Playing The Field

Chapter 15

Taylor Swift

Time really does fly when you're having fun, but it also has a way of stretching unbearably when you're apart. After so much time on the road for The Era's Tour and Travis deep in his football season, our reunion feels surreal, almost dreamlike.

Every day spent in different time zones, every late-night phone call and pixelated video chat, had built up the anticipation.

Travis stands in my doorway, framed by the soft light of the setting sun. The sight of him takes my breath away. He's more than just familiar; he's home. His smile is the same as it always was, but there's something deeper in his eyes now—a mixture of relief and joy that mirrors my own feelings.

"Hey there, stranger," he says, his voice a low rumble that sends shivers down my spine.

"Hey yourself," I reply, unable to stop the grin that spreads across my face. In two steps, I'm in his arms, and it feels like the world has righted itself. The months apart fade away, leaving just this moment, perfect and whole.

We stand there for a long moment, wrapped in each other's arms, neither of us wanting to break the spell. His familiar scent, a mix of cologne and something uniquely Travis fills my senses. It's grounding and electrifying all at once.

"I missed you so much," he murmurs into my hair, his voice thick with emotion.

"I missed you too," I reply, pulling back slightly to look up at him. "I think I wore out your jersey, I slept in it so often."

He laughs softly, a sound that makes my heart swell. "Good thing I brought you a new one," he says, pulling a neatly folded football jersey from his bag. "Figured you might need a fresh one after all that wear and tear."

I take the jersey, my fingers tracing the 13 on the front. "It's perfect," I say, my voice barely above a whisper.

Travis's eyes soften as he watches me. "You look tired," he says gently. "The tour must've been exhausting."

"It was," I admit, leaning my head against his chest. "But seeing you makes it all worth it." I look up at him, our faces inches apart. "Well, now we have all the time in the world to make up for it," I say, my smile widening.

He grins back at me. "You're right. Let's make the most of it."

As we move to the couch, I settle into his embrace, feeling a sense of peace wash over me. The world outside our little bubble fades away, leaving just the two of us. Travis's arms embrace me in a tight hug. I peer up at him, latching his green eyes onto mine. "I feel so high school every time that I look at you." Wait a second. That's a good hook. I push Travis away. "Where's my phone?"

Travis looks at me, slightly confused. "Uh, I don't know. Everything okay, darling?"

"I just need to write this down before I forget," I say, scanning the room frantically. I spot my phone on the coffee table and rush over to grab it. My fingers fly across the screen as I type out the line, trying to capture the spontaneity of the moment.

Travis chuckles, shaking his head. "You and your ideas. What was it this time?"

"Song idea," I quickly get out "You've inspired me"

He raises an eyebrow, clearly intrigued. "Oh? Should I be flattered or worried?"

"Definitely flattered," I say, standing on my tiptoes to give him a quick kiss. "You're my muse, after all."

He breaks out face consuming smile, eyes crinkling in the corners with joy.

And in the blink of a crinkling eye

I frantically type on my phone. Travis leans over my shoulder and reads over the lyrics that I've written.

"And in the blink of a crinkling eye, I'm sinking our fingers entwined" He giggles "Very nice, I love it. Quick question, since I am the muse" he stricks a quick pose "can I have some input.

I giggle at him "Sure, whatever you want"

"Can there be electric guitars? Ooo and a football reference? That would be sick! Oh and you have to leave a special message for Wy, Ellie and Ben" He says, listing his requests.

"I'll see what I can do" I tell him. I could maybe work some of that stuff in.

You know how to ball I know Aristottle

"Oh my god, Trav! I just thought of the best lyric!" I tell him, giggling at the thought of it.

Travis quickly closes the space between us and tickles my stomach, increasing my laughter "Go on, tell me then" He teases, knowing I can't speak due to the tickle attack.

"Tavis! Haha, stop it! Oh my god" I manage to gasp out as Travis erupts in laughter, falling off of me onto the couch "You know what, now you will have to wait"

"What! No fair" Travis pouts, looking like a toddler whose mom just told them they can't get the sugary cereal.

I sit up, catching my breath, and grin at him. "That's what you get for tickling me. Now you'll just have to be patient."

He crosses his arms, still pouting but with a playful glint in his eyes. "Fine, but it better be worth the wait."

"Oh, it will be," I assure him, a mischievous smile spreading across my face. I turn back to my phone, typing out the new lyrics and considering how I can weave in his requests. This song was shaping up to be something special, and I couldn't wait to see where it would take us.

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