Page 62 of Broken: Taylor

The trip was something she’d relish for a long time. Between the beautiful scenery of Montana in late autumn and talking with Taylor, she was in heaven.

He told her all about the investigation and how involved he’d been in every aspect of it. There was respect in his tone when he spoke of Captain Morris and it was obvious by the way he described the man’s responses to his calls during the job, the man liked Taylor as well.

What also became obvious was how much Taylor missed detective work. It was his calling. Had been his calling.

They drove up a sloping road to what looked to be a huge resort of some kind. A very expensive resort by the landscaping and lush cabins built among trees and other foliage.

Taylor stopped at a grand cabin and looked at her. “Wanna come with me to check in?”

“Yes. I want to see what it’s like inside.”

“Thought so.” He walked around the truck to open her door and they went into what turned out to be a plush and quite formal front office.

A woman looked up from the front desk, her eyes widening just enough to tell Allison she’d noticed Taylor’s attractive build. “Welcome to Triple Creek Ranch.” She walked around the counter.

“Mr. Hamilton and Ms. Brennan, correct?” She motioned for them to come to the counter.

Allison couldn’t help but smile when Taylor took her hand. “Yes. I reserved a one bedroom cabin for three days.”

“Here is the key,” the woman said, giving Allison a pleasant smile. “There is a list of amenities and activities in the cabin and on screen when you turn on the television for you to take advantage of. Everything on the resort is included.”

The cabin was astonishing. Allison walked from room to room admiring the thick log cabin walls, the impeccable furnishings, and breathtaking art on each wall. The four-poster bed beckoned. With its thick bedding, the scene made her want to yank Taylor’s clothes off and drag him into the plushness.

There was a Jacuzzi tub on the private back deck thanks to all the surrounding evergreens.

Three walls in the main room were floor to ceiling windows, which allowed not only for sunlight, but also a way to admire the stunning scenery.

“It’s...It’s amazing. Oh my God Taylor, this place is so luxurious. I can’t imagine how much it cost.”

She looked out past trees to a view of a snow-topped mountain. “I don’t ever want to leave.”

From behind, he wrapped his strong arms around Allison and she relaxed into him.

“Your expression makes the expense worthwhile.” Taylor kissed her temple. “Allison, you are very special to me. I wasn’t headed in the right direction, but thanks to you, I got my shit together.”

She turned in his arms, alarmed at his admission. “What do you mean?”

After a long sigh, he pulled her against him. “I was taking too many pain killers. Was beginning to depend on them. Although I tried to be careful, it was a slippery slope. I won’t say I was addicted, but it was pretty damn close.”

“Oh honey.” She cupped his face. “How do you deal with the pain now?”

His wide shoulders lifted and lowered. “Although some times it hurts like hell, for the most part it’s a lot better. I spoke to the doctor about it and he knows that I was headed toward dependency, so he’s given me non-addictive alternatives. Hydrotherapy and other stuff works too.

“That’s awesome.” She wondered how many other things about Taylor she wasn’t aware of. Although they spent long times talking, they hadn’t been comfortable enough yet to talk about everything.

She slid her arms around his neck. “I love this. Being in your arms and talking.”

Taylor kissed her again and both looked to the door when someone knocked. “Must be dinner,” he said with a sly smile. “I ordered dinner to be delivered.”

The meal was delicious. Tender Beef Wellington, thin green beans and perfectly seasoned new potatoes. They drank red wine as the fire in the hearth crackled, setting the perfect ambiance combined with the candles Allison had packed.

“Why do you keep looking at me like that?” Allison asked, her cheeks warm from his regard. The wine didn’t help either. “It’s as if you’ve got something on your mind.”

The corner of his mouth inched up. “I like looking at you. You’re beautiful. Can’t believe that idiot let you go.”

Allison’s couldn't help rolling her eyes. “I’m not sure why we stayed together so long. We have very little in common and to be honest, I don’t think he ever loved me. It was more that we were both comfortable and settled. Should have separated a long time ago.”

He nodded. “I get that.”