Page 49 of Worth the Risk

“Obviously,” I mutter around a bite.

“Then let out this little mantrum thing you’re dealing with and go back to being her friend. That’s what she needs right now. Even if it makes you jealous, she did just end a five-year relationship, and even if she’s over him, that doesn’t mean she’s ready to move on with you.”

“I’m very aware of that; she made it clear. And despite yesterday, I’m not a complete fucking moron. But at the moment, I’m still frustrated with her, even if it’s selfish or irrational, so please just keep it to yourself.”

“Fine.” She holds her hands up for a second before reaching into the box for another donut. “All I’m saying is, you’ve been pining for her for five years; meanwhile, she had to put that on the back burner to commit to someone else so give her time to catch up.”

“She sure seemed caught up yesterday.”

“You ever thought about flirting with her? Maybe wooing her a bit before you stuck your tongue down her throat? Us women,” she says, sarcasm heavy in her tone, “really like that.”

“So besides giving me more unsolicited wisdom, is there any other reason you’re still sitting at my kitchen island?”

Her sheepish grin gives her away. “Um.” She puts the rest of her donut down and wipes her hands. “Well, I was actually wondering if your new lawyer Miguel was single?”

“Oh.” I’m actually surprised at her request. “What happened with the ex? Operationget him backor whatever you nicknamed it.”

“Nothing.” She shrugs. “I just came to the realization that I wasn’t going to wait around for someone to want me back when and how I wanted them.”

“Now, wait a minute.” My shoulders sag. “How is that any different from the situation I’m in, but you told me to take my head out of my ass and get over it?”

“Not the same at all. Cameron had all of me and chose to walk away. You are in love with a woman you’ve done nothing but obsess over for the last five years without ever telling her.”

“Okay, obsess is a bit much.”

“Whatever. It’s not the same, but either way, I’m making this decision for me. You have to do what’s best for you. And if that is you deciding that you want to walk away and not wait for her to be ready for you, if she ever is, then yeah, I wouldn’t fault you.”

“If she ever is?” I shake my head. “You really know how to fuck up my entire day, you know that?”

“Can I get Miguel’s number or not?”

“I knew you came over for something else.” I laugh, scrolling through my phone until I find his number, then I send it to her. “Don’t be fucking weird about it though; he works for me now.”

“Oh, you mean don’t be weird like in the way you were when you stuck your tongue down his actual boss’ throat on the court in front of all of us?”

“You can leave now,” I say as I toss my now empty coffee cup into the trash and start to walk toward the stairs. “Feel free to let yourself out. I’m going back to bed.”

I hear her shout asee yathrough her laughter before the elevator dings as I make my way back upstairs. I flop on my bed, my head still pounding and that sugary donut now adding to my soured stomach.

It’s not just the remnants of my hangover that’s making my stomach upset. It’s the reality that I really did fuck up with Taylor.

That stupid kiss in her office… I thought for sure it would be the turning point in our relationship. I know she felt what I felt. Saw in my eyes what I saw in hers—relief.

Relief that we no longer have to deny this raging desire that’s been building inside us over the last five years.

But she’s not ready. Not ready to accept her feelings. Not ready to accept that not just me but she and I are worth the risk.

“Shit.” I drag my hand over my face, letting it linger over my eyes for a brief moment, giving me relief from the sun that’s streaming through a crack in my drapes.

Sitting up, I grab my phone, navigating to my text thread with Taylor, and type out what needs to be said before hitting send.

She might not be ready to accept what I already know, but I’m going to make it damn near impossible for her to ignore it.

CHAPTER 15

Taylor

I’m almost there. My back arches off my bed, the sheets balled in my fist as I adjust my vibrator.

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