Legend of the Forbidden by J. F. Jenkins Page A

magic. Yet there was a new kind of spark, and it came from inside his gut. When he'd locked lips with Maya, he'd felt nothing but confusion and disgust. Kissing Dani, on the other hand, was enticing. It felt a lot like how he had always imagined a kiss was supposed to feel. There was tenderness and excitement. Her soft lips were inviting and left him wanting more.
    He sighed before pulling away from her. “That's an unexpected surprise.”
    â€œIt's what I'd hoped to feel,” she whispered. “From here, we have to make sure everyone understands what's happening. About Tyson, I mean, and then we can work on exploring our feelings.”
    â€œSounds about as good of a plan as any. I’ll talk with my parents too. They should know what's going on just as much as anyone else,” he said.
    â€œI'm not sure who I should tell first. My parents or Lord Bolton.”
    Ethan held one of her hands in both of his. “You'll want their support when you tell him. In fact, I'm pretty sure you'll need it. The guy sounds a little unbalanced.”
    She leaned up and kissed his cheek. “You're right. This feels too surreal!”
    He laughed. “Tell me about it. What a crazy birthday vacation.” He almost asked her to pinch him, but he didn't want to risk waking up.

 
Chapter Twenty-Four
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    Telling her parents wasn't going to be easy. Dani knew she had to go about it a certain way or they might not accept it. Which meant she had to start with her father and have him help be a buffer for her mom. Chances were he would understand it a lot more easily than she would. He had a tendency to listen better. Her mom liked to get hung up on the wrong details. She wouldn't understand why Dani didn't want to marry Tyson. Too often the young couple's relationship was compared to that of Dani's parents. Two childhood best friends who eventually found love. It would be Dani's story, just not with Tyson.
    Late, when all of her brothers were asleep, her mother was getting ready for bed herself, and all of the house guests were occupied, Dani went to find her father. He was in his office, painting a ceramic figurine he had made. Later it would no doubt be fired in a kiln. A hobby he'd picked up while exiled. It gave him something to do, and every so often he would sell his art in town.
    â€œYes, dear?” he asked, and put his brush down, smiling at her.
    Dani moved behind him and hugged him around his neck. “So I have some big news for you.” She didn't know how else to bring it up. Hopefully if she tried to make it sound exciting and interesting, he'd share in her happiness instead of lecture her.
    He sniffed her. “You're not pregnant, and I'm all out of other guesses.”
    â€œI hope you're just joking there. Honestly, pregnant? Do you think I'm some kind of a hussy,” she teased, and kissed his cheek. “Tyson and I are calling things off.”
    His body stiffened for a moment. “You're sure this is something you want to do? Have you guys thought about it? Really thought about it?”
    â€œYes, we have. And I'm going to need your help when telling Lord Bolton and Lord Oliver.”
    â€œYour grandfather is going to understand, Dani, and you should know he would never force you into something you believed strongly against. He loves you. His main goal right now is to see you in a good relationship and probably use it as an example of the great things one can accomplish in it. But he might not understand why you feel you can't have one of those with someone who is your friend.”
    â€œDaddy, we tried to be romantic, and it was disgusting. I don't think I could have his children if I feel like that,” she said, and kept her firm gaze on him. Hard to do because he frowned with a rather deep and furrowed brow. “We only kissed,” she added.
    His jaw clenched for a moment, and then he relaxed. “It's better you find out now if you're compatible in that