CHAPTER 16 - PART 3

"Can you turn the television off?"

Tim was seated on his bed with his back propped up by the wall. He looked at Taylor who was lying on her stomach beside him with her head towards the other end of the mattress. She was raking her fingers just above her eyebrows massaging the area. He picked up the remote atop his side table and switched the television off.

"I'm so going to fail. I've wasted nearly two hours."

"Ouch!" Tim remarked, closing the unique car magazine in his lap.

She stopped massaging her sinus's and peered over her shoulder. "That came out harsher than I intended it to. This afternoon's been great, you're a great boyfriend but my test is in two days and worth 40% of my grade."

"Don't blame me, I'm not the only one who couldn't keep their hands to themselves," he joked gesturing to his open shirt she'd happily unbuttoned. "I'll get us something to eat, you keep studying." Tim stepped off his bed and walked towards the kitchen.

"Tim..." Her velvety voice stopped him in his tracks by the bedroom doorway. "Since you're officially my boyfriend now, you should know that I get grumpy when I'm stressed," she whispered in excitable tones.

At a loss for words Tim quirked an eyebrow and smiled. Her eyes lit up assuring him she wasn't mad. This was the first time he'd been around someone who worried about school. Street was a natural at getting good grades, he didn't stress over schoolwork.

Tim left the bedroom and entered the kitchen. Opening the pantry door, he spotted a packet of chips. He grabbed the bag and filled the bowl with chips then carried it back to the bedroom. Taylor was furiously writing in her notebook when he returned. "Eat something," he nudged, lying down on his back next to her.

"I will in two secs," she replied from her position on his bed.

Tim rolled his eyes and reached down to the floor to pick up his rented Lord of the Flies novel. Tim's report wasn't due for weeks. If he was studying too, maybe she could focus. He opened it to chapter one and began scanning the text. He never thought he'd be actively studying; this was the downside to dating a girl like Jules.

Thirty minutes later - one chapter down, 14 more to go.

Tim flipped the page over and began to read chapter two. This book wasn't as bad as the last one he read for school.

In the eery silence of the Riggins household, you could hear a pin drop.

The crunch of a nearby potato chip had him turning his head. Taylor stifled her laughter as he quizzically eyed her. She rolled onto her side propping her head up with her arm. The necklace she wore pooled in the valley between her breasts. She was effortlessly beautiful.

Tim put his book down on the bed and matched her posture. Both lay facing each other, half a metre apart with books spread around them.

"How long do we have to study for?" He was ready to call it a day.

"How much time do you normally spend on schoolwork per day?"

"I don't sit down each day to study or do homework. I had rally girls doing it in the good old days before your mum and Landry got on my case."

"Yeah, well now you can use that big brain of yours. You and Tyra dated for years; you must have studied together at least once?"

"You're not going to like my answer," Tim warned.

"Try me," she challenged, eating another chip with her free hand.

"Tyra and I hung out at parties and fooled around. It wasn't like this."

A line etched between her brows and she averted her gaze. "Is this bad?" The sight of her dejection burdened Tim. "I presume this isn't how you dreamed of spending your afternoon."

He reached out and pushed some loose strands of hair away from her face. "Actually, it's the best afternoon I've had in a really long time." She brightened; the corner of her mouth turning up. She reached for a chip and placed it in her mouth. "I found myself a sexy blonde girlfriend and I didn't even have to leave the house."

"Oh yeah, tell me about her, this girlfriend of yours," she teased toying with her hair.

"She can't seem to keep her hands off me, undresses me with her eyes." Taylor rolled her eyes at his cocky remark. "She wants me to reach my full potential so she makes me study with her. The trouble is she's torturing me and she doesn't even know it. She lays on my bed in her skin tight jeans and twirls her hair." Her cheeks turned pink making him laugh. She was in a different league to Tyra.

"I like hanging out even if we're studying, you're easy to talk to." Taylor's eyes twinkled as they curiously observed him. "I couldn't trust Tyra, everything was a game… I don't want that for us."

"Us, I like the sound of that… You don't have to answer if you don't want to." He nodded his head signalling it was okay to ask. "Did she cheat on you when you were together?"

Tim looked down at the duvet, reflecting on his relationship with Tyra. In hindsight, it was easy to see how unhealthy they were together. How they tore each other down. To make him jealous she'd brazenly flirt with other guys while he was standing right beside her. He'd heard the rumours of her hook-ups with other guys. It wasn't all Tyra's fault. He'd done the same things to her.

"Tyra had her reasons for cheating; I was no angel." He closed his eyes, chest tight, wanting to disappear.

Her fingers lovingly caressed his cheek. He opened his eyes; Taylor was about to kiss him. She wasn't pushing him away; her lips communicated it was okay to be honest with her.

"I'm sorry, that happened to both of you... I think you're really easy to talk to as well and you're nice to cuddle with," she added with another blush as she moved back to lean on her arm again. His spirits soared hearing her genuine compliments. "What about the other girls you've dated?... Were you an angel to them?"

"Are we about to have the ex's chat?" Tim questioned, picking up a chip from the bowl and crunching it in his mouth.

"Maybe, if you want to?... You are my boyfriend and we are currently on a study break," she replied with a cheeky grin.

"You know that's a two-way street? I can ask you anything," he challenged.

"I don't have anything to hide from you."

"Neither do I… Do you only want to know about my girlfriends or everyone I've hooked up with? That could be a long list."

"Um, you could start with the girls that were special to you... or you can tell me about all of them."

"Tyra and I dated for about two years. She's the only girlfriend I've had. We weren't good together for a long time. I don't know what she's told you about our relationship… It was more of a comfort thing; I grew up with her. Most weekends Street and Lyla would hang with us. She was part of that world, I cared about her, but it wasn't love. If we loved each other we wouldn't have done half the things we did."

"Your secret's safe with me."

"The Riggins reputation came from getting drunk at parties, messing around with a pretty face and giving them the brush off the next day." Tim peered over at her, praying his admission hadn't scared her away. She was eating, seemingly not bothered. "I wanted to escape my life and I didn't care who it was with. They wanted to hook up with a football player for popularity. All of them mean nothing to me… Do you want names of the ones I can remember?"

"No," she curtly replied. "Have you been with Lauren?"

"Seven's girl? No."

"Good," she exhaled deeply. "She's been a real bitch to me."

"I'll be sure to put her in her place if I get the chance."

"No, you won't, no more fights on my behalf. I can defend myself… If I'm in the same room as one of the girls you've messed around with, can you tell me?" Tim nodded in agreement to her request. "I heard about something you did and I want to know for sure. Did you hook up with Lyla Garrity when Jason was in hospital?"

Oh God, she was going there. Tim rolled onto his back, staring up at the ceiling. He was definitely the bad guy; no amount of sugar coating would help this one. "Yes..." In his peripheral vision he saw her scrunched-up face. He fought the guilt and shame washing over him. "It was a really messed up thing to do. Street's like a brother to me. He's been there for me more than my own family. I honestly don't know what I was thinking at the time. Lyla and I both love Street. We were going out of our minds and we leant on each other. I regret it big time."

He scrutinized her bowed head, trying to determine if she would view him in the same way knowing more of the skeletons in his closet. His throat tightened as silence settled between them.

He reached out tilting her chin up slightly, so they were on the same eye level. "If we're done scolding me for my poor life choices, I believe it's my turn to ask you a question or two."

"Go ahead."

"Did you and Seven use to study together?"

"Yes."

"And? I want details Taylor..."

"We used to study at his house. His grandmother or Landry were often there. The time we went to my house to hang out Dad insisted on supervising us, it was embarrassing." Tim chuckled loving Coach T's over protectiveness. "You won't find it funny when he won't let you touch me."

Tim turned back to his side, shuffling closer to her. He propped up his head with one arm and rested the other on her butt cheek. "I like putting my hands on your body," he pouted.

"So did Matt."

"Ugh." He recoiled removing his hand from her backside. "Way to kill the moment."

"It was a joke. Come back." She grabbed his hand placing it on her hip and stroked her fingers down his forearm.

"At Seven's house did you study on his bed?"

"What are you angling towards?"

"Were these study sessions like ours?" Her eyes lit up as Tim squeezed her bottom. "Or strictly business?"

"You sound jealous!" He didn't deny it. "Most of the time we just studied, lots of reading, textbooks and flashcards." Tim kissed her, liking what he was hearing.

"Did you date other guys before you moved to Dillon?"

"I haven't dated anyone else besides Matt. I kissed a boy in elementary school when I was like 10, I was the talk of the playground... You can't tell my Dad this, okay? I made out with Mitch just before we left town. He was a player Dad used to coach."

"ANOTHER FOOTBALL PLAYER!" He laughed as Taylor shoved him back a few inches. Tim did his best to remain serious, readjusting his elbow ready to ask his next question. "Did you kiss him to get back at your Dad?"

"No, I had a crush on Mitch for a really long time. I didn't think he'd be interested. We hung out a lot growing up. When he found out I was leaving town he came by the house and kissed me. There was no way I would've ever made a move. It was really sweet."

"Do you miss him?"

"Sometimes… You're clearly more experienced with the physical stuff." She fiddled with the hem of her shirt as she spoke, "It's not like I'm saving myself for marriage or anything." Tim tugged on her hand and joined it with his. "I mean, last year Matt and I..." She wilted taking a second to consider her words.

"Your secrets are safe with me too," Tim revealed squeezing her hand.

She tilted her head back and curled her upper lip. "I planned to lose my virginity last year with Matt. It wasn't even about him, which kind of sucks because I was his girlfriend. I thought it would make me more grown up or something. When we were alone at the Cabin and we started to get closer… it didn't feel right. I might sound cheesy when I say this, I want to be in love with the person when it happens. I wasn't in love with Matt."

"It's not cheesy, it's honest... Anyone ever tell you your beautiful inside and out?"

"My mum."

Tim let out a guttural snicker in awe of his girl's self-effacement.

"You'll love this, before I went to the Cabin with Matt, Tyra and I went lingerie shopping and my Dad ended up finding what I bought because I decided not to wear it. Mum said he almost had a heart attack. I was grounded for weeks."

Elation bloomed inside of Tim and his boisterous laughter filled the room. "Coach was probably wishing he had a son that day. What did you buy at the lingerie store?"

"I'm not telling you."

"Why not? I'll see it at some point if you still have it."

"If I didn't wear it for Matt, why would I wear it for you?" The challenge she had unintentionally dangled in front of him drew a smirk to his lips. Her jewel like eyes rounded and she drew in a sharp intake of breath. He'd wear her down in time. "What are you reading?" She asked defusing the mounting sexual tension in the bedroom, pointing to the book on the bed.

"Lord of the Flies, Landry told me to start it."

"My boyfriend's such a nerd," she ribbed.

"Laugh it up! When are you going to tutor me? Hot tutors look much better on my bed."

"You've had Landry on here?" She questioned mocking him.

Tim pounced across the bed, pinning her back against the mattress. He settled his legs either side of her lower body to keep her in place as he tickled her sides. She erupted into panic filled glee, accidentally knocking the almost empty bowl of chips off his bed as she tried to escape his clutches.

"TIM STOP!... please… Landry hasn't been in your bed… I'm sorry!"

"No, you're not. You will be," he grinned as she playfully squirmed beneath him. "I'll stop if you tell me what you bought?" His hair cascaded around his face as he gazed down, daring her to confess.

Tim heard someone clear their throat.

His eyes shot up to the doorway. Shit.

His big brother was standing there with equally wide eyes. "She's not who I was expecting to find."

Tim's heart thudded in his chest. Julie was frozen in place underneath him, no longer smiling; the fear was clear in her eyes. Tim hung his head and hoped a pointed look would be enough to settle her nerves in his brother's presence.

He climbed off of her and sat on the edge of the bed. Taylor sat up, correcting her clothes and hair in the process. "What are you doing here Billy?"

"I live here, remember? I pay all the bills."

"Where's your car?" Tim asked, wondering why they didn't hear him come up the driveway.

"It got towed. Shaffer's taking care of it for me. I owe him a drink." Billy glowered at Taylor with his arms folded. Tim was grateful her eyes were on her scattered books, too rattled to notice the hostility being directed her way. "What is the Coaches daughter doing in your bedroom?"

"We're studying."

Billy scoffed at the explanation; it didn't help that Tim's shirt was unbuttoned. "Hardly original, try again…" Tim could feel his anger building over the scene his brother was starting to cause. "You've studied with Caroline, Suzy, Tina, Brittany-"

"Close the door Billy and GET OUT!" Tim cautioned; his blunt tone of voice had Taylor's attention.

"Football is your ticket out of this town Tim. Coach Taylor is trying to get you a scholarship." Billy pointed at Taylor, "Get her out of here, NOW!"

Tim sprang into action ready for a physical confrontation. If Billy made her cry no one would be able to hold him back.

"I'm going, you don't have to be rude about it." Taylor picked up her books and started to put them inside her backpack. "I'll be in your truck." She slunk past Billy who was crowding the doorway in an attempt to intimidate her.

Tim barged past his brother, watching as Taylor exited the front door of his house. The instant she was out of sight, he whirled around to face Billy. "You're an asshole!"

"ME!? I'm looking out for that girl."

"WE WERE DOING SCHOOLWORK!" Tim shouted with an edge to his voice.

"You can stop lying, she's outside…" Billy poked his finger into Tim's chest, like their father used to do. "You're working her, but it isn't gonna pay off little brother. It'll blow up in your face like everything else you do. What is it with you and these prissy bitches? First Lyla Garrity now Julie Taylor, is this your new kink?"

Tim took deep breaths fighting the urge to pummel his brother. Billy had no experience in a healthy relationship. It wasn't like Tim was going to open up and share his feelings with him. "Tyra told me you and Mindy have been screwing around. Is it serious or is she just putting out for anyone who leaves a big tip?"

Billy's eyes flashed in anger, pleasing Tim. "I won't let you blow this opportunity for a piece of ass, even if it is fine."

Tim forcefully shoved Billy backwards into the wall. "You better shut your mouth!" He roared enraged by the way Billy was talking about Jules. He stormed over to the kitchen bench and grabbed his truck keys. Tim opened the front door to his house and exited, slamming it closed behind him.

Walking towards his truck he endeavoured to appear composed hoping Taylor wasn't too shaken by Billy. Tim opened the driver's door and hoisted himself inside. He glanced over at her unsure of what to say. She was gazing out the passenger window.

Before he could think of something, she turned her head towards him blinking back tears. "He doesn't like me very much… He thinks I want to ruin your life."

Tim reached out and cradled her cheek, hating that his brother's words had affected her. "He doesn't know you." She leant into his touch and closed her eyes. She was sensitive and pure; he didn't want her exposed to his family. "Billy gets this way, he's bitter. He thinks his life went nowhere because of my parents and me." Tim removed his hand and stared at the front door of his house. "He puts all of his hopes and dreams into me turning pro someday… I don't think it's going to happen and I don't even know if I want to play football forever." Julie took Tim's hand in hers. "He was trying to get a rise out of me by saying I've had all those girls in my bedroom."

"Yeah, well, it worked," she chuckled lightening the atmosphere. "I don't want him to hate me. He's your only family."

"Forget about him. You don't have anything to prove… Jay adores you, he's family to me. He thinks we're good together, that you're a good influence."

"Are you going to tell Jason I'm your girlfriend?"

"If that's cool with you? He'll keep it to himself."

"At least someone doesn't hate the idea of us being together."

"I'd kiss you right now if my brother wasn't watching."

"I'd kiss you back." A smirk crept onto her face and he mirrored it. "Next time, we'll lock your bedroom door and I'll jump out the window, that way I won't have to see him."

Tim laughed, grateful there would be a next time. "You're not the kind of girl who climbs out of a window."

"No, I'm not," she proudly admitted.

Tim started his truck and reversed out of his driveway. Taylor wound down her window, letting the cool breeze blow through her hair while they drove. Porch lights and street lights began to switch on as the sun set.

"When can you come over again?"

"In a week or two."

"Two weeks!"

"I've used Lois as my excuse twice now. We'll still see each other at school for restroom breaks."

"I think I've corrupted you."

"It was bound to happen. Teachers actually recommend taking breaks when you're studying." Tim pulled into a side street and cut the engine. "Why are we stopping here?"

"This truck's way better than a restroom and you seem like you need a break."

She laughed and pulled out her phone from her jean pocket. "We have 20 minutes before my parents start scouring the neighbourhood."

"I can work with that." He unlocked their seat belts, pulling her closer. She slid across the vinyl bench seat stopping when their thighs touched. Tim pressed a lust filled kiss to her lips. She wrapped her arms around his neck and crashed her mouth upon his.

"I'll make sure Billy keeps his mouth shut," he uttered.

She climbed onto his lap wedging herself between him and the steering wheel. Tim ran his hands up her sides, hyper aware of her curvaceous body. He stilled on the edges of her breasts, rubbing his thumbs over her bra before gripping her petite hips.

"This is the first time in my life I've enjoyed studying," her voice a breathy whisper.

He swallowed thickly standing to attention as her lips lingered on his neck, for an agonizingly long time. The suction left his body sizzling. "Me too," he mumbled blissfully as she shifted her lips back to his.