And damn it—my face actually burns. Great.
Zach Westbrook, blushing like some middle schooler. Fantastic.Yeah, real smooth, idiot. Maybe bang your head against the steering wheel while you're at it.
Her expression softens, the playful edge giving way to something more genuine. "You're serious about her, right?"
"As serious as it gets," I say, voice rough, honest.
"Good."
"I've got a lot of groveling ahead of me if I want her to believe I'm the guy she deserves. And truth? Caroline does deserve better. Half the time I wonder how she ever put up with me back then. But I still want to try. Ineedto try."
Taylor leans back, thoughtful, nodding.
"And with your ex being handled now—the restraining order's gonna keep him out of your hair—there's no point in keeping this charade alive anyway." I glance at her, hesitant. "But honestly? Even if that wasn't resolved, I still would've ended it. Because it wouldn't be fair—to her, or to what I'm trying to build with her. So... yeah. Sorry."
She waves it off easily. "It's alright. Really."
Her hand lands lightly on my shoulder, her smile genuine. "I'm happy for you, Zach. You finally get another shot with her."
"Thanks." My chest tightens, but in a way that feels good this time.
"I've waited for this chance longer than I want to admit. Thought I'd blown it for good. But now that she's back?" I shake my head, half-smiling.
"I don't want fake anything with anyone else anymore. Not a pretend relationship, not a situationship, not any ship out there. I want the real thing. I want to have a real relationship with the woman I've been in love with my whole life... With her."
Taylor smirks, leaning back against the seat. "Well, guess this is it then. End of an era. We were Ridgewater's most convincing fake hook-up buddies. It was good while it lasted."
I slap a hand over my chest. "Wow. That's all I was to you? A glorified decoy with abs?"
She bites back a laugh. "Pretty much. Ten out of ten performance, though. You really sold the part."
"Sold the part?" I groan. "Unbelievable. I feel so... used."
Taylor pats my arm, all mock sympathy. "Don't worry, Zach. You were the best fake fling I never actually had."
"Glad I could be of service."
"All joking aside, though—your Caroline? She's really beautiful. And she seems like a good person."
Your Caroline.
The words echo in my head, and holy hell, do they sound good.
Your Caroline.Like a title. A brand. A freaking Grammy-winning song. If I could bottle that phrase, I'd drink it every morning instead of coffee.
My cheeks hurt from holding back the dumb grin threatening to take over.
"I know, right?" I manage, trying not to sound like an idiot. "She's the most beautiful woman I've ever laid eyes on. The sweetest, kindest soul. I'm... insanely lucky to have her in my life. Luckier than hell to have her back in my life."
"Definitely. So, don't screw it up again."
I smirk, leaning back in my seat. "Not a chance."
Taylor smile at me one more time as she grabs the door handle. "You're a good person, Zach. I really hope you get your Caroline. And I hope both of you get the happy ending you deserve."
I manage a crooked grin. "Thanks, T. That means a lot."
"Good luck."
