Page 30 of Swept Up In You
“I went through a bad break up not that long ago… and it’s still a little sensitive.”
“Shit, and there I was, sticking my foot straight in it. I’m sorry to hear that, but thanks for telling me. I am always up for a chat if you ever need, or just completely changing the subject and being like, ‘Woo, board games!’” Sam replied, trying to cheer her up.
Taylor chuckled.Success.
“Board games, definitely. And thanks.” She looked at her earnestly. “Speaking of, shall we get going?”
They pulled up to a nice two-storey Hamptons-style house. It was all white, even down to the trims, with a large front yard and tall palms lining both sides.
“Wow,” was all Sam could say as they pulled up.
“Cool, looks like everyone’s here,” Taylor said, nodding to all the cars in the double driveway. She must’ve seen Sam ogling the house because she added, “I forget you haven’t seen the girls’ place yet. It’s just as awesome on the inside as it is outside.”
Taylor leaned over the centre console to grab a bag of snacks out of the back, a hit of sandalwood engulfing Sam’s senses as she moved past her. Sam almost leaned into the scent before she realised what she was doing.Stop being weird Sam!
They walked up to the front door, where Taylor opened it without knocking and let them straight in.
“We’re here!” Taylor yelled out, shutting the door behind her with her foot. She looked completely relaxed in the space as they moved down an expansive hallway, into a large open-plankitchen and lounge. Taylor popped her bag on the benchtop just as a stylish Asian woman squealed across the room, enveloping her in a huge hug.
“I haven’t seen you in ages!” the woman said, letting go. Then, turning to Sam, she added, “Hi, I’m Marie, and you must be Sam.”
Next minute Sam was enveloped in a hug just as forceful as Taylor’s. She loved every second and couldn’t help but smile too. It was contagious.
“I am. It’s lovely to meet you, and thanks for having me,” Sam said.
“Oh, it’s nothing,” Marie tutted, grabbing her by the arm and pulling her further into the lounge room to join the rest of the crowd.
“All right everyone, this is Sam!” she said excitedly, showing her off like it was a show and tell class at school.
A woman with wavy blonde hair sat on a blue velvet lounge to her left, her legs resting on a tall, lanky guy with dark wavy hair and glasses.
“Hi, I’m Jess, and this is my boyfriend Adam,” she said, playfully punching him in the arm. He gave her a coy smile, giving her legs a quick squeeze in retaliation, making her giggle. He finally looked back at Sam with a smile and a quick wave.
“It’s so nice to finally meet you,” said Jess, flashing her a huge grin. “Taylor has told me so much about you, and your boat sounds amazing.”
Her eyes flicked over to Taylor in the kitchen, who was plating up all the snacks she’d brought. She looked up, meeting her eyes and giving her a small smile.
“Thank you—” she replied, at the same time another guy piped up.
“You have a boat? Cool!”
He was sitting crossed-legged on the floor, his back up against a cream couch as he set up the first game of the night on a large coffee table. “I’m Heath, by the way. Adam’s brother.”
That explained the similar features. Heath shook his longer, shaggier dark hair out of his face to look up at Sam with a friendly smile.
“Hey Heath. And yeah, I’ve got a yacht I’m currently doing up.”
“It’s very cool,” Taylor chimed in as she put two large bowls of chips on the table, followed by one of the biggest boxes of Maltesers she’d ever seen.
“Wow, you guys don’t muck around,” Sam commented on the snacks.
“Definitely not when it comes to Maltesers!” said Marie, box already opened as she grabbed a handful of the chocolate balls for herself and took a seat on the couch next to Heath. With all the seats taken, Taylor sat on the floor opposite everyone on a very comfy-looking greige rug. She patted the spot next to her, Sam taking the cue and following suit.
“So, you like board games Sam?” Heath asked.
“I think so? But I honestly haven’t played them inyears.”
It turned out Samlovedboard games. They’d got stuck intoQuacks of Quedlinburgfirst, the game she finally knew how to pronounce. She’d teamed up with Taylor, and so did Jess and Adam as it was technically only meant for four players. This worked out perfectly; Sam was still learning the rules, and Jess seemed more interested in the chips for this initial game.
