Page 31 of Backdraft
"I have been. It's hard for me to stay in one."
Taylor wondered if there was a reason she moved about, likely there was and maybe she'd tell him. "Well, I hope you stay here for a while." He smiled, as did she.
"We'll see."
He was disappointed at her reply. Taylor was hoping to hear she would give Oak Creek a chance. That would mean they may be able to rekindle what they had in Denver.
They sat in the shade chatting about life, the town, their jobs, but they both seemed to carefully stay away from any deeper, more intimate conversation.
Taylor watched her eyes dart around, and he knew she was more unnerved by the incidents since she’d arrived than she wanted to let on.
She was alone in a new town, with a new job, living in a hotel. She didn’t know anyone really. He felt for her.
"Why don't you move in with me for a while?" The words tumbled out and he was surprised when he heard them.
Her head snapped around, and she looked at him with eyebrows raised, and a stunned expression on her face. "Excuse me? What?"
She shifted in the chair. He knew he'd just dropped a bomb on her, and him, if truth be told. It may be uncomfortable and sudden, but it made perfect sense.
"Sure, I mean, you can bring Cinder. It's a safe place. You won't have to worry about this stalker person. I have the room. Between my job and yours, we may never be in the house at the same time."
He paused and wondered what was racing around in her brain. Because his was doing backflips thinking of all the ways it could and may not work.
"It makes sense, don't you think?" He lifted his shoulders.
She chewed her lip and fiddled with the now-empty cup. She was slightly nodding her head, and he could almost hear her brain clicking through all the scenarios. He felt a tiny burst of encouragement.
"But why would you do this?" Her vulnerability when she said the words hit him square in the chest.
He reached across and touched her fingers. "No pressure, Drea. It's simply a suggestion that could be the answer for you right now. My house is big, and I don't have a cat." He smiled at her, and she returned it. "I'd like the company. To know someone else is living there with me. To make the house feel full."
He fell silent and thought about his words. They were raw, and truthful. It was the first time he'd ever worded how he really felt. It was a hard realization.
He was lonely too. He was alone. He was empty. They were two people that could find solace in each other's company.
"Way to turn on the guilt," she said with a smile.
He laughed to cover up the moment of his own vulnerability. "Did it work?"
She narrowed her eyes and tried to hold back a grin. "Strictly for convenience. No funny business."
Taylor chuckled. "Funny business? That is a pretty broad description. I think you might have to narrow it down a little."
She smiled, and the way her face lit up was like a reward.
"It's settled then. Do you want to move in tonight or tomorrow?"
"Uhm, it's getting late now, and I've paid for tonight. So how about tomorrow morning? What time do you leave for work?"
"Hang on." Taylor pulled out his phone and checked the morning schedule. "I have a PM at eleven. So any time before ten thirty."
"Okay, I'll get there by nine thirty. I'm seeing Shannon this evening before she’s off again, so I can pack after, get Cinder first thing, and head over."
"Great, I'll text you my address." He was pleased she’d agreed to come and stay with him. Of course, he couldn't help thinking about their last time together. But that's not what this is about. This is about somebody needing a hand, and he was able to offer it.
He stood as did she, and she placed her hand on his arm. Yes, they definitely still had that electric connection.
"Taylor." Her voice was low, and he turned to her. "Thank you. I really do appreciate it." She pressed her lips together and gave him a slight nod.
