Page 64 of Broken: Taylor

“I feel so comfortable with you. It’s so strange how well we mesh.” Allison looked into the fire and slid a glance at Taylor.

He took the cup from her hands and surprised her by taking her chin and looking directly into her eyes. “I don’t think it’s strange. We have a lot in common, besides there’s something else.”

Her breath hitched as she wondered what he’d say. “Like what?”

“I’m in love with you.” He swallowed and his brows lowered. “Didn’t expect it to happen.”

It was endearing how Taylor seemed more pained than happy about the sentiment.

“Oh good!” Allison shrieked and threw her arms around him. “I love you so much Taylor. Have been wanting to ask you how you felt, but was scared of what the answer would be.” She pressed kisses all over his face while he chuckled and pretended to protest.

“Don’t go getting all mushy.” When he cupped her jaw, his words meant little as his eyes shined with emotion. “I am thankful for you Allison.”

“Don’t make me cry.” Allison sniffed and blinked. “You’re an amazing man. I hope we spend a long time together.”

He nodded and pulled her against his chest kissing the top of her head. “Me too.”

As soon ashe’d declared his feelings, terror seized him. The urge to leave immediately made it hard to remain calm. Why should he trust that Allison would be with him for a long time? Her words had confirmed his biggest fear.

It seemed fate had decided he would not keep anyone he loved for long. And although a part of him wanted to enjoy the moment, allow the feeling of her returning his feelings to settle in. The other part, the intellectual side, warned of the truth of his life.

“Hey.” Allison placed both hands on either side of his face. “What’s the matter?” How he loved looking into her green eyes. In truth, he’d fallen for the woman after the first time they’d slept together. Yeah, it sounded shallow, but how they’d connected and how beautifully she made love was the proverbial straw that broke the dam. The dam he’d carefully built to keep everyone at a healthy distance.

“Hey. Look at me,” Allison began and waited for their gazes to meet. “Nothing in life is guaranteed. You know this better than anyone. But Taylor, we have to live the life we’ve got left. No matter if we have months or years left together. I want you to let go of the fear of the “what if”. Otherwise I’m going to tickle you until you pee your pants.”

She’d accidentally found out he was ticklish and lost control unable to defend himself once someone found the precise spot near his ribs. And of course used the threat of tickling him whenever possible. Just the thought made him tense.

“Don’t,” he warned. “I mean it.”

Allison pulled him closer. “Tell me again how you feel about me?”

“I love you.”

The kiss turned hungry and deepened until the hot cocoa, the blankets and his every fear was forgotten. Their entwined bodies confirmed by their declaration were without abandon, as they made love once again.