Page 67 of Dreams
“Josh seems like a nice young man,” her mom said. “But these kids … they’re asked to be men before their time. They enter the league when they’re so young, and in an instant have more money and attention than sense. It creates a certain kind of man. Look at the papers lately.”
“Josh isn’t like Mack.” Taylor dried her hands and stuffed them in the pockets of her jeans.
“Yet.”
Taylor stood across from her mom with her feet planted wide and narrowed eyes. It was a fighting stance. The front door opened and quick, heavy footsteps sounded in the hall before her Dad entered the kitchen.
“Taylor,” he boomed, his grin falling from his face as he took in the tension filled room. “Everything okay in here?”
“Yep,” Taylor lied, turning away from her mom. “Is the whole team home?”
As if on cue, her cell phone chimed before he could answer. She smiled when she saw who was calling. “Scratch that,” she said to her dad. “I already know the answer. I have to go.”
Answering her phone, she left her parents in stunned silence behind her. “Hey there,” she said.
“Hi yourself,” Josh said back. “I just got home.”
“I know.”
“I want to see you.”
“I know that too.” She laughed. “I’ll be there in a few.”
* * *
Mack went to grab dinner with a few of the guys on the team as soon as they got back, but Josh begged off. He’d spent enough time with them over the last few days, plus he’d be seeing them again tomorrow for Thanksgiving. They only had two days off before heading out on the road again.
Josh busied himself picking up the apartment and unpacking his bag. As soon as the plane touched down in Columbus, he’d had this need to see Taylor. To hold her. To kiss her. The other night had opened the floodgates to everything he’d felt since he met her. He’d been the good guy, the friend, waiting for her to be ready, even helping her get there, but it was killing him. Now he needed more.
There was a soft knock on the door, and he was there in a flash. As soon as he opened the door he pulled her inside, closed the door, and pinned her back against it.
“Hi,” she whispered.
This time he didn’t wait for permission, he dove in. When his lips touched hers it was as if an electric current ran through them both. She pulled him closer until his body was flush against hers as she opened up to him.
It was like nothing Josh had ever experienced before. For just an instant, they were the only thing that mattered. Their lips were just learning each curve, each crease, of each other’s. Taylor’s were soft against his rougher ones. Her face perfect, and his marred by all the broken noses and healed wounds that come with his chosen profession.
He cupped her cheeks, his fingers rubbing circles on her smoother skin as he tilted her head back to deepen the kiss.
Her arms were snaked around his back, holding on as if he wasn’t going to be there much longer.
With the need to breathe winning out, Josh broke away, inhaling deeply. Taylor leaned her head back against the door. Josh gripped her waist, not wanting to let her go.
“It’s a good thing you’re holding me up.” Taylor laughed breathlessly. “I’d probably fall right over after that greeting.”
“Isn’t that how you say hi to all your friends?” He grinned.
“Well, Abigail’s taken, but Sarah might be up for it.” She smiled back.
He scrunched his face up at that. “You do know that girl’s practically my sister, right?”
“Then I guess those greetings are just reserved for you.”
“Good.” He rested his forehead against hers. “I missed you.”
She stretched up to fit her lips to his once again.
A ringing interrupted them, and they broke apart so Josh could look at his phone.
