Time and Time Again (Maybe #2.5)(17)

“I just saw the ad today and called them,” I say. “I was going to tell you tonight.”

“I don’t think—”

He trails off when a large group of male customers walks in.

“Later,” he mouths at me, and I nod.

Looks like we have unfinished business.





“So how old is this guy?” Tag asks as I walk out of the shower, wrapped in a fluffy, white towel.

I sigh. “I don’t know. I just know he goes to uni. I don’t have any other information.”

“So, he could be a f*ckin’ rapist or something?”

I purse my lips. “Tag, come on. I can’t just live here with you forever.”

“Why not?” he asks, his eyes widening like he’d surprised himself.

“Tag,” I say quietly, tilting my head to the side. “I don’t know what you want from me here. You don’t want to be in a relationship with me yet you don’t want me to move out.”

He rubs the back of his neck. “You’re already here, so you may as well stay. You know I like having you here. You don’t have to go live with some f*ckin’ horny stranger.”

“That’s what you’re worried about? I’m crazy over you Tag. You think I’m going to cheat on you the first chance I get? Because I’m not like that. Even if you’re not serious about me, I’m serious about you. I’m yours Tag, even if you’re not mine.”

He studies me for a few moments, his eyes flashing with various emotions I can’t pinpoint.

“You want something from me I can’t give you,” he replies, voice sounding hoarse.

What was his deal with commitment? Did he have a bad relationship? Maybe something to do with Bella’s mum? It felt like I was paying for another woman’s mistakes. I don’t think he realised we were in a relationship, just without the label. But I sure as hell wasn’t going to bring it up, because it would probably make him run scared.

“I know Tag,” I murmur. “But then don’t expect me to do what you want. If I want to move out with whomever, I’ll do it. And you can’t exactly say anything now can you?”

A muscle ticks in his jaw. “You just said you were mine.”

“I did, and I mean it. But like I also said, I’m yours, but you’re not mine. What is it you once said to me? Oh right, you’re always single. So are you single Tag? Even now?”

My voice breaks on the last few words.

“I haven’t been with anyone but you since we slept together,” he says, scanning my face.

Was he asking me to read between the lines? Go by actions and not words? I could do that, but eventually, I would want to hear the words from him.

Suddenly, he stand and walks to me. Gripping my towel, he pulls it off me and lets it fall to the floor. “You’re mine, Clara. I’m glad you know it.”

Then, his mouth is on mine, and I forget what we were arguing about in the first place.

*****

The next day, Tag has gone to pick up some lunch for us when there’s a knock at the door. Wondering who it could be, and hoping it wasn’t Xander dropping by again, I rush to the door and open it.

“Clara!” Bella yells, drawing my gaze down to her.

“Hello cutie,” I say to her, then lift my eyes back up to the woman standing next to her.

Kaley. I was finally meeting Tag’s ex-girlfriend.

“Uh hi,” she says, smiling nervously. “I’m Kaley. Is Tag home?”

I shake my head. “He just went out. Will probably be another ten minutes or so.” I open the door wider. “Would you like to come in?”

Kaley nods and steps inside the house, Bella’s hand in hers. We all walk into the lounge room and take a seat. “Can I get either of you a drink or something?”

Great, now I was playing host at Tag’s house, to his ex and their daughter.

This is awkward as hell.

“We’re fine, thanks,” she says. “I have a last minute appointment I need to go to, so I was wanted Tag to watch Bella.”

I look at her. “No school today, Bella?”

She shakes her head. “Nope. Can I do your hair again? It’s so red and pretty.”

I grin. “Of course you can. You know where the stuff is.”

She smiles and jumps off the couch, walking straight to the bathroom where I keep my brush and accessories.

“She really likes you,” Kaley says, bringing my attention back to her.

“She’s a great kid.”

“That she is,” she murmurs. “Tag is really happy, you know? I don’t think I’ve seen him this happy.”

I swallow, feeling a little shy. “Thank you.”

Why did I just thank her? I have no idea.

“I cheated on him,” she blurts out, looking down at her hands. “I hurt him. Then, he started sleeping around. You’re the first woman he’s been serious about since me.”

I want to say that “serious” isn’t a word I’d use to describe our relationship, but I keep my mouth shut.

“Why are you telling me this?” I ask quietly.

She fiddles with the hem of her t-shirt. “You will be around Bella if you and Tag are together. I want us to get along, be friends at least. So, I just wanted you to know, Tag and I are friends and friends only. Like I said, I ruined what we had and… yeah.”