CHAPTER SIXTEEN
TAYLOR
“I still can’t believe that you brought Dean to block for you,” Taylor said through laughter.
“It didn’t work,” Bella scoffed. “That traitor introduced himself as a friend of the family.”
“Girl, you need to stop fighting it. You have been watching that man all night.”
“What? Girl, please,” Bella protested. “No, I wasn’t.”
“Lies! And what was that shit you were pulling with Jack?”
Bella laughed. “I was just fucking with your friend.”
“Shi-id. You might have turned her on.” Taylor giggled.
“Girl, bye.” Bella sneered with a roll of her eyes.
Taylor stopped laughing as if something behind Bella had captured her attention. ”Heyyy, Lucas,” Taylor practically sang.
Bella reluctantly turned around. For most of the night, she’d been able to avoid his seductive glare.
“Bella, have I mentioned how beautiful you look tonight?”
“No, but thank you,” Bella replied coolly.
Taylor could sense Bella’s relief when Lucas turned his attention to her.
“Are you enjoying your birthday?”
“I am,” Taylor beamed.
And she really was. Taylor loved celebrating with her friends and family. Their presence provided the greatest of distractions. She hadn’t thought about Rosemary’s return in hours. And, admittedly, watching Bella squirm around Lucas was strangely entertaining.
“Bella, can I have a word?” Lucas requested.
Bella nodded and smiled. But, behind her smile, Taylor saw anxiety. And she understood why. Taylor could only imagine, not only the pain of learning that her husband was gay, but it also had to be a major blow to her ego. However, she did want Bella to be happy again. She wanted Bella to face her fear and allow someone in. If not Lucas, then some other deserving man.
Lucas possessively placed his hand in the small of Bella’s back. He was prepared to lead her away. But, before he could, Dean walked up and handed Bella a glass of white wine. Taylor could see Lucas’ disappointment and Bella’s relief.
“I’m so sorry, Bella. Something has come up, and I have to go.” Dean turned to Lucas, smiling conspiratorially. “Lucas, do you think you can drive Bella home for me?”
Bella’s mouth flew open, but she said nothing. Taylor pressed her lips together and struggled not to laugh at her friend.
“Go, and take care of your business. It would be my pleasure to see Bella home.” He turned to Bella with a smirk. “My pleasure,” he mouthed.
Bella’s lips quivered as if she was attempting to speak, but Dean leaned down and kissed her cheek. “I’ll catch up with you later,” he said before walking away, leaving Bella with her mouth open.
“Well, since we’re gonna be alone in the car, I guess our talk can wait until later.”
Bella’s mouth was still open when Lucas strolled away. Once the coast was clear, Taylor burst into laughter.
