Page 46 of Dreams
Both men looked up as they returned. Taylor felt Dr. Walker’s gaze slide down the length of her dress. Josh said he was a great dad, but all she could sense at the moment was the sleaze in him.
“We’re leaving,” Josh said. Ethan opened his mouth to speak, but Josh cut him off. “I promise, we’ll talk about whatever you want before you leave, but I can’t be here right now.”
Ethan nodded.
“You can stay, you know,” Dr. Walker said to her. “I’m sure my son has no more need of his ‘girlfriend’ tonight.”
Revulsion rolled around inside of Taylor as she realized the man didn’t believe she was his girlfriend. He knew his son well, and Taylor suddenly wondered how many times Josh lied to this man about it. She glanced at Ethan, who was looking at his father with a hint of disgust.
Josh was silent behind her, the fury emanating from him in waves. Before the situation could escalate, Taylor spun around and grabbed Josh by the shoulders to pull him to her. He reacted immediately as his lips found hers, snaking his arms around her back. She tilted her head to allow his further access, and he took full advantage. A fire burned in the pit of her belly, but it was extinguished too quickly as someone coughed behind them.
Taylor pulled away, slightly embarrassed, but fully satisfied that she’d gotten rid of the fully justified doubts as to the validity of their relationship.
“Get the hint, Dad?” Ethan chuckled, and she found she liked the sound. He was much less intimidating when he smiled.
Dr. Walker cleared his throat. “We’ll see you after the game tomorrow, Josh.” His eyes held none of the flirtation from earlier as he fixed his gaze on Taylor one last time. “It was a pleasure to meet you, Taylor.”
She nodded to him and then let Josh guide her out of the restaurant. The valet brought the car, and they drove the short distance back to campus.
“I don’t know how I’m going to play well tomorrow, knowing they’re in the stands,” Josh said, banging his hand on the dash as he parked outside Taylor’s building.
“Don’t you guys always say you leave the outside world off the ice?”
“That never actually works, Tay.” He sighed. “I’m already on thin ice with Coach. Your dad thinks something is wrong with me. He wants me to sit a game or two. I don’t want that to happen.” He rolled his head to look sideways at her. “How do I do it?”
She reached out and played with the ends of his hair, which was about the same length as hers. “You just do. It’s your job.”
“I know.” He sighed again. “I wish you were going to be there.” As if realizing what he just said, he tried to backtrack quickly. “That isn’t me asking. I know you can’t.”
Taylor pulled her hand back from his hair and hugged her arms across her chest. “You should get home,” she said. “It’s getting late.”
She opened the door and stepped out before leaning back in, her eyes twinkling. “I had fun tonight.”
A harsh laugh burst past his lips. “Whatever you say.”
“Good luck tomorrow,” she said. “Don’t let them ruin the game you love.”
