We laugh; her dating history is long and sordid and filled with a myriad of situations that has me scratching my brain at how she got into them. “I mean, it’s not the frat guy from second year of university, but there’s some logistics that we have to work through.”
“Logistics?”
Her cheeks darken. “Yeah, teammates, brothers, friends, you know.” I’m blinking my way while processing this. “Logistics.”
“Girl, is he one of Blake’s teammates?”
She shrugs. “I’m not saying any more.”
“Does Blake know?” I press, but the doors open, and I watch her zip her mouth closed before stepping out. Rude. “Fine, don’t tell me, but we will have a discussion about this when shit hits the fan.”
“You know it,” she says, blowing me a kiss asshe walks off. Taylor sees the two of us coming in the distance, and the idea that I have to be cool with her around, dressed like she is, makes my stomach hurt. She’s so effortlessly beautiful. “Come on Taylor, I want to know everything about you, and I’ve got just the place. I hope you like pasta,” Kenz says, hooking her arm through Taylor’s before they walk off. Taylor’s head is still turned to me, eyes begging for help, and I try to stifle a laugh.
There’s no help when Kenz is on a mission.
Nineteen
Eloise
The garlic permeates the air, aromatic and warm; it fits the restaurant—Renaissance. Kenz has been talking a mile a minute, and every time I sneak a look at Taylor, I’m struck with how stunning she is.
Also, how much she’s glazed over with the amount of information and chatting that Kenz has been throwing her way. Kenz is never subtle, which I love, but Taylor hasn’t experienced this before. Well, experiencedoff-ice Kenz, at least, which is always a trip.
“So, I was saying to Chloe how she and Scar just need to get a room and—”
“Kenz,” I say, dropping a hand on her arm. She startles for a moment, turning back to me. From the corner of my eye, I can see how Taylor has deflated a little, and the way she’s tracking my hand on Kenz’s arm. “What do you recommend for supper? We’re going to want to get to the bars before cover starts.”
Her cheeks darken as she looks over the menu. “Oh, you’re notvegetarian, are you, Tay?”
Taylor startles, her relaxed posture disappearing, replaced by a straightened position. “Uh, no, absolutely not.”
“Good, well if you like there’s a great boar gnocchi that you should try if you’re into that. The sauce is a bit spicy, but I think you can handle it.”
Taylor’s cheeks are bright red, and I have half a mind to take a photo for Brynn and Winnie to see and tease her about later. “I can handle it,” Taylor says in response.
“Also, girl, you need to relax. We’re having fun, we’re going out. If you want, I can kiss you to get over whatever awkwardness this is,” Kenz says, and my blood runs cold for a minute. Taylor’s eyes have become as large as saucers, and my stomach drops.
Kenz leans forward, eyes half-lidded, and I’m fairly certain Taylor is choking on her tongue at the thought. “Kenz,” I whisper harshly.
“I appreciate the offer, Kenz, but I’m afraid I’m straight,” Taylor says, her cheeks dark.
As if she likes the flirting.
“I can’t twist your arm at all?” Kenz asks.
Taylor shakes her head. “I’m afraid you’re not my type. I prefer tall, dark hair and freckles.”
“So I’m out, but Eloise is in?”
I choke on the glass of wine that I was trying to sip quietly. As my coughing fit subsides and my cheeks are sufficiently heated to the point where you couldcook an egg on them, Kenz focuses her attention on Taylor. I do as well, raising an eyebrow as Taylor seems to flounder at the question.
“Still straight,” she mutters, and I barely catch it over the thudding in my ears from the blood.
“Disappointing,” Kenz says, “but at least now we’ve broken the ice and you won’t be so uncomfortable with me.”
“Oh, I—” Taylor starts. “Sorry, I’m used to watching.”
Waggling eyebrows do nothing to soothe the heat rushing through me. “I don’t mind being watched.”
