Page 57 of Swept Up In You

“What?” Sam played it off. “I figured that was practically your shirt now, so you might as well wear it again.”Plusit looked unfairly good on Taylor, so why wouldn’t she want her to wear it again? Taylor sauntered—yes,sauntered—over to her, playing up to the shirt’s name in earnest.

“Ooo, what’s the chef making this time?” Taylor pulled up a stool on the other side of the kitchen bench.

“Nothing too fancy. It’s just spicy chicken and mayo sandwiches. I forgot to check—any allergies? Shit, do you even like chilli?” Sam winced.

“I like spice, as long as I can still taste the food, that’s hot enough.” She leaned forward and stole a piece of chicken out of the container. “And Iloverotisserie chicken.”

“Me. Too.” Sam sliced the sandwiches into triangles, licking a stray dollop of mayonnaise off her finger, and slid a plate across to Taylor.

Taylor took a bite as Sam sat down next to her at the kitchen island.

“Jesus Christ, woman! Are you some sort of food magician?”

Belle jumped up at the outburst, running over at the discovery of food being served. Sam just smiled into her bite.

“Good then?” asked Sam, around a mouthful of food.

“Uh, yeah. Why does it taste so good?”

“Mayo and chilli crisp.” Sam held up crossed fingers. “A match made in heaven.”

“You’re telling me. None for you, Bel Bel.” She took another bite. “Too spicy for your butt butt.” Belle whined and tippy-tapped her feet, persistent.

Sam leaned over the counter and fished out a plain piece of chicken. “This okay to give her?”

“Sure. Make her sit first. We’re all about manners.” Taylor smiled down at her pup.

“Sit,” Sam instructed. Belle sat, catching the chicken mid-air when Sam threw it down to her. “Good girl!”

Taylor leaned on the bench, watching them with a soft smile. “So, question—are you free tomorrow night?”

“Mmmyes. Why?”

“I was thinking maybe I could take you out on an official date?”

Sam felt the smile spread across her face. “I think I’d like that.”

Taylor leaned forward, her eyes dropping to Sam’s lips. “Good. Pick you up at seven?” she almost whispered.

“Great,” Sam replied, her eyes not straying from Taylor’s mouth as she felt herself pulled in.

“Knock, knock!” came her dad’s voice as he let himself in the front door.

She jumped back in her seat, her heart skyrocketing to her chest. She caught a mirror image of Taylor doing the same as her dad waltzed in then looked up.

“Oh, sorry, I didn’t know you had a friend over,” he said, looking between them.

Sam’s eyes landed on a folder under his arm as Belle trotted over to give him a sniff, wagging her tail. “And who’s this?” He knelt down to pat her.

“That’s Belle, Taylor’s dog. Dad, this is Taylor Scott, who’s been helping me on my boat. You’ve probably served her in the shop.” Taylor gave a small wave. “Taylor, this is officially my dad, Matt.”

“Officially, nice to meet you Matt,” Taylor said, bobbing her head as she fiddled with her hands in her lap and swung on the stool.

“You too. That’s right, you ordered the parts for Larry.”

“That’s me!”

He smiled at Taylor, then looked back to Sam. “Sorry to interrupt you ladies, but, uh, Sam, can we chat for a minute?” he asked, giving hera look.

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