Page 43 of Swept Up In You

She’d leave it up to Sam though. While she was pretty damn sure Sam had almost kissed her last night, sober Sam might be a completely different story, and she wasn’t about to be some straight girl’s drunk experiment.

Taylor started making her morning smoothie, her favourite combo of kale, oats, banana and soy milk with a good dusting ofcinnamon, and had just finished pulsing it a second time when she realised her phone was ringing.

She smirked when she saw the name.

“Good morning, Ham.”

“Ugh. I’m never letting Alex make the drink selections ever again. Also, that is a terrible name.”

“You love it.” Taylor grinned, holding the phone between her shoulder and ear as she poured her smoothie out. Belle’s tail started wagging at her feet, hoping for some sort of spillage to end up on the floor.

“So, I’m calling for two things,” Sam continued.

“Uh-huh.”

“First, to apologise for having to look after me. I swear I’m not usually like that.”

“You apologised enough last night. Apology accepted nonetheless, but not necessary.”

“I did?”

“Yeah, you did,” Taylor replied with a soft chuckle. She could almost picture Sam wincing at the other end.

“Sorry—”

“Stop apologising!” she scolded, her voice warm with affection.

“Right.” Sam laughed with a little huff.Could she get any cuter?

“What I’m trying to ask is… can I invite you over for dinner tomorrow night to apologise?”

“Oh. Uh—sure.” That was unexpected. She mentally checked her calendar. “I’m free.”

“Awesome.” She could hear the glee in Sam’s voice. “But it won’t be at my place.”

“It won’t?”

“I want to take you out on Manny. It’s set to be perfect weather for a slow sail out past the marina entrance. Then we can anchor just off the coast to eat.”

If someone had to describe a perfect date to Taylor, this was it. But technically, this wasn’t a date.

“Is that okay?” Sam asked as Taylor realised she’d been fantasising for way too long to answer.

“Of course!” she rushed. “That actually sounds amazing. What can I bring?”

“Nothing. You’ve done more than enough for me already. Just meet at the marina at six.”

“Done. I’ll see you then.”

“Great. Bye Tay,” Sam said, almost shyly.

“Bye Ham.”

“Argh!” was all she heard before she hung up with another chuckle.

She sighed, looking at Belle. “That woman is way too easy to rile up.”

She knelt down to give Belle some proper attention and let the call sink in. Suddenly nervous at the thought of tomorrow, she wondered what the hell she was going to wear. She shot off a quick text to Jess, who usually knew how to help in these situations. She wrapped her arms around Belle, unsure if it was for the dog or for her.

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