The Cruelest Summer

Chapter 17- You Keep His Shirt, He Keeps His Word

Taylor woke up the next morning with a smile plastered on her face. A smile! She couldn't believe it. Not after all of those mornings where she woke up either angry or in tears. She also couldn't believe that she woke up nestled in Joe's arms. Sure, it felt amazing- like being wrapped up in a sherpa blanket underneath a cozy fireplace for God's sake- but it also felt... forbidden, like Taylor was breaking some rule. She and Joe were friends with benefits after all and cuddling felt like they were crossing a line.

Of course, Taylor wasn't going to be complaining about this breach of contract. She breathed in Joe's intoxicating scent and resisted the urge to smother his neck in kisses, not wanting to awaken him. He looked too peaceful to be disturbed. Taylor couldn't help but feel her insides soften as she watched his chest rise and fall.

Her pulse quickened, however, when Joe's eyelids suddenly fluttered open. "Are you watching me breathe?" he said groggily.

"No, of course not," Taylor lied.

Joe slightly cocked his left brow as a way of subtly calling her bluff. Taylor simply rolled her eyes and burrowed her head into his chest. He pressed his lips against her forehead, making her blush. "Sleep okay?" he mumbled into her ear.

"Mhm," she whispered. "I mean how could I not after last night?" she added.

Joe smirked and ran his fingers through her messy mane of hair. "Very true. Who knew laundry could be that exhausting?"

Taylor giggled quietly into his chest as her mind replayed the events of the previous evening. She and Joe had discovered the washing machine's highly versatile quality with capabilities ~beyond~ laundering clothes.

No matter how hard she tried, she couldn't get over how remarkable the sex was. Taylor didn't think it could get any better than the night after the dive bar, yet somehow it did. It was so bloody fantastic that when she had climaxed it felt as if the gates of heaven were opening right in front of her very eyes.

Even though Taylor was thoroughly enjoying the sex, a part of her wished there was more to her and Joe's relationship. She hated that part of her, always nagging her insides, but she knew there was some truth to it. Perhaps, deep down she knew that she was falling for Joe. And perhaps, even deeper down she knew that Joe could never love her. A relationship was out of the question. Joe had even said so himself.

That being said, it was rather surprising to Taylor that he was currently cuddling with her in bed. Especially, after he had mentioned that he had an early plane to catch. It seemed odd to her that he would risk missing his flight for a girl he was only having casual sex with.

Taylor ignored these conspiracies, however, convinced that her relationship with Joe would never amount to anything more. "So, remind me, what time do you have to be at the airport?"

Joe let out a groan. "Ugh. I'd much rather stay here if I'm being honest, but I have to be at JFK by 9:30."

Taylor felt her heart bang against her chest. He wants to stay....here?! Does he really mean that? God, I don't ever want him to leave this bed.

"Aww okay," she whimpered. "I liked having you here."

Joe's cheeks reddened. "Thanks," he mumbled sheepishly. "I liked being here too. Kinda sad that I have to head out now."

"Yeah," Taylor croaked. She watched wistfully as Joe crawled out of bed and headed into the bathroom to freshen up. She couldn't help but worry that this would be the last time the two of them would see each other. What if Joe forgot about Taylor when he arrived back home? What if he decided that he didn't like her anymore? He had a whole life waiting for him in London, after all. A life that she wasn't a part of.