Out at Home (14 page)

Taylor floated to her desk Wednesday afternoon, goofy grin plastered to her face. Josh raised a brow as he approached her.

“How was the game?” he asked.

She smiled. “Wonderful.”

He rolled his eyes. “Well spare me the gruesome details.”

Sitting on the edge of her desk, his eyes scanned her face. "Well, you look better, anyway. Tia’s back in town and we want to take you out tonight for your birthday.”

Biting her lip, she gave him an easy glance. “Umm, tonight is Brady’s last night off. We kind of had plans.” Standing up, he heaved a disgruntled breath, throwing his hands in the air. “Fine. I’ll call Tia and tell her.”

“Josh,” she called after him. He waved her away as he headed toward the break room. She dialed Tia’s number and relief washed over her when she picked up right away.

“Hey, girlie! How was your little romantic getaway?” Tia teased.

“Fantastic,” she replied. “Shal I spare you the gruesome details also?”

Tia snorted. “Hell no! I want to hear it all. Where shal go tonight?”

She sighed in frustration. “That’s just it. Tonight’s the last night of the break and I made plans with Brady. Do you think we can get together tomorrow night instead?”

“Oh, sure. That’s not a problem.”

Taylor smiled. “Good. Only you’ll have to talk to Josh because apparently I ticked him off when I told him I wanted to spend time with Brady tonight.”

“Oh,” Tia responded in a desolate tone. “Yeah. He’s not too happy that you’re seeing Brady.”

“I sort of got that feeling when he stormed away from me just now.”

Tia snorted. “I got back in town last night and had dinner with him and Lacy. All he did was complain. I think Lacy got a little upset with him.”

“Good. He deserves it. I mean, he was the one who pushed me to talk to Brady after all.”

“I know,” Tia said. “He’s an idiot. Don’t let him get you down. You and Brady deserve to be happy and if Josh won’t join us tomorrow, then you can tell me all the nitty gritty details.”

Taylor smiled. “I will.”

“Oh! I nearly forgot. I wanted to tell you I’m sorry I couldn’t make it to the little birthday party they planned for you. Brady tried to get me there but I was wrapped up in this deal for work.”

Taylor furrowed her brow. “I didn’t know they tried to get you there.”

“Yep. Brady called me and told me about the party Tabby and Zoey planned. I thought it was sweet.”

“It was. Kind of embarrassing, though. Wish you would have been there. I missed you.”

“Aw, honey! How sweet. Now tell me, have you jumped on that boy yet?”

Fire raced to her cheeks as she swiveled her chair away from the bustle of the busy office. “Umm, yeah.” Tia shrieked so loudly that Taylor winced and pulled the phone from her ear. “How was it? How did it happen? Was it good?” As she turned her head, she caught Henry Lake glaring at her from across the room. “I’ll tell you all about it later. I really should go get some work done now.”

“Okay,” Tia pouted in the phone. “Call me later.”

Taylor hung up the phone and turned her computer on, ignoring Henry’s accusatory glances.

She left once to pick up a sandwich, which she ate at her desk. She’d found a very informative legal web site in which she scanned thoroughly.

She jotted down notes that she thought would help with her story and became so immersed; she was surprised when Luther tapped her shoulder and told her to go home.

“Just because you took a few days off doesn’t mean you have to sleep here all night,” he said.

She looked at the clock and was surprised to see it was past five. She grimaced as she shut down her computer and picked up her cell phone.

She figured Brady would have called her by now asking where she was.

When she got to her car, she threw her stuff in the passenger seat before dialing Brady's number.

“Hey, love,” he answered, making her heart somersault. She could hear what sounded like lots of people in the background. “Where are you?”

“I could ask you the same,” she responded.

“I’m at the Line Drive Club. I ran into some old friends.”

“Really,” she asked, her curiosity perked. “Who?”

“Jason Smith and Jordan Brock.”

Her heart stopped somersaulting abruptly, falling flat on its face. “Oh.”

“Hang on, love. I can barely hear you. Let me go outside.”

“No, Brady, it’s okay,” she said. “Go hang out with them. Give me a call later.”

“Taylor, wait a second,” he ordered. She could hear the noise die down as he apparently walked outside. “Okay, now I can hear you better.

Where are you?”

“Just leaving the office. Why don’t you hang out with your friends and just call me later?”

“Hey, love,” he said, his voice soft. “Come down here. They want to see you. I told them we’re back together.

Cringing, she closed her eyes, keeping the dreaded sigh inside her tightly wound body. She had no desire whatsoever to see either of them again. “I don’t think so, Brady. Why don’t you have a boy’s night or something? Besides, Tia and Josh wanted me to have dinner with them for my birthday.”

He exhaled a heavy breath into the phone. “Okay. But how about when you’re done, you meet me at my place? If I’m not there yet, just go to Kyle’s and get a key from him. I gave him an extra.”

***

“So the Terrible Threesome is back together,” Tia asked as she speared a tomato with her fork.

“Yep. Isn’t it grand,” Taylor retorted.

“Cheer up, Taylor. I’m sure Jason will crawl back under whatever rock he came from soon.” She snorted and took a long drink from her ice tea glass. “Do you mind if I indulge in a little self pity for a moment?” Looking up from her salad, Tia gestured for her to continue.

“Okay, here goes. One of my best friends isn’t speaking to me because I’m dating the guy he pushed me to talk to and that guy, who I just spent the most amazing three days with, is out with his high school buddies with whom he made that stupid bet.” Tia grinned. “It’s about to get better. Henry Lake and his stuck up daughter just walked through the door.” Taylor rolled her eyes as she turned to meet Henry’s sarcastic smirk. They followed the hostess to the back section of the restaurant.

“If that man says one word to me I swear I’m going to punch him first and then his daughter.”

***

Sitting on the trunk of her car, she waited for Tabby. She'd left the restaurant without a word from Henry and then headed to Brady’s house. She knew he wouldn’t be there - it was still fairly early - so she'd parked her car in his drive and walked a block down to Kyle’s. She'd been a little surprised to find him not at home so she called Tabby on her cell to see if she could get Kyle’s number.

“He’s at the Club with the rest of the guys. I’m on my way there now. Sit tight and I’ll swing by to pick you up,” Tabby had said.

Taylor hadn't had a chance to protest as Tabby had hung up quickly. She wanted to see Brady; be with him, especially after their Chicago trip.

She just didn’t know if she could handle being face to face with Jason and Jordan again.

Tabby pulled her SUV in front of Brady’s driveway and leaned over to open the passenger door.

“Hop in,” she called.

Taylor reluctantly jumped down from her car and climbed into Tabby’s. Tabby smiled as she pulled away.

“Do you want to tell me what’s going on?” she asked.

Taylor shrugged. “Brady’s down there with two of his high school buddies who I don’t care a whole lot for and have no desire to ever see again.”

“Oh, I see,” Tabby told her. “Jocks? Preps? That kind of thing?”

“Sort of.” Taylor yanked on her pony tail in an effort to tighten it. “Jason and Jordan are the guys that made the bet with Brady.” Tabby snapped her head toward Taylor in surprise. “Are you serious?”

Taylor nodded. “Yeah. I haven’t seen them since Prom.”

“No wonder you don't want to go down there.”

“Yeah, well, it’s a little humiliating, you know?” She propped her head on the cool glass of the passenger side window.

Tabby glanced at her again. “Taylor, you know one of the reasons why I like you so much?” Taylor shook her head.

“Because you’ve got a backbone. You stood up to everything Brady gave you and threw it back in his face. You’re tough, Taylor. You and Brady fought hard to overcome all the things you’ve been through. Don’t let these idiots stand in the way or keep you from him.” Reaching over, she took Taylor’s hand and squeezed it as she pulled into the parking lot.

“Come on, girl. Show them you’re not scared.”

As soon as they walked inside, Taylor spotted Jason. Where Brady was tall and dark, Jason was shorter and fair. He had blond, messy hair, and piercing blue eyes. The pair of them had left a trail of broken hearts behind them all throughout their high school days.

Jordan Brock stood against the bar with some curvy blonde in a short, denim skirt whose back was to Taylor. Jordan’s sandy brown hair was cut short and neat and his brown eyes were hidden behind stylish glasses.

Taylor’s heart nearly stopped when the woman turned and Taylor recognized her. Brady hadn’t mentioned that she was here.

Gretchen Steel was blonde, shapely, and just plain gorgeous. She remembered Josh telling her once that Brady and Gretchen had dated on and off their entire junior year and for a few months the beginning of senior year. She was the one he would go back to after each of his

‘relationships’ had ended.

“There’s Brady,” Tabby whispered in Taylor's ear as she tugged on her arm. “Come on.” Taylor trudged behind her as they made their way over to the table.

“Look what I found,” Tabby announced, calling attention to them both.

When Brady spun around, his pleasure lit up his handsome features. “Hey, love! You made it.” Standing, he pulled her into a tight hug and kissed her cheek. She relaxed in his arms and faced the others. The presence of Alex, Kyle, Mark, and Zoey gave her a little reassurance as Jordan and Gretchen joined the table.

“Hi, Taylor,” Jordan greeted sheepishly. “Nice to um... see you again.”

“You too, Jordan,” she answered in a stiff tone.

She noticed Alex exchange curious glances with Mark as Tabby leaned over to whisper in his ear. His face immediately darkened as he glared at Jordan. Taylor flashed him a small smile and he relaxed.

Gretchen Steel sidled next to her, sizing her up. With a warm smile, she extended her hand. “How have you been?” Taylor accepted her handshake, forcing her own smile. “Fine, Gretchen, thanks. And you?”

“Oh, you know,” she replied, waving a flippant hand. “Same ole, same ole. Can’t complain.” Her gaze shifted to Brady. “Imagine my surprise when Jason called to tell me that he ran into Brady and we were all getting together.”

“I bet,” Taylor mumbled, trying to keep the sarcasm out of her voice. Brady found her hand and squeezed it. She returned his squeeze as Jason cut through the crowd, eager to return to the table.

“Well, now,” he exclaimed, appraising her with cool eyes. Taylor instinctively moved closer to Brady. He released her hand and slung his arm over her shoulders. “If I would have known you’d turn out this good, I would have picked you over Amanda.” All of the blood drained out of Taylor’s face. Out of the corner of her eye, she caught Alex getting to his feet. Next to her, Brady’s once relaxed body tensed and the muscles in his arms bunched. Placing a hand on his chest, she nearly jerked it back when she felt the rapid beats of his heart.

“Brady,” she mumbled. “Don’t.”

Brady squeezed Taylor’s shoulder lightly. “Dude,” he said, glaring at Jason, voice cool and even. “That’s so not right.” Taylor glanced coolly at the blond man, allowing her eyes to run up and down his body. “Who’s to say I would have picked you anyway? I obviously got the better end of the deal. At least that’s what Amanda seems to think.” Brady, Jason, and Jordan all stared at her open mouthed. Jordan broke the silence by doubling over and falling into his chair, laughter streaming from every pore in his body.

“You definitely have your hands full, man,” he told Brady, punching him lightly in the arm.

Brady gave Taylor an affection smile before dropping a kiss on the top of her head. “Yeah, she keeps me on my toes, that’s for sure.” Jason forced a sick smile, mumbling how he was only joking before he dropped into his seat.

Alex had grabbed a couple chairs and pulled them over for Taylor and Tabby. Brady reached under the table and held Taylor’s hand.

“So Brady,” Gretchen purred snatching the seat next to him. “You’re getting us tickets for your game tomorrow, right? I haven’t been to a game in ages. And I especially want to see you on the field.”

“Yeah, sure,” he agreed. “You guys can sit with Taylor.”

“Taylor’s sitting with me and Zoey,” Tabby said, nudging Taylor lightly. Taylor gave her a grateful smile.

Brady shrugged. “That’s fine. I’ll leave some tickets at Will Call for you.”

“Thanks, hon,” Gretchen said, squeezing his arm, causing Taylor to stiffen. Brady felt it and draped his arm on the back of Taylor’s chair. He leaned over to kiss her on the cheek.

“You ready to go, love?” She nodded, wanting desperately to get away from Jason and his contemptuous eyes.

“Leaving already, man?” Jason asked as Brady and Taylor stood.

“Yeah. We have early batting practice and seeing as I haven’t picked up a bat since Sunday, I really don’t need to be late.” After they said their goodbyes, Taylor nearly yanked him out of the bar.

***

When he tore his shirt off as soon as he walked into the bedroom, she grabbed it and headed to the bathroom. She emerged a few minutes later wearing it and climbed on the bed next to him. He had the TV turned on and was watching the local news in just his boxers. He put the remote on the night stand and wrapped his arms around her.

“Not too crazy about my friends, huh?” he asked.

She shook her head. “Nope. And you failed to tell me Gretchen was there.”

His mouth stretched into a lazy smile as laughter lit up his eyes. “She didn’t show up until after I hung up with you. Jealous, love?” She tried hard to glare at him but ended up bowing her head. “Maybe.”

His smile fell as he lifted her chin. “Don’t be.
You
have me, not her.”

“That’s reassuring,” she said, her tone sarcastic. “It’s quite obvious she still wants you.” He snorted. “So. I don’t want her.”

“I don’t know why not.” She extracted her body out of his arms and sat up. “She’s gorgeous, Brady. Hell, I’d even go so far as to call her hot.” He barked out a laugh. “Yeah, she may be hot but you’re beautiful and there’s a huge difference.” Scoffing, she opened her mouth to protest but he put a finger to her lips, stopping her.

“That’s all she is, is hot. She uses her body and her looks to get whatever she wants. But you,” he smiled as he ran a lazy gaze up and down her entire length. “You are beautiful and not just your body and your face. You are so loving and loyal and caring. But you’re strong, too. You’re the strongest person I know. And you stand your ground when you believe in something enough.” His eyes darted over every feature on her face as he slowly leaned in to kiss her. Breaking the kiss, he swallowed. “That’s why I love you so much, Taylor.”

Her eyes widened and she was struck speechless. With a smirk, he rolled over on top of her, careful not to crush her, and took advantage of her slack jaw. He nibbled on her bottom lip and broke her out of her trance. She wound her hands behind his neck, pressing her lips to his, allowing her tongue to anxiously explore his mouth. Her hands loosened and slowly traveled down his muscular, bare back and lingered on the waistband of his boxers. Her fingers inched under the elastic as her thumb hooked the top. She yanked them down quickly, surprising him.

“Smooth, love,” he said, sliding his shirt off her body, trailing kisses behind it. Once he tossed it to the floor, she wrapped her arms around his neck and forced his lips back to hers.

“Now this is what I’d call hot,” he mumbled into her mouth.

***

“Brady,” she asked later as she tucked her weary head under his chin.

“Hm?”

“You know that I love you too, don’t you?”

He rubbed her bare arm, smiling in the dark. “I should hope so.”

She lifted her head to peck his lips. “Well, I do.”

He shifted to his side and situated her body so he could wrap her in his secure embrace. “Good, because I ain’t letting you go anytime soon.”

***

Taylor scurried to the seat next to Tabby just as the game began.

“There you are, girl! I was beginning to think you weren’t coming,” Tabby exclaimed, eyes not leaving the field.

“Well the good people of Somersvil e decided to hold a protest on the land the developer is buying. I had to spend most of my day there,” Taylor answered as she shifted her body to get comfortable.

Glancing to her left, she stifled a groan. Jason and Gretchen were engaged in a heated discussion but Jordan was nowhere to be found. The seat next to Taylor sat vacant and she hoped maybe it would remain that way for the entire game.

“I forgot when I made my valiant offer to have you to sit with us that Brady’s tickets are right next to ours.” Tabby whispered in her ear.

Taylor smiled. “I’ll live. I think I can handle these guys.”

The top of the inning ended and the Racers retreated to their dugout to prepare for their turn at bat. Brady caught her eye and smiled. Her body temperature rose so she dipped her head into her program until she could recover.

“Hey, Taylor.”

She lifted her eyes and found herself gazing directly in Jordan’s warm, brown ones. “Oh, hi, Jordan.”

“Do you want a beer? I didn’t know for sure if you’d be here so I didn’t get you one,” he explained.

She smiled at him. “No thanks. Not yet.”

Jordan nervously studied the ground for a few minutes and kicked at the seat leg in front of him. “Um, Taylor? Would you take a walk with me?

Just over by the patio area so we can still see the game. I just wanted to talk to you for a second.” She shrugged. “Okay, I guess.”

They reached the patio area in time to see Brady take his turn at bat. They stood at the railing, watching as he coaxed the pitcher into giving him a walk and jogged down to base. With her eyes still on Brady standing at first, she asked Jordan what he wanted to talk about.

He gave her a weak smile before turning his eyes back to the field.

“I just wanted to tell you how sorry I am about the whole bet thing.”

Her shoulders tensed and she concentrated on Brady leading off at first.

Jordan placed a reassuring hand on her arm. “I know you probably don’t want to talk about it and to be honest, I don’t either. I’m really embarrassed about the whole thing.”

“You are?” she asked in disbelief. “Imagine how I feel.”

He removed his hand and bowed his head. “Look, Taylor. It was stupid. Probably the dumbest thing we ever did. I don’t know why I even got involved. But I did and I began to realize that other people’s feelings were at risk.” He leaned his back against the rail and faced her. “It was basically Jason’s idea but I agreed to be the go between. After a few weeks, I realized that maybe you had real feelings for Brady. And I think he had real feelings for you. I think he wanted to back out and a couple of times I almost approached him about it. I wanted out and I was pretty sure he did, too. But I kept my mouth shut and let it go on. And for that, I’m really very sorry.” Smiling, she squeezed his hand. “I appreciate it, Jordan. Thank you.”

Relief flooded his face as he motioned for the beer man. “Let me buy you a beer before we head back to our seats.” They walked back in no particular hurry, awkward moment behind them, and talked about life after Somersvil e High. Taylor was laughing at one of Jordan’s stories when they returned to their seats and Tabby wrinkled her nose. Taylor gave her a brief smile before whispering that she’d talk to her later.

Having loosened up, Jordan kept up a running commentary on the opposing team’s offense. His quick wit and amazing sense of humor had Taylor highly entertained. As her resentment faded, she could see why Brady liked him. Even though he wasn’t nearly as handsome as Brady or Jason, he was extremely charming. It didn’t take him long to have not only Taylor, Zoey, and Tabby, but all the fans nearby, laughing and cheering with him. Although she was having an excellent time, she would have enjoyed herself far more if it wasn’t for the dirty looks Jason kept shooting her.

Once the game ended, they headed over to the Line Drive Club to wait for the guys. Jordan pushed a few tables together while Taylor rounded up all the chairs.

“So, do you usually wait for Brady down here after a game?” Jordan asked as he took the seat to her left.

“Not usually. I guess it’s just easier for everyone to meet here.”

Jason and Gretchen took seats at the table across from her and listened.

“You and Brady are really together?” Gretchen asked. Nodding, Taylor glanced at the door, hoping for a friendly face. Gretchen turned to Jason. “You said they weren’t serious.”

Jason leaned back in his seat, folded his arms across his chest, wearing a smug expression. “We’ll see. He never could stay away from you for long, Gretchen.”

Rolling her eyes, Taylor ignored him. She turned to Jordan instead. “So, you’re living in Indy now?” Jason leaned forward. “What’d he do, Lockwood? Did he knock you up or something? Because I
know
he lied to us about Prom night.”

“What are you talking about?” Taylor asked, her patience wearing thin.

“Why is he with you? He could have someone like Gretchen but he’s with you?”

“That’s enough, Jason,” Jordan broke in, eyes darkening.

“It’s okay, Jordan. Let him have his say,” Taylor smirked.

Jason grinned like a kid at Christmas. “So, what happened? You didn’t show up for graduation and you certainly kept a low profile that summer.”

Taylor shrugged. “You’re right. He did lie. But he did it to protect me.”

Jason laughed. “Is that what he told you?”

“No,” she said slowly, keeping a tight hold on the anger aching to burst forth and spew all over him. “It’s what I figured out on my own. I have a brain you know.”

“Whatever, sweetheart,” Jason replied, dismissing her. “So what
really
happened? Did he knock you up? Was that the reason you hid all summer - to keep your little secret?”

“No, he didn’t knock me up,” she laughed, although there was nothing amusing about the conversation. “I had a family situation.”

“Whatever you want to call it.” Jason said, still smug. He ran a hand through his blond locks. “Well, now that we’re back in touch, it’s just a matter of time, sweetheart.”

Taylor flashed him a sarcastic smile. “We’ll just see about that, won’t we?”

Jason leaned forward once more as Jordan and Gretchen looked back and forth between them as though witnessing a tennis match.

“Brady will never change. I’ve known him longer than anyone. He’ll do the domestic thing for now, but he’ll get tired of it. Just wait and see.” still clutching the thin strands of her composure, she grinned. “He’s nothing like you, Jason. He’s more of a man than you’ll ever be.” Jason laughed. “You always were a cold little bitch.”

“Don’t forget it,” she warned, eyes narrowed, as Tabby and Zoey bounded over to their table.

“What’s going on?” Tabby asked, sensing the thick tension.

Taylor shrugged. “Nothing.”

Slipping into a chair, Zoey glared at Jason. “You sure?”

“Just reliving old memories, that’s all,” Taylor smiled.

“I’m getting drinks. Taylor, could you help me?” Jason asked politely as he stood.

“Certainly,” she said and followed him to the bar.

He gave the bartender his order and then turned to Taylor. “Two weeks on the road and he’ll be through with you.”

“What is your problem? Why can’t you just let Brady be happy?”

“He ain’t happy,” Jason protested. “He’s content right now but he won’t stay that way. That’s why I’m giving you fair warning. I’ve known him my whole life and it’s just the way he works. Two weeks on the road and he’ll be done with you. Prepare yourself.” He threw a wad of bills on the bar, loaded his arm with bottles, and headed back to the table just as Brady walked through the door.