Therapy is Good for the Soul

Bailey woke up at 12:30pm and slowly peeled her eyes open. It was very quiet and the light was muted in the room. The covers over her were nice and warm as she lay in the rather large four-post bed. The surroundings were strange yet vaguely familiar, Bailey wasn’t sure where she was until she rolled over to see Tyler in the bed next to her playing on his laptop. He looked as rough as she felt with dark circles under his eyes as well as a shiner under his left eye. Bailey racked her brain trying to recall what happened last night and how she ended up in his bed this morning, but only bits and pieces mostly from earlier in the evening were popping up.

Bailey let out a small moan out of frustration from her memory loss. “Tyler?”

Tyler put his laptop down and immediately turned to face Bailey when he heard her stirring in the bed. “Bay, you’re awake. Thank God!” He leaned down and kissed her forehead gently. “How do you feel?”

Bailey looked at him still confused before she spoke. “Did I get hit by a train last night?”

Tyler chuckled a bit, “No trains but it was a rough night. Here, this should help.” He reached across Bailey to his nightstand and grabbed a bottle of water and some Advil.

“Thanks.”

Bailey took four pills and several sips of water before placing it back on the bedside table. She pulled the blanket and sheet off and in one swift motion rolled to her left side and stood up. She was hit with a sudden wave of nausea and dizziness. Her legs started to give way as she fell back onto the bed. Alarmed by what just happened, Tyler was quickly by Bailey’s side and wrapped an arm around her waist for support.

“You ok?” He asked pulling her close into his side.

Bailey closed her eyes and took a few deep breaths before she replied. “I think I just got up too quickly. Give me a minute.”

Bailey sat on the edge of the bed leaning on Tyler for a few minutes before she decided to try to get up again. She pushed herself forward so her feet were on the floor and then stood. Tyler followed Bailey’s movement and stood with her. He was thankful he kept his arm around her waist because she felt faint again. Tyler noticed her dizziness and grabbed her before she fell.

“Bay I think you better stay in bed!”

Tears slowly trickled down Bailey’s cheeks out of fear and embarrassment. “I need to go to the bathroom.”

Tyler pulled Bailey into his lap and wiped away some of her tears with his thumb. “It’s ok; I’ll help you.”

“NO, NO, NO! I can’t, not with you there.” Bailey dropped her head into her hands now in a full sob.

“Shh, Bay it’s ok.” He tried to reassure her as he pulled her into his chest. “Christina come quick!” Bailey winced when Tyler yelled for help as the volume and her close proximity didn’t help her splitting headache. “Sorry.” Tyler kissed the top of Bailey’s head.

Christina and Freddy both ran down the hall to Tyler’s room worried about Bailey when they heard him holler for help. Before they could speak, Tyler explained Bailey’s dizziness and asked Christina to help him get her to the bathroom. She came over to the bed and Tyler helped Bailey stand. He and Christina both had their arms around her to support her weight and guide her to the bathroom. As soon as Bailey was over to the toilet, Tyler saw himself out and closed the bathroom door.

Bailey placed one hand on the wall to help her keep her balance as she was finally able to relieve the pressure on her bladder. She noticed a pile of sheets, towels, and blankets covering the bathroom floor across from her. “What’s that about?” Bailey asked pointing to the pile.

“Tyler tried to make a soft pallet to make it as comfortable as possible for you last night while you expelled all the poison you consumed.

Bailey looked at Christina confused and frustrated. “How much did I drink last night?”

“Bailey, you didn’t drink a lot; you were drugged.”

“What?”

“Do you remember anything about last night?”

“Not much and it scares me. I remember dinner and the game pretty well. I know you and Em helped me get ready to go out and we took a cab to the club. Everything else is pretty fuzzy. Please tell me what the heck happened!”

“We had a couple of drinks at the bar before we headed out on the dance floor. The four of us were having a blast and you and Tyler looked very cozy together. The boys decided they needed a break and went back to the bar. You and I stayed on the dance floor and got carried away by the music. At some point you took a drink that a creepy asshole laced with a Roofie. He put his hands on you and you and I tried to fend him off but he was too strong. Bailey, it was so scary! I don’t know what would have happened if Tyler wasn’t there. He and Freddy must have seen what was happening from the bar and came over. Tyler went ape shit and started pounding on the guy when he found out he drugged you. It took a couple of bouncers to pull him off the guy, but he didn’t go unscathed.”

Bailey interrupted, “The black eye isn't from the game?”

“No, the asshole got a few good punches in on Tyler. Eventually the police came, found more drugs on the creep, and let Tyler go after he and Freddy made a statement. My mom came here to help and make sure you were ok. She gave you something to force you to vomit and get the drugs out of your system. You vomited profusely and Tyler was there every step of the way. Bailey, he insisted on staying up with you and making sure you were ok. He was so worried about you; we all were! Tyler was so sweet and did everything he could to make you comfortable even if it meant he wouldn’t be. It made me realize how much he truly cares for you.”

As Christina spoke, Bailey listened intently hoping that her words would trigger her memory. Although there were a few flickers of images from the night, for the most part it seemed like Christina was just telling a fictional story because she couldn’t remember it. With Christina’s help, Bailey stood up and leaned on the sink. She gasped at the horrifying refection in the mirror above the sink. She looked like death, mascara smeared, black tear stains down her cheek, and her hair looked like a rat’s nest.

“I feel like an idiot! I ruined everyone’s night and Tyler’s seen me like this!”

“Stop it Bailey! Don’t you dare beat yourself up over this; you didn’t do anything wrong. It could happen to anyone. And as far as Tyler’s concerned, I assure you he doesn’t care what you look like right now.”

“You have to say that ‘cause you’re my friend. Look at me; I’m a mess! Tyler’s probably grossed out over everything.” Bailey turned on the water and started to scrub her face raw and hide her tears.

Christina turned off the water and made Bailey look at her. “You didn’t see Tyler’s face last night, I did. He adores you and what happened last night isn’t going to scare him away. Bailey, I think he’s in love with you!”

Bailey cracked a small smile when she heard Christina’s words and relaxed a bit before another wave of nausea and dizziness hit her. Christina quickly helped her back over to the toilet so she could sit. While Bailey rested, Christina found Tyler’s hairbrush and gently brushed out the tangles in Bailey’s hair. She ran a washcloth under warm water and gave it to Bailey to clean up her face a bit more. Bailey brushed her teeth as well before Christina called for Tyler to come in to help get Bailey back to bed. Tyler noticed how weak Bailey still was when she stood and hoisted her into his arms, holding her close to his chest. He carried her to his bed and gently laid her in his bed propped up with a few pillows and pulled the covers over her.

“Thought you might be hungry so I made you a grilled cheese, a glass of juice, and grabbed a Gatorade.” Tyler grabbed the breakfast tray off his dresser and placed it over Bailey’s lap.

“I’m going to let you eat and get some more rest. I have to call my mom and let her know you’re awake. I’ll just be down the hall if you need me again.” Christina told Bailey before exiting Tyler’s room in the hopes Bailey would talk to Tyler and finally tell him how she feels.

“Thanks.” Bailey replied before downing the orange juice. The cold liquid felt refreshing as it traveled down her throat.

Despite the nausea she was feeling, Bailey nibbled on the grilled cheese as a way of procrastinating the inevitable conversation she needed to have with Tyler. She was swamped with feelings of shame and couldn’t bear looking at him. She wished she could just hide under the covers and disappear.

“I’m done.” Bailey’s stomach wouldn’t allow her to prolong talking to Tyler any longer. She put the sandwich down after only eating a quarter of it.

“Was it bad? I can get you something else; just tell me what you want.” Tyler didn’t like that Bailey hadn’t eaten very much.

“No thank you. It was fine, my tummy just feels a bit queasy.”

“Oh, ok. Well at least try to finish the Gatorade. Christina’s mom said you needed to get a lot of fluids today.” Tyler got off the bed, handed Bailey the Gatorade before carrying the tray back to the kitchen. He returned a few moments later with Marshall to see Bailey staring in space as she fidgeted with her fingers.

“Is it ok if he hangs out with us for a little bit?”

Tyler’s words brought Bailey out of her thoughts and there was a hint of a smile on her face. “Is that a joke? Of course he can.”

Tyler smiled and climbed back in the bed bringing Marshall with him. There was a silent tension in the room as they both just sat there for a few minutes petting Marshall who had crawled in between them.

Bailey turned to Tyler and finally spoke. “I’m sorry.”

Tyler looked at Bailey confused, “Sorry for what?”

“For ruinin your big night.”

“What are you talking about?”

“Last night should have been a celebration for you and your new foundation. Instead you got stuck havin to take care of me and got hurt in the process.” Bailey reached and touched Tyler’s face just below his black and blue shiner. “Christina told me what you did. Thanks for stayin with me last night.” She said her voice still a bit hoarse and sleepy.

“Bay, you didn’t ruin anything. In fact last night was one of the best nights of my life.”

Bailey turned to see Tyler’s expression, certain he was joking. When she saw that he was serious, she shot him a dubious look. “Getting punched in the face and sleepin between the toilet and shower on a cold hard tile floor with a vomitin idiot was one of your best nights?”

“No, staying up with you when you’re sick and you falling asleep in my lap was one of my best nights. It wasn’t comfortable, I didn’t sleep worth a shit, but I didn’t care because I got to take care of you! You’re the only woman I know that still looks pretty incredible with your head in the toilet. Did you know your accent gets thicker and you’re kind of sweet when you’re high?”

“I’m sure between the heavin and purgin I was a barrel of laughs.”

“Actually Bay, you did say a few things that were entertaining and made my night.”

“Oh no, what did I say?” Bailey pulled the covers over her head.

Tyler pulled the covers down to make sure she was looking at him before he spoke. “For starters you called me beautiful and said I was perfect as you checked out my abs.” Tyler had a wry grin as he recalled Bailey touching him.

Bailey’s cheeks immediately scorched with embarrassment. “Anythin else?”

“Nothing bad I promise, but I think I’ll keep the rest to myself. I’m kind of hoping you might say them again someday when you’re sober.”

Bailey bit her bottom lip, “Not sure what I should say, but thank you and I promise you won’t have to babysit me again.”

Tyler leaned back against his pillow. “Whatever, no one can hold your hair back like I can.”

Bailey giggled and rested her head on Tyler’s arm before she closed her eyes and let herself sink back into the darkness. Tyler breathed out a long, relaxing puff of air and smiled before he too drifted into a deep sleep.

Tyler woke up at 6:00pm and watched Bailey as she slept. He gently maneuvered his arm out from under her allowing her head to fall onto his chest. He then wrapped his arm around her. Tyler thought he could really get use to this and hoped there’d be many more times he’d wake up to Bailey in his arms. Bailey opened her eyes a half hour later and tilted her head up to look at Tyler. “Feeling better?”

“Little bit. Feel like I got hit by a big rig versus a train now.”

Tyler pulled Bailey in closer to his side and kissed the top of her head. “That still sounds pretty bad to me. What do you say we get something to eat and drink? Maybe that will help.”

“I’m still not very hungry, but I guess I should try to eat something.”

“Let me go get our takeout menus and you can see if anything sounds good.”

“Ok.”

Bailey gave Tyler a peck on the cheek and turned to get out of bed. Remembering what happened earlier when Bailey tried to stand, Tyler swiftly popped up and slid across the bed until he was standing in front of Bailey. “Let me help you, just in case.”

Bailey was grateful for Tyler’s speed and agility because she still couldn’t stand without getting lightheaded. Tyler wrapped his arms around her waist and pulled her into his chest. “Thanks. Would you help me get to the bathroom and then get Christina?”

Tyler got Bailey safely to the restroom and sent Christina to make sure she was ok while he and Freddy browsed through the menus. After Bailey relieved herself, Christina helped her back to the bed. The boys joined the girls and they decided to order food from the Bistro Grille. The gang decided to have dinner and watch a movie in Tyler’s room since Bailey was in no shape to move around and his bed was more than big enough for all of them to fit comfortably.

After the movie was over, Bailey asked Tyler to set his alarm so she’d get up in time to take a shower and go to her apartment to change before work. “Bay, there’s no way you can work tomorrow; you can barely stand.”

“Tyler’s right, my mom said it may be another day or two before you feel like yourself. You need to rest! I called Emily earlier to fill her in on what happened and she called in sick for you. Freddy and I ran by your place earlier and grabbed some clothes and other essentials for you as well. Like it or not, we aren’t going to let you be alone tomorrow.” Christina added.

“Except for my morning practice, you’ll pretty much be stuck with me tomorrow.” Tyler said with a playful grin on his face.

“But I’ve already put you out so much this weekend.”

“Bay, I already told you I like taking care of you.”

“If you’re sure.”

“Not that you have a choice, but I am absolutely sure!”

“Thanks. I’ll find a way to make this up to you!”

“I’m sure I can think of something.” Tyler said with a wink causing Bailey to blush.

“Now that, that’s settled I think we can all use a good night’s sleep. I’ll see you in the morning. Good night.” Freddy said as he and Christina carried all of their takeout containers and breakfast trays to the kitchen before they headed to his room.

“Night.” Tyler and Bailey said in unison.

Tyler took Marshall out one last time for the night before he settled into his bed. “Good night and sweet dreams Bay.” Tyler gave Bailey a kiss on her forehead.

“Good Night Tyler.” Bailey snuggled in close to Tyler and they both fell asleep with Marshall happily resting at the foot of the bed.

Tyler woke up early and grabbed a quick breakfast before he headed to the Bruins’ morning skate. Christina was up to check on Bailey and help her if she needed anything while Tyler was gone. Tyler returned from his practice around noon. Christina told him Bailey was still sound asleep. Tyler grabbed his gym bag and headed quietly to his room. He saw Bailey curled up in the fetal position under the covers and smiled at her natural beauty. He couldn’t resist this angel sleeping in his bed so he tiptoed over to the bed and leaned down and kissed Bailey on the cheek. He took a step back when Bailey let out a soft moan and started to stretch her arms and legs out before opening her eyes.

“Good afternoon Sleeping Beauty. Did you sleep well?”

“Mm, hmm.”

Tyler smiled and sat down on the edge of the bed and placed his arm across Bailey’s legs. “Feeling better?”

“Much. Still have a bit of a headache though.”

“I thought you might.” Tyler handed Bailey 4 Advil and a Cool Blue Gatorade.

‘Thanks. Have you eaten already? I’m hungry.”

“I bet, you hardly ate anything yesterday and no; I thought we could have lunch together. Do you feel up to going out or do you want to order in?”

“If it’s ok with you I’d like to get out of here for a bit.”

“Perfect, I know just the place.”

“May I please take a shower first?”

“Of course, let me get you some fresh towels.”

Tyler went to the hall linen closet and returned with 2 large fluffy light blue towels. Bailey pushed the covers off and stood. Tyler was of course by her side in case she got dizzy. Bailey didn’t have any vertigo symptoms and started to head towards the bathroom.

Tyler grabbed Bailey’s right arm. “Just to be safe, maybe I should come with you. Wouldn’t want you to fall and get hurt if you feel faint again.” He said with a seductive grin and a wink causing Bailey’s cheeks to immediately flush.

“Appreciate the offer, but I think I’ll take my chances.” Bailey pulled away from Tyler taking the towels from him. Just as she was about to pick up her bag from the floor she turned back to Tyler, stood on her tip toes and whispered in his ear. “I think I’ll take a rain check on your offer though.” Bailey kissed his cheek lightly, grabbed her bag and ran into the bathroom while Tyler stood there stunned.

Bailey stripped off all her clothes and quickly hopped in the shower, still in shock at what she just did. She let the hot water cascade over her as she thought about Tyler’s last comment. She wondered what would have happened if she said yes and let Tyler follow her in the bathroom. She still wasn’t sure where she stood with him. Yes he flirted with her and took care of her this weekend, but did he really want her as much as she wanted him? Bailey recalled all the times they’ve hung out and she’s been in the same bed with him since she forgave him, yet Tyler never made a move or tried to give her a real kiss. She wished she could read his mind to know if Tyler is just a big flirt or if he wants to be more than friends. The whole point of Saturday night was to get out of the friend zone, but here she stood with the same uncertainty. Bailey let out a quick scream of frustration.

Tyler knocked on the door when he heard the scream. “Everything ok in there?”

“What? I mean yea, I accidentally turned the hot water too high.”

Even though Tyler wasn’t in the room, she was embarrassed and could feel the heat radiating from her cheeks. She grabbed his body wash and quickly scrubbed her body before washing her hair. After rinsing her hair she enjoyed the warm and soothing water for a few minutes letting the massage features of his shower help her relax before she had to face Tyler again. She climbed out of the shower and grabbed the towels, wrapping one around her head and using the other to dry her body. Once dry she changed into the outfit Christina had picked up for her; dark skinny jeans, her favorite pink and cream cable knit sweater, and matching pink converse tennis shoes. She brushed her teeth then ran a brush through her hair and pulled part of it up in a hairclip. Knowing as soon as she laid eyes on Tyler again her cheeks would naturally turn rosy, she opted to just use her under eye concealer and some Pink Pop Revlon lip-gloss. Bailey took a deep breath before opening the bathroom door.

“I’m ready when you are.” Bailey told Tyler who was sitting on his bed watching the Chew on TV.

Tyler smiled when he saw Bailey. He loved that she didn’t feel the need to cake on make-up and wear fancy clothes; she just let her natural beauty shine through. He grabbed his wallet and keys off the bedside table and held out his hand for Bailey. Tyler pulled her out of the door by her hand, leading her to his Maserati. She didn’t pull away, and he held it in his until they got to the car. It felt wrong to let go. Tyler helped Bailey into the car and closed the door behind her before getting in himself. When he started the car, his stereo blasted Drake’s The Motto.

“Do you mind turnin that off? My ears are still a bit sensitive.”

“No problem.”

Tyler turned off the music and their ride was quiet. Once Tyler started driving, Bailey closed her eyes and rested her head on the back of her seat to hold off nausea. They reached their destination in twenty minutes and Tyler parked the car. He helped Bailey out and interlaced his fingers between hers as they walked toward the restaurant.

“Where are we goin?” Bailey asked not recognizing the area.

“It’s a great mom and pop restaurant called Momma Rosa’s. They have the best soup and homemade bread in the city!”

“Soup sounds perfect.”

Tyler opened the door to this little hole in the wall and escorted Bailey inside. It was clear that Tyler frequents the restaurant when he greeted multiple staff members by name.

“Bailey, this is Momma Rosa, the best chef in Boston.” Tyler said gesturing towards the woman behind the counter.

“It’s nice to meet you. I’m looking forward to tryin one of your famous soups.”

“It’s a pleasure to meet you too.” Momma Rosa said as she shook Bailey’s hand. “Tyler, It’s about time you found a pretty girl to share a meal with. We were starting to wonder if you were batting for the other team.” Tyler and Bailey both blushed and Bailey giggled at Momma Rosa’s second remark.

Momma Rosa let Bailey try a sample of several soups before she finally selected the Chicken and wild rice soup. Tyler picked the Italian wedding soup and a side of penne pasta. The couple sat in a booth in the corner by the window.

“You really haven’t brought a girl here before?”

“Nope. Never met someone special enough to share my little secret with until now.” Tyler replied with a goofy grin causing Bailey to flush yet again.

“Well, I’m honored that you’re sharin this with me.”

“Brad’s the only other person I’ve brought here.”

“Aha, now I get what Momma Rosa meant. Should I be jealous of your infamous bromance?”

“Ha Ha. No, but would you be jealous if there was someone else?”

Bailey started twirling a piece of her hair around her fingers and bit her bottom lip as she contemplated her response. Before she could answer Tyler’s question, the waiter brought their meals to the table. They thanked him, picked up their spoons and clinked them together before diving into their soups.

“OH MY LORD! This is amazin!”

“I told you so and you haven’t even tried the bread yet.”

Bailey immediately broke a piece of her bread off and popped it in her mouth. “Mmmm, this is a little piece of heaven. I’m gonna have to get a few containers of soup and a loaf of this bread to go.”

“Glad you like it. It’s good to see you eating again.”

“I can see why you wanted to keep this place a secret; it so yummy! Thank you for bringin me here.”

“You’re welcome. We can come here any time you want.”

“Careful what you say, I may ask you to bring me here everyday.”

Tyler laughed and the conversation was put on hold for a bit while they focused on eating their delicious meal.


After Tyler finished his pasta, he broke the silence. “My friend Mike Stud has a concert on Friday night at the Greatest Bar. Would you like to join me?”

Bailey twisted her lip back and forth and scrunched her nose. “No thank you.”

“Oh, can I ask why you said no?” Tyler was clearly disappointed with Bailey’s response.

“As much as I like spending time with you; I had to say no. I would be miserable at his concert and I don’t want to be bad company and ruin your night.”

“I thought you like going to concerts.”

“I do, but I am not a fan of rap and no offense Tyler but I think Mike Stud is an ass. I know I don’t know the man, but from what little of him I’ve seen, he comes across as an arrogant, cocky jerk. He’s just not my cup of tea. You should go with someone who would enjoy it as much as you. Understand?”

“Yeah, I guess.”

Bailey reached across the table and grasped Tyler’s hand. “Tell you what, you and I can look at the different venues in town and see what concerts are comin up and we’ll find one we can both enjoy and go together.”

“Promise?”

“Promise.” Bailey squeezed Tyler’s hand causing his eyes to turn soft, and the corners of his mouth turned up. “Now if you’ll excuse me for a minute.” Bailey got up from the table and went over to the counter and ordered one take out container of chicken noodle soup, one tomato soup, and a loaf of bread to take home. She then headed to the bathroom. When she returned to the table her takeout items were already in a bag on the table. “Miss me?”

“Yes”

Bailey giggled. “You’re too sweet.”

“Speaking of sweets, do you want dessert?”

“No thank you. I’m stuffed!”

“You sure? Momma Rosa makes a mean cannoli and a decadent tiramisu.”

“Temptin, but I couldn’t eat another bite. I guess that just means you’ll have to bring me back soon.”

“It’s a date! Shall we head out?”

“Sure, I just need to get the check for the takeout.”

“Already taken care of.” Tyler said as he stood up and put on his coat.

“Tyler, why’d you do that?”

“Because I wanted to, now come on lets go.” He held up Bailey’s coat for her to put her arms in.

“Thank you.” She turned to face Tyler and kissed the corner of his lips causing Tyler’s face to light up with joy.

Tyler nonchalantly threw his arm around Bailey after they exited Momma Rosa’s. They walked like that across the street and through the parking lot to his car. He opened the passenger side door for Bailey, but before helping her get in Tyler pulled her into his chest in a warm embrace and kissed the top of her head.

“I don’t want this day to end.” He whispered.

Bailey was suddenly overcome with emotion and nervously pulled out of Tyler’s arms and got in the car. Tyler handed her the bag of food and closed the passenger side door before he got in the car. Tyler started the car and pulled out of the parking lot before he placed his hand on Bailey’s thigh caressing it lightly. This only made Bailey more nervous causing her to furiously fidget with her hands. Bailey finally realized that Tyler does like her, which is exactly what she hoped for, yet it frightened her.

“Tyler would you please take me home?”

“Do you need to pick something up?”

“No, It’s just been a long weekend and I’m tired.”

“You can take a nap at my place before we head to the game.”

“Please don’t be mad, but I don’t think I can go to the game tonight.”

“Why?”

“I’m still not feelin so hot. I think the crowds and the noise will be too much.”

“Oh, I didn’t think about that. You can sit in the suite with all the families if you want.” He said with hope in his voice.

“Tyler, it’ll still be too much. I’m not sure I could stay awake that long either.”

“I understand; I didn’t think about how tired you probably still are. If you aren’t feeling good, then maybe you should still come back to my place so Freddy and I can still watch over you. I couldn’t bear it if anything happened to you!” He squeezed Bailey’s thigh.

“I’ll be ok, plus Em will be home soon anyways. I’d really like to go home.”

“Fine, do you want to get your stuff at my place first or just go straight to your apartment?” Tyler asked feeling completely dejected.

“If you don’t mind, I’d like to just go home and get my stuff later.”

Without responding Tyler removed his hand from Bailey’s thigh and drove to Bailey’s complex. Once he parked, he opened the door for Bailey, grabbed her takeout bag, and followed beside her. Tyler was worried Bailey might get dizzy and tired walking up the three flights of stairs to her apartment so he followed closely behind her. The short climb was silent and filled with tension. Bailey unlocked and opened her door and Tyler followed her inside. While Bailey was hanging her coat up, he went to the kitchen, placing her food on the counter.

“Well I guess I should go.” Tyler said walking back into the living room.

“Ok. Good luck at the game.” Bailey gave Tyler a quick hug and went into the kitchen to put the soup in the refrigerator.

Tyler was disappointed with her goodbye. The day had gone so well; he didn’t understand why Bailey put her wall back up again. She was so special to him and he needed to let her know but wasn’t sure how to get that across to her. He treated her different from every girl he’d ever met, but he wasn’t sure it was enough anymore.

“Bye. Hope you feel better.” Tyler started heading out the door.

“Tyler wait!”

Bailey ran into the living room until she stood directly in front of him. Her heart was pounding and her stomach refused to sit still. The blood flowed rapidly to her cheeks, making Bailey’s face as red as ever. She found herself straining up towards him, wrapping her arms around his neck as his arms slipped around her waist, pulling her against him. When Bailey met Tyler’s eyes, she saw something flash in them, something wild and determined. She pushed her fingers up into his soft brown hair, parted her lips beneath his and he crushed her against his chest, his mouth taking complete possession of hers.

Tyler tasted like spearmint, and his kiss was nearly overwhelming. His hands ran up Bailey’s back, pressing against her shoulder blades, pressing her even closer to him before they moved up along her shoulders, her neck, and into her hair. He toyed with the ends before tangling his fingers in the strands.
Bailey suddenly felt the wall against her back, as Tyler pushed against her again. The feel of his body against hers made her dizzy, and she had to cling to him to keep from swaying more than she already was. His mouth explored hers ravenously, like he was searching for something. She didn’t know what, but she was more than happy to give it to him.

After all this time, Bailey could hardly believe this was happening. She was finally kissing Tyler Seguin. It was hard to comprehend that he returned her feelings. When Tyler finally pulled back, he did so slowly, keeping their mouths in contact of each other as long as he could before retreating enough to look into Bailey’s eyes. He grinned at her; triumph was smiling in his playful gaze.

“About time,” he said teasingly. He leaned down again to press his forehead against hers. “I was beginning to doubt this would ever happen.”

Bailey smiled. “Me too.”

Notes

Sorry these updates are taking so long; real life is busy. Thanks for all the nice comments I truly appreciate them and hope the delays in posting updates doesn't deter you from continuing to read the story. I'm trying to make the chapters I post longer to make it up to y'all. I hope everyone enjoys this chapter and is happy Tyler finally got his kiss!