Page 59 of Broken: Taylor

By the lift of her right eyebrow and flat line of her lips, she didn’t believe him. “I’m going to make eggs, bacon, and toast. You’re going to eat and then sleep.”

“I’ll go home. Have to talk to Eric about some things. Then I’m going to be in Billings for a few days.” He sat at the table knowing it was best to eat and give Eric time to get up. “I’m going to help with the investigation. There can’t be one single mistake.”

She must have seen the determination in his gaze because instead of saying anything, Allison nodded. Coffee was slid in front of him. The dark liquid swirled with the creamer.

“Would you like me to come with you?”

“What?” He wasn’t sure what the proper response was and needed time to consider how best to deal with it. Of course, they’d decided to try and make a relationship between them work. Unfortunately at the moment, his brain vacated and he stared at Allison.

“I can come to Billings and be there for you.”

“No. I’ll be gone the entire time. There’s nothing for you to do.”

His answer was wrong. The gruffness in his voice left no doubt that he didn’t want, nor need her there. In truth, he wasn’t sure.

“Okay.” Allison turned to the stove, her shoulders straight.

“Look I don’t need this right now. I can’t deal with you and what happened.” Taylor stood. “I better go. Give me some time all right? My head is all over the place.”

She whirled toward him, hurt radiating. “All I did was offer to come if you needed me too.” Hands up, she blew out a breath. “Look just go. Don’t worry about having to “deal” with me.” With that, she stalked away to her bedroom slamming the door behind her.

Too tired, that was the problem. He’d taken it out on her and it wasn’t fair. Taylor went to the stove and stirred the bacon. Moments later, he fried eggs and slipped them onto two plates as the toaster dinged and perfectly browned bread popped up.

Once everything along with short glasses filled with orange juice was on the table, he went to Allison’s bedroom.

She’d not locked the door.

“I’m sorry. I don’t know why I said that. I made breakfast.” He took her by the shoulders and she shrugged him off. Taylor persisted, tipping up her face and wincing at the shiny tear-filled eyes.

“Don’t cry Allison. I’m tired and upset. Saying stupid shit.” He pressed a soft kiss to her lips. “I do need you. Need to know that when this is over, you will be here for me.”

She sniffed. “I know you’re going through a horrible time. I can’t imagine. But don’t push me away or snap at me. That’s not fair.”

Of course she was right. And he needed sleep. Time to regroup before going off and doing what Captain Morris warned him against.

“I need to talk this out. Tell me what you think,” he said tugging her hand and leading his beautiful woman to the table.

Once she sat and he lowered to his seat, he began talking. By the time they’d finished their meal, not only did he have a plan, but could barely keep his eyes open.

“Take a nap. I’ll wake you when Eric gets here.” Allison pushed him toward the bedroom. He stretched out across the soft mattress on his stomach. The bedding smelled of her, some sort of flowery lemony scent that reminded him of her vibrant curls. Taylor fell asleep to the sounds of Allison cleaning up, soft music that she preferred playing in the background.

“You’re tooclose to the case. It’s a bad idea.” Eric frowned into his coffee. “I don’t think Morris will agree.”

Taylor gave no shits. He’d either be added on to the investigation as a consultant, or he’d do it as a nosy civilian. It mattered little to him.

“I have to do this,” Taylor responded looking over at Mindy, who kept sliding glances toward their table. “You ask her out yet?”

This time it was Eric who became animated. “I’m working up to it.”

“Don’t wait too long. I’ve seen Ben hovering the last couple of times I’ve been in here.”

At the comment, Eric got to his feet and went to where a wide-eyed Mindy looked up at him. Taylor had lied about Ben and now he smiled as Eric said something to Mindy who nodded slowly.

Her lips curved and cheeks colored prettily, making Taylor wonder how long before they’d work up the courage to hold hands. Eric had always been shy, more of a book nerd than a dater during high school. He did have a steady girlfriend, but they’d broken up during their college years.

Although engaged once, his cousin didn’t seem inclined to marry. Now as the guy neared forty, Taylor figured he might just be one of those guys that preferred life on his own.

Eric settled across from him. “Asked her over to watch a movie.”

“Netflix and chill?” Taylor chuckled.

“What? Should I get Netflix? I was going to ask her what she wanted to see and rent the movie.”

“Never mind.”

“Come on man, tell me.” Eric blew out a breath. “I’m outta practice with this dating shit.”

“No. Way.” Taylor said it as two separate words mimicking how Eric sometime spoke. “Nervous. Virgin.”

“Shut. Up.” Eric rolled his eyes. “Been awhile, that’s all. Not sure how to go about things anymore.”

Mindy had gone back into the kitchen and Taylor knew the woman was probably having some sort of giggle chat with her friend. “I’m sure she’ll be fine with whatever you plan. Movie and a pizza are the perfect first date.”

“Okay. Good.” Eric let out a breath and his face transformed back to all cop. “If you’re insisting on going to Billings, talk to Morris in a neutral environment. Meet him outside his office. From what you’ve told me, he’s a good leader. He’ll know you won’t back down.”

Not that he needed Eric’s permission, but Taylor felt better at knowing his cousin backed him.

“One thing though,” Eric said holding up a hand. “The investigation comes first. If at anytime you feel like you’re losing control, pull back or pull out. Better to not fuck things up. Whoever killed Felicia has to rot in jail.”