Page 40 of That: Taylor & Brooks

“You don’t need to say nothing,” he murmured, stepping forward to lightly touch her arm. “Just wanted you to feel seen. Disappointment ain’t never gon’ be my role in your life.”

She didn’t say thank you. Didn’t say a word. Too overwhelmed to say anything.

She was gonna cry in the shower. She already knew it.

This was panty-dropping behavior, and she needed to be careful.Heneeded to be careful.

“Get some rest, birthday girl. I’ll check on you in the morning.”

She nodded. He stepped back, eyes never leaving her. For a moment, time just... slowed.

He wanted to ask to come in. He didn’t.

He’d keep applying pressure. Speaking her language. And wait for her to want what he already did.

All of her.

“Goodnight.”

“Goodnight.”

Brooks waited until he heard the lock click, then turned for his car. As he slid into the driver’s seat, he tried to shake off the feeling of her, but her scent still clung to his shirt. Her voice still echoed in his ears. Being ‘just friends’ with Taylor was about to be arealproblem.

Chapter 10

November 11th

The tension between them hadn't eased, but matured—grown quieter, heavier, more inevitable. All week she'd replayed his hand on her neck, the conflict in his eyes on her porch as he fought the instinct to kiss her. The memory was giving her hell.

The next morning, he'd surprised her with one final gift. She'd been lacing up for her morning run when she stepped outside and froze. A brand-new black Porsche Macan sat in her driveway, complete with bow. The note taped to the window confirmed her first thought:I don't ever want you stuck again. You got options now. Always.

Her heart thudded as she pulled off the bow. Not flashy. Just right. Reliable. Safe. Hers.

Now, she sat on his leather couch, legs tucked beneath her, a glass of whiskey warming her palm.

She hadn’t planned to be here tonight. In fact, she’d told herself she needed space, to protect whatever fragile line of friendship they were still trying to toe.

But after a long day at work, she’d driven past his house, spotted the Cadillac in the driveway, and before she could talk herself out of it, she texted him.

Can I come over?

Of course, he said yes.

She was, in an oversized hoodie,his hoodieandleggings, while Brooks lounged beside her, one arm stretched along the back of the couch.

Everything in Brooks’ place gleamed—from the stainless steel to the floors that didn’t. creak. It smelled like cedar and quiet. Her own house had warmth, yes, but also mismatched plates and history in every corner.

It was only her second time here, but she already felt at home there. Honestly, wherever he was she felt she belonged. He’d given her that space. The weight of the world didn’t feel so heavy when she was with him.

Her unexpected arrival tonight had caught him off guard in the best way. After a week of careful distance, respecting her boundaries and letting her set the pace, seeing her name pop up on his phone asking to come over had made his day—something she'd been doing a lot lately, just by existing in his world.

“Why are you single, Brooks? I mean, I’ve always wondered why you never bring anyone around.” She shifted on the couch to face him, tucking one leg under her, genuinely curious.

He was quiet for a moment, he considered how to explain. “After my daddy was gunned down and watching my mama fade away from heartbreak, love just never seemed like the move. Love and loss, they walk hand in hand.”

“I remember how hard it was for y’all,” she said softly. “Never thought about loss leaving that kind of mark though. Everything is love.”

His jaw tightened at the memory. “One bullet took them both, really. Momma’s broken heart just took longer to take her. After that, love felt like a luxury I couldn’t afford. My only job was making sure Blake was taken care of, making sure she had everything theycouldn’t give her.”

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