“For one, I was paying attention to your texts tonight. I came over after work to talk to you, to tell you that I wanted to do everything I could to make this right with us. Then, when I heard Dylan’s voice through your door, I imagined the worst. That’s when it hit me, Tayler. I don’t want to lose you. I want you in my life. I’ve been resisting for a long time, and that’s all thanks to my ex-wife.”
Hiswhat? “Your w-wife?” I choke out.
“Ex-wife.”
“You were married?”
“Yeah. And it fucked me up.”
“Ah, I see.” I nod slowly. “That makes sense. Dylan’s messing with my head too.”
“Can we try? Again?”
Holy crap, he looks defeated. “Can we sleep in the same bed? But I agree maybe we should hold off on the sex for a little while. It muddles my thinking.”
“Mine too.” He smiles. “I’m not sure I can sleep with you without wanting you, but I’ll try.”
“I want you too.” I stare into his pretty eyes. “Do you mean it this time?”
“I do.”
“Am I your girlfriend?” Oh, shit. Why do I say stuff like that?
“You’re absolutely my girlfriend. You always were. I just have a hard time with labels.”
“That means you’re my boyfriend.”
“I hope so.”
Me too.
I lean closer to kiss his lips and say what I came down here to say. “Happy birthday, babe.”
“Ah, you remembered.”
I roll my eyes and keep the hand I’d like to smack him with at my side. “Funny. Ha ha. If I’d known, I would have gotten you something.”
“Birthday’s aren’t my thing, babe.”
“Well, they’re mine. I’ll make you a cake tomorrow, so tell me your favorite flavor.”
“White cake, white icing.”
“Really?” That’s kind of boring.
“Really.”
“As you wish.”
He grins. “Maybe celebrating my birthday with you will change my mind.”
“Oh, I’ll change your mind. Just you wait and see.” I smirk.
“I’ve no doubt. You’ve already succeeded where all others have failed.”
“Why is that, do you think?”
He moves a loose piece of my hair off my face. “Don’t know. Something about you that completes me. I’m lost without you. I literally feel ill when you’re not around.”
