Page 36 of Backdraft
This time, her screech was earsplitting enough to shatter glasses and booze bottles. She did accomplish silencing Hooligans though, and for a quiet beat, everyone looked around for the source of the scream and then promptly picked up their conversations again.
"Stop that! You can't shriek every time I say something."
"But the things you are telling me are totally shriek worthy! Alright now, back up and tell me how this came about."
The artichoke dip, mozzarella sticks, hot wings, potato skins and pitcher of beer we ordered was placed before us.
"Whoa, that's a lot of food," I said and grabbed a mozz stick.
"Whatever, we can ask for a doggie bag. I'm waiting to hear…all of it."
I reached for a crispy bit of naan and dragged it through the dip. I told her about our conversation in between eating. I was starved and paused sucking up the rest of my cocktail.
"Aww, how sweet of him to ask you to move in with him." She nodded and gave me a few winks.
"Yeah, okay, but it's not really for that. Of course, it will be hard to not think about that, because gawd, it was hot. I do think I will feel better living with someone else. I could potentially have a stalker and it makes sense not to be alone."
"Abso-freaking-lutley. It's awful what has been happening. I’m so sorry. And I agree, it's good to have someone else nearby. When do you move in?"
"I'll pack up tonight, grab the cat, and go over about nine thirty tomorrow. He has a PM at eleven.”
"This is moving quickly. Nice, very nice." Shannon was totally into this, and her excitement evident. It actually eased my concerns and made me think all would be okay.
For the first time in a while, I began to feel relaxed. As if I’d been holding my breath forever and able to finally let it out. Could be the drinks too, taking the edge of things. I looked at Shannon. I was glad we were friends and had made this evening happen before she had to take off.
During the next couple of hours, we munched, chatted, and laughed, but the way I'd spoken to Taylor on that first day was never far from my thoughts. I would have to do right by that.
And I hoped he would tell me his story in his own time.
Chapter Twelve
"Why don't you move in with me?"
I replayed Taylor's words over and over. I'd been floored by his offer. It had come out of the blue.
I'd been a hard sell, and it had been difficult to find a reason to turn him down.
It wouldn't be for long, I told myself. Just until I could get things organized and make sure I would be staying put.
I shivered, and it wasn't from being cold. How long would we be sleeping in our own rooms, in our own beds, knowing the other was just down the hall?
Sharing a bed with Taylor was tantalizing for sure…knowing we would be doing more than sleeping. My body remembered his touch. The brush of his lips on my skin, the strength—and gentleness—of his fingers on me…in me. I drew in a ragged breath and welcomed the air blowing in the truck window. Something had to cool my heated blood.
It astounded me that all these years later, our paths had crossed and everything we’d shared that weekend had come back with a vengeance.
I shifted in my seat, still unsure I was making the right decision. If only I could put out the fire fanning through my body. Living in a state of arousal whenever I thought of Taylor or whenever he was close by, couldn't be good. Could it?
I stuck my arm out the window and let my hand ride on the air. I'd do this as a kid to distract myself on long drives, only now I was doing it to temper the heat rising in me.
Shannon thought moving in with him was a good idea and had done her best to convince me. Taylor had also pushed home the point it would be safer. I could bring Cinder too. Maybe they were working in cahoots with each other.
I had to admit, both were valid reasons. It wouldn't be forever either. It was a stopgap to get me out of the hotel. Of course, I’d filed a report with the police about the harassment. I didn't think there was much they could do about it, not unless the person grew bolder, which I hoped they wouldn't.
Cinder meowed, and I pressed my fingertips to the door of his carrier, stroking his now soft and clean hair.
"Not long now, baby."
Between both of our jobs, the chances of Taylor and I being in the house at the same time could be minimal.
