Page 59

She headed back down, stopping halfway to lean her arms and head on the rail. “Are you sure you still want to take this klutz out on a date tomorrow night?”

It looked like Belle had gone back to looking out the window, and she noticed Taylor had cleaned the kitchen and tidied everything up for her. How is this person so amazing?

Taylor didn’t say anything though, instead she hopped off the stool and walked up the stairs. Sam turned to face her as Taylor laced her fingers through Sam’s and continued walking, pulling her along until they reached the top of the landing. Without taking her eyes off Sam, Taylor gently pushed her against the wall and leaned in, her lips brushing the shell of her ear.

“I would love nothing more than to take you out on that date tomorrow,” Taylor whispered, causing Sam to almost fall in a complete heap right then and there.

She placed the softest of kisses on her mouth and looked back with a smile so full of care italmostmade Sam completely forget she’d been naked mere minutes ago. Then Taylor looked down and chuckled.

Oh no.

Had she forgotten to put on a bra?

“Drop it like it’s yacht?Really?”

“Are you questioning my taste in punny boat shirt paraphernalia?” Sam puffed her chest out, hands on her hips.

“Well, we clearly knowFeeling Nautiis the superior choice here.” Taylor smirked, head tilted before looking down at her own shirt.

“It’s true. I guess it is, well,was, my favourite shirt.” Sam pouted. “I feel like it’s your shirt now,” she mumbled.

“Yeah, you’re not getting this back.” Taylor wrapped her arms around herself. Then she sighed. “As much as I want to stay and continue this right now, I better get going. I still need to grab my board and get Belle home so she can have some food.”

Sam pouted again.

“Put that lip away before I bite it,” Taylor said, poking her in the stomach.

Sam caught her wrist and pulled her back in for one last kiss—searing, but still way too short.

“Fine,” Sam said, twisting Taylor around to head back down the stairs. “But I’m leaving a bookmark right here.”

“Fine with me,” Taylor replied, trotting down the steps.

Chapter Twenty-One

Taylor threw the ball again, and Belle barely waited for it to leave her hand before bolting down the backyard, catching it after one bounce. She brought the ball back in her mouth, tail wagging frantically. Taylor waited, looking at Belle with her hand out until she understood.

At only six months old, almost seven, her pup was learning very quickly. It made Taylor a super proud fur parent. Belle finally controlled her excitement, the slobbery mess of her ball dropping and rolling over to Taylor’s feet.

“Yes! Good girl.” She rewarded her and gave her a scritch behind the ear.

“Wereyoua good girl last night?” Jess said, swinging the screen door open and stepping outside. She had an amused expression on her face as she held up Sam’s—or was it hers now?—Feeling Nautishirt from last night.

“Care to explain how this ended up in the wash again?”

“Uhh yeah. Well I didn’t spill coffee on myself again… but I may have seen Sam naked—BUTnot in a sexual way.” Taylor rushed the last part.

“One Friday night shift for me, and I feel like we have so much to catch up on! I’m putting the kettle on. Fill me in—I want details, woman.”

Taylor whistled to Belle, who was chasing leaves across the yard, all interest lost in the ball. Her ears pricked up, and she shot off towards Taylor, following both of them back in, the screen door slamming shut behind them.

Taylor took a seat on the stool at their kitchen bench, reaching for the cereal box Jess had left on the bench.

“Can you grab me a bowl please?” Taylor asked.

Jess leaned down, passing a bowl over, then switched the kettle on to make herself a tea, and a coffee for Taylor.

“Now, shoot.” She flashed her eyes at Taylor, waiting.