| "Tay, I know, ok?" I said. "Don't worry, she'll do fine. I heard what she said to you, Tay. She knew she was hurt BEFORE she kicked that fucker down. If she could do that with a hurt leg...she loves you, Taylor. More than she can admit to herself, man. She had a sucky childhood and has been without her best friend for years. You're her best friend now, man. Act like it. That crazy girl would throw herself in front of a freaking freight train if she thought she could keep your ass alive. Better marry her, quick, man. Then find out if she's got a long lost sister..." I told him. My dumbass brother stood there looking at me like he was in shock. Like I didn't tell him something he already knew. "Dude, don't look at me like that. You know you love her as much as she loves you. Just ask her." I said and went into the house. |
| TAYLOR: I stood there shocked. Zac had just stood there and told me exactly what I had already planned to do. I was just waiting, I knew Jess felt kind of funny about how fast things had gone between us. But I also knew that from the minute I saw her spinning in that swivel chair that this was the woman I would be with for the rest of my life. She was beautiful and smart, and I liked how she made sure I knew that she was only keeping a promise to me, one I had practically begged her to make. She could have any man I was sure, but she didn't realize it. I ahd to tell her about that creep, Eric, and she still didn't get it. I knew he wanted her. It was all over his face every time he looked at her and she was oblivious, I wanted to smash that guy from the day I laid eyes on him. I had to chuckle to myself, she really told him where to go, more than once. It's a wonder he didn't run away with his tail between his legs. She wouldn't put up with that shit from anyone for long. I had to get a hold of myself, but Damnit, she was the most stubborn woman I had ever met. And I surely didn't want to be the cause of her losing everything she worked so hard for. Jake had told me how long she's been training and how she lived her life. He also knew that he was her brother way before the night he told her. He told me he was afraid of how she would react, because of her circumstances. He loved her too and she was so one track mind she couldn't tell. Jake had said if he had known for sure, he would have told her while her grandmother was still alive, so she could deal. I was glad it was me she would lean on, now. I shook myself out of shock and went back into the house. |
| JESSIE: I went quietly into the house not really wanting to be seen by anyone until I had myself under control. I slipped into the bathroom and shut the door. I splashed cold water on my face and dried it, then washed my hands. I took a few deep breaths and opened the door. I walked smack into Lacey. "Jessie, are you ok?" she asked me, taking my hand. "Yeah, Lacey. Everthing is fine. I just have to learn to control my temper. Never really had to before. Only person I was interested in keeping around was Gramma, and she's been gone a long time.." I told her. "Oh, Jess.." she said and hugged me. "I don't know how you can be so calm. If my mother had.." she started to say and I stopped her. "Lacey, you would have dealt with it just fine same as me..." I said sternly. "Now let's not get into it anymore ok?" I asked. "Ok, Jess. But if you do wanna talk about it I will listen. I think you got a good deal getting Jakey for a brother, though." she grinned. "Thanks, Lace. I think so too." We went into the room where everyone else was. Things had seemed to calm down. Walker teased me as I strode into the room. "You weren't kidding when you said you'd DISCIPLINE Zac yesterday, were you? That was classic, Jess. I wish I would have had the digital video camera out...would have ran and got it but I didn't want to miss anything." he laughed. I shook my head and chuckled, "He asked for it.." "That he did, Jess." Diana laughed. Taylor came to me and put his arm around my shoulder. "I'd hate to see what she could do to you when her leg is completely better." he joked. "OHHHOHO! There will be a REMATCH..you can bet on it.." Zac hollered and pounded his chest. We all laughed and then Taylor excused himself and pulled his mother to the other room. He was back in an instant, taking my hand. "We're gonna go out for a while you guys. We'll see you later." I said my goodbyes and gave the girls and Mac a hug. "First thing.." I reminded them, and they all smiled big bright kid smiles that melted my heart. |
| Taylor and I got in the truck and he started it and drove off. I sat close to him, still feeling really bad about what I had said earlier. I laid my head on his shoulder and he gave my thigh a squeeze in return. I smiled, knowing we were okay and all was forgiven. "Where are we going, Tay?" I asked. "Back to Lacey's. We're going to pack up some of your things and then you and I are going someplace where I can keep you to myself for a while. I missed you, Jessie. We don't get to spend near enough time together, and I don't want to spend the next couple of days arguing over what you should and shouldn't be doing. I will call the kids later and take the blame for their lessons being delayed. But I am not letting you out of my sight for at least 2 days.." he said. My heart skipped a beat. "But you haven't said where we're going.." I said. "It's a surprise.." he smiled. "You'll see.." He lifted his arm to wrap it around me and I laid my head on his chest. We drove in a contented silence back to Lacey's. |
| We got there and let ourselves in with the key Ike had given Tay. I quick threw the sheets I had washed in the dryer and grabbed Tay's still soaking wet laundry, threw it in a plastic bag and tied it up. I set it by the door, next to my purse, then went to pack up a few things to take with me. Tay was already in Lacey's bedroom, hauling out my suitcase and setting it on the bed. I looked around the room and realized that Ike and Lacey probably slept as little as we had. I giggled. "What?" Tay smiled at my sudden outburst. "Look at this room, babe. They didn't sleep either.." I giggled again. "Yeah, probably 'cause WE kept them up.." he grinned and reached for me, pulling me into his arms and kissing my neck. "Mmmmm..." I purred and slid my arms around his neck. "Oh yeah? You like that, baby?" he teased in a low voice directly into my ear. "Mmmm, yeah.." I whispered back as he did it again, letting his tongue trail down my neck to my collarbone. I was trembling already. He licked his way back up my neck, to my earlobe, sucking it into his mouth and then whispering, his lips grazing my ear. "Jessie...I want to make love to you so bad, baby.." he said and my knees were instantly weak. "Mmm...Tay.." I purred again. "I want you to..." "Good.." he said, and kissed me hungrily. Then let me go. I caught my breath and sat heavily in the bed. |