Page 28 of Then There Was You

“Taylor,” a voice shouts, and I look up to see Paisley, Ashlyn, and Bree walking toward us.

“Hey,” Taylor says, standing and pulling each of them into a hug.

“You look hot, Taylor,” Ashlyn says as she steps out of the embrace. “That dress is incredible.”

“Thanks. You look good too. Where’s Sophie?”

“She’s not feeling great, so she decided to stay at home,” Ash says, leaning over the bar and pressing a kiss on my cheek.

“Is she okay?” I ask as she steps back.

She nods. “She felt dizzy earlier, so Cade wanted to keep an eye on her.”

My heart squeezes in my chest knowing she’s sick. I hope she’s okay.

“I thought you weren’t drinking tonight?” Paisley asks Taylor, pulling me from my thoughts.

Taylor catches my eye and grins.

“Seb made me have one.”

“Trying to get her drunk, Seb?” Paisley says before I can respond.

“I’m joking. I’m just having the one. Seb just made it a very large one.”

Paisley introduces Taylor to Bree, and when they all have a drink in their hand, they head to the table I reserved. Despite worrying about Sophie, my eyes gravitate to Taylor more than they should. Occasionally she sees me watching her, a smile forming on her face when she does. I know I should stop, but I seem powerless to.

There’s music playing, and it isn’t long before all four of them are up dancing. Within minutes, there are a couple of guys hanging around them. Paisley and Bree are oblivious to the attention, but Ashlyn seems to be lapping it up. I watch as she crooks her finger toward one of the guys, who doesn’t hesitate to pull her against him. His friend approaches Taylor and my fist clenches at my side as he says something to her and winds her arms around his neck.

“Told you,” Ryder says as he walks past me and looks out into the crowd.

“Fuck off, Ryder. I’m going on my break. Keep an eye on them for me.”

He chuckles. “Sure thing, boss.”

I toss the cloth I’m holding onto the countertop and make for my office. Jealousy swirls in my stomach. Even though I know I can’t hold her in my arms like that, it doesn’t mean I don’t want to. Maybe I should have reserved them a table at the back of Eden and away from the bar. At least that way I wouldn’t have to watch. It’s going to be a long-ass night.

CHAPTERTEN

Taylor

I’ve had thebestnight with the girls. I already knew how amazing Paisley was, but Ash and Bree are incredible too. I couldn’t ask for a better group of friends. It’s made me realize how lonely I was in Pittsburgh. I had Paisley, but because of her ex, we never did girls’ night. Connor would never have let her.

We’ve danced all night and my feet are killing me. I sit in the booth and slip my shoes off, rubbing my sore feet with my hands. I look across the bar to see Brandon, the guy I danced briefly with, watching me. I felt a little awkward when Ashlyn asked him and his friend to join us, but I didn’t want to be rude, so when he asked me to dance, I said yes. I’d seen Seb watching me a couple of times, and I don’t know if it was the buzz from the wine, but every time my eyes met his, my heart raced and my stomach dipped. I’m sure he’s just watching out for me like he would for Ash and Paisley, but I swear there was something in his stare.

“Nash is here,” Paisley announces, waving her phone in the air. There’s a slight slur to her voice and I know from the amount of wine she’s had she’s a little drunk. I didn’t stick to my one-glass-of-wine rule and ended up having another. Drinking Coke when everyone else is drinking alcohol is no fun. I’m almost done with the manuscript I’m working on, though, so I know I’ll meet my deadline on Monday.

“I’ve had a great night. We have to do it again and soon,” I tell the girls as they each hug me goodnight.

“Definitely,” Bree says. “A night out these days is rare, so count me in for sure.”

“You know it’s a yes from me,” Ashlyn says with a giggle. “I’ll just go and say bye to Seb. See you soon, Taylor.”

“I’ll call you tomorrow, Tay,” Paisley says, pulling me in for another hug.

I wave them off and sit back down in the booth. I’ve still got a little of my wine left and I pick up the glass, sipping the red liquid. I look out into the crowd of people still dancing, chatting, and having a good time. My eyes fall on Brandon, and he smiles when he sees me. Groaning internally, I drink down the last of my drink and push my aching feet back into my shoes. I don’t want to get into another conversation with him and decide to call it a night.

I stand from the booth and head to the bar. “Night, Seb,” I call out, seeing he’s busy serving.

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