Page 98 of Take Care, Taylor
“I talked to you on the phone four days ago.”
“Don’t you think that’s kind of a long time to go without talking to someone you like?”
“I…” I took another sip, and he laughed.
“Sorry if I’m coming off strong,” he said. “I just really like you, and I think we have a shit ton in common. You’re literally the most beautiful woman I’ve ever met.”
“That’s very sweet of you to say.”
“It’s the truth.” He wrapped his arm around my shoulder. “Let me guess, you’re still getting over your last boyfriend?”
“No.” I shook my head. “He wasn’t my boyfriend.”
“Good to know,” he said. “If you don’t mind me asking… what was he, then?”
“At this point, I honestly don’t know.” I cleared my throat, desperate to change the subject. “Do you want to hang out tonight?”
“Yeah, I was about to ask if?—”
“Get your hands off my girlfriend.”
Taylor’s deep voice made the entire café fall silent.
I looked up—and every beat in my chest tripped over the next.
“Who the hell are you?” Jordan scoffed.
“Someone who’s not interested in repeating himself.” Taylor glared at him. “Get your goddamn hands off her. She’s taken.”
“Funny.” Jordan tightened his grip around me. “She’s never mentioned anything about that to me.”
“Because she knew I would tell you.”
“Taylor…” I shook my head. “Taylor, please don’t?—”
“What?” His eyes met mine. “Tell him the truth?”
I swallowed as Jordan glanced between us, but he didn’t let go.
“A few weeks ago, she was in my bed and in my arms,” Taylor said, his voice low. “And years before that—ever since we were in middle school—she’s been mine. So feel free to bow out of a losing game whenever you realize you’re temporary and I’m permanent.”
“I thought you said you didn’t have a boyfriend, Audrey.” Jordan glared at me. “What the hell is this asshole talking about?”
“I…” I looked at Taylor, then back at Jordan. “I can explain.”
“Then hurry the fuck up.” He moved his arm away. “Have you been leading me on since we met? Using me to make him jealous or something?”
“No.” I shook my head. “It’s?—”
“I hope you haven’t been wasting my goddamn time.” He glared. “Because if you have?—”
“You won’t do shit.” Taylor stepped between us. “You can leave now.”
“Fuck you, Audrey.” Jordan hissed, stepping back. “Delete my fucking number.”
He stormed off as the patrons watched in silence. Some pulled out their phones, and I could tell they recognized who he was—that we were seconds away from being onTMZ Sportsand every gossip blog in the country.
Not wanting to give them any more of a show, I whispered to Taylor, “Can we talk outside?”
