Thank you to everyone who left me a kind review on the last few chapters.

Enjoy the next chapter that was meant to be out before Christmas (eek skulks away in shame) :D

CHAPTER 13

"Honk, Honk."

Tim broke from his morning slumber with his heart racing.

"HONK, HONK, HONK!" The impatience of the driver outside was growing.

Tim groaned, cursing whoever was waking him. He rolled over in bed and opened his eyes. Alarm rang in his mind and he quickly began to distance himself, sitting on the edge of the bed.

Startled from his movement or the noise outside, Julie Taylor was soon awake. There was a look of surprise on her face quickly followed by a range of emotions. The morning after was the reason he had stopped drinking so heavily.

"I must have fallen asleep here," he said. She propped herself up, one shoulder exposed from her jacket. "Are you feeling better?"

"My head is throbbing," she admitted.

"Yep, getting drunk will do that," Tim recalled her obnoxious laughter when he was trying to get her on the phone. "You had a big night with Santiago."

"What did we…" There was weary hesitation in her voice. He rubbed his stiff neck waiting for an explanation. "I don't..." He looked up to see her wrap her arms around her knees bringing them to her chest. "I didn't even know who he was two days ago."

Why were they talking in the first place? Why were they out on the lake? Does she like this guy now? Tim struggled to shake off his internal dialogue.

Taylor was still getting her bearings. From experience asking more questions would inevitably lead to an argument. "You shouldn't put yourself in that position," he remarked unable to bite his tongue.

Her brow furrowed. "What position?"

"Alone with a stranger when you're drunk."

She rolled her eyes. "Thanks for the tip, Dad."

"I've been called worse... Your Dad is right about a lot of things."

"Was he right about you?" She challenged, with her eyes fixed on him.

Tim tightened his jaw as a long-held sense of worthlessness arose. If he reacted on impulse the morning would inevitably turn sour. Determined to keep level headed, he stood up from the bed and walked to the doorway. "I'll make breakfast. You should feel better once you've had something to eat."

Her footsteps scurried behind him as he left the bedroom. "Are you mad at me?"

Affected by the vulnerability in her voice he said, "I'm not mad." Tim kept his back to her but glanced slightly over his shoulder.

"Can you look at me?"

Her soft fingers reached across his right hand, begging him to comply. When he turned around, her eyes were glistening like they had last night, on the verge of spilling down her cheeks. She wiped them pre-emptively with her jacket sleeve. "Argh… I'm always crying in front of you. I don't know what's wrong with me."

She lowered her gaze to the floor in a feeble attempt to hide her emotions. "There's nothing wrong with you," he whispered. He tilted her chin up with his finger until their eyes met. Soothingly he reassured her, "There's nothing wrong with you."

She sniffled, focusing her doe-eyed gaze on him. "I don't want to fight with you."

He cradled her face in his palm and wiped away a fallen tear. "We're fine." Tim wrapped his arms around her waist and held her close. Every time Taylor broke down, he increasingly felt like he mattered in her world. He wondered if Tyra or Seven had ever seen this side of her. Did she use to cry on her exes' shoulder? Was he simply a replacement?

"Is your brother here?" She whispered, moving her head away from his chest.

"It's just us. He probably crashed at a friend's house." Tim chastised himself for the lie as soon as it left his lips. It was too soon to impart the ugly truths of the Riggins family upon her.

"Did everyone see me make a fool of myself last night?"

Her question put an end to his thoughts about Billy. He placed a gentle kiss on her cheek to ease her worries. "They were all drinking just like you. I doubt they even noticed."

"I'm never drinking again. I learnt my lesson, Dad," she joked.

He looked down into her eyes. "So, no more late-night adventures with Santiago?"

A smile danced on her lips. "You're jealous?"

He loosened his grip on her body and took a step back. "Go take a shower," he said ignoring her question. "Your clothes are in the laundry on the left. Use the blue towel it's clean."

She hugged him tighter. "Not until you admit it!"

"What is this third grade? I'm not jealous." He chuckled. "But, if he thinks he can weasel his way in, he's wrong." Taylor released her hold on him and skipped away down the hall. Tim marvelled at her ability to wreak havoc with his mood. She had a way of getting under his skin.

He strolled into the kitchen and retrieved a frying pan from the cupboard, setting it atop the stove. Tim opened the refrigerator and grabbed the butter out, smearing a slather in the frying pan.

While it heated up, he surveyed the state of the living room. Clothes, dirty dishes, and food scraps were littered around. Sometimes it took seeing your house through a visitor's eyes to realise you lived like a pig.

He'd been to the Taylor's house twice and each time it was spotless.

"Tim…" her voice called. He walked over to the hallway. She was about to close the bathroom door. "Thanks for coming to get me even though I blew you off."

"No problem. Do me a favour… don't ignore my calls next time."

"I won't, I promise." The butter began to sizzle taking his attention for a split second. It was enough for Taylor to close the bathroom door.

Tim had a little time on his hands while she showered. He decided to clean the house while he made breakfast. He picked up Billy's clothes and tossed them beside his brother's bed. Tim shoved his own clothes in his closet.

He walked back to the refrigerator and grabbed out the bacon. Tim unwrapped it, placing several rashers in the pan. As it cooked, he continued tidying up, putting the dirty dishes in the kitchen sink.

Tim flipped the bacon rashers and went into his bedroom to make his bed and tidy up. He was inspecting his bedroom to see if he had missed anything when he smelt something burning.

"The bacon!" He jogged back into the kitchen to remove the first lot of rashers from the frying pan. He set them on a napkin-lined plate and started the second batch as the shower water stopped.

Tim switched on the kettle and prepared two mugs of coffee for her arrival. She was the first girl he'd ever made breakfast for.

The bathroom door opened and she entered the kitchen not long after. Her hair was towel dried and she was dressed in her denim shorts and singlet from last night. She glanced around the room and then back at him. "You cleaned," she stated in wonderment. "You didn't have to do that."

Tim shrugged. "The house could use it."

A warm smile spread across her face as she inhaled. "Mm, that smells so good."

"There's nothing like the smell of bacon when you have a hangover." He gestured at the breakfast bar stools. "Come sit down." He plated their breakfast and carried the coffee filled mugs to where she sat.

Tim pulled out a stool and sat beside her. He reached for the nearby loaf of bread, unsure of how to act. His parents didn't lead by example. He removed the plastic tag and untwisted the loaf. He retrieved two slices and made a bacon sandwich with his rashers.

Taylor picked up her mug and sipped on her hot coffee. He bit into his sandwich, savouring the taste. "Are you seeing Lyla Garrity?"

Tim coughed, choking on his mouthful. "What?" he garbled.

"Are you?" She put down her mug.

Her expectant stare let him know she was serious. "NO..." Her frown questioned his sincerity. "Was she in my bed last night?"

Her eyes bugged. "I wasn't in your bed. You better not tell people that!"

"I can keep a secret... if it gets you back in my bed." Her mouth gaped open drawing a laugh from Tim.

"Stop!" She giggled. "You're really not hooking up with Lyla?"

He shook his head annoyed someone had planted the thought in her head. "We never hang out anymore."

Her expression hardened. "That's a lie... Why are you lying to me?" Tim wasn't hooking up with Lyla. He'd been down that road before. He waited for her to explain herself. "I called you after Jason left my house Saturday night and she answered your phone."

"That was nothing. She was here for ten minutes tops, trying to get me to teach Santiago how to play football so her crazy dad wouldn't kick him out."

"And that's all she wanted?"

"I told her to leave. I wasn't falling for her sob story. Street did... he always does. I'm glad I didn't help Santiago after last night."

"You can't lie to me anymore?" She lifted her mug and began to sip her coffee. "I don't like getting lied to."

"Nobody does," Tim sympathised. He was about to ask her about Santiago when she spoke.

"I saw Beau's face... Jason told me you were suspended." Tim took another bite of his bacon sandwich. "What did he say about me?" She took a bite of her bacon rasher.

"Nothing true, he's bitter you didn't put out as he expected."

She sighed in defeat swallowing her food. "I'm capable of defending myself. You shouldn't be getting kicked out of school over Beau."

"He's a complete asshole if you'd heard him..." She flinched at the implication and Tim regretted his words. "I've had heaps of suspensions and this probably won't be the last. I'm not going to let him talk shit about you and get off scot-free. Believe me, the pleasure was all mine."

"What about your grades and college?"

"What about them?" Taylor nibbled on a bacon rasher processing his answer. She was going to attend college when she graduated there was no question. He couldn't see himself doing the same. "Get that head of yours back here, stop planning the future." Tim spun sideways on his stool and tapped his knees, calling her closer to him.

She put down her food and slid off her stool to climb onto his lap. With her back to the counter, Tim wrapped his arms around her waist to keep her in place. She slung her arms around his neck for extra support. "Can we forget this past week? Put Matt, Beau, Lyla-"

"Santiago," he added. One of her hands trailed down from his neck to sit on his chest.

"Nothing happened between us."

Tim nodded accepting her confession. He subconsciously began to trail his fingers up and down her outer thigh. "We should keep the good part of last night."

"Before or after I threw up?"

"After, definitely after." He leant forward to close the gap between them. His eyes flickered over her face taking in her beauty. Tim placed a tentative lingering kiss on her lush lips, grateful she hadn't rejected his advance. He lazily pulled away and her mouth trailed after his.

Her hand caressed his cheek and she pressed her lips against his. He'd waited too long to kiss her again. Her cheeks were rose coloured when they separated. "If my parents think I'm at Tyra's I don't have to rush home." Her finger hooked under the top button of his shirt.

"I'm listening."

"How about you go shower while I finish eating?"

Tyra would freak out if he didn't take her home. The worst-case scenario would be her parents finding out she spent the night. Tim was considering his options when she kissed his lips again. It was a kiss full of naughty promises eliciting a smirk. "Girls are always trying to take advantage of my innocence," he declared.

Taylor scoffed and moved off his lap. "Well, I wouldn't want to make you do anything you didn't want to do."

"You're the mastermind of this plan if we get caught." He cheekily smacked her behind as he walked past.

"Tim!" She squealed, breaking into laughter.

"I couldn't help myself." He joked, holding his hands up innocently. "They have a mind of their own sometimes."

He entered his bedroom leaving her to finish her breakfast. Tim opened his closet and retrieved clean clothes. He was exiting the doorway of his bedroom when she asked, "What should I do if Billy comes home?"

"It's your call, tell him or don't tell him." He headed for the bathroom and closed the door behind him once inside. Looking around he noticed she'd organised the household items beside the basin, wiped down the mirror and even hung up her wet towel. It was a pleasant change to Billy's disregard for everyone around him.

Tim placed his clean clothes on the washing basket and undressed. He turned on the hot and cold taps waiting for the water to warm. The water flow changed as he entered the shower. He guessed Taylor was using the kitchen taps and adjusted the temperature accordingly.

He had a quick shower, keen to see what she had in mind for the morning.

While he was drying himself, he heard a drawer slam followed by heavy footsteps like someone was running. Curious as to what was going on outside, he pulled on his sweat shorts and swiftly exited the bathroom with his towel slung around his neck. Droplets of water ran down his wet back as he advanced up the hallway into the kitchen.

It was spotless and Taylor was nowhere to be seen. He doubted she would have left without a word.

He checked the driveway; Billy's car wasn't there.

Tim heard a thud in his bedroom and followed the lead. It was subtle but he caught the movement when he surveyed the room. "Why are you hiding in my closet?" His hanging clothes rustled as she peered out from behind them. "What's wrong?"

She stood up from the dirty pile of clothes she had been crouching on and pushed herself out of the closet. She straightened her hair and singlet top. "I thought I heard your brother." Tim chuckled at her attempt to hide and started to dry his hair with the towel around his neck. "Don't laugh at me… and put some more clothes on."

"Why? Am I making you uncomfortable?" He challenged. His body began to warm in response to her gaze.

"No, but most people put on clothes after they shower." She folded her arms across her chest and her eyes darted to his door.

"It's not like I came out naked." He stalked towards her, backing her into the corner.

"Tim…" She swallowed and let her arms drop to her side.

"Jules…"

"What are you doing?" He pressed her flush against the closet door and a heavy breath escaped her chest.

He whispered in her ear, "I was good last night, today not so much." He angled his head towards her mouth for a bruising kiss. She parted her lips for Tim to languidly caress his tongue against hers.

"You tell me when to stop." Her hooded eyes opened, lusting after his next advance. She tossed his wet towel aside and attacked his mouth. He felt her hands gliding across his wet back as they French kissed, pulling him closer.

Her breathing was heavy as he kissed a trail down her neck and back up to her lips. Tim slid his hand under her singlet, to rest on her hip as their tongues reunited. He hadn't made out with a girl in a very long time. He craved the feel of her hands on his body.

A car door slammed and she instantaneously shoved him away from her. Tim watched dejectedly as she ran to his bedroom window, bending over in her denim shorts to peer outside and investigate. "It's across the road," he said taking a seat on his bed. "Car doors sound closer here."

She moved away from the window. "Sorry," she uttered batting her eyelashes in his direction. He held out his hand for her. He wanted her close to him, to feel her lips on his.

She crept over little by little. When she was within reach Tim swiftly pulled her down pressing a hard kiss against her lips.

He hungrily lifted her onto his lap, placing her knees either side of his thighs. Her hands ran through his hair as they made out. His fingers crawled up the inside of her singlet in search of her bra clasp. The moment he found the clasp, she pulled away from his lips.

"Don't get any ideas," she playfully whispered.

"Too late," he said dropping his grip on the clasp. He could work at her pace.

She took each of his hands and interlocked her fingers with his. There was a mischievous glint in her eyes as she did so. He hadn't seen this dominant side of her. He liked it. She lowered her mouth to the side of his neck. Returning the favour, she planted kisses across his skin.

He relished the feel of her warm body next to his, her fingers tightly gripping his hands. Her tongue was gliding along his neck when another car door slammed.

She dropped his hands and Tim gripped her waist so she couldn't leave his lap. Her eyes were focused on the window. It felt like a cruel joke. Tim kissed her cheek wanting her undivided attention again.

He bet nobody was in his driveway. "Tim, stop!" He reluctantly let go of her waist and she climbed off his bed to see outside. She looked relieved to find no one there. "This was a bad idea. You should take me home before Billy walks in on us."

"I know you've met my brother and he can be a total dick sometimes but he won't tell anyone if that's what you're worried about." Taylor walked away from the window and started to put in her gold hoop earrings.

Tim surrendered and stood up from the bed, she was probably right. He walked over to the closet and grabbed a black t-shirt. He pulled it over his head as she stood in the doorway.

"I'm sorry."

"You don't need to apologise." Tim walked closer to her and placed a swoon-worthy kiss on her lips.

"I can't risk my dad getting suspicious. I'm not ready for that."

He didn't have the heart to tell her he already was.