Choose Me- the second novel

Chapter 43- How I wish that were true

Jay's POV

Taylor is all over the place, her life turned upside down in turmoil and so I will not kiss her just yet. If I do she will put it down to her being in distress. She will avoid me and consequently tell me I took advantage of her, I glance at her wearing my jumper and smile to myself, determined to keep her in it and show Matthew.

As Carter is going on about neurodivergence and how fight or flight instincts may be more dominant, I look over at her, how my jumper skims her waistline. Rachel has worn my clothes but never ever looked this good in them, I find myself wanting to bundle her up and keep her with me at all times; day and night.

Taylor glances up at me from her seat, her eyelashes are long and sweeping as she smiles. I know that she doesn't think I'm a monster anymore. I replay the entire encounter out in my head, over and over, her hips and the curve of her back. The way she waited for me to kiss her, her body like putty in my hands. I yearn to touch her again. I can't though she needs to miss me until I find the correct moment.

Checking my tablet I realise it's recorded the entire lecture which is a relief, it fits in with my next plan. Now I just have to suggest to her that we head to the printer, near Matthew of course, and print all of this for Ross.

I move my hand next to her thigh, I will not touch her. I'm just leaning her way. Taylor glances down crossing her leg over in my direction. With a full view of her sculpted legs, I clear my throat. She's just perfection, her legs are toned and feminine. Her ankle brushes my leg and she apologises smiling at me as she brushes her hand just briefly over my arm. I wink at her. I can't help it.

"Let's print these off after" I whisper in her ear, leaning into her touch.

"For Ross" I add as she glances up at me.

"That's a good idea" she agrees, smiling. I'm a nice guy after all; I think of Ross, I save her from bears and treacherous snow. I mean, yes she is engaged but I know that I can change that. I smile back at her holding her gaze, as Carter is wrapping up the lecture.

"You can keep my jumper." I whisper as she chuckles.

"Looks better on you" I tell her.

Bravely taking her hand in my own, as we walk through the corridors, I feel the slightest shake still present in her fingers. Like she still hasn't quite relaxed. I notice when she slips a beanie on as we walk toward the art block, the snow falling onto her long thick hair. There is nothing false or faked about Taylor, from the way she behaves to her naturally stunning looks. Of course, I hold the door open for her and she slips into the art block before me. Her boots clink on the floor and I watch her hips move as she sashays over to the large reprographics printers.

Just knowing that Matthew will be about, I keep my eyes on the room waiting for his realisation that we are here together. Taylor looks at the large canvases and then resolutely stands next to me as I Bluetooth the work over to the printer and wait for it to come out.

I watch Matthew approach us from afar, his shirt rolled up and sporting an apron which has paint all over it. He ruffles his hair, eyeing me just briefly with his fiancée.

"Hi" he says simply eyeing her and her new clothing.

"Matthew" she says back hugging him enthusiastically.