After hanging up the phone, Leonora looked utterly defeated as she gazed at Taylor. But Taylor didn’t make it hard for her. Leaning in, he planted a kiss on her forehead and, with a smile, said, “Let’s get you home.”
He added, “But stop with the tears, okay? I haven’t been mean to you.”
Taylor always thought he treated Leonora pretty well. No matter how much she acted up, he never lost his temper with her; he was always patient, always soothing.
Even when she’d snap at him or give him a playful shove, he’d never retaliate.
Seeing that Taylor was willing to drive her home, Leonora felt a temporary relief wash over her.
After all, getting home was the first step. She’d figure out the rest later.
As Leonora began to get dressed, Taylor helped her, his earlier displeasure replaced by a doting smile.
To an outsider, it might seem like he was head over heels for Leonora, treating her like his girlfriend.
Twenty minutes later, when the car pulled up beneath Leonora’s apartment building, Taylor caught her hand as she was getting out.
Turning to him, Taylor pulled a sleek black credit card from his wallet and offered it to her, saying, “You never use the gifts I send you, so take this card. It doesn’t have a PIN. Buy whatever you like.”
It was a classic move, sweetening the deal after a setback, something a boss like Taylor had down to a fine art.
Moreover, he’d always been generous with Leonora, showering her with gifts that amounted to a small fortune over the last two years, though Leonora, oblivious to their value, kept them stashed at her friend’s place.
Leonora hesitated to accept the black card Taylor extended.
Seeing her reluctance, Taylor insisted with a smile, stuffing the card into her hand, “Consider it an apology for upsetting our dear Leonora today.”
With no way out, Leonora pocketed the card.
Thinking to herself, if he’s offering, why refuse? She decided to spend his money without restraint, guessing that once she hit where it hurts, he might bring up breaking up before she had to.
With the card in hand, Leonora found herself considering it another way out of their relationship.
Nodding, she accepted, “Okay.”
Taylor’s mood lifted only after she accepted the card.
As Leonora turned to leave, Taylor stopped her, “Just like that?”
Knowing what he wanted, and eager to get home, she leaned in and pecked him on the lips.
Taylor, not letting the moment pass, deepened the kiss.
After a passionate exchange, he whispered teasingly in her ear, “Leonora, let’s try, I want to.”
Taylor left his sentence hanging, but Leonora, blushing furiously, got his hint right away.
Ignoring Taylor’s insinuation, she pushed him away and darted out of the car.
Watching Leonora disappear into her building, Taylor couldn’t help but smile.
He loved seeing her blush, loved her shy demeanor. He fantasized about her yielding to him completely, imagining how satisfying that would be.
Only when Leonora’s apartment lights turned on did Taylor drive away.
Grant was due back soon. After a two-year wait, Taylor wasn’t about to let go of Leonora on the eve of Grant’s return.
So, breaking up was off the table.
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