Page 29 of Taurus

“No, I haven’t. I’ve been working all day long, just like everyone else.”

“Working while also walking around like you’re sucking on a piece of sour candy that just made fun of your hair.”

I was hoping to make him laugh… it didn’t work.

“Look.” He scrubs his hand over his face. “I have a lot to do, Parker.”

I drop my hands to my side, “Yeah, I know. That’s why I’m up here. I’m supposed to be with you all afternoon running payroll and looking at the computer systems for ordering and inventory…”

“Christ,” he says, looking at his watch, “I completely forgot. Parker, this isn’t a good time,”

“What is wrong with you, Austin? You won’t even look at me.” I place my hands on his desktop and bend slightly to try to get into his line of sight. “Is this about last night?”

“What about last night?”

His question knocks me in the chest. “Are you kidding me?”

“No… I don’t think I am.”

“You almost kissed me last night. You told me the truth about Amber. You’re really going to pretend that didn’t happen?”

“You were drunk.”

“So? It doesn’t change what happened. I think it’s something we should talk about.” I reach forward and pull his ball cap from his head. “Talk to me.”

He reaches for his hat but I pull it away. Yes, it’s childish, but I just want him to talk. “Parker, stop.”

“No, this is bullshit. I’m not going to let you do this to me again.”

“Fine, you want to do this?” He stands up and looks me directly in the eye, “Last night was a mistake, okay? I almost crossed a line that shouldn’t have been crossed and it can’t happen again.”

“A mistake? Being close to me is a mistake? Is that what you’re saying?”

“It can’t happen again.” His eyes are no longer on me. He is staring down at his desk… too much of a coward to watch my heart break again.

“Maybe you haven’t changed.” I toss his baseball cap at his chest and turn around, leaving the office and slamming the door behind me.

Austin

Fuck.

That was like throwing rocks at Old Yeller.

But it’s for the best.

We’ll drown in each other again if that door opens, and right now, the water is starting to seep through.

It’s going to burst at any moment if we aren’t careful.

---