Their gazes met in the mirror and at that moment all she was aware of was the warm and immediate pulse between her legs. He’d cleaned up, but she could still smell the musky, primal scent of sweat and man. Combined with the look in his chestnut-brown eyes, she felt herself falter, trying to find the right words. But there weren’t any. She couldn’t remember why she’d opened the door in the first place. Something about being his friend…
He turned and leaned against the sink, his clean shirt still in his hand. She let her gaze drop again, where it seemed destined to be. To his defined chest, to his nipples, small and hard as stones. To the dark line of hair that ran down his abdomen and disappeared underneath his jeans.
He watched her, waiting. The air between them almost crackled, as thunder rolled in the distance. This time closer. The dishes in her china hutch rattled at the low vibration, and the house seemed to be waiting, too.
Again, she forced her gaze up to meet his. He was quiet, as dangerous right then as a serrated blade. She wanted him to reach for her. Maybe push her up against the wall, so she could feel every inch of his length against her body. Never in her life had she experienced such raw, heated desire—imagining things that would’ve made her mother lock her up until she was thirty.
Blinking, she licked her lips, trying to pull herself together. But his gaze only shifted to her mouth, and her lips began to tingle.
“I…” She swallowed, hyperaware of how his thumb moved over the Formica counter in slow half arcs. Thick veins snaked over his hands, his fingers long and blocky. God, she wanted those hands on her. Roaming, exploring, taking what they wanted. “I just wanted to see how you were doing.”
He watched her, his eyes hooded. He didn’t seem phased by the tension between them. In fact, he seemed completely at ease, in his element. Making her suffer, little by little.
“Are you planning on seeing Guy again?” he asked.
“Guy? I don’t…” The question was abrupt. Apparently, he wasn’t planning on beating around the bush.
“Yeah,” he said. “Guy.”
She licked her lips again, wetting them. Apparently that was going to be her new nervous habit around Tanner. And she wasn’t used to having many nervous habits.
“I don’t know.”
“You said you’d check your schedule.”
“Well, I didn’t know what else to say. I didn’t want to be rude.”
His eyes narrowed at that. And somewhere deep inside, her defenses went up.
“Why?” she asked.
“He’s a dick.”
“I know that. But I dated the guy…”
“Doesn’t mean you have to go out of your way to see him now.”
She crossed her arms over her chest, aware that her cleavage was on full display in the low-riding tank top. His dark gaze dropped to take it in. Good. Give him some of his own medicine.
“Aside from the fact that you don’t like him…and I get that, believe me,” she said, “why do you care? You just gave me a lecture on how you didn’t want to start anything with anyone, remember?”
“I said I’m not in the position to start anything. I didn’t say I don’t want to start anything.”
She cocked her head. “And what does that mean exactly?”
“It means,” he said, pushing off the counter and looking down at her breasts again, “that I’d like to start something with you just fine.”
That did it. Her cheeks burned. Along with that delicate, pulsing spot between her legs. “You can’t say that to me…”
“Why?”
“Because,” she managed. “You might think I’m a good girl, but that doesn’t mean I’m not human. I want it, too.” The words embarrassed her. They exposed everything she felt at that second, and that wasn’t her style. She was used to holding her cards close, so she didn’t fall too hard, or too fast. The question was, would Tanner catch her if she went ahead and let go?
He reached up and ran his fingers along her collarbone. She flinched, her heart thumping wildly in her chest. He was standing so close, she could see the tiny points of stubble on his chin and upper lip. If he didn’t shave, he’d have a thick, sexy beard in a few days. And all she could think of was how that would feel scraping against her skin.
“I’ve always wanted you, Francie,” he said, his voice hoarse.
She was about to have complete and utter heart failure. Her breath hitched once, then twice as she struggled to maintain her composure.
Lightning flashed outside the window and the lights flickered. Thunder followed, and Francie had trouble differentiating the rumble outside from the storm unfurling inside her body.
He focused on her mouth again and leaned down slowly. She watched him get closer, could actually feel the heat coming off him. Or maybe that was just her, standing there burning like a match.
And then the screen door slammed, and footsteps pounded into the living room.
They both froze and stared at each other.
“Francie!” Maddie called. “It’s starting to rain and the windows are down in your car!”
Willing herself to take a deep breath, she let it out evenly before calling back, “Okay, honey! I’ll be right out.”
One corner of Tanner’s mouth curved. “Saved by the bell.”
Would she call it that? Because her lips were still anticipating his touch. Aching to feel his tongue nudge them open. It wouldn’t have been like last time, a quick, heated kiss on Main Street. This time he might’ve actually pushed her up against the wall, God help her.
Instead, he shook out the T-shirt he was holding and pulled it over his head. She watched his beautiful chest disappear underneath it, and then his muscled abdomen with that dark line of hair running down, down, down…
He tucked the front of it underneath his belt—hastily, not caring, but managing to look more gorgeous than ever.
Pushing a hand through his wet hair, he stared down at her.
“Better go roll up those windows,” he said. And then leaned closer, his lips tilting in that way that made her want to reach for him. “Before we do something we might regret.”
Chapter Nine
The worst of the storm had passed, leaving only a steady rain beating against Francie’s living room windows. Tanner could hear her in the kitchen, cleaning up from lunch. She’d insisted on Vivian staying, too, and they’d all moved inside to eat at her kitchen table, a get-together that she’d managed to make warm and welcoming, despite the tension Tanner knew he was putting out there.
He ran his hands down his thighs now and leaned back on the couch, stretching his legs in front of him. Vivian was telling Maddie about Hawaii, how much she’d love the beach and all the kids on her street. And his little sister would look at him every now and then, the expression on her face sad. He couldn’t believe she wasn’t excited about going at this point. Shit…Hawaii? But Maddie had always been a sensitive little soul, and deep down, he knew she wasn’t yanking his chain when she said she wanted to stay in Marietta.
“Your uncle Rob can take you parasailing,” Vivian said. “Are you afraid of heights?”
Maddie shrugged, forcing a smile. “I don’t think so.”
“That seals it, then. You’ll be a natural.”
Tanner watched his aunt, so perfectly composed, all dressed up, even for a long, tiring trip halfway across the country. So different from his mom, that a wave of unexpected emotion washed over him. She’d been screwed up, but he missed her. And his aunt was just doing the best she could.
And then, the ache in his chest grew warmer, warmer, until he started feeling…what exactly? He’d gone over and over this in his head. So many times that he could hardly think straight anymore. Maddie would be happy there. Fact. He wasn’t prepared to be a father. Fact. But still, despite everything, the look on her face made him question it all over again.
Vivian glanced over, taking a long sip of her coffee. “Now, Tanner,” she said, putting it down again. “Tell me about this little bu
siness you’ve got going.”
He prickled but had to remind himself that she meant well. She didn’t know Tanner as an adult. Not really. And whatever his mom had told her had obviously been bullshit. Had Jennifer Harlow really known what he’d wanted more than anything else? Even though she’d witnessed him putting himself through college to achieve it? He doubted it.
Francie came in and sat down a few feet away, but he didn’t trust himself to look at her. Just her sheer presence brought things to the surface that he wasn’t necessarily comfortable with. Things that confused him. And more confusion was the last damn thing he needed right now.
“It’s called Quaking Aspen,” he said evenly. “Landscape design.”
“And it’s just you, right? Nobody working under you?”
“Just me. For now.”
She nodded, considering this. “And you’re trying to make a go of it? This yard business?”
“I am.”
“But you can’t have too many jobs, can you? Right here in Marietta? It’s such a small town.”
Francie leaned forward. “I can tell you, Mrs. Craig, that he’s already in high demand. Tanner knows more about botany and design than anyone I know.”
“Is that right?”
“I heard just a few days ago that an assistant for the governor was interested in his work.”
He looked over. He hadn’t mentioned that to anyone.
“Word travels fast in Marietta,” she said, glancing back.
Tanner had to work not to smile. She was definitely posturing. Defending him like a little boxer. He only wished she were as tough where that piece of shit Guy Davis was concerned.
“You’re a hard worker,” Vivian said, her gaze settling on him again. “I’m not surprised. You were always tenacious when you set your mind to something. I’ve never seen anyone with as bad a stutter as you had, Tanner. And now look at you.”
He shifted in his seat.
“I mean it, honey,” she continued. “Your mom waited too long to finally get you help. It was shameful.”
His ears were hot. “Vivian…”
“You’ve come a long way.” She patted Maddie’s knee. “But we’re all lucky Uncle Rob and I are able to step in. There’s just no way you’d be able to do this by yourself.”
His ears were throbbing now. “I’m grateful you’re both here for us, and that you love Maddie as much as Judd and Luke and I do. But I could do it by myself. And would, if that’s what it came down to.”
“Oh, I know you would. But that’s not the question. It’s whether or not you’d be able to do it the way it should be done. A little girl needs a stable home environment, parents who’ll be there for her—”
“I’ll always be here for her. I’m here for her now.”
“It’s true, he is,” Maddie said, looking closer to tears than he would’ve liked.
He needed to stop. To rein this in while he was still feeling civil. He had no idea why he was arguing with his aunt, anyway. This was a done deal.
Vivian put an arm around her and pulled her close. “I know he is, sweetheart. He’s a good big brother. But you need a mom and dad.”
She’d always needed a mom and dad. She’d never had a complete family, and even now, she was being denied it by the person who’d promised to protect her at all costs. He didn’t know what the hell was wrong with him. Why did he want this fight so badly? But he felt it churning in his bones just the same.
Francie, probably sensing his mood, scooted closer. Her smooth thigh only inches from his hand. He needed to get out of there. To think. To calm down.
Clenching his jaw, he leaned forward and put his elbows on his knees.
An uncomfortable silence settled over the room. The rain continued pounding against the windows and Charlotte snored softly at his feet.
“You know,” Vivian said, running her hand over Maddie’s hair. “I’d love to take my niece for some ice cream. Is that okay with you, Tanner?”
“Sure. I need to run home anyway.” He glanced over at Francie. “I forgot my good sod cutter. Stupid.”
She nodded, looking worried.
“I’ll be back, okay? The rain should let up by then.” But it was obvious he was just looking for an excuse to leave. They probably all knew it. Especially Maddie, who usually jumped up and down at the thought of ice cream, but sat there now, overly quiet.
He’d get his shit together and come back in a better frame of mind. He’d make sure Vivian’s bed was made up and the refrigerator was stocked. He’d summon the maturity he needed to get through this visit. To get through letting Maddie go, period.
When he stood, Charlotte snapped her head up and stood, too, shaking herself off.
“Thanks for lunch, Francie.” He looked down at her, in the simple cotton tank top and cutoff shorts. And felt a pull so strong that it spooked him.
Definitely needed to get the hell out of Dodge.
*
Francie paced her living room floor. Back and forth, chewing on her nail and glancing repeatedly out the window. The rain was still coming. Steadily, in miniature torrents against the glass. Tanner couldn’t work on the yard in this. Which meant he wasn’t coming back any time soon.
She stopped and crossed her arms over her chest, feeling the chill of the empty house all the way to her toes. Maddie had gone with her aunt to get ice cream, and the absence of the little girl and her brother, and even his sweet, long-legged dog, made her more lonesome than she’d care to admit.
Tanner had been in a strange place when he’d left, she could tell. His aunt seemed like a nice person with only the best intentions, but the way she spoke to him was almost like she expected a custody fight. Would he give her one? He’d made it pretty clear this arrangement was fairly set in stone, even if he and his brothers weren’t thrilled about it. But the look on his face this afternoon, the one where he seemed to be coming right out of his skin, said otherwise.
She stared out the window to where his truck had been parked only an hour ago. She could still see the heat in his eyes from before, when he’d stood in the bathroom with water dripping from his dark hair. She could still feel his pent-up energy. He’d reminded her of a caged tiger.
And then, without thinking it through, pushing away every single reason why it wasn’t a good idea, she leaned over and plucked her keys from the end table and walked out the door.
Chapter Ten
Tanner opened his fridge and took out a beer. Touching the rim to the edge of the counter, he smacked it with his palm and watched the top fly off with a satisfying thwack!
He raised the bottle to his mouth and took a long, frothy pull. His aunt obviously didn’t think he’d learned anything useful in college. She should watch him pop the tops off longnecks. It was a beautiful sight.
Taking another drink, he walked into the living room and sat on the arm of the couch. The house was quiet. Too quiet. His shoulders were so tight, he could feel them strain against his T-shirt.
He licked the tangy porter from his lips, and the taste reminded him of the first time he’d gotten drunk. He’d gone back to his dorm room with a pretty brunette named Fae, but he’d fucked up and called her Fran. She’d never returned his calls after that. Go figure.
He’d been hung up on Francie, even when he’d thought he was done being hung up on her. It seemed as though she’d followed him around all these years, looking over his shoulder, reminding him that nobody was ever going to live up to that perfect, homecoming-queen image.
Charlotte pricked her ears toward the door, then let out a yip. Craning his neck, he looked out the window, and saw Francie’s little red Beetle at the curb. What the hell…
He stood and headed for the door, his boots thumping heavily, purposefully on the hardwood floor. There were a dozen reasons she could be showing up. She was sweet, sensitive. And it didn’t take a clairvoyant to have seen how unsettled he’d been leaving her house. Still, deep down he knew that wasn’t why she was here now. They had unfinis
hed business. Maybe she didn’t realize it yet, but he did.
He opened the door to see her standing there with her fist raised mid-knock. Jesus, she was easy on the eyes. Her hair was damp from the rain, hanging in sexy, messed-up strands past her bare shoulders. Her tank top was wet, too, and see-through as hell. She wore a lacy white bra underneath.
He forced his gaze up and leaned against the doorjamb, still holding his beer. He didn’t trust himself to speak. His throat had gone dry.
She smiled and lowered her hand. “I just came to check on you,” she said. “You left so fast…”
“You noticed that, huh?”
“Kind of hard not to.”
“I was feeling claustrophobic. My aunt’s…problematic.”
She watched him. “She doesn’t understand you, Tanner. That’s obvious.”
“I don’t think she ever did. Here…” He stepped aside. “Come in.”
Lowering her head, she walked past, and he caught her scent. Shampoo, a trace of perfume.
She patted Charlotte, who greedily nudged her hand, and looked around. “Your house is beautiful.”
“Thanks. Didn’t come this way. It’s taken a few years.”
All of a sudden, he saw it through her eyes. The crisp, clean lines of the 1950s ranch. The midcentury modern style that screamed bachelor, unattached. Even his furniture was less for comfort and more for the eye. But it hadn’t taken long for Maddie’s influence to take over. Now there was a fuzzy pink blanket thrown over the couch and a few soft pillows nestled on the chairs—things she cuddled up with when she watched TV.
He was proud of his house. Like Quaking Aspen, it had been a labor of love. It made him happy to see the admiration on Francie’s face.
She turned to run her fingers down the period brick mantel, and he let his gaze fall where it wanted. Her long, tan legs. Her ass, which practically begged to be cupped in a man’s hands. Her hair—that golden, unruly mass of waves that he longed to touch.
He set his beer on the coffee table and straightened to lace his hands behind his head. “Why did you come over here, Francie? Really?”
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