Page 15 of Taylor

Taking a deep breath, she pushed away those thoughts. He had kissed her, had left a note saying he liked her, had called her beautiful.

“Hey, Taylor,” she said, surprising herself with how small her own voice sounded.

He set his phone on the table next to him and turned to her with his soft, curious expression she was growing fond of.

“I’m sorry about last night. I think I got in my head and didn’t want to believe... some of the nice things you said about me.”

She still couldn’t bring herself to say them out loud.

He cocked his head. “Why do you think I would lie to you?”

She just shrugged.

He turned to her, but he didn’t close the distance like he had last night, even though she was dying for him, too. All she wanted to do was kiss his handsome face again.

“I know I can often read social situations wrong. I miss cues, and sometimes, the way I intend for things to come out gets all jumbled up. Maybe that’s what happened. So, I’m going to be up front but please know I expect nothing and won’t try anything.I’m a grown man. I can handle it when feelings aren’t returned, and I promise not to make it weird.”

Her heart stopped, and her breath caught in her throat. The only thing she could feel was the faint glimmer of hope her brain was currently trying to stamp out for a million different reasons. But she decided she would believe whatever he said next. Both of them deserved to not be second-guessed.

“I do find you beautiful. I have thought about you so many times since our conversation at the gala. I find you fascinating and...” He paused and licked his lips, and Alice was just about to be set on fire. He cleared his throat. “I’m very attracted to you, but the ball’s in your court now.”

No. Don’t put the ball in my court, she thought frantically. She didn’t know anything about balls or what to do with them... in more than one way.

With a deep breath, she decided to believe him, and it was now or never. And really... What better way to reinvent yourself than a snowed-in tryst with a handsome hockey player?

She wanted to scoot over to his side of the couch and snuggle up. His broad chest looked like it would be the perfect place to rest her head. Their eyes were still connected, and she couldn’t bring herself to break the connection. Maybe she could make first contact.

She licked her lips, just thinking about kissing his. A corner of his mouth quirked up at the sight as he took a deep breath.

He flipped his hand up and rested it on the couch between them, a small encouraging gesture. He wasn’t going to push this, she maybe she should just go for it. If she wanted it, she was going to have to.

Her heart was pounding away in her chest and traced her fingers over his open palm. His rough callouses from years of hockey made her feel safe and protected. But as she slipped her hand into his, he closed his hand around her and made her feelsomething a bit more than safe. Just this small touch had her aching for him.

Her eyes flitted up to his. The look in his eyes lit her up like the Christmas tree. He was devouring her with his gaze. It felt amazing. She had never felt this desired in her whole life. She leaned close, and he leaned in close but making no further move. It was as if time ceased.

Only the moment ended all too soon by her ringing phone. She was tempted to ignore it, but as the moment ended, so did her courage.

“Are you going to get that?”

All she could do was nod as she grabbed her phone off the table.

She answered it without even looking at who it was. That was a mistake.

“Alice, Mom just told me you aren’t coming home for Christmas. Is there anyway you can get out of it?”

“Ummm... I’m sorry,” she said, not knowing what else to say.

The whiplash of emotions was momentarily frying her brain.

Taylor moved away from her, giving her space.

“I just can’t believe you’re not going to be here. The girls will be so sad. What is they have you doing on Christmas?”

“Well, you know, I’ve just been here a few months.” She lied through her teeth. “It’s all a seniority game.”

“I just don’t see why, in this day and age, you couldn’t do whatever you’re doing remotely.”

“I’m kind of busy right now, Isabelle. I’m sorry I can’t make it home. Is there something else you needed?”

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