Liam

The other day with Mel was incredible. We got to spend half the day together without anyone else tagging along. We talked, laughed, and shared a few interesting moments- brushing elbows at the theater and staring at one another longingly.

At least, that's the feeling I got when she looked into my eyes at the end of our day. The sparkle in her eyes, the hesitation, it seemed very longing to me. Though, that may just be wishful thinking on my part. I know what I want with Mel, but what she wants is still up for debate.

The subtle changes in our relationship lately tell me she may be open to the idea of something other than friendship. I just don't want to assume anything and feel like a fool if I'm wrong. And I'm not exactly sure how to breach the topic with her without sounding pushy.

That's the last thing I want to do- push Mel into something too soon. If anything does happen between Mel and me, I want it to happen naturally, when she's ready.

I'm in the kitchen, putting together some lunch when Tay walks in. "Hey, Liam. How's it going?"

I look up from the stove, acknowledging her with a head bob. "Hey, Tay. I'm good. You on lunch?"

She nods as she sets her work bag on the couch. As she walks toward the kitchen, T.J. emerges from their bathroom. As soon as he sees her, he smiles.

Within seconds, he sweeps her into his arms in a loving embrace. "Hey, baby."

Tay's smile matches his as she leans into him, letting his lips graze her cheek. "Hey, love."

I look away as T.J. nuzzles against her neck. "Mmm. I've missed you."

Tay's soft giggle escapes her mouth as she replies, "It's only been a few hours."

T.J. groans. "A few hours too long."

I hold back my snicker as I flip over my chicken. He is so whipped.

Before I can stop myself, I glance up at the two lovers, still locked in their embrace. It's as if they're the only ones in the world. They're facing one another, foreheads touching, breathing softly as they hold each other. When their eyes open seconds later, they meet with such tenderness and love. It's something I never thought possible coming from T.J.- not until he met Tay.

I look away as their lips come together. After several seconds, I hear them exchange a few more words before T.J. begrudgingly says he's leaving to meet up with Rob and Drew for lunch. He tells her he'll miss her and gathers her in his arms for another passionate lip-lock.

"I love you, baby," he tells her, pecking her lips again.

"I love you, too."

I avert my eyes until T.J. gives me a quick goodbye as he heads out the door. As soon as the door shuts behind him, I draw my attention back to my food. A small, sad smile creeps over my lips.

What those two have is special. It's what I want for myself. What they have, I want with Mel.

I hear one of the barstools slide across the floor as Tay grabs a seat. When I look up at her, she's staring at me sheepishly.

I quirk an eyebrow at her. "What?"

One corner of her mouth lifts. "Sorry for all the PDA."

I can't help but chuckle at her words. "It's alright, Tay, really. I know you two are still on cloud nine after his last doctor's appointment."

She nods, looking down at her lap as her sheepish look morphs into a soft smile. "Yeah. That was the best news since they cleared him to return to the game. Still, though, we try not to be so blatant about it."

I turn off the burner and remove the pan from the heat. Then, I turn to look at Taylor. "Hey."

I wait for her to meet my eyes before continuing. "It's okay. Really, Tay. We're all so happy for you two. What you have is real. It's special. Don't ever be ashamed about showing each other affection."

Her smile grows slightly, and I walk over to her, pulling her into a strong hug. "After everything you two have been through, you pretty much have a pass to do whatever you want, wherever you want, whenever you want. And no one can say a damn thing."

That makes her laugh. She hugs me back tightly as she says, "Thanks, papa bear. You really are the best, you know it!"

I rest my cheek on her head as I sigh dramatically. "Oh, I know."

I feel her laugh vibrate through her chest as I continue, jokingly, "It's such a burden."

When I let go, I dish out some chicken and vegetables for both Tay and myself, having made enough for multiple meals. I pass her a plate and some silverware as I grab the seat next to her.

We chat a bit between bites, asking how the other's day is going, catching up on any gossip we've missed. She tells me about the new things happening with her company and asks if I'm ready for Chase and Lins's wedding.

After a while, the conversation drifts from safe subjects. We go from talking about daily updates and the big event coming up to a more confusing topic- Mel. More specifically, what's going on with Mel and me.

I don't know how or when the conversation took a turn down that road, but now I find myself staring that question right in the face.

How do I even start answering that?

I have no idea.

Tay notices my hesitation. "You know, I think you would do really great together. You're good for each other. And I know you'd be good to her."

I smile, looking down at my hands, unable to look Tay in the face. The words I want to say are right on the tip of my tongue, but they refuse to be released.

She continues, "Where did you guys run off to the other day? When Tanner and I came out to find you two, no one was around."

I snort, finally looking up at Tay. "You mean the day of his appointment? The day you two were trying and failing- miserably- to quietly molest each other in your bedroom?"

Tay's face turns bright red, and her eyes widen at my words. I can't help but laugh as she covers her mouth. "Oh, my God! I knew we were still too loud!"

Her hands fall to her lap, and she gives me an apologetic look. I shake my head, laughter still spilling from my lips. "It's okay. We just wanted to give you guys some space to celebrate the good news. We left and spent the day out on the town together."

As her cheeks slowly turn back to their normal coloring, her eyes start to shine. "Sooo, like a date?"

The excitement is evident in her voice as I think of what I should divulge next. "It wasn't a date, per se. I mean, officially, it was just two friends spending the day together."

Before I can continue, Tay interrupts. "Annnd unofficially?"

I sigh, looking at my friend as she watches me with hopeful eyes. "Unofficially, nothing. I think. Shit, I don't know."

Tay's brows furrow as I argue internally over whether the unofficial whatever was a date or not. I don't know what to say. So, I tell her what Mel and I did and leave it up to her to decipher whether the day was an unofficial date or not.

She's a girl. She should be able to help me figure it out. Right?

Tay listens patiently as I tell her everything that happened that day with Mel. I tell her how I took Mel to her favorite food truck, how our arms kept brushing at the theater, and how Mel lit up when I took her to see the penguins at the zoo.

When I'm finished, Tay is quiet for a few minutes, letting everything sink in as she analyzes the information. She smiles at me after a while, allowing me to finally release the breath I've been holding since finishing my tale.

She reaches for my hand, squeezing it lightly before she speaks. "You like her. Don't you?"

I bite my lip and nod. "I really do, Tay. I think I have for a while now."

"I know. I could tell."

I look up at Tay. "I just don't know if she likes me the same way. Or maybe she's holding back because of Justin."

The smile on Taylor's face falls slightly, but she recovers instantly. "I think she has feelings for you or is at least warming up to the idea."

I still feel the worry on my face as Tay goes on, "I saw the way she looked at you when you pranced around here shirtless the other day. She looked. And from what I could tell, she liked."

My pride swells at her words, and I smirk as I remember my plot to try to entice Mel the other day.

I remember the way her eyes dragged down my body. The way she seemed to long for me the way I want her.

My reveling is broken up as Tay speaks again. "Just give her time. Be patient with her. She's worth the wait."

Our eyes meet as I sincerely reply, "I know she is."