Page 98 of Forgotten Comeback

Chapter

Thirty-Eight

Gavin

My teeth are on edge, my palms sweaty as we pull up to the building. I’m second-guessing myself, and I never second-guess myself.

Taylor McKenna continues to do dumb shit to my head.

“You alright?” Taylor eyes me.

“Yeah.” I park and hop out, sliding around the front of the car and opening her door. She accepts my hand this time, which does more of that dumb shit to my head.

“This street has a nice vibe,” Taylor comments as I usher her through the door. “Oooh, I love the old building.”

“Glad to hear it.” I fumble with the key, finally getting the door unlocked. Ushering her inside, I flip on the light and hold my breath.

Taylor silently walks around the studio space, taking in the empty frames where her artwork will go.

“Front part’s your gallery. The back part’s your studio.” I cross the room, sliding open the industrial doors. Havingscoped out her art supplies at the condo, I tried to get her everything she’ll need. “These close if you want to keep the space separate…” I trail off because she’s silent.

“There’s no way I can afford the rent starting,” she says quietly.

Taylor’s not getting it.

Taking her hand, I lead her through the back and to the private stairs. She silently follows me as we reach the landing, and now, I’m breaking out in a cold sweat as I unlock the door.

Allowing her to enter first, I watch her guarded reaction. “This is your new place. No rent,” I explain.

Her mouth silently opens and then closes.

A first for this woman.

“As you pointed out, I blew up your house,” I continue. “So I figure you take this place, and we’re even.”

Taylor silently explores the living room. The framed photo of her and her grandma snags her attention, and she grabs it. The pic I snapped from my stalking came in handy, as I was able to print it.

Placing the frame back down, she examines the rest of the apartment without a word, and I trail behind her like a little puppy. The silence becomes unbearable, and my hands fall to the top of my head. “If you hate it, say so. But dammit, say something!”

She surprises me by crossing the room and wrapping her arms around my neck. “I love it.” Standing on her tiptoes, she peppers my lips with kisses.

“Yeah?” I say against her lips.

“Yeah.” Taylor breathes.

“Why don’t you get on your knees and show me how much you love it?” I suggest.

“And then you have to go ruining the moment.” Taylor smacks my chest.

I chuckle. “If you don’t like the furniture, tell me, and we can go shopping and get whatever.”

“You’d take me furniture shopping?” she asks dubiously.

“Why wouldn’t I?” Zero experience, but I figure that’s a boyfriend thing to do.

Her eyes narrow. “I swear to God, if you ghost me tomorrow, I’m going to be pissed.”

“Actions, not words. Let me prove myself,” I argue.