Page 66 of Then There Was You

“I’m not. I just don’t think there’s a spark.”

“Maybe you should give him a chance. I know he’s not Seb, but he’s a good guy.”

I frown at Paisley’s words. While Taylor’s telling me she’s happy for a friends-with-benefits relationship, hearing Paisley makes me question how true that is. I don’t know if I can walk away, though. Not now that I know how good she feels. I guess that makes me an asshole. I just hope to God neither of us ends up hurt.

CHAPTERTWENTY-THREE

Taylor

It’s Christmas Eve, and I’ve worked nonstop since we got back from Phoenix. I’m trying to get the first read-through of the manuscript I’m working on finished so I can take some time off without feeling guilty. As good as watching Wyatt’s game had been, I pretty much lost two days, and I need to catch up.

I’ve seen Seb every day since we got back, and he’s stayed over a couple of times when he’s been able to get away from the bar. It’s a busy time of year for him, and he hasn’t had much downtime in the last week. Everyone is coming to Eden tonight, though, and I know he’s hoping to get a couple of hours off. It’s another of the Brookes family’s traditions to spend Christmas Eve together in the bar. Before this year, it’s always just been the five siblings. It’ll be a bigger crowd this year, with Sophie and Paisley now part of the family. Seb’s asked me to come too, and I’m really looking forward to it. I’m quickly getting attached to the Brookes family, and I love how they’ve accepted me into their fold.

I’ve just stepped out of the shower when my phone chimes from the bedroom with an incoming message. I wrap a towel around me and pad through the room to the nightstand. I pick up the phone, and there’s a message from Paisley.

Paisley: We’re here. Are you coming down?

I quickly type out a reply.

Me: I’m running late. Just got out of the shower. Won’t be long.

Paisley: I’ll get you a drink.

Me: Thanks.

I toss the phone onto the bed and dry off. When I’ve dried my hair, I pile it into a messy bun on the top of my head, apply some makeup, and pull on some skinny jeans and a pink cami. I slip my feet into some heeled pumps and grab my purse. I’m only about thirty minutes late, but working nonstop meant I finished the edits and the manuscript is back with the author. It will probably be after Christmas when it comes back, giving me some much-needed time off.

When I finally get downstairs, Eden is packed with people dancing, drinking, and having fun. It’s standing room only, and I can’t see any of the Brookes clan, even though I know from Paisley that they’re all here. I’m just about to head to the bar when I feel someone behind me, and a pair of hands come to rest on my waist. My body tenses until the person steps closer and my senses are overwhelmed by Seb. His aftershave envelops me, and his head drops to my ear, his breath hot on my skin.

“Hi,” he whispers in my ear. “You look good enough to eat.” His hands squeeze my waist, and I smile, turning to face him.

“Is that a promise?”

He chuckles. “You know it is.”

“I’m going to hold you to that.”

His eyes flash with heat, and he lowers his head, brushing his lips against mine. As surprised as I am that he’s kissing me in Eden, I kiss him back, losing myself in him. He pulls away far too soon, leaving me wanting more.

“We should find the others,” he says, his voice husky.

I take a deep breath and step out of his embrace before I drag him up to my apartment.

“I can’t believe how busy it is,” I tell him as he places his hand on the bottom of my back and leads me through Eden.

“It’s crazy. I was hoping for a few hours off, but Alex has called in sick. I’ve managed to get one of the servers in to help behind the bar, but I’m going to have to serve too.”

“I’m sorry, Seb. That sucks. I know how much you were looking forward to tonight.”

“There’ll be tomorrow to catch up with everyone.”

His hand falls away from my back as we approach the table where everyone is. As we get nearer, Ashlyn and Ivy appear from behind us, and Ash quickly pulls me into a hug.

“Merry Christmas, Taylor,” she shouts in my ear, grinning widely as she steps back.

I laugh. “Merry Christmas, Ash.”

“This is Ivy,” she says, turning to the beautiful brunette behind her.

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