“But what if it doesn’t work out? What if I just confuse Paisley even more?”
“Stop with all of the what-ifs and just do it. You’ll never know if you don’t try. Only think about the positive what ifs. Try to at least, please?” She sets her hands on her hips
“Okay.” I puff out a breath and she claps when I head towards my room to rifle through my closet once again. I finally decide on a simple black dress that flares at the hips and throw on a pair of heels and a long strand of pearls. I tighten my hair into a bun and finish by working on my makeup. I’ve never felt this nervous for a date before. I know how much is riding on this. I want it to go perfectly, but I’m not counting on it. Tanner and I seem to butt heads; our personalities clash. What if we’re not meant to be together? I shake my head, spritzing my perfume into the air and walking through the cloud. I need to take Monroe’s advice: forget about the what-ifs.
Monroe looks at me sideways when I come back into the living room while Paisley claps her hands together. “What’s wrong? Do my hips look huge in this dress?” I frown, pushing down at the sides.
“No, you look gorgeous as always, but…did Tanner tell you where he was taking you?”
“No.” I shrug. “I just figured we would be going out to eat or something.”
“Oh okay. Well, I guess that’ll work then. It is true Amelia style.”
I open up the front closet and pull out my black trench coat and purse just as the doorbell rings. “Would you mind taking Paisley back in her room to play?” I slide on a pair of oversized sunglasses and pull on my coat.
Monroe rolls her eyes. “Why, Miss Hepburn?”
I stick my tongue out at her and cinch the strap around my waist. “Because I don’t think Paisley should see you-know-who and I together like this—not yet, anyway. This might be the one and only date we go on together. You know I can only handle so much of him.”
“Alright.” She huffs a breath as I press a kiss to Paisley’s cheek. “Have fun,” Monroe adds before muttering something about me being dramatic.
“Amelia?” Tanner’s lips twitch when I swing the door open. “Is that you underneath there?”
“Yes.” I pull up the collar on my coat. “Are we ready to go?”
“Um… yeah, but—” I push past him and sprint to his truck, hopping into the passenger side and slamming the door behind me.
“Amelia, what the hell are you doing?” Tanner asks as soon as he slides in behind the steering wheel.
I duck my head down as he pulls out of the driveway, peering up at him beneath my sunglasses. “I don’t want every nosy nelly in this town to see us together. You just know that they will, and I’m not ready for that.”
“Well, alright, I guess.” He smirks down at me. “But while you’re down there...”
“Shut it.” I smack his thigh and slide towards the passenger side as far as possible.
He snorts, shaking his head. “I think the coast is clear. We’re through town now. I don’t think you’ll be spotted. You gonna take that coat off? It’s not exactly chilly out.”
I sit up, shrugging off my coat and pushing my sunglasses up. “Where are you taking me then? Are we heading to Atlanta?”
“Don’t you worry your pretty little head about that, blondie. We’ll be there soon enough. I was trying to tell you what you’re wearing is a little too… fancy, though. I should’ve known you would’ve been in a dress.”
“Well, you could’ve called me,” I huffed, crossing my arms over my chest. “Do you think I should go back and change?”
“Nah.” He grins, turning onto the driveway that belongs to Miller and Monroe. “I’m sure I’ll enjoy the view.” I try to resist the urge to smile, but it doesn’t work.
“Why are we going to Miller’s? I thought he was out of town.”
“He is.” He stops his truck next to the barn that sits on the edge of Miller’s property. “But he knows we’re here. Monroe does too.”
“Of course she does, that sneaky girl.” Tanner runs around the front of the truck to pull open my door, holding out a hand to help me down.
My eyes widen in surprise as I slide onto my feet. “Wow, you’re being such a gentleman.”
He grins, snugging his arm tighter around my waist and I breathe in the familiar scent of his cologne—purely Tanner. He has a plaid shirt on, rolled at the elbows that give a few peeks of the tattoos that I know wrap around both of his shoulders to his back, and a hat turned backwards on his head—one of my weaknesses. I lick my lips, trying not to show how hot and bothered he’s getting me right now.
“I can be when I really want to. You know my mom taught me right.”
“Well, I haven’t seen much of it before.”
“Well, that’s going to change.”
“Hmm… I don’t know. I kind of liked the old Tanner.”
“What?” His eyes flash with amusement, letting his arms fall away before walking into the barn. “Did you just say you like me?”
“Liked was the key word there,” I point out.
“Oh, so you liked me? I always thought you hated me.”
“Well, I did, but I think I might be starting to come around to possibly liking you—just a little.” I hold up my finger and thumb to demonstrate how much I like him and he grabs a hold of my hand, surprising me by pressing a simple kiss to my palm before pulling me towards the barn.
“So, have you ever rode before?” he asks over his shoulder.
“Well, that’s kind of a loaded question.”
“Hey, those comments are supposed to be coming from me.”
“Oh, so I can’t have a dirty mind? Only you’re allowed to?”
He shrugs before tugging on my hand. “I didn’t say that. Now c’mon, they’re waiting for us.”
Chapter 14
Tanner
Her nose is turned upwards, her hands set on her hips, and her eyes are narrowed in my direction. That look has my dick stiffening and I try to think about anything other than Amelia right now to get it to calm down. I need to take my time with her, just like she deserves. I don’t want her to think we’re just going to be fuck buddies again and nothing else—not this time around. “Told you what you had on wasn’t gonna work.”
“Tanner, I’m wearing heels and I’m walking through horse shit. I figured when you said you were taking me on a date, we would be going to dinner or something. I mean, I’m not trying to be a stuck up bitch or anything, but—”
“Amelia, just relax.” She squeals when I scoop her up and throw her over my shoulder, inhaling her sweet scent—my southern peach. My hand slaps against her ass, the sound echoing through the stalls as she lets out a tiny yelp, but grins. “Have you ever been riding with Monroe before?”
“Nope.” I set her down on a bale of hay and she watches intently as I saddle up two of Miler’s horses. “What made you think of taking me horseback riding?”
“Well, it seemed to work for Miller when he and Monroe started dating. I figured they’re happy, maybe it’ll work for us.”
Her mouth is wide open, like she’s at a loss for words—which is a first for Amelia, but I love that about her. I also love how much of a girly girl she is when most guys would find it to be a major pain in the ass. Not to mention that I very much appreciate the fact that she’s almost always in a dress; that way I can see those long tan legs of hers that I can still picture wrapped around me. I love the sass she gives right back to me and I love the way she sweetens up everyone that’s in the room. I don’t think I knew I was in love with her before. It wasn’t until I didn’t have her that I knew for sure, but then I was back with Marissa, which was the biggest mistake of my life.
I help Amelia onto her horse before getting onto mine, and she grins when I settle a cowboy hat onto the top of my head and gave her a wink. “Now, you need to take it—”
Before I can even finish my sentence she’s off and in perfect form too. I grin before trying to catch up with her, which takes me awhile. I have to get a closer view
of her straddling her horse in that dress anyway, riding high on her thighs. What I want to do with her right now isn’t appropriate for a first date, though. Why in the fuck did I decide on being a gentleman? Right, I didn’t want to fuck things up—again.
We come to a stop along the pond and Amelia’s whole face lights up when she spots the blanket and cooler that are waiting for us. I slide down to help her off her horse and she plops down on the blanket, kicking off her heels.
“I thought you said you’d never ridden before.”
“That’s not what you asked—I’ve ridden plenty, just not with Monroe.” She licks her lips before winking at me and I drop down next to her with a groan, whipping open the cooler lid to pull out the contents and keep my mind off of what exactly she’s ridden. God, I can’t do it. I remember her riding my dick hard, so clearly it’s like I can feel her tightness squeezing the shit out of it right now. I shake my head, adjusting the front of my jeans.
“What’s the matter, Tanner? You seem a little… flustered.” When I look up, she’s biting back a smile, knowing exactly the effect she’s having on me.
“Nothing, blondie,” I rush out, needing to change the subject. “Ready to eat?” She nods, and I push a plate in front of her.
“Did your mom put this together?” She takes a bite of the chicken salad wrap before scooping her fork into the potato salad.
“Nope, I made everything.”
“You mean you bought it from the store.” She points her fork at me, both brows raised.
“No, I mean I made everything, even baked the chicken, diced it all up, and whipped up the salad.”
“Impressive.”
“Well, thank you.” I tip my hat at her. “So, is this better than going out to dinner?”
“Definitely. I just didn’t want to ride a horse in a dress! But I think I handled it pretty well. Did you enjoy the view?”
“Hell yes I did,” I answer quickly—a little too quickly. Slow down, killer. You’re going to scare her away. I was wound so tight right now, I felt as if I was going to explode in my pants like a prepubescent teenager.
She snorts before gathering up our plates and putting them in the plastic bag I thought to bring. When the hell did I become so domesticated? “Well, good. Thank you for being so thoughtful today. It really means a lot.” The way she smiles radiantly makes me think that I’m on the right track here. And to say it feels good is an understatement.
Then she asks in a seductive voice, “Did you bring dessert?” And the right track hits a bump. How am I supposed to stay on the straight and narrow when her naughty bedroom voice comes out, one that I remember all too well.
I clear my throat. “No, I figured we could—”
“Well, I think I can help out with that then.”
I’m about to ask her where in the hell she’s hiding some of her cupcakes when she drops herself onto my lap and pushes her lips against mine in a hungry rush. I sit back, grinning against her lips as I let her have her way with me even though she’s totally fucked up my plan of being a gentleman.
I’m not sure how I’ve lasted this long without her mouth on mine and I lap up every second, every stroke, every nip. She rocks her hips against me and I groan, my cock bulging against my jeans, attempting to go into Hulk mode.
She pulls away all too soon, a soft smile in place as she cradles my face between her hands.
“Well, I think I enjoyed that dessert a whole lot more than the ice cream we were gonna get.”
She smirks, tugging on the back of my neck to pull me closer. She knows exactly the effect she’s having on me because it won’t stop poking into her. My dick is begging for freedom, but I can’t give in. For now, this is the furthest I’ll let it go. Still, it feels fantastic to have her on my lip, to be tasting her once again. “Are you ready for seconds yet? Because I sure am.”
I lick my lips slowly, running my hands up her bare thighs and her entire body shivers against me. “I’ll take seconds of your dessert any day.”
Chapter 15
Things with Tanner have been going slow–which is what we both need. We’ve gone on two more dates, and my eyes have been opened to how sweet he can actually be. Still, no one but Miller and Monroe know that we’re dating. I’m just not ready to put that out there yet and have everyone judge me. I know I shouldn’t care what people think or say, but that’s easier said than done. And then there’s Paisley, no need to confuse her if things don’t work out. I keep feeling that way, like this is too good to be true, like Tanner is going to leave me again, like we’re teetering right on the edge and something is bound to push us over. I hope I’m not right.
I’m slapping lids on to the buttercream frosting I’ve just made, when Monroe pokes her head around the corner. “Oh, is that the frosting? Gimme some more of that.” She holds out a greedy hand, but I smack it away.
“No! These are for orders. I’ll have to make some extra up for you.” Her lips turn into a pout and I grin, wiping my hands on my apron. “So I’m assuming it worked out well for you and Miller?” I had decided to take up Monroe on her offer to be my guinea pig once again, so I had sent her home with the miniature bedroom board game I had made up, a tub of frosting, and a silky handmade blindfold. Yes, I was even trying my hand at sewing now, as if my hands weren’t busy with enough things.
“It sure did,” she says with a blush. “I think you’re definitely onto something. How are orders going?”
“Really good,” I bite down on my lip, trying to contain a smile. “Really, really good. It’s almost gotten out of hand, actually. I’m so busy.”
“That’s amazing, Amelia. I’m so proud of you! Have you thought about maybe hiring some extra help?”
“I have, I just don’t know where to begin, though.”
“I’ll help you figure things out. I had to do the same thing with the studio once I started to grow.”
“Sounds perfect.”
“Alright, well I need to be heading home.” She arches a brow. “Are you sure you don’t have any extra frosting?”
“Jeez, here take one.” I shove a tub towards her waiting hands. “Tell Miller he’s welcome.”
“Oh he’s very very appreciative,” she informs me with a wink. “Gotta go.”
At least someone’s getting some action. To say that I haven’t thought about it with Tanner, would be an understatement. But there was nerves there, too. It would be a major change in our relationship. Was I really ready for that next step?
***
“Hey.”
I feel like a teenager as the butterflies take flight in my stomach and a giddy smile spreads across my face. “He-y.” I lick at my lips and keep my hands busy by tugging at my apron as my eyes rake over Tanner with a pair of worn jeans on and his tool belt secured at his waist. Did I mention my thing for hot construction guys?
A half smirk plays on his lips and his eyes crinkle as he stares back at me, and we just eye-fuck the hell out of each other. At least I am, but guessing by the heat that’s burning in his eyes, I can pretty much read his thoughts. Tanner has his intense bedroom eyes on, ones that I remember very clearly. He’s playful when it comes to sex, but he’s also a bit dominant—always wanting to be in control at every moment, which is a bit of a challenge to me since I like to be in control as well. He loves when I talk dirty to him—that was a learning experience. The first time we were together, it was like his whole personality shifted, gone was the easy going, somewhat goofy guy—replaced by an overbearing, do-exactly-as-I-say guy. I loved it.
“Um… So.” I clear my throat, shaking myself out of my sex-filled stupor. “What exactly are you doing here? Are you on your way to work or something?” I glance at the clock. “Aren’t you a little late?”
“Nah, I told Miller I needed some time to work on a special project today” he says, rocking back on the heel of his boots, his thumb hooked through his tool belt. What I wouldn’t do for him to hammer me right now. Shit, did I just say that out loud? By the
amused way he’s staring back at me, I would almost think so.
“Oh, well that’s nice. Did you need a cup of coffee or a muffin before you go?”
“Actually, this is my special project.” My brows twist in confusion and he steps forward, tapping on the corner. “Mind if I come around back to take a look at things?”
“At what things? Does Miller have some kind of plans for the bakery that I wasn’t aware of?”
“He knows about it, but it wasn’t his idea. Just something I think you need.”
“Oh.” I follow closely behind him as he inspects the back area. He opens the three doors down the narrow hallway—one that leads to a tiny bathroom, another that leads to my pantry and storage room, and the last small square room that tends to get forgotten about. He stops at that room and then walks in, surveying it closely before nodding his head.
“Yup, I think this will work out well.”
“Um…for what exactly?”
“Your office.”
“My office? Who said I needed an office?”
“Amelia,” he deadpans, “you need an office. You’re beyond busy. I’ve seen your so-called office at your house, you have shit everywhere. And with this new venture that you’ve taken on…” He smirks and my eyes widen. Monroe. That little shit.
“Gah, I’m done talking to Monroe.” I roll my eyes, but then watch in fascination as he pulls out his tape measure and starts going around the room with it—crouching here, stretching there. Good Lord is it getting hot in here? I fan myself with my hand when he bends over right in front of me to pick up his dropped pencil.
“So, I think I got a pretty good idea of what we can do in here. It’s a small space, but if I build you a corner desk and add some storage into it over here, we would have room on this wall for maybe a giant dry erase board to help you keep track of what you have scheduled for the week.” Or at least I think that’s what Tanner says. Something like that. I’m a little distracted by my construction worker fantasy playing out in front of my very eyes.
“Hmm? Oh yeah, sure. Sounds great.”
Southern Sweets (Midnight) Page 10
