early,” I state, letting out a sigh. “I need to fly to Boston today, but I’ll be back tonight.”

“Boston? But it’s New Year’s Eve.”

“Yes.” I kiss her lips, pulling away and ignoring the pang inside my chest for leaving her. “I’ll see you tonight.”

I begin to walk out of the door when she calls my name, forcing me to turn around.

“Will,” she repeats, biting her lip as if she’s nervous or hiding something. “Have a safe flight.”

The meetings in Boston carried on longer than necessary. The boring old fuckers had nothing better to do than bring up irrelevant numbers from the past like I give a fuck. After that ended, there was a small event being held at an expensive restaurant in the city. I agreed to make a brief appearance, telling them I had plans back in the city and needed to be on the six o’clock flight back to JFK.

None of them seem to care, nor listen, offering me drink after drink until I politely tell them I have to leave.

“Mr. Romano.”

My name is called, and as I turn around, it’s none other than Juliette Olivier, a French woman I slept with after my break-up with Luciana.

Juliette is draped in a gold cocktail dress, a split running up her leg, stopping mid-thigh. She’s just as sexy as I remember and, and most likely, just as cunning.

She kisses both my cheeks, then pulls away with a deep stare.

“It’s been a while,” she says, unapologetic with her flirtatious smile. “I see you’re alone.”

“I was just leaving,” I tell her politely. “A flight back to New York.”

“Well, that’s a shame.” She places her hand on my shoulder, then leans in and whispers, “I’d hate to be alone tonight. Perhaps, you should join me?”

I pull away, pursing my lips. “As I said, I have to go. It was nice seeing you, Juliette.”

I swiftly walk out of the room and outside to catch a cab to the airport with my hands in my pocket. I quickly send Amelia a text letting her know I’m on my way home.

Me: I’m about to board my flight. See you soon.

Amelia: See you soon xx

My flight was delayed, something about mechanical failure, making it arrive at JFK just after ten. As the driver takes me home, I send Amelia another text.

Me: I’m sorry, my flight was delayed. Be there soon.

Amelia: K

Judging by the response, I suspect Amelia is less than pleased. It’s just clocked over to eleven when I enter the apartment. She’s sitting on the couch, dressed beautifully in an emerald- green dress accentuated with intricate beading. The garment is long, touching the floor, all of which makes her appear more mature than the short dresses she normally wears. With her legs crossed, her eyes fixate on the wall with a disappointed gleam in her eyes.

“I’m sorry for being late.”

I lean in to kiss her, but she pulls back.

“Is this how it’s going to be from now on?”

“Amelia,” I warn her gently.

“No, Will.” She raises her palm to stop me, standing up to create distance between us. “All I do is wait around for you. It’s always about work.”

“Of course, it’s about work,” I shout, tired, trying to unknot my tie. “What do you want me to do? Drop everything for you?”

She shakes her head, then lowers her eyes to the ground. “This will never change, will it?”

“I don’t know how you want me to answer that.”

“And on top of that, I don’t know how long I can go on hiding all this. It’s exhausting!”

She’s out of control, but I feel her frustration. We’re both caught up in this perfect storm, and it’s only a matter of time before the sneaking around grows tiresome, and we crave normality.

“I have an idea.” I grab her hand forcefully. “Let’s go.”

“Where?” she questions, annoyed at the way I grip her hand tight, refusing to let go. “And we haven’t finished talking.”

With her hand still in mine, I drag her from the apartment, yanking our coats from the coat rack, and run out onto the street. The cold night air is a slap in the face, unrelenting with its chill.

The sound of horns and sirens greet us as usual. Tonight, out of all nights, people are generally less patient on the streets. If we move quickly, we just might make it before midnight, only if the crowds work in our favor.

It’s not uncommon for the city to be chaotic on New Year’s Eve, but I’ve been here so often to learn a few tricks. Darting in and out of the crowds congregating at Times Square, I find us a spot to stand still.

“Will, it’s so crowded,” Amelia yells over the noise. “Why are we here?”

I pull her into me, tilting my head to whisper in her ear. “It’s almost midnight, and this is the busiest place in the world. Everyone can see us at this moment. No hiding, it’s just you and me, baby.”

Slowly, she pulls away as her mouth curves to a smile. With her hands around my neck, the crowd begins to countdown as we chant along with them.

“Five, four, three, two, one…”

The ball drops as everyone shouts, “Happy New Year.” A burst of light falls all around us, loud music playing. Surrounding us, people hug and kiss, but all I can do is stare into the eyes of this beautiful woman I want to call mine.

Forever.

And then, in front of thousands of people, and quite possibly the world via the lens, we passionately kiss for everyone to see. Our tongues roll softly, perfectly in sync, and as we both pull away, my heart is bursting with happiness to be able to share this moment with her.

“Last night, I know I was drunk, but I meant what I said.”

“Amelia,” I say softly. “Please don’t feel like you need to justify drunk talk.”

“No, Will. Please just let me say it, here, in front of the world.”

I stare into her eyes, and with this stare, I can almost see her bare her soul. All her walls have broken down, and in the reflection, all I see is the two of us.

“I’m in love with you. You don’t need to say anything. In fact, it would be easier if you don’t.”

“I don’t know what to say,” I admit, scared to process the very thought.

“Say nothing, please. It was just something I need to do.”

I don’t say anything, unsure of how much this will change us. Instead, I hold onto her tight, then follow with cupping her chin as I lay another kiss on her lips.

We walk together, holding hands, back to my building.

Inside the apartment, the air is warm unlike the harsh cold outside. I waste no time and strip her naked, kissing her shoulder before I hesitate.

My eyes are drawn to every curve, to how perfect she is in my bed, and how this is how I always want it to be. As I stare into her eyes, my whole life flashes before me. Our bond started well before she stepped into my office. It started only minutes after she entered this world.

And in so many ways, that’s what terrifies me the most—she’s always been the one and may possibly only ever be the one.

I can’t see a future without her in it.

And to even think of one existing without her in my arms sets a knife-wielding pain like a dagger straight into my heart.

“Amelia,” I breathe, caressing her cheek while watching her emerald-green eyes gaze back at me with hope.

“Yes?”

Leaning forward, my lips brush against hers, soft and gentle, intended to make our hearts beat in sync to this memorable moment. I want it to be more than just words. It’s the beginning of something beautiful, something I never knew I wanted but can’t live without.

I fell well before this moment, careless to admit the truth.

“I’m in love with you, Amelia Edwards,” I admit, gazing into her eyes. “And no one will stop us from being together. I promise you this.”

Her eyes beg me to take her, and as I lay her down on the bed about to make sweet love to her, she places her palm on my chest, directly on top of my beating heart.

“You’ve always been mine, Will Romano,” she whispers with a smile. “Our bond is too tight for us to think we could be nothing.”

I kiss the tips of her fingers, letting out a sigh. “I’ve got all night to show you just how much I love you.”

With a soft chuckle, she positions herself perfectly, spreading her legs, ready for me to enter. “And I’m all yours, baby. However, way you want me.”

I bury my head into her neck and slowly enter her. “I want you in every way possible,” I murmur, relishing in her soft moans as I move at a slow and agonizing pace. “You’re all mine, Miss Edwards.”

And we continue to make love all night. I devour every inch of her body, switching from our soft lovemaking to our heated fucking on the countertop. We move in various positions to multiple locations within my apartment. We are creative in our efforts, and never have I ever been so aroused in my life where nothing else matters. I expect relief once I come or she comes. But then it starts all over again.

When she spreads her ass wide for me against the window, I take the opportunity to slide into her perfect ass hole and completely own every part of her.

And then—we’re done. Collapsing on the bed, I hold onto her as she rests her head on my chest.

“Happy New Year,” she barely manages to get out. “They say how you bring in the new year is a reflection of the luck you’ll have for the year.”

I kiss the top of her head and with a small chuckle, return the sentiment.

“Happy New Year, beautiful. And I’ll be a very lucky man if that’s what I have to look forward to for the year.”

“Or for the rest of your life,” she whispers, sealing her words with a kiss.