UNSOLVED

18

"These are so good, Karlie!" Taylor said with her mouth full and grabbed another oatmeal cookie.

They were sitting on Karlie's balcony, relaxing after filming a video and enjoying the sun.

Karlie took a sip of her iced coffee and grinned. "I know. And they're healthy too, do you believe me now when I say not everything needs white sugar in it?"

Taylor grumbled something in response, still busy chewing the cookie. Karlie laughed.

Joe the dog was lying in the shadow under Karlie's chair, and the music playing in the room was coming through the open glass door. They had been listening to Haim's recent album on repeat, reminiscing their concert experience.

Taylor leaned back in the lounge chair and closed her eyes. After the concert they had gone to a bar for drinks. It had been fun, and Taylor had taken the chance to get to know Karlie's friends better. Nevertheless, there had been a tension between the group. Cara and Derek's constant questioning looks, though they never said anything. Taylor and Karlie sitting close to each other, holding hands, flirting. The alcohol had done its part, for sure. At one point when they were alone in the booth, they had made out again. Taylor felt her body tingling just at the memory.

"I'm going inside to get some sunscreen and make a sandwich, you want anything?" Karlie's question interrupted her thoughts, and Taylor opened her eyes and shook her head no.

Once Karlie was inside, she sighed. She had felt so positive that night. Now she was back to being confused.

She wanted to take a sip of her water, but realized it was empty. She got up and followed Karlie into the kitchen. Joe got up as well and ran between her legs towards the stairs.

Karlie's face lit up when she saw them come into the room. Taylor smiled back at her. Karlie was wearing her apron and in the middle of cutting an avocado. There was sunscreen smeared across her face.

Before she knew what she was doing, Taylor approached Karlie and wiped the excess sunscreen away with her thumb. Karlie looked startled for a second but closed her eyes at the contact. Taylor could feel her face heat up and turn red.

"Thanks" Karlie mumbled, and their eyes met.

Taylor smiled at her in response, then placed a soft kiss on her lips. She felt herself blush as well.

Boundaries! Her mind was screaming at her. Boundaries! Ever heard of them? - She put her tongue in my mouth the other night! Taylor screamed right back at the voice inside her head. I don't think those boundaries are in effect anymore!

Taylor cleared her throat.

"What ... what are you making?"

Karlie took a second to respond, but then grinned. "A sandwich, as I told you three minutes ago."

Taylor rolled her eyes in response. "Okay, smartass. Can I have one, too?"

"I thought you weren't hungry?"

"No but I like everything you make so I wanna try."

Karlie giggled, but Taylor saw her blush again.

She watched Karlie make two sandwiches with hummus and avocado. Then she remembered she had come inside for a glass of water and got herself one. Silently, the two women prepared their snack, then sat down at the kitchen island to eat. They didn't really need to talk. Taylor knew where everything was in the cabinets by now. She couldn't help but marvel at the domesticity of it all.

"This is the best sandwich I've ever had" Taylor said, once again with her mouth full.

Karlie, being above speaking with her mouth full, only nodded, but her eyes were sparkling. She always appreciated the simplest compliments, and Taylor admired that about her.