Page 104 of Then There Was You

I sit down at the table and pull her onto my lap, my arms wrapped around her.

“Do you want a drink?” I ask in her ear.

“I think we’re going to go and get changed in a minute.”

“How was the spa?”

“Good. The male masseuse was excellent.”

“Oi!” My hands tickle her waist, and she squirms in my lap.

“I’m joking. I’m joking.” She giggles, pushing my hands away.

“No one gets to touch you apart from me,” I say into her ear, my voice husky.

She stills on my lap and turns her head. Her eyes are wide and full of heat, and I’m sure they mirror my own.

“Do you think we could sneak to your office?” she whispers, her gaze dropping to my lips.

I chuckle. “I don’t think so, baby. I think we might be missed.” She pouts, and I laugh. “I’ll make it up to you later.”

“Hey, Taylor,” Paisley shouts from across the table. “Let’s head up to your place and get changed.”

“Okay.” She brushes her lips against mine again before standing up.

I grab her hand. “Don’t be long.”

She smiles. “I won’t.”

“I’ll bring you some drinks up. Wine?”

“Please, except for Sophie. Oh, hang on.” She says something in Paisley’s ear, and I watch as they have a whispered conversation. “Yep, wine for everyone except Sophie. Thanks, babe.”

I smile, knowing she was probably asking Paisley if she was drinking if they’re trying for a baby. I knew Paisley wouldn’t be able to not tell Taylor, just like Nash couldn’t not tell us.

I head to the bar while they go up to Taylor’s apartment. Mom stops at the table with Dad and the others. They’re only staying for one drink before going home. The bar isn’t really their scene.

When I’ve got a bottle of red and a bottle of white wine, along with a soda for Sophie, I make my way upstairs. Taylor left the door on the latch, and I walk into a scene of chaos. Despite there being no one in the living room, it’s littered with clothes, shoes, and purses.

“Drinks delivery,” I call out as I make my way through the living room into the kitchen.

“Be right out,” Taylor shouts as I unload the contents of the tray onto the countertop.

I reach into one of the kitchen drawers, pulling out a corkscrew. “Red or white?” I shout, my back to the living room.

When arms suddenly circle my waist, I smile as Taylor presses her front to my back. Her hands come to rest on my chest, and after putting the corkscrew on the counter, I place my hands over hers.

“Hi,” she mutters into my back.

I squeeze her hand. “Hi.”

We stand in silence for a few seconds, her hands pressed over my heart. When she sighs, I turn around and hold her hands in mine.

“You okay?” I ask, my eyes searching hers. She nods and I frown. “Are you sure?”

Nerves bubble in my stomach as I wait for her answer. Something seems off, but I have no idea what. She was okay downstairs. I’m not sure what’s changed in that time.

“I’m just tired.” She smiles, but it doesn’t quite reach her eyes. “I missed you today.”