Page 27 of Dreams
Before he got the chance to explain, Taylor was saved by her dad. He saw her step into the living room and hurried over.
“You should have called,” he said, wrapping his arms around her. “I would have warned you.”
“I know,” she said. “My friend and I just wanted some of Mom’s cooking. I think we’ll just grab some food and head to my room.”
He released her and glanced back at Abigail, then at Grant who’d escorted them in. His eyes narrowed. “Mack, go tell the guys the food is almost ready.”
“Yes, Sir.” Grant practically ran from her side.
They started talking, but Taylor’s attention was drawn to the other side of the room where a boyish smile lit up the face of a familiar blond man. Evie stood in front of him, babbling about something. He laughed, and she giggled before turning around and running in her sister’s direction.
“Tay!” Evie yelled, flinging herself forward. Taylor caught her, never taking her eyes from the eyes that had looked up at the sound of her name.
Putting her sister down, Taylor started to back away, shaking her head from side to side. “No,” she said, causing her dad to look at her. She didn’t answer the question in his eyes as she turned and ran from the room. Abigail followed her, and she barely breathed until she shut her bedroom door behind them.
“What’s going on?” Abigail asked.
Taylor’s stomach heaved. Tears stung her eyes, but didn’t fall. “I can’t…” she said, unable to continue.
Taylor sunk to her bed and Abigail sat across from her, worry etched into every feature. That’s why she didn’t want to tell her new friend about Danny. It would change the way she saw her. Now, she saw firsthand how messed up Taylor really was.
She clutched a pillow to her chest as angry tears finally started to fall.
“Taylor,” Abigail said. “You don’t have to tell me why you’re upset. But, you can if you want to.”
Taylor leaned her head back and stayed silent. Josh had lied to her. Or, maybe he hadn’t. But, he knew about Danny - he should have told her he was on her dad’s team. Then she could have stopped hanging out with him before she kissed him.
There was a soft rap on the door. “Taylor, please talk to me.” Josh’s voice came through softly.
Understanding lit in Abigail’s eyes. “I’m going down to get us some food,” she said. “Plus, there’s a house full of hockey players down there, and that opportunity cannot be wasted.” She winked, trying to lighten the mood, before walking to the door.
Taylor didn’t stop her as she opened it, revealing Josh, looking gorgeous in his pressed suit. Abigail smiled at him and then disappeared down the stairs.
Josh stepped in and closed the door, never taking his eyes from Taylor. “Are you okay?” He hesitated. “No, stupid question. Sorry. I’ve been trying to reach you.”
“Ever thought I wasn’t answering because I didn’t want to talk to you?” she asked harshly.
“Okay, you’re mad.” He ran a hand through his hair and sat, uninvited, on the corner of the bed.
Taylor wiped away the remnants of her tears and scowled at him. “You should have told me.”
“What? That I was a hockey player?” He scrunched up his brow before continuing. “Maybe I didn’t want you treating me like everyone else does?”
“Like what?”
“Different.” He sighed and leaned closer to her. “I’ve called a few times.”
“I know.”
“I’ve been worried.”
“I’m sorry,” she whispered, shifting her eyes away.
“I want to be friends with you, Taylor,” he said, reaching out to grab her hand. “I like being around you.”
“I just…” She lifted her eyes to his and was trapped in his gaze. Did she want to be friends with him? He made everything too confusing, but being around him felt different somehow, better. Something about his presence was calming. She could almost forget and that was the problem.
“Don’t say no,” he pleaded. “I get that what happened is too much for you right now. So, just friends. I promise.”
