Page 68 of Take Care, Taylor

My heart wasn’t handling the idea of Taylor Wolff well. Back-to-back nights of mind-blowing sex aside, it wasn’t ready. So I did my best to avoid his gaze in class this week.

The timing worked in my favor since he had to make daily trips to the Bears’ facility, and I doubted he noticed.

Sprawling my work across the coffee table, I picked up a packet and began to read.

Before I could highlight the first clause, the door opened.

The sound of his voice hit a nerve I didn’t know was still raw.

“We need to talk,” he said.

“No, I think we’re fine.” I shrugged. “I’m working on a double-essay assignment that’s due at midnight.”

“Then we’ll talk tomorrow.”

“I see.” His lips curved into a smirk. “Tomorrow is a holiday, Audrey…”

“Not for me, Taylor.”

“It’s for everyone.”

“Why are you avoiding me?” he asked—stating the obvious.

“I’m not… I—” I stammered. “I’ve just been busy.”

“You didn’t enjoy having sex with me?”

“We didn’t have any sex.” I felt my cheeks heating. “I’m sure I would remember.”

“You do remember.” He moved closer. “And I remember you saying that you were off today, so we’re going to talk.”

“Now?”

“Right now.” He tucked a few curls behind my ear.

His fingers grazed my skin like he’d done it a thousand times before, but this time it felt deliberate—claiming.

“You want to walk on the beach?”

I nodded, and he opened the door.

I didn’t want to be in limbo anymore. I needed to know.

“We’re friends, right?” I asked. “Like, that’s what you would say if someone asked about us?”

“Not unless you have sex with all your other guy friends.” He smiled. “Is there something you want to tell me?”

“No.” I blushed. “That’s not what I meant.”

“Then ask me what you’re really trying to ask me,” he said. “You’re pretty damn good with words.”

“I’m not one for casual sex.”

“I’m aware.”

“And I know we just had sex, but…” I couldn’t even finish my words.

“Yes, Audrey.” He finished them for me. “We’re exclusive.”