Page 43 of Broken: Taylor

“Kinda bossy for someone who just crashed into a tree, or three.”

“Yeah well, I don’t think my head bump is anywhere as bad as what you’re rocking there guy.”

He shrugged, looking away. “Over here,” he called out and waved. “Bring a flashlight.”

Within minutes not only were Luke and Leah taking turns staring at her, but also the paramedics arrived and strapped her onto a flat board. As they carried her to the ambulance, Taylor stood with Luke watching.

Leah walked along beside her. “I’m coming with you. Do you want me to call Jaden?”

“You don’t have to, but thanks. Let’s wait until they find out nothing’s wrong and then I’ll call him.”

It tookover three hours and many grumblings later before the doctor pronounced her with a light concussion. He reluctantly agreed to her going home as long as Leah promised to keep an eye on her.

Allison was bundled into Taylor’s truck, which for some reason was outside when she was discharged.

“I am so hungry,” Allison whined, not caring if she sounded like a five-year-old. “I can’t believe I trashed my car. I hope Leah has leftovers.”

“Since she’s been at the hospital the entire time, I’m sure she does. Pretty certain she’ll feed us when we get there. Whether we want to eat or not.”

She was sporting a heck of a lump on her forehead and the doctor warned she’d have two black eyes by morning from the airbag hitting the glasses she’d been wearing.

They drove in silence for the first fifteen or so minutes. Allison couldn’t think of anything to say to him. Instead she went through a list of things she’d have to do to deal with the accident.

“I’m sorry I didn’t call you.” Taylor’s features were unreadable thanks to the darkness. The lights from the dashboard were not enough for her to make out any expression.

Allison wanted to slap him. This was not exactly the time for the conversation. She was starving, had a headache, and was worried about her car. Not to mention Jaden threatening to come get her and bring her to live in Seattle, as if she were ancient. At forty-three, she still had at least another forty years before someone could claim she was too old to live alone.

But she supposed to a kid in his twenties, she was old. Her lips curved at her stepson demanding a video conversation so he could make sure she was truly alive. Thank goodness the black eyes had not made an appearance yet.

“Between personal shit and the surgery, I wasn’t in any shape to do more than feel sorry for myself,” Taylor continued, seeming to take her silence for not being convinced he meant well.

Allison touched his forearm. “You were not under any obligation to do so. Leah kept me informed of your progress. Seems like you’ve gone through a lot.” I wanted to be there for you.

He’d not wanted her there and that was what bothered her. When a person cares, they want them there during the worst times. At least that’s how she felt.

He turned to her for a second then back to the road. “I don’t take what happened between us lightly. Don’t ever think I do.”

What the hell did that mean? Allison opened her mouth to ask, but couldn’t come up with the phrasing. “I don’t think you do. Hell what am I saying? I don’t know what you think.”

The truck swayed side to side over the uneven terrain of the shoulder. Silence filled the space when Taylor cut off the engine and turned to her. “Will you accept my apology? I’ve wanted to come see you and speak to you in person. I hate texting.”

A shiver went through her at his scrutiny. The injuries and hunger replaced by something else. “I do, although I feel you don’t owe me one.”

His lips curved. “I can’t stop thinking about us. The way you looked when I made love to you.”

Her sharp intake of breath was the only sound for a few moments. Taylor cupped her nape and pulled her closer.

The kiss was soft at first and grew harder, making them both breathless between each press. He undid his seatbelt to allow closeness and Allison dug her fingers into his thick shoulder needing even more.

Trailing his lips to her temple, Taylor pressed the softest of kisses to her bruise. “I can’t do much right now Allison. It’s not fair to ask anything of you right now.” They were cheek to cheek as he spoke into her ear, his deep voice sending chills down Allison’s spine.

“What?” She pushed at his chest to look up at him.