Chapter Text
The heat clung to the air in Rio de Janeiro, thick and humid, pressing down on the crowd that had gathered outside.
“You have to tell them that you can’t do it.”
Taylor clenched her jaw, already feeling the familiar knot of anxiety twisting in her stomach. “It’s not that easy, Trav,” she said, her voice tight.
Why couldn’t he see that this wasn’t a simple decision? The fans were already gathering outside in the suffocating heat, some of them camping out for days just to see her. How could she let them down?
Travis’s face darkened, his tone hardening over the Facetime call, from his home in Kansas City. “Of course you can. You’re the star of the fuckin’ show. Tell them that it’s dangerous, and it’s too fucking hot to perform!”
His words stung, Taylor’s frustration flaring. “Trav, you don’t understand. There’s so much that goes into it…” She felt her voice waver, betraying the uncertainty beneath her defiance. Why did he have to make everything sound so black-and-white? She wished he’d understand how much responsibility she felt to everyone—the crew, the fans, the whole team who’d worked so hard to make this night happen.
But he wasn’t backing down. “I understand that this is going to be an incredibly dangerous situation for you, Taylor,” he shot back, his tone filled with exasperation. “So tell them that you can’t do it!”
Her frustration bubbled over, and she snapped, “You don’t get it.”
His eyes narrowed at her from the comfortable safety of his home 5,500 miles away. “What don’t I get?”
A surge of anger flared within her, mingling with guilt and exhaustion. She took a deep breath, struggling to keep her voice steady. “You’re being unfair.”
Travis stared at her, incredulous. “Unfair? What’s fair about this? You think it’s fair that I have to watch the woman I love on some damn grainy livestream, almost pass out because it’s a zillion fucking degrees down there?” His voice cracked slightly, betraying his worry. “You want me to watch you die? Or have someone else die again?”
The word "die" hit her like a punch to the gut, making her anger falter for a moment. She knew the stakes, of course she did. But this was what she’d trained her whole life for, what she’d dedicated herself to. “It’s not fair to ask me to change what I’ve been doing my whole damn life, Travis! I’m being a professional, I’m doing my job—”
“No, what you’re being is obstinate. I know you’re a people pleaser, Tay, but…”
Her frustration snapped into indignation. “Don’t you dare throw that in my face,” she said, her voice icy. How dare he use that against her? He knew how hard it was for her to say no, to put herself first. She clenched her fists, feeling a familiar ache in her chest, the one that always accompanied her need to please everyone around her.
Travis exhaled heavily, running a hand over his jaw. He looked at her with a mixture of anger and desperation. “Baby, I am not throwing it in your face. But I know you. This is too fucking reckless.” His voice softened, but the worry in his eyes remained.
A surge of resentment rose within her, making her feel trapped and cornered. She didn’t want to admit that he was right—that maybe, just maybe, she was being reckless. But her pride wouldn’t let her. “You know what? No. I gotta go.” She pressed “end” on the call, feeling a pang of guilt as she threw her phone down onto the bed.
For a moment, she just stood there, staring at the phone, her chest heaving. She wanted to scream, to punch something, to do anything that would release the frustration and helplessness swirling inside her. But as the anger began to fade, it left something softer, something that hurt more than she wanted to admit. She blinked, feeling the sting of tears prickling at her eyes.
Her mind replayed the headlines from earlier, the tragic news she’d tried so hard to push away: Ana Clara Benevides Machado, 23 years old. A fan who’d come to see her show, who had been so excited to see her, had lost her life because of the heat.
As Taylor stood alone in her hotel suite, the silence around her felt heavier than ever. Her breathing slowed, the anger giving way to a creeping sense of guilt that she couldn’t ignore. She knew, deep down, that Travis was right. The heat was dangerous, and she’d felt it herself during the last show—the oppressive weight of the humidity, the burning heat that had seemed to sap the strength right out of her. And then there was Ana Clara, a reminder of the very real risks that came with performing in such extreme conditions.
But the idea of canceling gnawed at her, tugging at her pride. Cancelling a show felt like failing, like letting everyone down—her fans, her team, herself. She had always pushed through challenges, no matter what. Wasn’t that part of what made her who she was? The girl who didn’t quit, who didn’t let anything stop her?
She wasn’t just a girl with something to prove anymore. She was Taylor Swift—the star that so many people, like Ana Clara, looked up to. And as much as she wanted to ignore it, she couldn’t shake the feeling that canceling might be the right thing to do, even if it hurt.
She took a deep breath, staring out the window at the city stretching below her. Travis’s words echoed in her mind, his concern laced with anger. She knew he wasn’t trying to control her. He was scared for her. It was the way he’d been showing his love, not in grand gestures or empty words, but in this fierce, stubborn way of caring. And she’d thrown it back at him, too proud to let him see she was just as scared.
She hated that she’d fought with him, hated the way she’d ended the call. The people-pleaser in her—the part of her that never wanted anyone to be upset with her—ached at the thought of hurting Travis. But more than that, she regretted not listening to him, not letting herself lean on him when he was only trying to keep her safe.
Taylor picked up her phone, walking into the dimly lit living room in the penthouse suite, sitting on the edge of a couch. The faint sound of fans cheering outside filtered through the walls, their energy so palpable she could almost feel it vibrating under her skin. But there was a tension there, too—something heavier that she couldn’t shake.
There was a rapid series of knocks at the door, and Scott walked into the room, his face drawn and serious. Taylor knew that look; she’d seen it before, back when they were traveling from city to city on her first tours. It was a look of concern, of caution. But this time, it was different. This time, the stakes felt higher.
“Taylor,” he said, folding his arms. “We need to talk.”
She looked up, catching his eye. “I know, Dad. I just… I don’t know what to do.”
Scott took a deep breath, sitting down across from her on a fairly uncomfortable sofa. “It’s too hot out there. They’re saying it’s one of the hottest days Rio has seen in years, and the humidity is through the roof. We don’t have the resources to keep everyone safe, especially with what happened last night. I know you want to do this for your fans, but it’s just… it’s dangerous.”
Taylor’s shoulders slumped as she listened to Scott’s words. He wasn’t telling her anything she hadn’t already considered herself, especially after her fight with Trav. She’d felt the oppressive heat the moment they arrived in the city, and every rehearsal had left her drenched in sweat, barely able to catch her breath. Even last evening, standing on the edge of the stage, pressing her chest forward with her arms behind her, gasping for each breath to fill her lungs. But her fans were out there, waiting for her. They’d camped out for days, braving the same heat just to see her. How could she let them down now?
“I get that, Dad, but… they’ve waited so long. They’ve been looking forward to this for months. I feel like if I cancel, I’ll be letting them down.” She ran a hand through her hair, frustration bubbling up inside her. “They came all this way, and I can’t just… I can’t just leave them hanging.”
Scott’s expression softened, and he moved to sit next to her on her sofa, placing a supportive hand on her shoulder. “I know how much this means to you, and to them. But sometimes, it’s not just about what people want. It’s about what’s safe, what’s responsible. And right now, with these conditions, I don’t think anyone—fans, crew, or even you—is going to be safe out there.”
Taylor’s heart sank as his words hit home. She knew he was right, and the guilt gnawed at her. The memory of her fight with Travis made her chest tighten.
“Travis thinks I should cancel, too,” she said softly, almost as if finally admitting it to herself. “He… he told me I was being reckless. That I wasn’t thinking it through. And I fought him on it. I told him he didn’t understand, that he didn’t get how important this was. But…” She trailed off, looking down at her hands, the weight of her words settling heavily on her.
Scott listened, nodding slowly. “If you won’t listen to me, maybe you should listen to him, then,” he said gently. “I don’t know him yet, but from what you’ve told me about him, Travis has your best interests at heart. He wouldn’t be telling you this if he didn’t think it was the right thing to do.”
Taylor closed her eyes, feeling a pang of guilt twist in her chest. Travis had been her rock lately, the one person she could rely on no matter what. He’d seen her at her highest and lowest points over the last few months, had been there for her through every grueling show, every late-night phone call when the pressure felt too much. And now, when he’d tried to protect her, she’d pushed him away.
“Yeah, maybe you’re right,” she murmured, feeling the regret settle deep into her bones. “I think I owe him an apology.”
Scott patted her shoulder gently, a small smile playing at his lips. “I think that would be a good idea, sweetheart. Travis cares about you, and he’s only trying to help. Sometimes, the people who love us see things we don’t want to see ourselves.”
Taylor nodded, taking a shaky breath. Scott was right—Travis was only trying to protect her, and she’d been too wrapped up in her desire to please her fans to see it. Her tendency to put others before herself, to prioritize their happiness over her own... It was something she’d struggled with her entire life, the need to make everyone happy, even if it meant pushing herself to the limit.
“Don’t throw that in my face!” She had said. Angry at the time, having to admit it her herself. But this time, it had gone too far. She needed to stop, to think about the people who truly mattered.
“Thanks, Dad,” she said, managing a small smile. “I think I need to go make a call.”
Scott squeezed her shoulder, giving her a reassuring nod. “Go ahead. I’ll handle things out here. Take your time.”
As he left the room, Taylor picked up her phone, her heart pounding in her chest as she dialed Travis’s number. Each ring felt like an eternity, the anticipation gnawing at her. Finally, he answered, his voice cautious.
“Taylor.”
“Hey,” she said softly, her voice barely above a whisper. “Trav, I’m sorry. I was being stubborn, and I shouldn’t have argued with you. You were only trying to protect me, and I… I couldn’t see that. I didn’t want to listen because I was so caught up in wanting to do this for the fans. But I was wrong.”
There was a pause on the other end of the line, and she could almost feel his relief through the silence. “I love you, Taylor,” he said finally, his voice warm and steady. “I know how much you care about your fans, and I know why this was so important to you. I didn’t mean to make you feel like I was taking that away from you.”
“No, it’s not that,” she interrupted, shaking her head even though he couldn’t see her. “I just… I get so wrapped up in wanting to make everyone happy, I forget that there are limits. And I forget that there are people—like you—who are just trying to look out for me. I should have listened to you, Travis. I should have trusted that you were only trying to help. And I love you, too.”
He let out a soft sigh, and she could almost picture him nodding on the other end of the line. “I get it, Tay. I really do. And maybe I could have been more understanding, more sensitive to how much this meant to you. I didn’t want to come off as harsh.”
“No, you were right,” she said, her voice filled with a newfound resolve. “You were right to say what you did, and I needed to hear it. I just… I don’t want to be the kind of person who pushes away the people who care about her, just because I’m too focused on making everyone else happy.”
For a moment, the line was silent, and she felt a strange sense of peace wash over her. She knew Travis loved her, but hearing him now, feeling the sincerity in his voice, she realized just how much he meant to her. His desire to keep her safe, his willingness to stand up to her when no one else would—it was a kind of love she hadn’t fully understood before.
“Thank you, Travis,” she said quietly, her voice filled with emotion. “For being there, for caring enough to tell me the hard truth. I don’t say it enough, but… thank you.”
There was a warmth in his voice as he replied, a gentleness that made her heart ache. “Always, Taylor. Just… promise me you’ll take care of yourself, okay?”
“I will,” she promised, feeling a weight lift off her shoulders. “I’m going to work on it. I’m going to try to find a balance, to put myself and the people I care about first. And… I want you to know that you’re part of that, too. I love you, Travis. More than you know.”
They lingered in the quiet, the understanding between them deepening in a way that didn’t need words. Finally, she let out a soft laugh, feeling a strange sense of peace settle over her.
“I guess I should go break the news to everyone,” she said, a wry smile tugging at her lips. “It’s not going to be easy, but… I know it’s the right thing to do.”
Travis chuckled, a sound that made her heart feel lighter. “You’ve got this, Tay. And remember, I’m here if you need anything.”
“Thanks, Trav,” she said, feeling a swell of gratitude and affection. “I’ll talk to you soon?”
“Always, baby. I love you.”
As she hung up the phone after telling him she loved him again, Taylor felt a fresh clarity settle over her. The decision to cancel the show wasn’t just about safety—it was a choice to prioritize herself, to trust the people who loved her, and to let go of the impossible standard of pleasing everyone.
For the first time, she felt at peace with her decision.
----//
The sun hung low in the sky, casting a warm golden light over the sprawling estate that Travis had meticulously chosen for them. He stood on the balcony, feeling the gentle evening breeze tug at his shirt. The house was everything he had envisioned: opulent yet welcoming, with sprawling lawns and a serene pool that reflected the hues of the sunset. But it wasn’t the luxury that excited him most; it was the sense of safety he felt it would provide for Taylor. A feeling that he could finally put his guard down, knowing that there was a deeper level of protection there.
“Travis! Come here!” Taylor’s voice echoed through the cavernous space of the house. After a whirlwind of paperwork and negotiations, he had finally closed on the mansion a few days prior, and Taylor was exploring every corner of their new home. He smiled, knowing this was their sanctuary now.
He made his way inside, the sound of her voice drawing him deeper into the house. As he walked through the grand foyer, he could see her in the spacious kitchen, her fingers gliding along the smooth, white marble countertops. The kitchen was a dream—a chef’s paradise, with high-end appliances and ample space to create culinary masterpieces.
“Isn’t it amazing? I cannot believe you bought this,” she said, her eyes sparkling with excitement.
“Absolutely,” he replied grinning, leaning against the doorframe, watching her soak in the beauty of the home he had chosen with care. “I knew you’d love it. Can’t wait for some of those pop tarts to be baking up in here.”
Taylor turned to him, her expression one of joy mixed with disbelief. “It’s beautiful, baby. You’re amazing.” She walked closer, her hand trailing along the marble as if to ground herself in the reality of their new life.
Travis stepped forward, wrapping his arms around her waist and pulling her close. “It’s real, Tay. Every inch of it is ours. And I want you to feel safe here.”
She looked up at him, her eyes reflecting the warmth of the setting sun. “I do feel safe. I feel… home.” Her voice was soft, tender, as she leaned into him.
After a moment, she pulled away and continued her exploration. Travis followed her through the house, their laughter mingling with the echoes of their footsteps. As they approached the master bedroom, he paused outside a door to a smaller room adjacent to it. He couldn’t help but imagine what it might become—a special space for something, or someone, that would bring them even closer together in the future.
Curiosity piqued, Taylor pushed the door open and stepped inside. The room was spacious yet intimate, with large windows that let in natural light and offered a view of the sprawling gardens outside. “This room is so sweet!” she exclaimed, her eyes scanning the empty space.
Travis leaned against the doorframe, his heart swelling as he watched her. “What do you think we should do with this room?” he asked, stepping inside to join her.
Taylor turned to him, her expression thoughtful. “I don’t know. Maybe we could fill it with something special someday?”
Travis felt a warmth bloom in his chest at her words. “Yeah?”
She nodded, biting her lip, a smile creeping onto her face. “Yeah. I mean, it’s a little early for that, isn’t it? But it’s nice to think about.”
Travis chuckled, the sound filled with affection. “I think it’s perfect. I’ve been imagining it, too.” The vision of their future, filled with laughter and warmth, was a dream he hadn’t realized he held so close to his heart until this moment. “What would you want to decorate it with?” he asked, wanting to keep the dream alive.
“Definitely soft colors,” she said, her eyes lighting up. “Maybe pale greens or yellows? Something that feels warm and inviting.”
“Maybe a cool chair in the corner,” he added, his excitement building. “So we can sit and enjoy the space together.”
She turned to him, her smile wide. “And maybe some shelves for things that matter to us? I want to fill it with memories.”
Travis nodded. “Perfect.”
The thought of their future together, nurturing their dreams in this beautiful home, filled him with a sense of hope and joy.
“I can’t believe we’re really here,” she murmured, her gaze drifting around the room. “This feels like a dream.”
With a soft smile, Travis nodded, knowing that together they would make this house a true home.
They stood there for a moment, the weight of the future settling comfortably between them. Travis couldn’t help but feel a sense of purpose and determination swell within him. He wanted to create a life for Taylor… with Taylor… that was filled with love, laughter, and safety. This house was the first step in that direction.
“Let’s explore some more,” Taylor said, pulling him gently toward the door. “I want to check out the backyard.”
As they stepped outside, Travis’s heart lifted at the sight before them. The backyard was an expansive oasis, complete with a beautiful garden, a sprawling lawn, and a pool that sparkled in the fading light. A small patio area was perfect for summer evenings, and he could already envision the gatherings they would host with friends and family.
“Wow,” Taylor breathed, taking it all in. “This is incredible! We could have barbecues, evening swims…”
“Right?” Travis grinned, feeling the excitement radiating off her. “It’s gunna look insane when everything is in bloom. We can plant flowers, maybe even a vegetable garden.”
She laughed, her eyes glowing with enthusiasm. “I’d love that! Fresh tomatoes and basil for pasta nights… you learning how to cook Italian food can start right here.”
“Eeeehhh, let’s not go that far,” Trav laughed. “I’ll take care of the grilling. Just make sure you keep the drinks flowing.”
“Deal!” she replied, throwing him a playful wink.
They wandered around the backyard, hand in hand, allowing their imaginations to run wild. Taylor pointed out spots where they could set up lounge chairs and a fire pit, while Travis envisioned a hammock strung between two trees, perfect for lazy afternoons.
As they explored, Travis’s thoughts drifted back to the future he envisioned with her. The dreams they shared felt tantalizingly close now, and he couldn’t help but wonder what life would look like for them in a few years. Would they fill this home with laughter? Would they invite friends over for holidays? Would there be little ones running through the halls, filling the rooms with toys and laughter and chaos?
Suddenly, he felt Taylor squeeze his hand. “You’re in deep thought,” she said, looking up at him with a teasing smile.
“Just picturing our life here,” he admitted, feeling a bit vulnerable but knowing he could share anything with her. “It’s hard not to think about what it could be like.”
Tay’s expression softened. “I just want us to always feel at home, no matter what.”
Travis nodded, feeling a warmth spread through him at her words. “We will. As long as we’re together, this will always be home.”
After a moment of comfortable silence, Taylor turned serious, her voice lowering slightly. “And what if life throws us curveballs? What if things don’t go as planned?”
Travis took a deep breath, contemplating her question. “Then we adapt. We figure it out together. That’s what makes us strong, right? Our ability to face challenges together.”
“True,” she said, her lips curving into a small smile. “I just want to make sure we’re on the same page.”
“Always,” he assured her. “We’re a team, baby. We’ll tackle anything life throws our way, as long as we talk about it and stay connected.”
Taylor’s eyes sparkled with affection. “I love that about us.”
Trav felt a surge of determination, a wave of faith for the future. “I love you.”
Tay grinned at him, her eyes glimmering with trust. “I love you.” She stared out into the vastness of the backyard. “And knowing that you’re committed to…“ she gestured to the expanse, “all of this… that makes me feel so secure.”
Travis squeezed her hand, grounding himself in the moment. “I want you to feel safe here, not just physically but emotionally, too. This place is a fresh start for us, and I want it to reflect our love and our dreams.”
As they strolled back toward the house, the golden light of the sunset wrapped around them like a warm embrace. They stepped inside, the cool air of the house contrasting with the warmth outside. The interior felt even more inviting now that they had begun to envision their future within its walls.
“I can’t wait to decorate,” Taylor said, excitement bubbling in her voice. She wandered into the living room, her fingers brushing against the gorgeous wood trim that would soon be the room where they would spend countless cozy evenings. “We could get some cool art to hang up or maybe some family photos in here.”
“Definitely,” Trav agreed, following her. “Let’s make it feel lived-in and full of life. I want people to walk in and feel our energy.”
Tay turned to him, a playful glint in her eye. “And we need to find a spot for the gaming console. You know, for the epic game nights with the guys.”
“Of course! Priorities,” he laughed.
As they continued to brainstorm, the conversation flowed effortlessly, each idea sparking another. Laughter filled the air, and the mansion seemed to come alive with their energy. They moved from room to room, discussing colors, furniture, and the little details that would make the house uniquely theirs.
Eventually, they found themselves back in the master bedroom, standing in front of the large windows that overlooked the backyard. The view was breathtaking, especially as the last rays of sun dipped below the horizon, painting the sky in hues of pink and purple.
“It’s beautiful,” Tay said softly, leaning against the window frame.
Travis joined her, their shoulders brushing together. “It really is. Just imagine waking up to this view every morning.”
Tay nudged his arm with her shoulder. “Even if it wasn’t like this… as long as I was waking up with you… I’d be so happy.”
Trav inhaled sharply, reaching down to take her hand. “Yeah?”
“Yeah.” She turned to him, looking up into his ever-changing eyes. “Thank you… for this. For everything.”
“You don’t need to thank me,” Trav tried to brush off the acknowledgment.
“I do.” Taylor said firmly. “You’ve shown me… just time and time again… what kind of man you are. And I am so grateful for you.”
Trav released her hand to pull her into his arms. “I never imagined I’d get to live this life with you.”
“Well, not when you were only in it to kiss me…” Tay retorted, glancing up at him with a sassy grin.
Trav burst out a laugh. “I’m never gunna live that down, am I?”
“Nope.” Tay responded, snuggling into his arms, grinning into his broad chest.
-----//
The clock had barely struck four when Travis and Taylor crossed the threshold into the house. Outside, snow was falling softly, covering the ground in a thin white layer, as if trying to sprinkle some magic over the rough day. The game was over, but the weight of the Chiefs’ loss still clung to Travis’s shoulders, heavy and raw. They’d been so close—he’d been so close to sealing the win, but something had felt off. And now, as he looked around at the giant house he’d bought for himself and Taylor to share, he was struck by a feeling of disappointment that went beyond the game.
Taylor’s gloved hand slid into his, grounding him. She offered him a small, encouraging smile as they stepped inside.
“Trav,” she said softly, her voice warm with understanding, “I’m so proud of you.”
Her words chipped away a tiny piece of the wall he’d thrown up around himself. He could feel her trying to bring him back, even from the depths of his frustration. But right now, he needed a moment.
“Thanks, Tay,” he managed, giving her hand a squeeze. He leaned down and kissed her forehead. “I’m gunna go shower, try to shake this off. I’ll be down soon, okay?”
“Of course,” she replied, her eyes soft. “Take all the time you need. I’ll get things started with Mom.”
He gave her a grateful smile and trudged up the stairs, listening to her hum a little Christmas song as she made her way into the kitchen. As soon as he reached their bedroom, he sat on the edge of the bed, made with a set of red bedding that Taylor had specifically picked out for the holidays, and let out a long, shaky breath. His head fell into his hands, and he replayed the last ten minutes of the game, the moments where he’d needed to be sharper, where he could’ve pushed just a little harder.
Why couldn’t he have just held onto the damn ball?
A soft knock on the door broke through his thoughts. He didn’t move at first, hoping whoever it was would assume he needed space. But he soon heard Taylor’s light footsteps move down the hall again, and he felt a surge of guilt. He knew she’d understand his mood, but he hated feeling like he’d dragged his disappointment into her favorite holiday.
It was Christmas, their first together, and it was supposed to be perfect. He thought about the dinner she’d spent hours planning with Andrea, the gifts she’d picked out for everyone, the decorations she’d bought to turn the new house into a holiday wonderland... their sanctuary in KC. He’d seen the way her eyes sparkled when she’d first started decorating, knew how much this meant to her.
With another deep breath, Travis forced himself to think about the laughter and warmth happening downstairs. He needed to shake this off… for her, for himself, for their first Christmas together. He reminded himself that this was the beginning of many more holidays they’d share and he wanted to look back on it with nothing but joy.
After a long, steamy shower, he threw on a soft flannel shirt, hoping to match the festive mood downstairs. When he walked back into the kitchen, he was greeted by the smell of roasting turkey, and the sight of Taylor moving gracefully around double islands, working alongside her mom, a medley of spices, flour, and fresh herbs scattered around them. She was humming along to some Christmas song playing on her phone, her hair tied back with a red ribbon, and her cheeks pink from the warmth of the stove.
Andrea was elbow-deep in a bowl of mashed potatoes, looking every bit as cheerful as her daughter. “Look who decided to join the Christmas festivities!” she teased, grinning at Travis. “I was just telling Taylor you looked like you needed a holiday pep talk.”
Taylor looked up, a warm smile spreading across her face as she caught his eye. “Glad to have you back,” she said softly.
“Thanks,” he replied, sliding an arm around her waist. “I’m glad to be back.”
Andrea looked up from her bowl and smirked. “Travis, I was just telling Taylor that we should leave her to the cooking, but she won’t let me escape.”
Taylor laughed, rolling her eyes. “Mom’s an amazing sous chef,” she said proudly. “I don’t know what I’d do without her.”
Travis nudged her gently with his hip. “I don’t know what I’d do without you.” He meant it more deeply than he’d expected, and he hoped she could hear it. She looked up, meeting his gaze, and for a moment, everything felt right.
“So, what’s on the menu?” he asked, scanning the mess around them.
Taylor grinned. “We’re going full traditional, of course. Turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, all your favorites. Plus a couple of Mom’s secret recipes.”
“Just wait until you try Teff’s pecan pie,” Andrea added, giving him a broad smile.
“Where’s everyone else?” Travis asked, glancing around.
“Oh, Dad’s out back with your dad,” Taylor said. “Apparently they’ve found some common ground over the proper technique for grilling sausages, which zero of us are eating tonight.”
Travis chuckled loudly. “Sounds about right. And Austin?”
“He and Sydney are doing their usual. They’re stuck on the couch in the media room watching movies,” Taylor replied, shaking her head. “I don’t think they’ve moved since we got here.”
Travis felt more than a twinge of guilt for sulking upstairs earlier, and seeing Taylor so alive, so happy in the kitchen, made him grateful for her patience. As she stirred something in a saucepan, he wrapped his arms around her from behind, pressing his chin to her shoulder.
“I’m sorry about earlier,” he whispered. “I know how much tonight means to you.”
She rested a hand on his arm, giving it a gentle squeeze. “Don’t worry about it,” she said softly. “We’ve got a lifetime of Christmases ahead of us. Besides, I’m just glad we’re here together.”
In that moment, he felt the weight of the day lift just a little, feeling the remnants of his disappointment melt away as he took in the scene before him. She was so full of light, her joy so effortless and infectious. He felt a wave of gratitude for her understanding, for her way of making everything feel right, no matter what was happening in his world.
“Now,” Tay said confidently, turning around in his arms. “You’re on roll duty.”
Trav arched an eyebrow. “Roll duty?”
“It’s the most important of roles,” Andrea said conspiratorially. “There was an incident…”
“MOM.” Taylor said loudly, staring her mother down.
“He’s gotta hear the story at some point, Teff,” Andrea said, shaking her head, still working her arm through the mashed potatoes.
Travis looked between them, confused. “Ok, what happened?”
Tay sighed. “It was ONE time.”
“At least three,” Andrea whispered under her breath. Taylor glared at her.
“ONE time, I forgot the rolls in the oven, and they may have gotten a little toasty.”
“Burnt to a crisp.” Andrea said a bit louder.
“Oh my god, they were FINE.”
“Taylor Alison, they were black,” Andrea retorted. She looked at Travis. “Black!”
“They were a little over brown.”
“Daddy thought they were briquettes for the charcoal grill!”
Travis cackled with laughter. “So roll duty is of the utmost importance. Got it.”
“Do NOT let them burn.” Andrea pointed at him, trying to look intimidating and failing miserably.
“Duly noted,” he said, holding up his hands.
As the three of them continued working in the kitchen, Ed and Scott entered, bringing in bursts of laughter and the smell of grilled sausage, bickering lightheartedly over the best way to handle a steak. Travis couldn’t help but laugh.
“I thought we were sticking to turkey tonight?” he joked, looking at the sausages they’d brought in.
“Old habits die hard,” Ed replied with a shrug, his eyes twinkling with mischief. “Besides, your mom and I never missed a chance to fire up the grill. Just part of being a Kelce.”
Dinner came together smoothly, with each person pitching in. Austin and Sydney emerged from the couch where they’d been engrossed in holiday movies, and they helped set the table with an assortment of gorgeous plates and napkins Taylor had carefully selected. Travis noticed the effort Taylor had put into the decorations. She’d brought ornaments, pine garlands, and strings of lights to fill their home with Christmas magic, transforming the dining room into something warm and inviting. He caught her eye and felt a sudden urge to thank her, but words didn’t feel like enough.
As Travis looked around at the people gathered in the house, he felt a type of joy spread through him that he hadn’t felt since he was a kid. Of course, he’d loved celebrating holidays with his family and friends, but this year, with Taylor by his side and their future so clearly ahead of them…This was the life he’d always imagined.
“Alright, everyone, let’s eat!” Taylor announced, bringing the last dish to the table. She looked at Travis, her eyes shining. “You wanna carve the turkey?”
“Absolutely,” he said, unable to keep the grin off his face. He caught her hand and gave it a quick squeeze. “Thanks for this, Tay. I mean it.”
Her face softened. “Anytime. This is Christmas magic, Trav. And you’re a part of it.”
They all sat down, and as the plates and dishes were passed around, the conversation flowed easily. Travis watched Taylor interact with his dad and with her family, laughing and sharing stories. He noticed how she made each person feel like they were the center of attention, and he found himself mesmerized.
After dinner, they found themselves in the living room, in front of the gigantic tree in the two storied room, expertly decorated and surrounded by beautifully wrapped gifts, each one wrapped in festive paper with glittering ribbons. Taylor passed them out, and everyone exchanged presents, tearing open their packages with glee. Travis had gone a little overboard himself; designer bags, watches, a few surprise items he’d known she’d had her eye on for a while.
“Travis!” Taylor exclaimed as she unwrapped a pair of diamond and ruby earrings she’d been coveting. “They’re beautiful!” She hugged him tightly, a delighted smile on her face.
But as the evening wound down and laughter filled the room, Travis grew quiet. He still hadn’t given her the gift that mattered most. In his pocket, the small navy blue velvet box felt heavier than ever. It was a small thing, fairly simple compared to the luxury items they’d just exchanged, but he’d poured his heart into this gift, and he hoped she’d see it for what it was.
A little later, as everyone drifted into their own spaces to relax, Travis slipped away for a moment to collect his thoughts. He returned to find Taylor at the base of the Christmas tree, rearranging a few ornaments with the care she put into everything.
“Taylor,” he called softly.
She turned, surprised to see him standing there with his hands in his pockets, looking a bit nervous.
“Come with me?” he asked, gesturing toward the window where the first stars were appearing against the snowy backdrop.
Intrigued, she followed him to a quieter corner of the room. He took a deep breath and pulled the long navy blue box from his pocket, holding it out to her.
Her eyes widened as she took it. “Travis…” she murmured, looking up at him with a mixture of curiosity and anticipation.
“Open it,” he said, his voice low. “It’s…it’s something I’ve been wanting to give you for a while.”
With a smile, she slowly lifted the lid, revealing a delicate diamond-studded bracelet with three round gold beads, spelling out “TNT.” Her eyes filled with tears almost instantly, her expression going from surprise to understanding in a heartbeat.
“This…this is…” Her voice broke as she looked up at him, her eyes glistening.
He swallowed, trying to put words to everything he’d been feeling. “Everything started with a friendship bracelet. I never imagined…”
She looked down at the bracelet again, her fingers brushing over the TNT beads. “Travis, it’s beautiful.” Her voice trailed off as she blinked back tears.
“It’s just…I wanted you to have something that meant something to us. Something that could be, I don’t know, a reminder of how we started and everything we’re building.”
She reached up, resting her hand on his cheek, her thumb brushing softly across his skin. “Thank you,” she whispered. “I love it.”
With tears in his eyes, Travis took the box from her hand and slipped the bracelet onto her wrist, admiring the way it sparkled. Then, before he could say another word, she wrapped her arms around him, holding him tight.
“I love you,” she whispered, her voice choked with emotion. “More than anything.”
Travis held her close, his heart full. “I love you too, Tay. I’m so damn lucky you’re here.”
They stayed wrapped in each other’s arms, both feeling the unspoken promise of the future they were building together. And for the first time that night, Travis felt like he was exactly where he was supposed to be.
-----//
The final whistle blew, and the roar of the crowd in the Las Vegas stadium reached a fever pitch. Confetti rained down like glittering stars, painting the field red and gold as the Kansas City Chiefs claimed another Super Bowl victory. Travis stood at the center, adrenaline pounding through his veins, trying to soak in every sound, every flash of light, every heartbeat. He’d given his all, and the team had brought it home.
But as his teammates clapped him on the back, shouting and laughing, he found himself scanning the edge of the field, his eyes searching for only one face.
Then he saw her.
Taylor. She was standing on the sidelines, one arm hugging around his mother, a radiant smile stretched wide on her lips. She was everything he’d wanted to see in that moment—everything he’d been aching to hold on to. She wore a black bustier under an oversized Chiefs jacket, paired with black denim jeans and a bold red lip. Her hair was up in a high ponytail, the ends just brushing her shoulders, and she looked like a vision of everything strong and beautiful, draped in his team’s colors.
The moment their eyes met, she broke into a grin, blowing him a kiss across the field. He was overcome, seeing her there, finally back in his line of sight after two weeks of separation. She held up three fingers, for his three Super Bowls, a look of amazement gracing her gorgeous face. His heart stuttered with the realization that she was again down on the field, putting her safety at risk, holding onto his family. It was all he could do to not burst into tears, his lip quivering as he pointed to his heart and then buried his face into a towel.
It felt like an eternity as he made his way through the crowd, shaking hands, taking photos, but he could feel his patience slipping. As soon as he could, he broke away, striding over to where she stood, just waiting for him. She backed away as he got closer, Donna moving to the front to get his first acknowledgment. He grabbed his mother into a hug, telling her how much he loved her. Donna pulled away, as though instinctually knowing that he was desperate to get to Taylor.
And when he reached her, he didn’t hesitate—he wrapped her up in his arms, laughing as she threw her head back in joy. He found her lips once, twice, then kissed down the side of her face and neck as she held onto him for dear life.
“Oh my god, oh my god,” they said in unison, Taylor’s arms wrapping around his neck tightly. She found his lips, pressing a kiss to them before grasping the sides of his face, looking into his excited eyes before kissing him again.
It was everything… everything he’d ever imagined having a partner on the field could be. Not someone there with her phone out, but someone who had flown almost 6,000 miles to be with him. Nearly twelve hours in flight, after having performed for multiple nights in a row. After having been apart for half of a month, having to watch her win Grammys on his tiny phone screen. She was there. For him.
“Thank you,” Trav finally said. “Thank you for being here. Thank you for coming all this way, coming halfway around the world. You’re the best baby, the absolute best.”
“I can’t believe that, I can’t believe that,” she kept saying, not once thinking about herself. Her excitement for him, for the team…
He could see the sincerity in her eyes, and it hit him all at once—the championship, the win, and her right here, just as he’d imagined on those long, late-night calls over the past few weeks. This was exactly where he wanted to be, and he wanted her beside him every step of the way.
The post-game celebrations spilled out onto the field, then to the locker room, and eventually, out into the electric night of Las Vegas. They’d reserved one of the city’s most exclusive clubs for the night, and once inside, the team let loose. The energy was wild and chaotic, a true victory celebration in every way.
Taylor stayed right by his side, laughing with his teammates, joining in on every toast and cheer. Her presence made everything feel bigger, brighter. Even after all these months together, she still amazed him with the way she fit into his life so seamlessly. She was a superstar, yes, but with his friends and the team, she was just Taylor. And tonight, he loved her even more for it.
Hours into the night, the Chainsmokers put on a remix of “You Belong with Me” and Travis couldn’t help himself. He climbed up next to the guys in their booth, the crowd singing along, pointing to Taylor in the crowd. His boys motioned to Taylor, gesturing to her with their beers and glasses of tequila. Taylor covered her face, laughing in disbelief as he belted out the song at the top of his lungs, every word sung directly to her.
“You’re a total ham, you know that?” she shouted up to him as he got down and pulled her into his arms, but she was grinning, cheeks flushed with laughter.
“Just for you, babe!” he called back as the song ended, his laughter mixing with hers.
They kept dancing, surrounded by his teammates and friends, the energy pulsing around them like a heartbeat. Travis could hardly keep his hands off her, stealing kisses every chance he got. They’d been apart for two weeks, and now, he couldn’t get enough. She was right here, right where he’d wanted her, and it felt perfect.
But as the night stretched on, and the clock ticked closer to dawn, Travis felt the weight of the game, the adrenaline, the entire season finally settling over him. He leaned in close to Taylor, his voice a low murmur over the music. “I think I’m finally tapped out,” he said, a tired but happy smile on his face. “This was incredible, but right now, I just want to go home with you.”
Taylor smiled, running her hand over his playoff beard. “Let’s go then,” she whispered, giving him a soft kiss. “The rest of them can keep partying.”
Together, they slipped out of the club, past the neon lights and glitz of Las Vegas, until they were finally alone in the quiet of their penthouse hotel suite. The city stretched out below, a sea of lights twinkling under the night sky. But Travis wasn’t interested in any of it. Not tonight.
He sank down onto the couch, kicking off his boots, letting out a long, contented sigh as Taylor sat down beside him, curling up against him. He wrapped his arms around her, feeling the exhaustion finally settle over him, and yet he felt more at peace than he had in months.
“I don’t think I’ve ever felt this happy,” he murmured, pressing a gentle kiss to the top of her head. “Having you here, tonight, for this… Taylor, it means more than I can say.”
Taylor looked up at him, her eyes soft and filled with a warmth that made his heart ache. “I’d fly around the world a hundred times over to be here for you,” she said quietly, brushing a thumb over his cheek. “I know how much this means to you. And seeing you on that field, living your dream—it was worth every mile.”
Travis took her hand, his thumb tracing circles over her knuckles. “I didn’t know I could feel this way about someone,” he admitted, his voice barely above a whisper. “It’s like every time I see you, it’s the first time, but even better. I just… I’m grateful. For you, for this.”
He leaned down, pressing a soft kiss to her lips, slow and gentle, as if he wanted to savor every second of it. She returned it, her hand slipping to his cheek, pulling him closer.
After a moment, she pulled back, her fingers still petting his playoff beard as she whispered, “I’m not going anywhere, Travis. I’m right here. Always.”
He smiled, his heart swelling at her words. He didn’t need any more tonight—no more cheers, no more celebrations, no more lights. Just Taylor, just her steady presence beside him, grounding him, making everything feel real.
Taylor stood, offering him her hand. “Let’s go to bed, baby.” Trav took it, standing up easily but letting Taylor lead them down the hallway to the biggest bedroom of the suite.
She turned as they got into the room, opening the blinds to show the floor to ceiling windows, the strip lit up below them.
She turned as he sat on the bed to watch her, slipping his jacket off her shoulders. She draped the heavy fabric off of a chair in the corner before turning back to Travis. She reached behind herself, finding the zipper to the corset she wore, dragging it down slowly. It parted in the back, slipping off her shoulders. Taylor let the fabric drop to the floor, her chest heaving a bit as her tits were exposed to the air, to her man still sitting still on the bed. Her nipples tightened under his gaze as she fingered the button to her jeans.
“Tay,” Travis said softly, his hands belying his calm and collected demeanor, tapping his knees impatiently.
She winked, grinning at him before popping the button and sliding down the zipper.
“Come here,” he begged quietly, reaching out a hand. “Please?”
Tay tilted her head at him, but walked the several feet towards him, wrapping her arms around his shoulders as he slipped his around her waist. His face found the center of her chest, breathing in the scent of her perfume, spicy and warm, mixed with sweat from dancing and partying all night. It was intoxicating, mind altering.
Her jeans hung loose around her hips, and his hands pushed them down further until they fell easily to the floor.
“Tay,” he whispered reverently as his hands found her ass, squeezing gently. He brushed his face across her breasts, Taylor’s hands finding his cheeks and directing him to a nipple. He took it into his mouth, tugging on it softly with his teeth, a jolt of pleasure spiraling through Taylor’s body.
“Baby,” Taylor murmured, pulling away to step out of her jeans on the floor and pull his shirt over his head. “Let me take care of you.”
Taylor slipped her hands back over his shoulders, smoothing her fingers over the freckles and labrum scars. He dropped his head in pleasure as her hands gently traced his chest, curling and uncurling coils of chest hair, thumbs rubbing over his nipples, before finding his throat. She dragged his face towards hers, softly pressing her lips to his before tracing the seam of his mouth, a silent plea to let her inside. Travis opened his mouth, letting their tongues swirl around one another, tasting of cinnamon and wine and weed.
“Fuck baby,” Trav gasped, squeezing her hips, feeling himself harden beneath his pants.
Taylor reached down to unbuckle his belt, then popped his own button and dragged the zipper down. Travis leaned back, lifting his hips so Taylor could pull them off, tossing them behind her, the clunk of the belt hitting the floor. He fell backwards on the bed in his boxer briefs, his hard cock straining against the fabric.
Taylor hooked a thumb in each side of her thong, slipping it down her thighs before she got up on the bed with him, straddling his waist.
Taylor began to work her way down Travis’s body in slow, deliberate kisses; starting at the edge of his mouth, then his jaw and collarbones, trailing all the way down his torso. Travis tried desperately to focus on breathing but his heart was hammering out of control. He could feel Taylor’s fingertips toying with the hem of his boxer briefs, his throat growing tight. She hooked her hands around the waistband and shimmied them off, tossing them across the room.
“Taylor,” Travis forced out, his voice strained.
“Shh,” is all she replied as she gently gripped her hands around his growing cock. He shivered when her skin came in contact with his, her palm stroking him softly.
Trav tried to stay still, his legs already trembling with the sweetness of her touch. He held his breath as Taylor leaned down, taking his cock carefully in her mouth and began slowly; moving halfway down and back up again.
“Shit,” he groaned. “Tay, that feels so fuckin’ good.”
Taylor’s lips were as soft and supple around his dick, her tongue curling around him in all the right ways. His entire cock throbbed at the sensation and his hips lifted off of the mattress, begging to thrust deep into her throat. He could feel her tracing her down its length in the most infuriating, amazing way possible.
A series of grunts and moans escaped his mouth as he gripped the pillow beside him in a tight fist. Taylor moaned to herself quietly as well, making Travis somehow even hornier. She glanced up at him every now and then, her eyes wide and innocent. He couldn’t take it. Her lips were taut against his flesh, making him writhe. Looking sweet and sexy, her tongue darting out to lick across the helmet of his cock, pressing a gentle kiss to the tip and sucking off the pre-cum that gathered there.
Travis could feel the pressure building in his abdomen and tried not to gasp. He reached down, grasping the base of her ponytail.
“Taylor,” he mumbled. “I’m… fuck. Tay, I’m gunna…”
He barely got the words out before he felt the release, straight into Taylor’s willing mouth. She swallowed his load, licking her lips before sliding her way up so that she was lying beside him, her chest rising and falling with rapid pants. She wiped her mouth on the back of her hand and turned to Travis with a smug smile.
“Congratulations, baby...”
Travis snorted with laughter and shook his head at her; his beautiful, sexy, incredible girl. He reached over to kiss her again, his lips landing squarely on hers and her mouth opening for him instantly. He rolled over as the kiss deepened so that he was leaning over her.
“What are you doing?” she murmured in between kisses.
Travis didn’t answer her, instead bringing his head down, cupping one breast in his hand and kissing down along the stretch of pale, porcelain skin that lay in between the two. Taylor hummed appreciatively.
Travis continued as she had done, kissing down her throat and chest until his lips found the top of her inner thigh, tracing his tongue along and leaving a string of kisses. Taylor spread her legs wide and gasped, her breaths loud and heavy.
He took his time, pressing kisses up the inside of her leg and running his hands up her legs. She hummed in pleasure at his attentiveness, skimming her nails up between the valley of her breasts. He smiled into the soft skin of the inside of her upper thigh and felt her shiver. Pushing her knees apart, he kissed her belly before pressing a kiss to the seam of her pussy, tongue pushing past her labia to trace the ridges and folds. He heard her sigh, pleased, as he licked a stripe from bottom to top, then pressed the firm tip of his tongue between the smaller folds that led to her clit, tongue tangling with it in lazy circles.
He felt her nails scratch his scalp, fingers finding his beard and tugging roughly once before directing his chin, bringing his mouth more firmly against her. He bit back a smile and licked in earnest, following her silent directions and tracing the alphabet against her clit, stopping every so often to press his tongue inside her and then dragging his tongue back up to her clit.
When he reached Z, he swirled his tongue around the bud of nerves and sucked it into his mouth, his hands dragging under her ass and over her hips, holding her her hips down and flush against his mouth as he licked her more ardently, faster and with more force. Trav felt her begin to crest before she gasped and arched her back, coming apart with a cry and a full-body shudder.
He continued to lick and suck at her until her inner muscles stopped quivering and her death grip his his face slackened, giving way to her gently running her nails against his scalp. It made him hum in pleasure, and her hips shifted, the vibration of his throat buzzing against the sensitive inside of her leg.
Travis moved back up to lie beside her, taking her into his arms. “You’re so fucking beautiful,” he murmured, Tay nuzzling into him, stroking his face and chest and shoulders. Whatever she could touch. It had been two weeks too long.
“Need you inside of me,” she whispered, reaching down to gently stroke at his cock again. Even in his exhaustion of the day, his body came back to life at her smooth strokes.
“Yeah?” He breathed, thrusting into her hand.
Taylor nodded, her mouth parted, looking wrecked and desperate.
He kissed her fiercely before shoving her back down onto her bed and quickly pinning her there, pushing one finger into her up to the hilt.
“You’re so wet for me,” he whispered as she moaned loudly in pleasure, quickly adding a second finger before she could get used to the feeling. “So fucking wet, so beautiful, so sweet and fucking perfect. Are you gunna come for me again, baby?”
He quickly shifted down the bed and nuzzled his mouth into her, not giving her a moment to get her bearings. In no time at all, her walls were fluttering around his fingers and her hips were rising and rocking violently, so he sped his fingers up and hooked them deep inside her, making her moan as she came hard on his hand. He gently pulled his fingers out of her and sucked them into his mouth, licking every little last drop of her come off of them. The sight made Taylor weak, her thighs still shaking from the aftershocks. She looked down, Trav sitting up onto his knees, already hard again.
His lips were stained red, swollen and glistening from her wetness, accentuating them as he smiled devilishly down at her. His eyes were half-masted pools of sea green, dark and inviting and filled to the brim with affection, his cheeks and chest delightfully flushed a ruddy pink. His big hands ran over her legs again and again, like he couldn’t get over the fact that this was real, like he was assuring himself that this wasn’t a mirage.
The dark thatch of hair of his happy trail led Tay’s eyes down to his hard cock, and she sat up abruptly to wrap her hand around it, making him jolt in surprise. One of his hands closed over hers, and he helped her pump, thrusting his dick into their hands and growling.
“Oh, fuck, yeah, like that,” Travis gasped, and she kept it up for a minute before she removed her hand. Trav jerked himself lazily, watching as she maneuvered her body down. She took advantage of her new position by shoving him back down and straddling his hips before reaching down between them and guiding him into her. The head of his cock split her open and her head spun with the sheer pleasure of it, the sweet stretch and burn, both of them shuddering and twitching until he was fully sheathed inside her. She was fairly certain that he was in deeper than she’d ever had anyone before, stretching her in ways she didn’t know she could be stretched. His hands were vice-like on her hips, screaming soliloquies about his self-control; she reached down to cover his hands with her own, squeezing him gently, a wordless encouragement to start.
And start, he did. “Holy shit, Trav, oh, oh, oh ,” she chanted as he snapped his hips up to meet hers, his hands on her hips to slowly lift her off of him a moment later. She circled her hips around before dropping down, making him shudder.
“F… fuck, baby,” he stuttered, the gravel in his voice spurring her on. She planted her palms on his chest, moving faster, the sound of skin slapping skin overwhelming.
“You feel so good, Trav, you’re so fucking big, so good,” she groaned as he started to chant her name like a hymn.
“Can you turn around for me? Please?”
Tay didn’t have to be asked twice, taking a minute to readjust, rotating so that her hands were braced against his thighs, her back to him as she continued to ride him, the new angle making something ignite deep in her belly. She cried out when he thrusted in just the right way to make a spark of pleasure burst inside her.
“Holy shit,” she exhaled sharply as Travis picked up the pace and it became too much, him hitting her in that same beautiful spot over and over, and she could feel another orgasm building, the tension in her lower body getting tighter and tighter.
“Trav, I’m gunna… come, I, I’m, I’m gunna c-come,” she sputtered. He grabbed her arms and pulled her backward so that her back was flush to his chest before continuing to rapidly ram into her. One of his arms secured around her torso, the other snaking down her belly to rub her clit, and when he brought his mouth to her ear and panted, “Come for me, babygirl, please,” and then licked behind her earlobe before biting it, Taylor came so hard that Travis brought up a hand to muffle her screams.
Travis was still hard inside her, moving ever so slowly, her skin overstimulated and sensitive, making her thighs twitch.
“God, I’m so…,” she trailed off, her voice completely wrecked. Trav hummed in agreement against her shoulder, his hands gently running over her sides, his touch light as a feather. She watched his hands move over her skin for a little while, feeling his hips slowly gyrating, his hardness still inside her, cock slick with her come.
“Mmm, Tay, you smell so good,” he mumbled against her, making her shiver. She took a moment to smile at his softness, then pressed her ass back towards him, urging him to take his release.
Trav started to move faster, and faster, filling her up with each thrust. Tay moved his hand to squeeze her tit, to tug on her nipple until he felt the telltale pressure build in his body as he slipped in and out of her.
Taylor leaned back as he started to cum, whispering, “I love you so much. God, I love you so much, Travis.”
Her soft words of love combined with the velvet tightness of her pussy proved to be too much as he gasped and squeezed her hips in his release, collapsing on top of her.
Taylor giggled from under him, quiet and sated. Trav rolled to the side, then dragged Tay against him, cuddling her into his arms.
“Holy fuck,” he exhaled, trying to catch his breath.
Taylor nuzzled into him, kissing his clavicle, his jaw, his nose.
“I’m so proud of you,” she murmured, cupping his face with a hand. “You’re incredible, baby.”
Travis flushed a deeper red, already pink from exertion. “You’re incredible,” he retorted. “Coming all this way…”
Taylor smiled into his flesh, stroking up and down his chest.
“Wouldn’t have missed this for the world, babe. Even if it wasn’t for the game… god, I missed you so much.”
Trav nodded, running his hands up and down her arms. “Two weeks is too fuckin’ long. Missed you so goddamn much. And with all the press asking about you… fuck, it sucked. Just kept reminding me that you weren’t gunna be there when I went to bed, or woke up.”
Taylor reached down to pull a blanket over them. “I’m sorry baby,” she frowned. “But just a couple more days, and then you’ll be in Australia, right?”
Trav nodded, pulling the blanket tighter around them. “Couple more tour stops and then we get to finally live together. Christ, that’s gunna be incredible.”
Tay grinned. “Spring in LA… summer in Europe. So much to look forward to.”
Travis kissed her temple, nestling Taylor deeper into his arms. He rested a hand on her belly, his face buried in her hair.
“So much to look forward to, baby.”