Page 69 of Broken: Taylor

Chapter 29

“I still can’t believeit.” Allison sat back on the couch at Tori’s place and sipped from the wine glass.

“So where are you two going to live?” Tori asked, her expression soft, but not exactly open. “He still lives with Tobias right?”

Allison sighed. “Most of the time he’s at my place. We have a lot to plan. Since he started working as sheriff, he’s working long hours every day. Not that there’s so much crime, but he likes to greet the second shift and be the one to do the daily briefings for both.”

“I can imagine, plus he’s probably excited to do what he wants.” Tori refilled their glasses. “I’m so happy for you.” She held up her glass and they toasted.

“We were going to build a house out there on Taylor’s land, but decided with both of us working here in town, it would take too much time to drive that ten miles back and fourth. Especially if he has an emergency.” Allison sighed. “So we’re thinking of buying the old Victorian on Oak Street and remodeling it. Not ourselves, but hire someone.”

“Good idea,” Tori said. “I love that place.”

“Where’s your dog?” Allison asked. “No yapping today?”

Tori looked down at her lap. “She died in her sleep a couple days ago. I knew she wasn’t well, the vet said she was just old. But I wanted to believe she would live forever.” Tori sniffed. “I miss my little fur ball.”

“Oh honey,” Allison said blinking away tears. “I’m so sorry. Why didn’t you call me to come be with you?”

“It’s been a sucky year. Mom being diagnosed with cancer, Tobias being an idiot and now this. I just wanted to stay in bed and have a pity party.”

Allison honed in on the fact Tori mentioned Tobias. “What did Tobias do?”

“Nothing,” Tori replied too fast, her eyes sliding to the side. “Just the usual.”

Although she’d wondered when to tell Tori, it was a possibility her friend already knew. “So you heard he’s getting engaged?”

“Yep, told me himself.” Tori let out a huff. “Feel sorry for whoever is marrying the dork.”

Allison chuckled. “I have a feeling you’re lying. Hmmm.” She tapped her chin with one finger. “You’re jealous.”

“What? No. He’s an idiot.”

To allow Tobias to marry someone other than Tori was a big mistake. Allison started a plan. She’d speak to Taylor and Leah. Before Tobias got married, they’d figure out a way to get him and Tori alone. There were some things that needed to be worked out between those two.

* * *

Over dinner that night, Allison couldn’t keep her eyes off of Taylor. The top two buttons of his shirt were undone and he was relaxed. The man was sexy without trying.

“What are you thinking about?” He looked up from cutting his chicken. “You’ve been quiet tonight.”

In truth, what bothered her was hard to put into words. “I’m worried about Tori. She’s depressed. You know after her mom getting sick and then her little dog died in her sleep the other day. But I’m not sure what I can do for her.”

“Is she dating anyone?”

“No. The only relationship she has is with Tobias. They fight all the time.”

Taylor chuckled. “Yep, I think it’s their favorite hobby. Coming up with creative ways to insult one another.”

“We need to figure out a way to get those two alone.”

Taylor looked horrified. “Oh no. I’m not getting involved in nothing like that. It’s trouble.”

“Good grief,” Allison huffed the words out. “I have to think of something. When I do, I’ll need your help.”

She got up and took their plates to the kitchen sink. While Taylor settled on the couch, Allison went to the bedroom.

“Where are you going so early?”

She turned and smiled. “I’ve got something special planned for you tonight. Give me ten minutes and then bring your gorgeous self in here.”

When Taylor entered the bedroom, he found the lights off except for one candle.

Wearing a black see-through teddy, Allison knelt in the center of the bed holding a satin scarf.

“Take you clothes off slowly. I am going to blindfold you.”

He was instantly hard. “Yes Ma’am.”

The End