45. Taylor

Taylor

July

" I don't think this is a good idea."

Standing on the porch of our parent's house, I eye the front door like it just offended my great ancestors. Music and laughter filter through the open windows, the smell of roasted meat wafting from the backyard. The Davis Fourth of July annual barbecue is in full swing, and only one of us got an invite.

Bet you can guess which one isn't on the guest list.

"I think it's a great idea." Huckslee bumps my shoulder, hands stuffed into his pockets to keep himself from reaching for me. "You're a part of this family, too. You belong with me."

Those words send a flutter through my stomach, but the butterflies are quickly squashed by the wave of nausea rampaging through my gut. This is a terrible fucking idea .

Honestly, this last month has been a dream come true. We spent that whole week together in California, and Huck showed me so many new things. The Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz, Six Flags. Somehow, he still found time to take me surfing—which I will not be doing again, because sharks. I even went to his graduation ceremony with his grandparents, where he officially introduced me to his college teammates as his boyfriend. A few of them seemed weirded out that I was also his stepbrother, but fuck 'em. We had the time of our lives.

Upon returning home, Logan made it clear that he and Huck should get some distance for a while. I know it hurts Huck more than he's letting on, but he refuses to discuss it. In the meantime, he's been staying with me for the last few weeks, and I've let him know that I'm here when he needs to talk. But integrating him into my life has been so fucking easy.

During the day, Christian and I practice our routines on our bikes while Huck gets into shape for training camp and Arya cuts hair at the salon she just started working for. By night, we're at the Prospector, with Christian and me managing the dishes while Huckslee bartends, thanks to Juanita giving him a temporary job until he leaves–I batted my pretty lashes until she said yes. On our days off, we all come together, making dinner and cuddling on the sectional while Baby Bones hops all over the four of us. Huck is one hell of a cook; who knew?.

Just...living. Existing, enjoying each other's presence. For the first time, it's made me see what life with Huck could really be like, and I don't want to give it up. I don't want to rock the boat. Which is why, I repeat, him bringing me here is a terrible fucking idea .

"Maybe I should change," I mumble, staring down at my shirt of Venom with his long tongue obscenely wrapped around a melting ice cream cone. It's one of the samples for T.O.T that Huck and Royce worked on. Even though I love the design, it's highly inappropriate for a family barbecue. Why the fuck did I wear this? I should swing by Christian's mom's and borrow a t-shirt from his little brother.

"Absolutely not." Huck sweeps his gaze from side to side, ensuring no one is watching, before pulling me in for a quick kiss. "I like my artwork on you. And besides, why should you hide yourself from them?"

"Isn't that exactly what we're doing?"

My question has him stepping back with a frown, sadness flashing in his eyes. "Yeah. You're right."

Disappointment claws at my throat, but I swallow it down because, honestly, neither of us is ready to come out to both our parents about our relationship. I don't know if we'll ever be. He already told me how Aaron has never asked about any of his relationships over the last four years, so it's safe to assume that he already disapproves of Huckslee's sexuality. It's always been a sore spot between them, and the last thing I want to do is make things more strained. I couldn't care less what Maisie thinks, but family is important to Huck. Always has been.

"Stop that." He reaches up to thumb my bottom lip out from between my teeth. "It's going to be fine. I promise."

"Okay."

It will not be fine. Ever since the night I nearly beat Aaron unconscious, the entire family has been against me, and I don't blame them. Not that they were ever on my side. Pretty sure I don't even know the names of half the people here.

Why did I come again?

"If it makes you feel any better, this is my first Independence Day here since I left for Cali." Stepping up to the door, Huck glances at me over his shoulder. "Ready?"

No. "Yep."

As soon as he pushes open the front door, he's immediately swarmed by three boys who look no older than nine or ten, all identical, their arms hanging off of him as they jump all over. From their features, I'm pretty sure they're Logan's siblings.

"Huckslee!"

"I brought a football. Can we go play?!"

"Who's that?" One of them glances under Huck's arms at me, shyer than the other two, and Huck grins down at them with a laugh.

"Holy crap, look at you three! When did you grow so big?"

They pull him toward the backyard, leaving me awkwardly in the entryway. Without the grounding presence of Huck, I can sense a heavy silence. Glancing into the living room, I find a bunch of eyes on me. Some are wide, some squinted, and I recognize a few, like Maisie's sisters' haughty gaze.

Lifting my hand in a half-hearted wave, I follow Huck, ignoring the prickling, itchy feeling as I pass the staircase leading up to the bathroom. Too many bad memories up there.

When I step into the kitchen, Maisie and a few other women who must be from Huck's side of the family are in there. I don't miss the disapproving sweep of her gaze when she spots me .

"Taylor? What are you doing here?" She sounds polite, but I know what that sickly, sweet tone of her voice hides, so I just lift a shoulder as I pass out the backdoor.

"Huckslee invited me."

I get no response, but I wasn't expecting one anyway. Stepping onto the deck, I arrive just in time to watch Huck get tackled by one of the triplets into the grass. Well, pretend to get tackled because he's incredibly muscled, and they're all pretty scrawny. Aaron is standing around a smoker with a few people, unaware of my intrusion. I take the time to study him now that I've met Huck's grandparents. I can see the resemblance in hair color and facial shape alone, but overall, he definitely takes after his mother's side.

"Hey, man," comes a voice to my right, and I spot Logan sitting on a patio chair at the end of the deck. His brows are raised as if surprised to see me. "Didn't know you were coming."

"Yeah...me either until this morning. Huckslee dragged me along."

He studies my clothes as I take a seat next to him. "Nice shirt. That Huck's work?"

"Yeah, how'd you guess?"

"I know his style." Logan glances toward the lawn, watching Huck throw the football for a few other kids who have joined in, a flash of hurt still prominent in his eyes. Something twists in my gut, feeling slightly responsible for the rift between their friendship.

"Look, Logan, about Huck and I—"

He cuts me off before I can get any further. "It's fine, Taylor. Really, it wasn't your responsibility to tell me anything. "

I stay quiet, thinking through what to say as I meet Huck's gaze. His eyes flick to Logan and back to me in question, and I flash him my stomach. It distracts him enough that the football hits his cheek with a loud smack . The small girl who threw it giggles as I burst into laughter, which earns me a dark look from my boyfriend, promising retribution later. I'm tempted to blow him a kiss or flip him off, but I refrain, choosing to sit back and smirk instead.

Do your worst, baby .

His tongue darts out to wet his lips, eyes trailing down my body as if he can read the challenge in my features. When he turns back to the game, I feel the loss of his attention immediately, like a blanket being ripped away in a cold room. And damn if I don't want it back.

"Word of advice," Logan says slowly, a small smile on his lips. "You both might want to stop looking at each other like that if you're trying to keep things under wraps because I saw everything just now."

Ah, shit.

I open my mouth to respond when a deep voice startles me from behind.

"Keep what under wraps, son?"

Logan visibly winces, and I turn to see a man I'm sure is his father, if I remember correctly. He was Aaron's best man at the wedding. We both flounder for an answer until Huckslee steps onto the deck, saving us from looking like fish out of water.

"I've started making concept art for Taylor and his friend's stunt bike act," he explains as Aaron studies us from the smoker. "Like the picture on his shirt. I drew it. "

Cold eyes take in the shirt in question as I lift my hat to nervously run a hand through my hair. "Yeah, we're in the process of creating a business. Kinda was thinking of asking Logan again to be our business manager now that he has his degree."

Logan's brows jump at that, but his dad shakes his head.

"My boy is far too busy at work for your little side hustle."

Oh, fuck you, old man.

"With all due respect," I drawl, my cheeks heating at the dismissive tone of his voice, "your boy is an adult and can decide for himself."

He rears back, sucking his teeth while Huck gapes at me. Before he can respond, Aaron calls us over by the smoker.

"Boys, come get these steak burgers and bring them inside."

Huck, Logan, and I make our way over, and I can feel his dad's seething gaze on the back of my head. We each grab a plate stacked with meat and take them inside to the kitchen, where Maisie stands at the stove. The room falls heavily quiet, like everyone hushed as soon as we walked in, and the shifty glances from people tell me they were probably talking about me.

Sweat breaks out on my neck under their scrutiny, making me feel like a bug under a microscope or a fish in a bowl. Huck starts a conversation with some family members in the dining room, chatting about football and graduation, entirely at ease in the environment. All the while, I can feel gazes prickling my skin, some more hostile than others. Whether the stares are coming from Huck's side of the family or Maisie's, I can't be sure because I know nobody here, and they don't know me .

I don't belong here.

The thought has me mumbling to Huck that I need some air, ignoring the concerned pinch of his brows as I make a beeline for the front. Eyes follow me the whole way, watching, analyzing, and I suck in a deep breath when I make it out onto the front porch. Leaning against the door, I finally feel like I can relax. My lids sink closed momentarily as I inhale, shaking my shoulders to rid myself of the crawly feeling of everyone's judgment.

A deep chuckle draws my attention, and my eyes snap open to spy a figure sitting on the steps, studying me over his shoulder. He's got unkempt brown hair, a sleeve of tattoos, and a lip piercing. I've never seen him around; his appearance is totally out of place with the crowd inside, much like mine.

"I know the feeling," he says, something familiar about his honey-colored eyes taking me in. I just nod because I have no clue what the fuck he's talking about.

Moving past him down the steps, I walk across the lawn to Huckslee's Audi, my attention lingering on a sleek black Ducati parked behind it. Reaching into the glove box, I pull out a pack of cigarettes and light one up, swinging my gaze back to the stranger watching me with a smile.

"Mind if I bum one of those off you?" he asks. "I'm dying for a smoke."

I wave him over, too irritated with the people inside to form a complete sentence at the moment.

There is something so reminiscent of how he unfolds himself to a stand, significantly taller than Huck or me. As he stalks over with long legs, it finally registers who he reminds me of.

"You related to Logan? "

He huffs, taking a cigarette and my lighter from me. "Yep. I'm his uncle, Devon."

"Ah, I've heard about you."

Logan mentioned an uncle numerous times over the two years he dated Salem and how he doesn't come around much because he doesn't get along with Logan's dad. I didn't expect him to look so...young. But what do I know?

"All bad things, I hope." Devon winks, puffing on his smoke, and I kick the curb with my Doc.

"I don't think Logan has it in him to talk bad about anyone. I'm Taylor."

His eyes widen a fraction, sweeping down my frame. "The stepkid who beat up Aaron?"

"Uh...yeah."

And the stepbrother's boyfriend. But I don't say those words out loud.

"No shit?" He matches my stance, leaning a hip against the Audi while he takes me in with renewed interest. I squirm under the attention, feeling slightly uncomfortable. "Well, would you look at us. Two peas in a pod."

I raise my cigarette in mock cheers. "Here's to the black sheep."

His eyes snag on my arms. "Nice ink. Mind if I take a look?"

"Sure."

I expect him to just step closer, but he surprises me by reaching out to grab my wrist. Lifting my arm to his face, he turns it over to study my skin. While he examines my tattoos, I glance again at the beautiful piece of machinery parked behind Huck's car.

"That your bike? "

"Yep." His eyes flick up to mine. "Do you know anything about bikes at all?"

My lips twitch. "A little bit, yeah."

"Wanna go for a ride?"

The question takes me off guard, and I tamp down the immediate response of ‘fuck yes' that wants to barrel out of my mouth. Honestly, I've wanted a motorcycle for years but never had the funds. Plus, the cigarette isn't cutting it; I'm itching for some kind of rush after dealing with the dumpster fire that is Maisie's family inside, but…

"I better go let Huckslee know first," I murmur, more to myself than anything.

Devon's brows lift amusedly. "Why? Is he your keeper?"

"He's..." No, but something about taking off without telling him seems wrong. "He's my ride. I'll be right back."

"I'll be waiting," he breathes as I step away, the flirty tone of his voice making my steps falter.

It's not like men haven't flirted with me before; it used to happen constantly at the Prospector when Christian and I shot some pool. And though I was never interested, I played into it because that's just who I am—a major flirt. But something about it happening now that I'm with Huck makes me feel icky, and I'm not sure I like it.

When I step back in, the house has the same tense vibe, and I try my best to ignore the looks as I search for Huck, my jaw tight.

"Huck in the kitchen?" I ask Logan when I see him coming into the dining room. He nods, opening his mouth to say something, but the curt tone of Maisie's voice cuts him off .

"Really, Huckslee, what were you thinking, inviting him? After what he did to your father?"

Logan and I both freeze, our wide eyes meeting as we stand hidden just beyond the archway, out of sight.

"He was going through a rough time," Huck answers placatingly. "That was years ago. He's changed."

"And that's an excuse to lay hands on someone?"

I flinch at her words as I hear him sigh. "No, of course not, but he's better now. Sober. He's been through therapy for the stuff that happened with his dad."

"What stuff?"

My heart starts to pound rapidly in my chest, both Logan and I as still as stone.

"The abuse."

Maisie huffs, lips smacking in protest. "Is that what he told you? Taylor is a compulsive liar, Huck. He has been since he was a child."

I don't even hear his response over the roaring of blood in my ears, breaths coming out in ragged, short gasps. White-hot rage licks up my spine, my hands fisting at my sides to keep from punching the drywall.

Compulsive liar. That's a new one, I'll give her that. As if she had ever paid enough attention to me to tell if I had lied while growing up. Things didn't even get bad for me until after she left.

Logan places a hand on my shoulder, eyes filled with sympathy, but I shake him off, backing away toward the door.

"Tell Huck I'm going for a ride with your uncle," is all I say before turning on my heel to exit the house, blood boiling. Devon is waiting on his bike, head bent while he scrolls through his phone, and he smiles at me when I approach.

"Your babysitter give you permission?"

I grit my teeth, choosing not to respond as I climb on behind him, just wanting to get away from this fucking house and this fucking family. They aren't mine, not truly. Never have been. Salem and Christian are all I need. Matty, Hannah, and Xed, too.

"Grab on," he says before starting the bike, and my arms wrap around his thin waist. He feels wrong against me, nothing like the man I really wish I could hold right now, but I can't make Huckslee choose between me and his family. I can't. I won't.

So I hang on tight, craving high speed as Devon peels out, taking me away from the other half of my heart.