Page 78 of The Step Dare

“More,” we say in unison, and share a laugh.

Taylor says, “I wanted to say yes when Sadie asked if we’re boyfriends. The guys mentioned it earlier, and it just felt right.”

“Oh fuck yes. I was freaking out. Now that I know that the first time I want to be boyfriends with someone isn’t going to turn into me being rejected, I can breathe.”

Taylor’s brows pull together. “You thought I would reject you?”

“Well, not if you have good taste.”

“I have the best taste.”

“Just so I know I’m getting this right, we’re talking about me, correct?”

Taylor smiles. “Yes, you idiot.”

“I can’t believe you just asked me to be your boyfriend while calling me an idiot,” I tease.

“Pretty sure you’re the one who asked me.”

“I think we asked each other.” I let my hands travel up and down his back, savoring the feel of him. “Our parents…”

“We’ll tell them after the wedding. It’s in a little over a month. They’ll understand, right? They have to.”

“They have to,” I agree, though my stomach is in knots. Our concerns are still the same. Our parents are happy and in love, and we don’t want to do anything to mess that up…but we deserve to be happy too. “I’m scared,” I admit softly—and only because this is Taylor and I can tell him anything.

“That they won’t understand?”

“Yeah, that too, but also…”

My words hang in the air, but I don’t have to finish them. Taylor squeezes me tighter, and I know he knows what I mean. “I’m not going anywhere, Bren.”

“You can’t promise that. My mom didn’t expect to die so soon, but she did, and it broke my dad.”

“I’m sorry. I can’t imagine how much that must’ve hurt both of you. I don’t know how I’d even make it if anything happened to Mom. And you know I’d never want you to do something that scared you, but if something did happen to either of us, I’d rather know I took advantage of every moment I got to have with you while I could.”

I nod, knowing he’s right. I won’t walk away from this because of fear. I want every moment I can have with him. I don’t want to waste any of them.

“So…we’re boyfriends now?” The title makes my heart feel like the stupid thing could float away. And I like it. Too much. So of course I have to act like it’s no big deal. “This will be fun.”

“Be my boyfriend,” Taylor says. “Dare you.”

“Goddamn it! Why didn’t I think to say that?”

“Guess you’re not as good as me.”

“You have your moments,” I reply, feeling happier than I ever have. Now we just have to keep our relationship a secret until after the wedding, and hope all this doesn’t blow up in our faces.

23

Taylor

When the socialwraps up, we help the guys pack up, and it’s a little after eight by the time we’re heading back to our place.

But this time, something’s different.

This time, we’re boyfriends.

Brenner Dean is my boyfriend.

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