Page 41 of Tailored for Them

Taylor paused, raising an eyebrow at me in the mirror, “…Okay…”

Fuck. I just ruined this.

“…Can we go on a date first?”

I closed the toilet lid and sat down, resting my elbows on my legs, hiding my burning cheeks in my hands, “I don’t know why I said that. I’m so sorry. That’s not—I mean. It’s not wrong. But I’m not proposing to you right now.”

“Don’t apologize.” Taylor shook their head at me before crouching in front of me and clasping my wrists in their hands. They slowly removed my hands from my face and looked at me.

“It’s just—Colleen would argue that it isn’t super feminist of me. I mean, marriage isn’t the most logical route nowadays unless you’re looking for some underwhelming tax benefits,” I tried to explain, “But I’m a romantic. This is the first time I’ve jumped into a sexual relationship without definingthe expectations first. I’ve loved the idea of growing old with someone since it, you know, became a possibility...”

Taylor nodded, letting me ramble at them as I struggled to gather my thoughts.

I inhaled a deep breath, forcing myself to be brave and say what I was thinking.

“…But I know that’s not really how you function…”

It was quiet for a moment.

Then, Taylor pulled at my wrists, tugging me off the toilet and into their lap. My legs naturally wrapped around them as they leaned back on their heels. My butt rested on their thighs as they wrapped their arms around my waist.

“That’s not how I’ve done things in the past,” Taylor murmured against my hair, “But…I’m allowed to change my mind.”

I froze in their hug, trying to remember to breathe, “Oh.”

“Also,” Taylor leaned back at me and gave me a disbelieving look, “You can love the idea of marriage and still be a feminist. Do you think everyone should get married? That they won’t be happy until they do?”

I frowned at them, “No. That’s just what I want for me.”

Taylor nodded, “Then you’re still a feminist. You believe women should make that choice for themselves. But can I tell you something?” They released their hold on my waist to cup both of my cheeks in their palms. Their thumbs brushed against my cheeks, “I still want to go on a date with you. Get to know you better.”

I sighed, “But—that’s my point—if you’re not interested in anything long term—”

“I am.” Taylor interrupted me.

I slammed my lips closed.

My heart stopped.

Did I hear them right?

“You—you are?”

Taylor sighed, adjusting their hold on me.

“You’re right. I haven’t been interested in anything long term…beforeyou,” Taylor explained while a light pink stained their cheeks, “But with you…I don’t know. Maybe I should spiral about this more. Maybe I’m rushing into things as someone who has operated as aromantic for most of their life. But this is also how I’vealwaysoperated. I realize I want something, and if it feels right in my gut, I go for it.”

I widened my eyes at that.

Clearing my throat, I asked, “And what do you want…?”

“I like you, Nicole,” Taylor replied with a smirk, “Like,reallylike you. So much so that I’m selfishly glad your ex cheated on you because then I had a chance to show you how you should be treated. I want to show you what you deserve. I want todateyou. When I’m not with you, I am counting down the days until I can be with you again. So,” They pecked my lips once, quickly. “Knowing where I stand, what my intentions are…can I take you out tonight?”

I could hear my heartbeat in my ears.

Feel it in my neck and in my wrists.

I nodded but also decided I should clarify with words.

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