Twice as Sexy

by Carly Phillips

  “Hi, gorgeous.”

  She grinned when she looked up and saw him standing there. “Hi, yourself, handsome.” She rose and came around her desk, this time revealing her long legs and high-heeled black pumps.

  He wanted those legs wrapped around his waist. Now. And he wondered if anyone would notice if he shut the door and bent her over her desk. Then he could spend the rest of the evening all but pounding his chest like a caveman because his woman smelled like him when she talked to other men.

  “Tanner? I asked if you were ready to leave. You spaced out. Everything okay?”

  He chuckled, for damn sure not planning to reveal his thoughts. “It’s all good. You all set?”

  She nodded. “I’m even leaving work here and not taking anything home tonight. Has Jason’s family arrived?”

  He’d tried to give her a rundown of all the names and spouses, but her eyes had glazed over and he didn’t blame her. She’d meet them all in person soon.

  “They’re at the club. And Jason is picking Faith up at the shop, stopping home so she can change for a nice dinner for his birthday. Landon’s going to call with an emergency,” he said, gesturing with air quotes. “And get him to the club for the surprise.”

  “Sounds well thought out.” She picked up her purse, a dressier one than the big bag she usually carried. “All set.”

  After they’d settled in the Uber – he hadn’t seen the point in driving – she asked, “So no news?”

  She didn’t have to use Vic’s name. They both knew who she meant.

  He shook his head. “But life goes on and we’re not going to stop our plans because the asshole is out there. We’ve got security, and his picture has been handed out to each guard.”

  “Okay. So we hang tight.” He pulled her into him and they made their way downtown.

  They hadn’t shut down the club to outsiders, and thanks to the news of Tangled Royal coming to Club TEN29, customers had returned to the venue. Despite it being a Wednesday, between the regulars and Jason’s friends and big, happy family, the place was packed.

  Tanner walked around introducing Scarlett to the Dares he knew best. First up was Gabe and Izzy, a curvy brunette, with a warm, generous personality. “You’ve heard me mention Gabe Dare? This is the man himself and his wife, Isabelle.”

  “I’ve heard great things about you,” Scarlett said to Gabe. “So nice to meet you.” She smiled at Izzy.

  They shared small talk, and then Tanner caught sight of Lucy Dare and her husband, Max Savage, and he called them over. “This is my decorator, Lucy Dare. Lucy and Max, this is Scarlett.”

  And on and on it went until finally, Landon let out a whistle. “Just heard from Faith. They’re parking and should be here any minute.”

  A little while later, Faith and Jason walked in the door and headed back toward the bar. “Surprise!” everyone called out.

  “Let the party begin,” Tanner whispered in Scarlett’s ear.

  She grinned. “Aww, Jason looks so shocked and happy to see his family.”

  They stayed for another couple of hours, mingled with Jason’s family and friends, and ate Faith’s delicious candy.

  “Thanks for coming,” Jason said, joining them by the end of the bar, where they’d gone for as much quiet as they could find in the crowded room.

  “Happy birthday.” Tanner slapped his friend on the back, then pulled him in for a brotherly hug.

  “Happy birthday, Jason.” Scarlett stepped over, lifted herself up onto her tiptoes, and kissed his cheek. “I hope you have a wonderful year.”

  “Did you have fun?” he asked Scarlett. “I know my family can be a bit much.”

  She laughed at that mild description. “I actually like them all. Not that I can keep everyone straight but I tried. It must be nice to have such a warm, loving family.”

  Jason shot a startled glance at Tanner.

  “Sorry, man. I haven’t had time to explain your crazy family dynamics to her.” He glanced at her. “Let’s just say it involves a cheating father, a second family, a bone marrow donation, and a big reveal. I’ll explain in detail later.”

  Jason barked out a laugh. “That’s the most succinct description ever. It’s taken us all awhile to get to the point where we are now. All family and friends.” He glanced out over the crowd. “But now? I’m grateful for them all.”

  Tanner knew that, like him, Scarlett felt the lack of family in her life. The pain of what she didn’t have and the loss of those she loved.

  “Sounds like a soap opera I’d love to hear,” she said.

  “I’ll let him tell you. I’m going to find Faith. Thanks again, guys, and feel free to bail at any time.” He winked at them.

  Tanner chuckled. “I think we’ll take him up on that. You ready?”

  “Beyond. I’m exhausted.”

  They headed outside to Tanner’s SUV.

  “That was such an amazing party and I can’t wait to hear Jason’s family story,” Scarlett said, going on about all the Dares she’d met, why she liked each one, who had exchanged phone numbers with her because they’d hit it off.

  He listened to her happy voice as he opened the door for her, letting her in and closing it behind her. And because he was distracted by Scarlett and still thinking about the party, he missed the man hidden in the alley until he got the jump on him.

  A large, strong arm came around Tanner’s neck, pulling him into the shadows, cutting off his circulation and ability to fight back. “You are not going to fucking ruin my life again.”

  Vic. Tanner pulled at the arm, needing air flow.

  To his shock, Vic released him, and Tanner stumbled before righting himself and facing the other man. “If I’m going down, you’re going with me,” Vic said, clearly wanting the fight Tanner was trying to avoid.

  He breathed in deep, more in control of himself than he’d have expected. “How? I’d have to beat you bloody again and I’m not stupid enough to lose everything because of you.” Even if now that hazy anger was threatening to overwhelm him, the voice of reason remained stronger.

  “Yeah? What if I pull that pretty blonde out of the car and fuck her while you watch?”

  Yeah. The red glow took over. He darted forward and grabbed Vic around the neck, pinning him against the wall. “Don’t look at her. Don’t touch her. Don’t even think about her.”

  The son of a bitch grinned. “What do you say? Want to spread your legs for me, Scarlett?”

  Tanner didn’t think, he jerked his hand and Vic’s head hit the wall.

  “Tanner, no. This is what he wants!” Scarlett yelled from behind him and he realized she was watching.

  Watching him turn into the angry animal Vic wanted him to become.

  In the second she distracted him, Vic shook himself loose and came after Tanner with a swing to his jaw.

  Scarlett screamed but Tanner couldn’t allow himself to be taken off guard again. He didn’t plan on getting himself tossed in jail for assault again, but he wasn’t about to take the beating, either. He’d had enough MMA experience to go after Vic another way.

  * * *

  When Tanner didn’t come right around to his side of the SUV, Scarlett realized something was wrong. She hopped out of the car to see Vic’s arm around Tanner’s neck, Tanner struggling for breath. In a heartbeat, the situation was reversed. Tanner had Vic against the wall.

  Fear like she’d never known paralyzed her where she stood. Especially after Tanner shook Vic so hard he hit his head against the wall.

  She wasn’t strong enough to get between them, and she didn’t want to run away to get help. She was afraid Tanner would kill Vic and then what? All the work he’d done to be a better man would be for nothing. But Vic knew that and was taunting Tanner, goading him, and using threats to Scarlett to do it. He wanted Tanner to bury himself with his anger.

  When Vic freed himself and hit Tanner, Scarlett screamed and Tanner grappled with the man, pulling him to the ground. Unable to watch, she ran for help,
barreling into the bar, screaming. But security must have already seen what was going on outside through their monitors because no sooner had she stepped in the door than the guys and the big bald guard ran past her, nearly knocking her down in the process.

  She drew a deep, shaky breath. Part of her didn’t want to go outside and see if Vic was bloody and beaten on the ground … or worse, if Tanner was. And another part of her, the part that knew Tanner deep in her soul, wanted to believe he wouldn’t succumb to his darker impulses, not even with Vic.

  “Scarlett?” Faith ran to her, wrapping an arm around her. “Honey, you’re trembling. Come sit.”

  “But…” Her teeth were chattering. “Vic is outside and Tanner…” She could barely get the words out.

  Faith eased her into a barstool. “I know. Security came running down after they’d caught the fight on the live feed. It’s going to be okay. The cops are on their way.”

  Faith glanced over at the bartender. “Give me a shot of whiskey.”

  He poured one and Faith handed Scarlett the glass. “Take a drink. Come on. You’re going to be fine. Tanner is going to be fine.”

  “I know. I believe in him.” In the instant when she’d seen him shake the man, she’d wavered. But in her heart, she knew. Tanner was solid. He was going to handle it right. As long as Vic didn’t hurt him. “I just… I was scared. I’m still so scared.”

  Faith treated her to a grim smile. “I’d take you outside to see for yourself but Jason will turn my ass red,” she said, not looking at all put out by the notion.

  Her innocent eyelash batting let Scarlett relax and even laugh a little.

  Then she took another drink and settled in to wait, because like Faith, if she showed her face outside before the police arrived, Tanner would lose his shit with worry. And she didn’t want to distract him again.

  Chapter Eleven

  Tanner had Vic in a headlock by the time the guys showed up and their security guard, Glenn, took over. Between his gun and the cuffs he’d slapped on a shouting Vic, Tanner could finally breathe easily again.

  He straightened his jacket and blew out a breath.

  “You okay?” Landon placed a hand on his shoulder.

  “Yeah. Fucker jumped me.” Which he could have and had handled. It was hearing him talk about violating Scarlett that nearly caused him to explode. Then turning around and seeing her there? Jesus. He’d lost ten years off his life.

  “Those security cameras have fucking paid for themselves twice over now,” Jason said as sirens began to sound and cop cars came to a screeching halt inside and outside the alley.

  It took a while to sort through the situation, especially with Vic trying to claim he’d been set up, jumped, attacked by Tanner again, among all sorts of other bullshit. The good news was that everything was on tape. Vic had let his hatred of Tanner and the rest of the guys get the best of him, and he’d forgotten about the security cameras. All he’d been focused on was revenge for the years he’d already spent in prison.

  Now, thanks to the vandalism he’d caused, the bomb threat he’d called in and admitted to Daniel Sutherland, and the violation of his parole … the man was going away again for a long, long time.

  When the police finally left with Vic, Tanner and the guys headed back inside the bar. They were immediately surrounded by Dares who wanted to know what had happened and if everyone was okay. But Tanner only had eyes for the shaken woman on the barstool in the far corner of the room.

  She’d seen him at his worst and he had to wonder how she’d feel about him now. He excused himself from the mass of people and made his way over to her.

  She looked up at him with those big green eyes. “You’re okay.” She touched a hand to what was probably his swollen jaw. It hurt but he’d live.

  He nodded. “I’m fine.”

  She pulled her bottom lip between her teeth. “And Vic?”

  “Is with the cops… He’s fine too.”

  She released a long breath. “I knew you wouldn’t hurt him. I believed that you’d keep yourself under control.”

  He studied her in awe. “Unsure how you knew that when there was a moment I didn’t believe it myself.”

  A smile graced her lips. “Because I know who you are in here.” She placed a warm hand over his chest. “Now can we go home?”

  * * *

  Tanner knew better than to think his battle was over. True, Vic was behind bars, but there was no way he’d go down easily. There’d be a trial and sentencing because Vic was a bastard and if it made their lives more difficult? He’d do everything he could to torture them. Sadistic asshole.

  But the next morning, Vic was the last thing on his mind because he knew in his gut Scarlett was going to leave, and if he wanted her forever, he was going to have to let her go first.

  She was stubborn, his girl, and right now she was staring at him with those intelligent eyes, and she definitely had something to say.

  “What is it?” he asked, looking at her across the bed.

  “It’s over,” she murmured.

  He nodded. “It is.” Instead of beating around the bush, he went right for the kill. “Can I convince you to stay?”

  She blew out a long breath. “It’s so fast. We’re so new.”

  He’d expected this. After all, as her father had said, she’d raised herself and was scared of heartbreak. Not to mention she’d lost both her mother and her brother. Fear lived inside her. If he wanted her with him, he needed to be patient. But that didn’t mean he’d make it easy.

  “I can’t just move in with you and assume everything is going to be okay,” she said softly.

  “Why not?”

  She blinked nervously. “Well, we’ve only been together under stressful circumstances, for one thing. You still don’t know that my crazy work schedule and your night one is compatible.”

  “Faith and Jason make it work.”

  She opened and closed her mouth. He’d obviously stumped her with that one.

  “But if you think we need time, I’ll give you time.” With more emotional difficulty than he’d ever had before, he rolled out of bed and stood facing her. “Come on. I’ll help you get your things together and take them back to your place.”

  It killed him to do it this way, but she needed to see they could work under ordinary life circumstances. That he was a man who stuck. And that despite what she was telling herself, she really wanted to be here with him. All things she needed to learn for herself. She needed to miss him.

  As he’d thought, she was a stubborn woman. But she’d needed to become self-reliant out of necessity. Once he took her home, he hoped she’d realize how very wrong her way of thinking was. Otherwise he was shit out of luck and in a lot of trouble.

  * * *

  Scarlett had been back to her normal routine for one week. Today was the second Monday of normal. One week of waking up alone and going to sleep the same way. A week of getting her own lunch and eating by herself. A weekend of working from home, buried in files, but this time Tanner wasn’t patiently by her side. And she hated it.

  “I just need time to readjust to normal.” She said it so often, she was just waiting to believe it.

  “Keep telling yourself that,” Leigh said from behind her desk.

  Instead of Leigh seeking Scarlett out to talk and take a break, it was Scarlett who’d come knocking to see her friend. She’d even taken a walk downstairs and bought Starbucks for them both.

  “Tell me again why you left the man you obviously love?”

  “I…” She opened and closed her mouth. “I love him.”

  Leigh narrowed her gaze. “Are you just figuring this out?”

  Blowing out a slow breath, Scarlett nodded. “In words, yes. I mean, I never put the words to the feelings.”

  Leigh steepled her hands and shook her head. “You are really something. For a smart woman, you can be so slow emotionally.”

  “Hey, it’s been hard for me.” She could list all the reasons, her backg
round, childhood, history, and none of it mattered. She’d screwed up badly.

  “Call him,” Leigh said. “Or go see him. But for the love of God, don’t lose him.”

  “I know. I am. I will.” She pushed herself up from her seat, gathering the courage as she walked back to her office, where she’d left her cell.

  She settled back into her chair, placed her coffee cup on the desk, and picked up her phone to find a text waiting for her.

  Are you free for lunch?

  Her heart leapt inside her chest at the sight of Tanner’s name on the screen. Yes.

  Sandwich or salad? he asked.

  So he was coming here so she could work for as long as possible. Excitement over such a little thing lit her up inside because it showed how well he understood her.

  Sandwich, she texted back. I’m starving.

  She’d skipped breakfast, something she’d been doing because she’d gotten used to having his company over a bowl of cereal or a cup of yogurt in Tanner’s kitchen and now she was lonely. Something she didn’t want to admit to herself.

  Instead of working, she counted the minutes until Tanner stood in her doorway. He cleared his throat. “Did someone order a sandwich?” He held out a plain brown bag.

  And God, was he a welcome sight. He wore his faded black jeans and his olive-green Henley. His muscles bulged in the sleeves. She knew he hit the gym after he dropped her off at work. Now he could go whenever he wanted to.

  “Come in!” She jumped up and began clearing off her desk, making room for them to eat.

  “Relax,” he said in that rough voice she adored.

  She wondered if he’d waited a week on purpose. So she’d miss him even more. If so, his plan had worked.

  He strode over, took the file folders from her hands, and moved the piles over to the windowsill for her. She reached for the bag but he placed it on the desk.

  “Forgetting something first?”

  She paused, uncertain around him, a feeling she detested. “Umm…”

  He held out his arms. “Kiss me, honey.”

  She blinked, and before she could process the motion, she threw herself against his chest, wrapped her arms around his neck, and sealed her lips over his, thrusting her tongue inside his waiting mouth. He tasted like mint and man, like home and everything good in life.