Blake leveled a look at Taylor and Christy before pinching the bridge of his nose. “Thank you so much for that, ladies,” he sighed, leading Justine away, promising that as soon as their baby arrived safe and sound he would spank her to her heart’s content. Taylor and Christy were still laughing as Dean and Beau joined them.
“Can I grab you for a minute, Christy?” Beau asked, wrapping an arm around her shoulders, and leading her away.
“Come here, sis,” Dean said.
“Step-sis,” Taylor clarified as he pulled her into a big bear hug
“Still my sis,” he said. “I’ve missed you, we still on for dinner next week?”
She and Dean had regular dinner dates together. It was a little tradition the two of them had and it meant the world to her. He might not be related by blood, but he was her only family left and their bond was stronger than ever.
“Yep, looking forward to it,” she smiled up at him.
“Me too.”
He went to pull away but she wouldn’t let him just yet. “What are we having?”
“Whatever you want,” he said, ruffling her hair.
“Yay, that’s my favorite,” she replied, shoving him off and he laughed, his dimples flashing and she tried to poke them while he fended her off.
“Listen, I’ve been wanting to ask you something,” he began, shifting his feet and not meeting her eyes.
“Why am I suddenly worried?” she joked.
“I wanted to see if you would give a speech at our wedding?”
If Taylor had been drinking she would have spat it out. Her give a speech? Aboutlove?She would literally be the last person to ask.
“You’re the person who loves us both the most and you’ve been there for our journey. You’re my family and it would mean the world to me.” Dean said.Well shit, how can I say no now?
“Of course, I will. I’m honored you’ve asked me,” she replied, pulling him into another hug but when they parted, her stomach was in knots.What the fuck am I going to write?Christy and Beau returned. Christy’s grin was wider than it had been all night.
“What’s got you smiling so much?” Dean asked, tucking her into his side where she slotted in perfectly.
“You,” Christy replied.
Normally Taylor would have rolled her eyes and shouted “Gag!” at their lameness but instead she watched the interaction, taking in the detail of their faces as they looked at each other.
“How long until you close up?” Beau interrupted her thoughts.
“Half an hour.”
“I’ll wait here until you’re done and then we can go home.”
Anticipation had her stomach clenching sharply at his words. When they got home would they finish what they’d started? God she really hoped so.
Christy and Dean left and her last few customers trickled out. She was glad she hadn’t had to take many car keys tonight. She cashed up the register and put the money in the safe in her office, ignoring the chair in the middle of the room and the memories of what happened. Beau collected up the glasses and stacked the dishwasher for her.
“Thank you,” she said shyly. He smiled in return and then they were at the door locking up. He took her hand, his warm palm covering hers and gripping tightly. Her step faltered as she thought about the way his palm had gripped her ass. She was so on edge, what would happen when they got home?
The walk back to the cabin was short but also the longest walk of Taylor’s life. She fumbled the key in the lock, her hands shaking from anticipation.
“You need some help?”
“No, I got it. New locks, amiright?” she said, trying to laugh off her nervousness while mentally scolding herself. She went inside, flicking the lights on and Beau came in behind her, shutting the door and locking it. She turned to face him, expectant. Eager to see if they would pick up where they left off. If he gave her any sign, she would throw caution into the wind and go for it. Surely after the moment in her office he wanted this as much as her?
He clapped his hands, rubbing them together and fixed her with a bright smile. “Well, I’m gonna head to bed. I’ve got an early PT session, goodnight.” He headed into the bedroom and closed the door without a backwards glance. She stood there, flabbergasted, her mouth opening and closing like a fish.
