Chapter Fifteen
Todd
We don’t say more than ten words to each other for the rest of the night, and during our flight home, Taylor stares out the window as if clouds are more captivating than me.
I study the veins on the back of her hand, which is gripping her thigh so hard her knuckles are white. There’s a crescent-shaped impression in the skin, probably from where she dug her thumb in.
I want to ask if she’s mad that I kissed her, but at the same time I’m not sure I actually want to know.
When we get back to our apartment, she heads straight for the kitchen and fills a cup with water, which she drains in three swift gulps before refilling and draining it again.
I hover by the door, jacket still on, arms crossed like a barrier.
My shoes feel too tight. My jeans feel too tight.
Somehow there’s just not enough air in this apartment.
“Want some?” she asks, holding the glass out to me. Maybe she means the water, or maybe it’s more than that.
I walk over and lean against the breakfast bar. “I’m good.”
“Okay.”
She sets the glass down, wipes her mouth with the back of her hand, and somehow it’s the most intimate thing I’ve seen her do in fourteen years.
I slice my fingers through my hair. “You said you didn’t want things to be awkward between us.”
She swallows. “Yeah . . .”
“Then what are we doing here?” I ask, my tone accusing.
“I’m sorry.” She sighs. “I’m just embarrassed.”
“Why?”
She swallows her lips. “‘Cause even though you’re my best friend, you’re still a guy—an experienced guy—and what if you think I’m shit at kissing because you’re only the third guy I’ve ever kissed?”
I force myself to maintain a neutral expression—to not react to her confession. Instead, I look her dead in the eye and reply, “I don’t.”
“Did you enjoy it, then?”
“Yeah.”
“That’s it?” She purses her lips. “All you’re going to give me is yeah?”
“Would you prefer a play-by-play instead?”
She nods. “I would, actually.”
“It was a good kiss—a little short, but necessary given the venue.”
“Would you kiss me again?”
“If given the chance—yeah.”
She blinks but otherwise holds my gaze. “Does that mean you find me attractive?”
“You seriously underestimate your appeal.”
“Then your offer still stands?” she asks. “To practice?”
“Yeah . . .”
“Then let’s do it. Under one condition.” She waves her hand in the space between us. “Whatever happens, we remain friends.”
“Deal.”
We stare at each other for another minute, the agreement swirling around us along with its implications.
“You’re going to have to make the first move,” she says. “Because I have no clue what I’m doing.”
“It’s okay.” I walk toward her, the hair on my arms standing upright. “That’s what practice is for.”
I kiss her before she can overthink it anymore, and I’m transported back to the game. She’s just as sweet, and it’s just as electric—only this time we don’t have to stop here, we can do anything we want.
“Is there anything in particular you’re curious about?” I ask, hoping she’ll give me the opportunity to do something on my wish list.
“What do I do with my hands? Like when you touch me . . . Does what feels good to me feel good to you?”
“Sometimes.”
I stop kissing her just long enough to lead her to my bedroom. Grabbing the hem of her shirt, I start to lift, and she immediately raises her arms to accommodate me.
I’ve seen her in a sports bra more times than I can count—in a bikini and in nothing but a towel. What I haven’t seen is her naked, and I have some fantasies to fulfill.
“Okay?”
She nods quickly and lifts her arms again.
“Fuck . . .” I groan when I reveal her runched ruby nipples.
She crosses her arms over her chest. “Are they that bad?”
I pull her arms away. “They’re that beautiful.”
She flushes from her chest to her head, and I lie her on the bed. Taking a nipple between my thumb and forefinger, I roll it, and her mouth opens with a soft moan.
“Do you like that?”
“Uh huh.”
I grin and become even more heated—I’ve wanted to get my hands on her tits for ages, even more so after seeing them in that top she wore to Chase’s party, so I continue rolling one while I lean in to have a taste.
She arches into me. “God, Todd.”
I release her nipple with a pop. “I could say the same.”
“What should I do?”
“Do?”
“Yeah . . . show me how to touch you.”
“I will later.” I kiss her, drinking from her mouth. “Right now just enjoy.”