R E P U T A T I O N

Chapter 45

Chapter 45

Toni's POV

"Should we let the world in on our secret?" Taylor queried as we slipped into our robes following our rather intimate "bath."

"Well I wouldn't want to put you in the basement.. I'd want you to shine and be able to be bejeweled." I retorted with a cheeky grin.

"You caught that tweet?" Taylor beamed back.

"Indeed, and just for the record, I'm not involved with Paul Mescal." I clarified, retrieving my discarded clothes from the floor.

"But jokes aside, I'm not sure... I'd want to do what feels right for you. I just want you to be at ease with everything." I sincerely added.

"Well, I need to cut off Healy and give Tree a piece of my mind... after which, I'd love to revel in our secret bubble before the world learns you're exclusively mine again." Taylor suggested, her fingers teasing the ties of my robe.

"That does sound enticing... but as much as I'd be up for an encore... I have an appointment with HBO in New York at four, and you need to be at the stadium by three." I informed her.

"I promise to be swift..." Taylor murmured into my ear after planting a trail of kisses along my jawline.

"You're fortunate I've missed you." I moaned, surrendering to her touch.

Taylor's POV

As Toni's words echoed in the silence of the room, I couldn't help the soft smile that stretched across my lips. The line between want and need had blurred, and all I knew was that I craved her presence, her touch, her everything.

"Is that so?" I teased, the corners of my mouth curling into a smirk as my hands roamed her sides. I was fully aware of the ticking clock, yet the temptation to linger was irresistible.

"And here I was thinking it was my irresistible charm," I added, a playful glint in my eyes. She rolled her eyes but didn't protest, the playful banter that danced between us a testament to the undeniable chemistry we shared.

Her hands found my waist, pulling me closer, and despite the anticipation of an imminent separation, there was a comfort in the familiarity, in the warmth that radiated from her.

We shared a knowing look, both aware that time was a luxury we didn't possess. With one last lingering kiss, we promised each other a hasty return, a silent vow of reunion.

With a sigh, I finally let her go, watching as she moved around the room with ease, gathering her belongings. Her presence, her voice, the echo of her laughter, all lingered in the room like a sweet perfume, reminding me of the blissful moments we had shared.

"I'll see you soon," I called out as she stepped out of the room, her gaze lingering on me for a moment longer before the door closed behind her.

In the silence that followed, my thoughts turned towards the future. The prospect of facing the world together was daunting, yet exciting. With Toni by my side, I felt invincible. And as I stared at the closed door, I knew, we were ready for whatever lay ahead.

"See you soon, Toni," I murmured to the empty room, a promise hanging in the air.

*********

Toni's POV

Stepping into the sleek office of the president of HBO, I took a moment to collect my thoughts. There was an air of prestige, the walls adorned with accolades for shows that had defined generations. I was here to pitch my series, "Halfway Down", a project that I had poured my heart and soul into. The first season was fully written and I was already diligently working on the second one.