twenty eight - travis

                                    

                                          
I could barely sleep that night knowing that Taylor was just on the other side of the wall. I knew she needed time to get used to this, and I had no problem with sleeping in different rooms whatsoever, but I just wished I knew she was okay. She was still on edge, I knew that.
My heart felt full, warm and safe. Taylor was everything I could have ever wanted and more, and I loved her with the kind of love I'd never felt with anyone else. I thought I'd loved Em more than the world, but Taylor, she was my universe. And I knew Em wouldn't mind that. She'd be cheering me on. That was Em.
I sighed to myself as I finally closed my eyes, and all I could see behind my eyelids was Taylor. She really had a hold on my heart that woman, God, like nothing else. 
My phone pinged and I opened my eyes, reaching over to grab it. I thought I'd put it on silent, but it was Taylor's notification sound, which I always had on. Was the texting me from the next room? I smiled when I saw it.
Taylor: I know I'm not ready to sleep in the same room as you like that, but I miss you
"Oh Sunshine." I whispered to myself as I typed back.
Me: It's always your call Sunshine. I'll do whatever you need
I knew she was scared of this, and she was right to be so. Joe had really fucked her up, and after this morning I'd gotten the idea that she didn't want us to be that intimate in bed. This morning had been a one off, and I knew she wasn't comfortable doing it again. In the nighttime hours, we were friends. Our relationship was for daylight only at the moment, which I had no problem with at all. That was that she needed.
Taylor: Could you come and stay with me?
I was out of bed in an instant, putting my phone back on charge as I grabbed a shirt and pulled it on as I left my room. She'd probably find it better if I had more clothes on, and I tugged my shirt down as I opened Taylor's bedroom door. She was tucked up in bed, Benji nowhere to be found, and she put her phone down as I came in.
"Where's the little monster?" I asked as Taylor lifted the blankets and I slipped into bed with her.
"Exploring I think." She whispered. "He likes it here."
"Good." I smiled, lying down on the other side of the bed, wanting Taylor to decide how we slept. "Are you feeling okay Sunshine?"
"Yeah, just..." Taylor sighed, moving closer. "It's a lot to process." I nodded as I laid my arm down, letting her use it as a pillow as her body curled up with mine. "Thank you." She whispered. "I didn't want to be alone tonight."
"Of course." I rubbed her arm. "I'm always here."
Taylor gave a small smile as she blinked up at me, her baby blue eyes so soft and vulnerable. Full of trust.
"Is it okay if I tell you I love you, or not now?" I whispered.
"It's okay." Taylor breathed. "Just..." She trailed off and I nodded, understanding. Just the words. No kissing in bed.
"I love you." I told her, placing a hand to cup her face. 
"I love you." She whispered back.
-
Taylor slept in the next morning, probably exhausted, and I called into her work for her. Paula wasn't happy, but I was firm and didn't put up with her bullshit about needing Taylor there. She could handle herself for day, and eventually Paula conceded. I really wanted to tell her off for treating Taylor like shit too, but I held my tongue. That wouldn't help.
I worked from home in my office, wanting to be there when Taylor woke up. Just before noon I heard footsteps and looked up to see her coming down the hallway looking sleepy, hair a little tangled, rubbing her eyes. I sat back as she came in, and to my surprise she immediately climbed up into my lap and curled up there like Benji would. Like a kitten.