Page 45 of Then There Was You

“So?” I ask in confusion.

“So… you like her. Like,reallylike her. Guys don’t go to that much trouble for their friends.”

“You need to get some better male friends because I can assure you, they do.”

She lets out a sarcastic laugh. “Male friends? I should be so lucky. I have four overpowering brothers who won’t let a guy get anywhere near me, friend or not!”

“You’re exaggerating, Ash. We’re not that bad.”

“Really? I have to date in secret because you guys are so over the top.”

I frown. “You’re dating?”

“Urgh. Thanks for the drinks.”

She picks up her drink and links her arm with Ivy’s, disappearing across the bar before I can question her more. I guess we are a little overbearing, but it’s only because we care.

I catch Ryder’s eye and flick my eyes to the back, letting him know I’m going on my break. He nods in acknowledgment, and I head to my office. As I close the office door behind me, my phone vibrates in my pocket with an incoming message. I smile as I reach for it, Taylor’s name on the screen.

Taylor: Thanks again for earlier. Feeling better after the tea and the chocolate. I meant to ask, how did you know the tea would help? Was it Cade?

I glance at the time on my phone. It’s almost midnight. I can’t help but wonder if she’s having trouble falling asleep again.

Me: Glad you’re feeling better. Cade didn’t tell me about the tea. I Googled what might help. Can’t you sleep again?

I watch the screen as three dots appear, telling me she’s typing out a reply. When the dots disappear, I wonder if she’s fallen asleep. Seconds later, they flash up again. Eventually, my phone vibrates with another message.

Taylor: You Googled what would make me feel better? Why?

I chuckle before typing out a reply.

Me: Because I wanted you to feel better. Is that so hard to believe?

Taylor: No… what else did Google say?

I hesitate. The other things Google suggested are not things that should happen between friends. Definitely not between friends who’ve already crossed the line and slept together. I wouldn’t mind crossing the line again, though, even if I know I shouldn’t.

Me: There were a few things I didn’t think you’d want me suggesting or trying.

Taylor: Sounds intriguing. Like what?

I go with a relatively safe one first.

Me: A massage.

There’s a pause between messages, and I can’t help but wonder what she’s thinking. I perch on the edge of my desk as I wait for her reply.

Taylor: I wouldn’t have said no to a massage… would it have been one with a happy ending?

“Holy fuck!” I mutter as I read her message. Images of her flushed face as she comes on my tongue flash through my mind. I shake away my thoughts and type out a reply. I avoid answering directly. I don’t trust myself not to say something I shouldn’t.

Me: Funnily enough, that was one of the things Google suggested.

Taylor: A massage with a happy ending???

I burst out laughing.

Me: No. An orgasm, Taylor. It helps with the cramps… apparently.

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