Chapter 13 #2
But I was relatively certain that nothing at all compared to this moment. This one felt the absolute best.
Because Taj and I had both taken showers after all the time we’d spent outside, playing in the snow. Afterward, we’d had lunch together.
Taj had asked if I’d be willing to join him as he used his Christmas gift from me for the first time while we watched a holiday movie. I jumped at the chance, surprising us both.
And now, I was here.
Nestled close to him with his arm wrapped protectively around me, I was beneath the luxurious blanket with Taj.
I didn’t know if it was the month of spending time with him, the spirit of the holiday season, or being so close to him after we’d both just showered, and he smelled so good. Perhaps it was all of that and more.
All I wanted was to blurt out everything that was going through my head, not the least of which was that I was developing feelings for him.
There was the tiniest hint of fear that I might make a huge mistake in doing so.
Because I didn’t want to lose him completely.
And if the feelings weren’t mutual, opening my mouth might ruin things.
Of course, there was the admission he’d made while we were outside that was lingering in the back of my mind. He thought about me all the time. That had to be his way of letting me know that there was something more here than just friendship for him.
I could do this.
I could tell him.
Go with my gut. That’s what he’d tell me.
Since it’d always worked for me before, I decided now wasn’t the time to start questioning it.
So, I tore my attention away from the movie and tipped my chin up to look at him. Taj immediately brought his gaze to meet mine. “Everything okay?”
I nodded.
When I said nothing else, he asked, “Do you need something? A drink? Something to eat?”
Shaking my head, I replied, “No, I’m good.”
A crease formed between his brows. “Are you not into the movie?”
“That’s not it. The movie’s fine. It’s just that I have something I want to talk to you about.”
Concern washed over him, his body going solid beside me. Taj paused the movie. “What’s wrong?”
I licked my lips, my insides trembling with nerves. “Nothing’s necessarily wrong. Or, well, I hope that’s not the case. I, well, I never expected to meet you.”
“I can confidently say the exact same about meeting you.”
Looking away momentarily, I took a few breaths to work up the courage to tell him the truth. “This last month in Rising Sun has been the best of my whole life, Taj. And I hope you know that you’re such a huge part of the reason for that.”
His face blanched, his palm moving to his chest and rubbing at the center of it. “Olivia, please,” he begged.
Suddenly, I wasn’t so sure this was a good idea. Taj was clearly distressed. “Are you okay?” I asked.
“Please don’t tell me you’re leaving.”
Leaving?
He thought I was gearing up to tell him I was leaving town.
God, the agony in his voice. On his face.
Desperately wanting to comfort and reassure him, I framed his face in my hands. “Not at all, Taj. I wanted to tell you that I’ve developed feelings for you. I was nervous to tell you, though, because if those feelings aren’t reciprocated, I don’t want to lose you completely.”
The air rushed from his lungs. “You’re not leaving?”
I shook my head. “No. I was hoping you’d want me to stay. That you’d give me a reason to.”
His arms were around me in an instant, pulling me onto his lap. Taj buried his face in my neck, his hold on me like a vise. “Oh, baby. You have no idea how happy you just made me.”
Baby.
With that single word, Taj made it clear where he stood. But even still, I teased, “So, it’s a good thing I told you about this?”
He lifted his face from my neck to look at me.
His eyes were so bright, his lips spread in a huge smile.
“It’s a great thing, Olivia. I’ve been feeling the same for a very long time now, and I was doing everything I could to hold myself back, because I didn’t want to push you into anything if you weren’t ready. ”
I smiled back. “Where have you been all my life?”
His arms held me just a bit tighter. “Waiting here for you.”
My eyes roamed over his face, studying every inch and committing each feature to memory. I landed on his lips and couldn’t seem to look away.
“Is there something you want, baby?”
I lifted my gaze to meet his. “I think I’d like you to kiss me.”
He smiled. “On one condition.”
How did he have the restraint? “Which is?”
“Spend the night with me.”
I bit my lip and considered his offer.
But I must’ve taken too long because Taj added, “I’m not looking to push you into doing anything you don’t want to do. That’s not what this is about. I just… I’d love nothing more than to fall asleep with you in my arms.”
I smiled. “Well, since I really want you to kiss me, I guess I’m spending the night here with you.”
Utter joy took hold of him. But I only had a few seconds to witness it. Because the next thing I knew, Taj brushed his lips lightly against mine. And when I let out a whimper just a second later, he claimed my mouth and gave me the best kiss of my whole life.