Page 11

11

Taylor

I t’s been one week since we left California, and while Elias and I were supposed to end things—hey, we no longer need to pretend—we haven’t quite been able to cut things off. Meaning, I’ve been sneaking into his room at night and vice versa. We are, of course, careful around my brother, but I think I’m sort of addicted to sex. Or maybe I’m just addicted to Elias, and that of course isn’t great.

Speaking of my brother.

Here I am on stage at the local community theater, where we just finished performing Love Unbound, and he’s in the audience ready to win Sahara back after their Thanksgiving fiasco.

“Stand right here,” I order Sahara, after the show, and with the curtain drawn. I’m pretending I need to run lines, but she’s in for a big surprise. As she helps me, the curtain opens and she gasps when she sees her family and friends in the audience. I move off stage as my brother takes my place and spills his heart out to Sahara.

A movement behind me catches my attention and I turn to find Elias. God, what is it about his presence that just fills me up with warmth and happiness? “Hey,” he whispers into my ear. I turn to him, and put my hand on his chest, just needing the intimate contact. “You did good, T.”

“I couldn’t have done it without your help,” I tell him. He was the one who helped get hotels for Sahara’s family, my dad and Miles, and he also did a lot of the driving.

He lightly nudges my chin. “What a team.”

I grin. “We do make a good team.”

I glance over my shoulder and with my brother busy pouring his heart out to Sahara, I go up on my toes and sneak a kiss. He growls and puts his arms around me.

“I’m going to miss you when you go away next week,” I tell him.

“Yeah. Same. We can video chat.”

“I think you want to video chat so I can flash you.”

“Ah yeah, did you just meet me?” I laugh at that, and he goes serious. “I know my place isn’t finished yet, but I do have a bed. Why don’t you stay there, make yourself at home. I’m sure Kalen and Sahara will want some alone time.”

“I’d love to, actually.”

“Great. I don’t have a lot of things yet…maybe you could give me some ideas on how I should decorate it.”

“I’d love to,” I tell him, my mind already racing. “Unlimited budget?” I joke.

He pinches my side playfully. “I’ll leave you my credit card, but do use it wisely.”

I press my hand to my chest, mock exasperation. “You’re going to trust me with your credit card?”

He lightly brushes his knuckles against my cheek, a quiet seriousness about him that could pierce my heart if I let it, but I can’t let it. “Yeah, babe, I trust you.”

“There was this new dress I’ve been eyeing, for the Vegas wedding.”

“You get the dress, and whatever else you want.”

“I’m not taking your money, Elias.”

“Get the dress, T. You’re doing me a huge favor, and I don’t expect you to be out of pocket for our ruse.”

“Oh, but I have been putting out for our ruse, and I’ve yet to see my pony.”

That makes him laugh. “You still haven’t told me what you wanted. Name it and I’ll do my best to make it happen.”

“My own star on Hollywood Boulevard,” I joke. I am, after all, pretending I’m going to be a famous actress someday. That’s not what I want, though. I’ve actually never really told anyone what I wanted. Not even when my brother started building a library at his place for Sahara, and is pretending it’s a dance studio for me. It’s the only way he can surprise her and I think everyone thinks that’s what I want—a dance studio where I can spend hours practicing for the real stage. But it’s not and I’m not about to tell anyone my foolish dream because owning and running a studio for children isn’t feasible here in Boston. God, I really hate how much I’m floundering.

He rolls one shoulder like my ask is nothing. “If I have to do it myself, sure.”

“I’m kidding, and…” I pause and tap my chin. “I’ll tell you in good time.” I guess when it comes right down to it, I do want a dance studio, but I want it to hold classes for kids.

He looks over my shoulder. “Looks like those two made up.” I turn, and lean back against Elias, using his big hard body as my wall. I sigh. “I’m so happy for them. I knew they were perfect for each other.”

As they make their way off the stage to say hello to everyone watching my brother’s grand gesture, I turn back to Elias. “Ready?” I’ve planned a get together at the Nook, Gina’s café, to celebrate Kalen and Sahara.

“I am.” He laughs. “I guess it’s a good thing everything went as planned, or you would have had a lot of food, with no one to eat it.”

“I was pretty sure it’d go down this way.”

“Speaking of going down.” I take in the heat in his eyes, the playful grin tugging at the corners of his mouth as he puts his hands on my shoulders and presses down. My entire body heats. God, I love when this man takes control when he loses himself in me.

Has he ever lost himself with any other woman?

Actually, I don’t want to think about that.

Oh, and why is that, Taylor?

None of your damn business, annoying inner voice who knows nothing. Dammit, for a charade, this is starting to feel dangerously real and I really don’t want to admit that to myself. I am not ready to settle down. I’m young and have so much more to do before that. Besides, Elias is still in search of a real partner.

“You go first,” I say to Elias, not wanting anyone to know we were up on stage together. He nods, and hurries back down to the auditorium, and I walk onto the stage and go through the back. I hurry out of my costume and into my yoga pants and sweater. I tug on a jacket and boots and meet the others as they all congratulate Kalen and Sahara.

When Kalen sees me, he pulls me to him and gives me a big hug. “Thanks, sis.”

“Anything for you brother.” Guilt zings through me. If he knew what I was doing with his best friend, he wouldn’t be so happy. “As a surprise for you both, we have a party set up at Gina’s.”

Sahara steps up to me. “Really? That’s so nice of you.” She gives me a hug, and when she sees Elias moving in behind me, yes, I know it’s him by the way my body tingles whenever he’s close, she gives me a knowing wink.

At least my secret is safe with her.

“You ready?” Elias asks me, and lightly touches my back. My brother is so enamored with his new fiancée, he doesn’t notice.

“I traveled with Elias.” I explain to Sahara. “That way we only had one car downtown.” She’s grinning as I try to justify why we’re together. “We’ll meet you there, okay?”

“Take your time,” she whispers with a wink, and I roll my eyes at her.

Outside, we head to Elias’s car and as the wind bites at my face, Elias takes my hood and pulls it up. I chuckle. “Thanks, Grandpa.”

“Jesus,” he groans.

We reach his car and he opens my door for me. It’s those little things that really make me feel special. He circles the vehicle and I don’t take my eyes off him. Honestly, I’m looking forward to having his house to myself. I realize my brother wants me to stay living with him while I’m still in college, but now that he’s with Sahara, I think the two need space.

Elias slides in beside me and he must sense I have something on my mind. “What?” he asks.

I laugh at how well he can read me. “Are you serious about getting a roommate?” Okay, this probably isn’t my wisest move. Let’s face it, when he does finally find someone to love, there’s no way I can stay at his place. Why, you ask? Well, first, he’ll want his privacy. Second, I’m pretty sure I won’t be able to stomach watching him with someone else.

Oh, boy.

“I don’t know, why? Do you know someone?”

“Me?”

Clearly, I’m not thinking straight. This really isn’t a good idea. Even if he doesn’t find someone, once his buddy’s wedding is over, we’re done.

“I just mean, Kalen and Sahara will want their privacy. I don’t like being anyone’s third wheel. We’d obviously have separate rooms.” Ohmigod, stop rambling, already. “When you find?—”

Before I can stop myself, he leans across the seat, cups the back of my neck and brings my mouth to his, shutting me up with a deep, tender kiss. I moan and sink into the kiss, my hand going to his lap.

His mouth lingers for a moment. “Was that to shut me up?” I ask, my voice a low, aroused whisper.

“Partly,” he murmurs. “And partly because I wanted to. T, if you need a place to stay, you’ve got a place to stay. Always.”

“I don’t know for how long.”

“As long as you want.”

I wave my hand back and forth between the two of us. “If you find someone, I’ll leave.” He stares at me and I continue. “Soon enough this charade will be over, and no more pretending. But for now, I’d like to give Kalen and Sahara privacy.”

He grins. “You don’t need a reason. My house is your house.”

Pushing back he starts his car, and I say, “The sex is over then, right?”

He doesn’t answer, he just grins and pulls into traffic. Does that grin mean it doesn’t have to be over?

What exactly do you want, Taylor?

Good God, I just don’t know.

“Elias, do you want help in finding someone?” He scrubs his chin and remains silent. “I met a few nice girls at college, and I’m sure any one of them would love to date you. They’re always asking about Kalen. They’re a bit younger, but still.” I go quiet and wait for a response, but when none comes, I add, “I’m assuming it’s hard to find someone with your busy schedule, and I’m guessing you’re not interested in pursuing anything deeper with one of the puck bunnies.” When he continues to stay quiet, my gaze rakes over his face and I note the tightness in his jaw. Shoot, I’m really over overstepping here. What was I thinking? This is not my business. I groan. “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have offered that.”

“No, it’s okay. You don’t have to be sorry. You have my best interests at heart and I love you for that.”

He loves me for that.

I gulp. “Okay,” I squeak out, my voice not quite steady.

Girl, he’s not saying he loves you, relax already.

He reaches out, rests his hand on my leg. The gentle squeeze sends warmth through me. “Let me think on it, okay?”

“Okay,” I agree, an uncomfortable knot tightening in my stomach. “Parking spot,” I blurt out as a car pulls away near Gina’s café, and I’m grateful for the distraction. He slows, flicks on his signal and effortlessly parallel parks. Impressive. Then again, I’m impressed with everything this man does.

“I don’t want to stay too late,” I tell him, stifling a yawn. “It’s been a long week, and I really need to buckle down and start studying for finals.”

“You’ll have my whole place to yourself. That should help you avoid distractions,” he replies.

“You’re a distraction,” I shoot back playfully, still working to ease that knot in my stomach. His warm easy laugh wraps around me and while he’s making light of the situation, I know he cares about my school and studies. He cares about me.

“I’ll be gone this week. You’ll get lots done.”

I tilt my head, deciding to test him. “You won’t be texting?”

“I’ll be texting.”

“You won’t be video chatting?”

“I’ll be video chatting.”

He grins at me and I roll my eyes.

“Then you will be distracting me,” I say with mock exasperation, all the while secretly liking it.

“I’m handing over my credit card, Taylor. I need to know what you’re doing with it,” he teases, though the grin tugging at his lips tells me he’s not worried. He did say I could spend freely, after all.

But that’s not what the calls and video chats are going to be about.

We’re growing closer. A lot closer.

Or maybe I’m imagining it. Maybe it’s just fun. Sex. Easy, uncomplicated sex. He likes the sex. I like the sex. Neither of us is seeing anyone else right now, and when you’re getting it regularly, why stop?

Yeah, I’m totally misreading this. His touch, not to mention the way he laughs with me, like it’s meant just for me sometimes messes me up. I have to remember it’s just part of the charade. Though, then there’s the way he looks at me, the way his touch lingers. I’m just not sure sometimes. Anyway, he’s probably going to want to sext me while he’s away.

It has to be that.

Because the alternative?

We can’t go there.

I reach for my door, but before I can step out, he turns, his hand hesitating on his own handle. Something outside, something moving beneath the streetlight, catches his eye. His sudden grip on my arm startles me, pulling my gaze from the street. My heart quickens as I follow his line of sight. That’s when I realize it’s not something moving under the light, it’s someone. But who? A figure steps into view, and Elias sucks in a sharp breath.

“What’s going on?” I whisper, but he doesn’t answer.

He pulls his hand away and presses both to his forehead, fingers massaging his temples, as though willing the moment away. The woman walks past, and an uncomfortable silence sits between us. I wait, sensing the war raging within him. Finally, as the coolness of the car begins to seep into my skin, he exhales shakily and reaches for his door.

“We should go inside,” he says softly.

“Really? That’s it?” I stare at him, incredulous. “You’re not going to tell me what just happened?”

“Taylor…” He shakes his head. He doesn’t want to tell me, and that really stings.

“Elias,” I counter. “I thought we promised to be honest with each other. Isn’t that what you said? Back in your bedroom? That I could tell you anything?”

A beat passes. His eyes meet mine, and they’re heavy with regret. “You’re right. I just... I didn’t think this was something you needed to know.”

“If it upsets you this much,” I murmur, my voice softening, “then it’s definitely something I need to know.”

His gaze lingers, searching, as though weighing whether to let me in. “Yeah?” he asks, his voice barely above a whisper.

“I…” The word sticks in my throat, the weight of it pressing down on me. “I care about you.”

The confession does something to him. His features soften, a warm tenderness moving across his face as his hand finds mine again. It curls around my heart and tugs tight. Oh man, what is going on with me? Is my period just around the corner? Jeez, I’ve lost all track of time with travel, school, helping my brother and…Elias.

What is he doing to me?

“That was Cami,” he confesses quietly, and I sit in silence. “She was my ex and what I didn’t know was that she had an agenda.” He glances at me, and I give a small, supportive nod. He snorts out a humorless laugh. “She wanted to get married. The house, the kids, the SUV, the whole nine yards.”

“You didn’t want that.”

“No, and when I told her I wasn’t ready, she wanted revenge. She sold some pictures.” He shakes his head and groans. “Pictures I didn’t know she’d taken.” A long moment of quiet. “Of me and her…” He glances at me and I nod, totally understanding him not wanting to say the words. “…and she sold them to the paparazzi.”

I blow out a slow breath. “I didn’t know.”

“It happened last year. Before you moved here. My parents weren’t too happy, to say the least.”

“I can’t imagine they were.”

“They want to see me settled down. It’s good for the family image, but they didn’t trust my judgement after that.”

“Which is why they’ve been setting you up with women from their world.”

“Yup.”

“But me. You thought they’d trust me?”

“You were open and honest with them, Taylor. I guess that’s all they ever wanted.”

“But I wasn’t, Elias.” My stomach squeezes so tight I think I might be sick. “I lied to them about us.”

“I’m so sorry I dragged you into all this.” He pinches the bridge of his nose. “We’ll plan a breakup after Easton’s wedding. They won’t be happy, but at least they won’t be trying to set me up during my buddy’s nuptials, and…”

“…and maybe we can find you someone before that. Someone you like who can take my place at the wedding.”

He swallows hard. “Yeah, maybe.”

I touch his arm. “Thanks for telling me.” I shake my head. “I guess I now know why you’ve been spending nights alone with me since I arrived a few months ago.”

“Yeah.” He reaches for his door. “We’d better get in there.”

I nod, and step from the car. He circles it and guides me to the café with a hand on my lower back. When we reach the café, the party is already underway. With music playing, and food being handed out, the mood is high and a very pregnant Gina comes running over to give us a hug.

“It went so well. I’m so happy for Kalen and Sahara,” she says, as Roman saunters over with a beer for Elias. He accepts it and takes a big swallow like he really needs it. “What can I get for you, Taylor?” Roman asks, sidling up close to me. He usually only does that when Kalen is in the vicinity. For some reason, he likes to get my brother going.

Gina tucks her arm in mine. “Come on. The wine is in the kitchen. Let’s go get a glass.”

Before she leads me away, Roman calls out, “Save me a dance.” I glance back and he gives me an all-knowing grin. “Unless, of course, your dance card is already full.”

Elias shoves him. “Fuck off, Roman.”

Roman grunts. “Hey, what’s your problem?”

For a second, I wonder the same. Elias catches my eye. “Kalen is busy, so someone has to watch out for her around you.”

Ah, okay, so this is about protecting me from Roman, although nothing about Elias’s actions seem brotherly. Roman laughs like he knows something I don’t, and Grandma’s words come racing back to taunt me.

“I can tell he’s happy and in love by the way he looks at you.”

Oh boy…