Page 44 of Then There Was You

“So you got drunk instead?” I tease, tickling her waist.

She giggles and pushes my hand away. “Not drunk exactly. Just relaxed enough for me to fall asleep.”

She drops her arms from around my neck and I reluctantly let her go.

“I want you to feel safe, Taylor. I hate that you don’t.”

She gestures to the door. “This makes me feel a hell of a lot safer, Seb. Thank you.”

I smile at her. “You already thanked me.”

“Well, I’m thanking you again.”

Pain suddenly clouds her face and her hand goes to her stomach.

I frown. “You okay?”

She nods. “I think I’m going to go and take that bath. Hopefully that’ll ease it, and I have my chamomile tea to drink.” She winks, and I laugh.

“I hope the bath and the tea work.”

“If not, I have a ton of chocolate and a full bottle of Jack Daniel’s. I’m in for a good night!”

I smile. “Feel better, Tay.”

“Bye, Seb.”

I watch as she walks up the stairs to her apartment and unlocks the door. She turns and gives me a small wave when she sees I’m still watching her. I wave back before she closes the door and disappears into the apartment. I groan internally. I know exactly what she looks like naked, which is both a blessing and a curse as I try and fail not to imagine her wet and soapy in the tub.

* * *

Saturday night in Eden is busy like usual and I’m trying to serve as well as keep my eye on Ashlyn and Ivy. After what happened to Taylor last weekend, I’m being extra vigilant. I’ve even hired more security on the weekend. I want Eden to be a safe space for everyone and I’ll do whatever it takes to make that happen.

There’s a live singer on tonight, and like always, when they’ve finished their set, the bar empties out a little and things begin to slow. Ashlyn and Ivy wait until the crush at the bar is gone before heading over.

“Hey, Seb,” Ash says. “Can we get two vodka lemonades?”

“Sure. You having a good night?” She nods. “No Paisley or Bree tonight?”

“Nope. Oliver is teething, so Bree is exhausted, Paisley’s out with Nash, and Taylor’s sick, but after last week, I’m wondering if she’s just avoiding a night out.”

I slide two vodka lemonades across the bar. I know Ashlyn blames herself after inviting that jackass and his friend to dance with them last week, but what happened isn’t her fault.

“She’s not avoiding a night out. I saw her earlier. She really is sick.”

“Being a woman sucks sometimes,” Ivy says, reaching for one of the drinks and swallowing a mouthful.

“I brought her a ton of chocolate and some chamomile tea. I hope it helped.”

“Oh my God!” Ashlyn cries, a huge smile on her face.

“What?”

“Youlikeher!”

I roll my eyes. “Of course I like her. She’s my friend.”

“You like her as more than a friend. You brought her chocolate while she was on her period.”

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