Page 42 of Tailored for Them

“Yeah. Let’s go out tonight—if this is what you want.”

Something softened in Taylor’s eyes as they stared at me.

“I want you,” Taylor replied, “More than I have wanted someone ever.”

I bit my bottom lip, and they raised one of their hands to tug it free with their thumb.

I smiled at the touch.

“Okay.”

They gave me a wide smile in return, “Okay.”

Chapter Twelve

NICOLE

Another traitthat made me basic in my ex’s eyes?

I love flowers.

Roses. Lilies. Daffodils. Daisies.

God,especiallydaisies.

Our date wasn’t extravagant; it was simple. Taylor drove us down to Laguna Beach, a few blocks away from where they had rugby practice. We got pizza at a small hole-in-the-wall shop I wouldn’t have noticed had I been exploring on my own and then we got dessert at a gelato shop around the corner. After, because we were both so full, we decided to play tourist and explore all the small shops that were scattered along the Pacific Coast Highway.

It was so laid back and low pressure.

It was perfect.

I was on a bit of a high when we walked by a florist, and I was suddenly hit with the perfume of flowers.

There was a bouquet of yellow daisies. Right there in the front of the shop. Waiting for me.

I tapped Taylor’s arm to let them know I was stopping.

“What is it?” They asked. Their hands were shoved in the pockets of their faded jeans. As they saw me approachthe bouquet outside the little shop, I tried not to feel too embarrassed.

“These are so pretty,” I practically sighed as I traced the perfectly bloomed flower petals. Taylor was quiet as they stood at my side, letting me admire them, “You’re coming with me.” I informed the flowers.

Taylor laughed, “You’re getting them?”

My hackles rose. I tried to relax my shoulders, “I am. I love these.”

My words were firm. Unapologetic. Confident.

“Hell yeah,” Taylor replied.

I grinned before plucking the bouquet from the bucket they resided in and striding through the shop.

Someone else was completing their purchase in front of me, so I waited behind them. The store had a lot of trinkets, lots of touristy magnets and buttons, and things. There were shells, macabre items, candles, and vases filled with sand.

Shops like these are always scattered across the streets in beach towns like this.

When I felt Taylor’s presence beside me, I turned to look up at them, momentarily surprised to see what was in their hands.

“Let me,” Taylor reached into their back pocket with their free hand, pulling out their wallet.

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