Frayed (Torn #2)(53)

Bass made a sad laugh, running both of his hands through his hair. “I don’t know if even should.” He then stood up and looked at me. “Thank you, I know there’s more to the story, but I know you won’t tell me, anyway. I also know that you’re protecting her, but you have to understand that I cannot go through this the second time with Emma. I’m going away for the night. I need to think away from her. Tell her I’ll be back tomorrow morning before the shoot, so she doesn’t worry.” He left by way of the beach, looking torn and sad all together.

“He doesn’t look good,” Taylor said behind me.

My heart ached for Bass. He really was crazy about Emma and my friend was crazy about him, too, but she still felt something for Carter. I think that’s what Bass realized today and deep down, I think he knew that. “Yeah, I hope they sort that out. They’re great together.”

“They are, but for him to come out here and talk to you means that he’s had his doubts for a while. One thing is for sure, he would have a hard time dealing with it if he did walk away.” Taylor took my feet and placed them on his thighs while he gently massaged them. His hands applied enough pressure to subdue my mind and body.

Man, this dude was awesome.

“Gosh, I wonder what other skills you have up your sleeve. You keep surprising me, Taylor.” I sagged against the couch, my body floating away from me as I lavished in the heavenly feeling.

“So foot massages get me praises? I should’ve known you’re a sucker to being serviced.” He pulled at my toe, teasing me.

I simply giggled at his touch. It tickled the hell out of my foot. My soles were quite sensitive and he seemed to be enjoying it. “Tell me one person in this world who doesn’t love being serviced, pretty boy? I bet the pope even has his own personal fetch-me person.”

“You and your nicknames, does it ever end?”

I lounged back, comfortable and satisfied with my ongoing present relationship with Taylor. “Nah. It’s fun and quirky when you make your own catch-phrases. That’s just the way I am. Don’t count on it ever changing.”

“I never said I wanted you to change, Tris. You’re unique, quirks and all, and I like that about you,” Taylor said before planting a kiss on both of my big toes.

“That’s the sweetest compliment anyone has ever given me.” I was way more than touched. My heart soared for a bit.

“Anymore services you wish, Lady Princess?”

This guy was utterly killing me. I sat up and moved to straddle him. Intertwining my arms around his neck, my lips touched the tip of his nose. “I want to do the dirty underneath the stars.”

“I think I can easily make that happen,” Taylor murmured as his lips hovered around the side of mine.





Chapter 21


Trista


Two weeks later, For two weeks, we explored the entire island. All the fruit orchards, the few small caves, creeks and we tried to learn the Greek language (I failed this miserably) . The most enjoyable part was trying all the exotic food and kissing Taylor in between bites. Yeah, we tend to kiss quite a bit. And I shamelessly adore it.

I was out on the patio playing Bejeweled Blitz when Taylor sought me out with an overly-excited grin on his face. “Come here, I have a surprise for you.” He held out his hand to me.

Beaming, I placed mine in his before he dragged us out of the cottage. “What is it? It’s nothing weird, right?” I hoped it wasn’t.

He led us down to the beach and started walking towards the right, the opposite direction of civilization. “Taylor?” I asked nervously when it started to get darker around us. The lights from the cottages where almost gone, but he kept walking ahead.

“Calm down, I’m not going to murder you.”

I smacked his stomach as he laughed at me. “That’s not funny, idiot. It’s just dark and I can’t see where we’re going. I’m scared that’s all.”

“Aw, baby. You have nothing to be scared of when I’m with you. I promise I’ll protect you with my life, scouts honor.”

I snorted at him. “Yeah right, there were no boy scouts at your boarding school in Switzerland!”

He kept on laughing. “That’s right, there weren’t, but still, I mean it. We’re almost there now . , K k eep walking, lazy cat.”

I was stunned when I saw what he had done for me. Ahead was a big bonfire, a sleeping bag, a large blanket laid out with food, wine and pastries, all surrounded with red rose petals. The heady scent lingered in the air. “I didn’t know you were so romantic,” I whispered in awe of the man who did all this for me. I took my sandals off and felt the soft petals on my feet as they sunk in the sand.

“I hide that trait very well. It only comes out during the full moon.” He leaned over and kissed me passionately. “Do you like it? You said you wanted to do it under the stars and I wanted to be the one you got plenty of experience of that with.”

No man has ever done anything this romantic for me. Not a one. I was unequivocally touched. “I love it, pretty boy. Thank you. Thank you!”

“You’re very welcome. Let’s eat before I devour you instead of the food.” Taylor kissed my forehead before he led me towards the blanket that was covered in petals, too.

While we sat, enjoying our wine, Taylor took a piece of charred beef in his fingers and fed me. “Taylor, did you forget forks?”