Page 17 of Sharing Shadow Secrets (High Five Novella #6)
“ D id we just cock block you?” Gwen asks, her pitch rising with each word, and I shrug.
“More like make-out blocked me,” I pout.
“He is unbelievably good looking,” Morgan says after taking a sip. “Go you.”
“I can’t believe he kissed me in front of you two,” I say, then wonder if Brandon felt uncomfortable about my roommates not being sober.
“This is the same guy that sent you a kiss emoji before actually kissing you,” Morgan says. “He’s obsessed.”
“We had a great date.”
I still don’t know if he’s, like, physically attracted to me . He barely checked me out.
“But?” Morgan squints at me.
“I know he’s into me … but he has never said I’m pretty or have a great ass or anything.”
“Tell him you need that praise,” Gwen says, walking to the kitchen.
I bite my tongue, blushing a little. Praise kink. Who knew how common it actually is, especially for oldest daughters. She returns with a champagne flute in one hand and the bottle in the other.
“I’m good,” I say.
“Taylor, we are celebrating Morgan’s victory.”
They did celebrate mine. “Okay.”
Gwen fills my flute, and I walk over to Morgan, tapping her glass. “Congratulations on winning the war.” She’s hated her boss since the moment she started working at this company.
“Victory is sweet.” She beams. “Now, tell us everything about your date.”
“Brandon is easy to talk with. He’s interesting. More grounded than other rich kids. Sober, which I don’t know. He seems solid, but that’s a pretty big thing for me to take on if we get serious.”
“You are obsessed with him too!” Gwen says. “You never talk about getting serious with someone.”
I take a sip, considering that. But now’s not the time for a boyfriend. I need to get more business so I can pay the rent and my new fucking expensive health insurance.
My phone lights up, and it’s a text from Brandon.
Brandon
What are you up to the next couple of days? Do we have to wait until Monday to hang?
Taylor
I need to get a meeting with Nicholas on the books to pitch my concept for the Halloween pop up. Plus, I need to go to some networking events in hopes of finding new clients. But I don’t have any solid plans for the weekend. I typically do yoga on Saturday mornings and then grocery shop.
Brandon
Could I join you for yoga and then take you out for brunch after?
I look up from my phone, staring at my roommates. “He’s trying to bump up our next date.”
“Obsessed,” Gwen says, then takes another sip.
Smiling, I like it, feeling wanted like this.
Taylor
The Saturday class usually fills up, so book now.
I send him the link to sign up, considering when I was last excited about a guy. It’s been a while. That guy. He was amazing until he said, “You know, you would have the perfect body if you lost fifteen pounds.”
Brandon
Booked.
I shouldn’t project my insecurity onto Brandon. He’s eager. He is being nothing but great.
Taylor
Have you done yoga before?
Brandon
I used to do it four times a week, but I’m training for a triathlon so I am doing more swimming and biking these days.
Taylor
Endurance. Sexy.
Brandon
Flexibility. Sexy.
I giggle, excited to see him again.
Taylor
We’ll be gross after class. What do you think about showering at the studio? Then brunch?
Brandon
Whatever you want.
Taylor
I don’t want to be smelling nasty, so let’s shower after class and then go. There is a brunch spot down the street I like too.
Brandon
Cool. Looking forward to it.
Taylor
See you then!