Page 38 of False Start
She’s always been the one for me. My brain and my heart needed a second to get in sync.
I pull into their driveway and see that everyone else is already here, so with one final breath to center myself, I climb out of my car and walk over to the group as we make our way to the front door. Before we can make it up the steps, the door opens to reveal Mrs. Taylor, wearing a blue apron with a black T-shirt and jeans underneath and a huge smile on her face.
She bypasses all of her kids and comes running to me at the back of the group, extending her arms as she wraps them around me for a hug. I take a second to regain my balance before I sink into her embrace and let her warmth envelop me. It’s been a while since I’ve seen Mr. and Mrs. Taylor in person, other than games and events, and actually spent time with them. It feels like coming home seeing her again.
“My sweet Jake, I’m so glad to have you over. Happy Thanksgiving.” Mrs. Taylor lets me go and pulls away, her hands going to my shoulders as she looks me up and down.
“It’s wonderful to see you, too, Mrs. Taylor. Happy Thanksgiving.”
“What did I tell you about calling me by my last name? You are family, my dear boy.”
“Of course, Sam.”
She smiles at me, and it reminds me so much of where Kailyn got her smile from.
“Don’t scare the poor boy off, Sam. At least let him in the house first.” She pulls back and makes her way over to her husband. He wraps his arm around her shoulder, planting a kiss on her forehead.
I can’t help but look over at Kailyn and wish with everything I have that I could love her out loud like that.
We’re not there yet, but I know that we will be.
Hopefully soon.
“Come on, kids. Dinner is ready. You know the drill.” We all make our way inside, and I feel like I'm home again, the familiar fall scents mixing in with the vanilla candles that are always burning and the slight warmth from the electric fireplace that sits in their living room. Yes, we’re in Florida, one of the hottest states, but it’s still a nice touch to their beautiful home and helps to keep it cozy.
“It’s good to see you again, Jake. Your season is looking really promising so far.” Mr. Taylor releases his daughter as he walks over to me, reaching out his hand for a handshake. I return it, smiling up at the man who is practically a second father to me in every way.
“Thank you, sir. I’m just doing my best every game.”
“You have always been one hell of a player, son. Your dad would be so proud of you, just know that.”
Tears prick at the back of my eyes. “Thank you. That means a lot coming from you.” He pats my shoulder, squeezing it in reassurance before he leads us into the dining room, where the rest of the group is already sitting and waiting for us.
I take the only available seat, which happens to be right next to Kailyn and across from the twins. Lainey is at one end of the table with their parents at the other end, sitting side by side. We start to pass around the food, piling up our plates and diving right in.
We chat and mingle for a while, talking about everything from the season so far to Kailyn’s new job, how Lainey’s job at Love & Lattes is going, and reminiscing about our childhoods. It feels nice to be surrounded by family, people who love you and make you feel like you have somewhere to come home to. I haven’t genuinely felt a sense of home in a long time.
Underneath the table, I feel a brush of something against my foot. It’s gone just as quick, so I don’t think anything of it—until I feel it again, this time just a little bit longer. Without drawing attention, I peer under the table and see Kailyn’s foot brushing against mine. She’s talking to her mom about something, so she’s not truly paying attention to me. When she reaches out to brush against me again, I hook her ankle with mine and pull it slightly toward me, a soft gasp leaving her lips as she drops her fork.
“Are you alright, honey?” Sam asks, concern lacing her tone.
“I’m fine, Mom. Just thought I felt something, but I’m all good.” Her cheeks are coated in a soft pink blush, and she goes about eating like nothing happened.
She leaves her ankle tucked into mine.
Smiling in satisfaction, I continue to eat like nothing happened. It still feels good to get these reactions from her, to know I have this effect on her. It only solidifies the truth for me.
We chat and laugh some more before deciding to clear up the table. I help the twins with dish duty, even though Sam insisted I didn’t need to. Once everything is cleaned and put away, we all start to say our goodbyes and head home after a long day.
I hug the Taylors goodbye as I make my way to the door, heading out while the rest of the kids stay to chat for a few minutes. I'm almost to my car when I hear the front door open and close softly behind me, turning to see Kailyn following me down the stairs.
All night, it’s been so hard for me to keep my hands to myself.
I want to touch her again like we did in the parking lot, but this time take it further.
I want to bring her face to mine, taste her lips, devour her as she melts into me like she used to.
I want to let my hands explore her soft curves and bring her closer as we become a mess of tongues and teeth. And then, I’d throw her in my car and bring her back to my house where I can slowly take my time worshipping every inch of her body.
