Tayvis: Twists of Fate

Chapter - 20 : I knew you were trouble

Over the next few months, Taylor and Travis developed a solid friendship. Donna appreciated Taylor for helping her son find stability and a job that took him away from alcohol and helped him cope with his loss. Andrea also grew fond of Travis, knowing he had stopped Taylor from giving up. The two families occasionally went to dinners together, and while Travis and Taylor still had their playful banter, it was all in good fun. They were a team now.

They worked tirelessly, and the company began to turn a profit. It wasn't a huge amount, but it was better than how Joe had managed it. Despite their progress, both Travis and Taylor often thought about their past betrayals when they were alone, but they never showed it outwardly.

One day, Taylor received a call that Travis was being asked to meet with the NFL. They were considering revoking his suspension if he was found to be clean and sober. Travis was thrilled but also apprehensive.

"I've got a week off to sort this out," Travis told Taylor. "I'll be back before you know it."

"Good luck, Travis. I know you'll do great," Taylor said with a supportive smile.

While Travis was away, Shawn Dawson, Joe's business partner, started visiting the office more frequently. He always seemed to find excuses to talk to Taylor, to touch her arm casually, or to sit close to her during meetings. Taylor, focused on the business, saw him only as a partner and didn't notice his ulterior motives.

One afternoon, Shawn lingered in her office after a meeting.

"Taylor, you've done an incredible job here," Shawn said, his hand resting on her desk, just inches from hers. "The company is really turning around."

"Thanks, Shawn. It's been a team effort," Taylor replied, moving some papers to avoid his hand.

"You know," Shawn continued, leaning in slightly, "if you ever need anything, don't hesitate to ask. I'm here for you."

Taylor gave a polite smile, feeling slightly uncomfortable. "I appreciate that, Shawn. We all have to work together to make this company succeed."

Shawn nodded, his eyes lingering on her a bit too long. "Absolutely. Together."

As the week went on, Shawn's behavior became more persistent. He found more reasons to be close to Taylor, and his touches grew bolder. One evening, as the office was clearing out, Shawn approached her desk.

"Everyone's gone," he said, smiling. "I thought maybe we could have a drink to celebrate our progress."

"I don't think that's a good idea, Shawn," Taylor said, trying to keep her tone light but firm. "I've still got some work to finish up."

Shawn's smile faded slightly, and he moved closer. "Come on, Taylor. Just one drink. You deserve it."

"I really need to get this done," Taylor insisted, her discomfort growing.

Just then, her phone buzzed with a message. It was from Travis: Just finished my meeting. Heading back tomorrow. Can't wait to catch up.

Taylor felt a wave of relief. "Actually, I have to prepare for Travis's return. We have a lot to go over."

Shawn's expression darkened momentarily before he forced a smile. "Of course. We can catch up another time."

The next day, Travis returned to the office. He was visibly relieved and happy to be back. "They're lifting my suspension!" he announced to Taylor as soon as he walked in.

"That's fantastic news, Travis!" Taylor exclaimed, genuinely happy for him. "I knew you could do it."

Travis noticed a subtle change in Taylor's demeanor. "Is everything okay here?"

Taylor hesitated. "Yeah, just the usual stress of running the business."

Travis wasn't convinced but didn't press further. "Let's grab some lunch. We can catch up."

As they walked to a nearby café, Taylor felt a sense of normalcy returning with Travis around. They discussed business, their families, and future plans.

When they returned, Shawn was already in Taylor's office. "Travis, welcome back," Shawn said, extending his hand. "Heard the good news."

"Thanks, Shawn," Travis replied, shaking his hand but eyeing him cautiously. "What brings you here today?"

"Oh, just checking in on things," Shawn said, with a too-friendly smile at Taylor. "Making sure everything's running smoothly."

Travis watched the interaction closely. "Taylor's been doing a great job, hasn't she?"

"Absolutely," Shawn agreed, his eyes not leaving Taylor. "We make a good team."

As the day went on, Travis kept a close eye on Shawn. His behavior seemed off, and Travis's protective instincts kicked in. After a meeting, Travis pulled Taylor aside.

"Is everything really okay, Taylor? You seemed a bit tense earlier."

Despite Taylor assuring him that everything was fine, he couldn't ignore how Shawn seemed to follow her everywhere, almost like a shadow.

The next afternoon during lunch, Taylor sat with Travis and the rest of the team, enjoying a rare moment of relaxation. Shawn approached from behind and placed his hand on Taylor's shoulder.

"Hey, can I join you all?" Shawn asked with a too-friendly smile.

Taylor stiffened but kept quiet. Travis, on the other hand, felt his anger rising at Shawn's touch.

"Sure," Taylor said reluctantly, her discomfort evident.

Shawn sat down right next to Taylor, uncomfortably close. As they ate, Shawn took a spoonful of his lunch and, with an almost playful gesture, moved it towards Taylor's mouth.

"Here, Taylor, try this. I'm sure you'll like it," he said.

Taylor turned her head away. "No, thanks, Shawn. I don't like what you brought."

Travis clenched his fists under the table, barely containing his rage. The audacity of Shawn trying to feed Taylor infuriated him. Was it jealousy he was feeling?

"Shawn, she said no," Travis said, his voice edged with barely controlled anger.

Shawn looked at Travis, feigning innocence. "Just trying to share, Travis. No harm in that."

"There is when someone clearly isn't interested," Travis replied, his eyes hard.

The team exchanged uneasy glances, sensing the tension. Shawn shrugged and went back to his food, but the atmosphere remained tense.

As they walked back to the office, Travis couldn't shake the feeling of protectiveness—and something more—towards Taylor. Shawn's behavior was unacceptable, and he would be damned if he let it continue unchecked.

Inside, Shawn was already waiting, his eyes following Taylor as she moved across the room. Travis watched closely, determined to ensure that Shawn didn't get another chance to make Taylor uncomfortable. Whether it was jealousy or just a fierce sense of loyalty, he knew one thing for sure: he would stand by Taylor no matter what.