Dog Tags for Christmas

by Lindsay McKenna

  “Well, that’s one more thing I didn’t know about you.” Tanner moved them around in a slow circle. “Tell me more about your childhood.”

  Tell him that she lived in a big apartment so high in the air she wasn’t allowed to walk out on the balcony as a child and her first parachute jump was like giving her wings? Or that she spoke Spanish before English because her first nanny was Venezuelan? Now she could speak five languages. After a moment she confessed, “I grew up in New York City.” Her smile was big and showed too many teeth for a proper debutante, but she didn’t care. “I think that’s why I like living out here. You have cows.”

  “I don’t have cows,” he noted. He nodded toward the dining room. “You met Mike and Sally Crane, they have cows.”

  “Do you think they’d let me touch one?” She was serious, but Tanner burst out laughing. “Just with one finger. I don’t think I want to pet a cow.”

  He hugged her tighter. “You mean you’ve never touched a cow? Ever?”

  “No, I grew in a city.” She thought for a minute. “My nanny took me to a petting zoo once, but I don’t remember a cow. They had goats, and the baby goats were so cute. And I got to hold a rabbit. I remember that.”

  “I will take you to Mike’s and you can pet—”

  “No, not pet.” She was firm on this point. “Just touch.” She held up one finger.

  “Okay, just touch”—he kissed the tip of her finger, and she felt it in her heart—“a cow. What else do you want to touch?”

  Now that was a loaded question, and they both knew it. But she answered honestly. “Do you know anyone with a llama? Or a sheep? How about a chicken, but I’ve heard they peck you and it hurts.”

  “What, no horse?” He feigned surprise.

  She looked down. “No. We had horses at Grandpa’s house in the Hamptons.”

  “So you know how to ride?” Tanner asked.

  “Yes. Grams had high hopes for me to compete in jumping events, but…I’ll climb any wall you put in front of me, but there something about flying over that obstacle atop fifteen hundred pounds of animal with its own mind, no thank you. Been there, done that, a repeat is not necessary.”

  She wished she could read his gaze. She was trying to be funny, yet humor was not registering in his whisky-colored eyes.

  “Do you still have your grandparents?”

  Sadness. That’s what she now saw in his brown eyes. Bailey shook her head. “No. Both my grandparents passed a few years ago. My uncle now lives at the house on Long Island, and he got rid of all the horses. I haven’t been out there since the funerals.”

  “You see your parents, don’t you?” He asked as they turned again.

  “Not if I can help it,” she sniped.

  “You don’t?” He quipped.

  She sighed. “My parents and I…are not close. We never have been.”

  “Time to fill your glasses everyone.” Erica’s order boomed over the loudspeakers.

  Thank goodness. Saved by Father Time.

  “We’re about five minutes from the big ball drop.” Televisions all over the house came on showing Times Square. “Get your favorite beverage and find someone to kiss.”

  Bailey’s gaze caught Tanner’s. His want to kiss her was written all over his face. Good. More than once, she’d wondered what it would be like to kiss him. Now that she knew what holding him did to her, she couldn’t wait for the next step.

  Since they were close, they dashed to the bar. Two more people had been added behind the large table to help out. A woman was mass pouring champagne into flutes at one end and a man was mixing cocktails to order at the other. The bartender pointed to them. “A beer and would the lady prefer wine or champagne?”

  “Wine, please,” she called out.

  He turned around and produced a cold beer and glass of white wine. “Here you go, Mr. Hill. Ma’am. Enjoy your New Year.”

  Tanner’s reply threw her a little. “I intend to.” He put his arm around her and looked down. “I plan to enjoy every minute of every hour of every day that I can spend with you.”

  He started to lower his head. She knew Tanner was going to kiss here. Right then.

  “Hey, it’s not New Year’s yet.” Case bumped Tanner’s shoulder. “Save that for a few minutes and get out of my way.” He waved a glass in the air. “I’m empty, and I’m not missing this toast.”

  “Come on.” Tanner pulled Bailey behind him as he ran blocker through the crowded kitchen. They found a corner in the dining room and watched the countdown. In unison, everyone in the whole house counted. The walls reverberated with each number until they shook with whistles, cheers, and rattles.

  Tanner turned and placed his hands on the wall either side of her head, boxing her into the corner. “Happy New Year, Bailey.”

  He stood there looking down at her. Not a muscle moved. He just watched her intently.

  Enough. She reached up and cupped his face with both hands. “Happy New Year, Tanner.” She went up on tip toes and pressed her lips to his.

  Friendly may have been her intention but explosions burst within her the instant their lips met. She wanted more. Needed more. They nipped and bit at each other until she sighed. He used the opportunity and thrust his tongue into her mouth. He tasted of beer and possibilities of more. When he withdrew, she followed and explored his mouth, the way he’d discovered hers. Tanner pulled her to him so tight, she could barely breathe. Or maybe that was just her reaction to him.

  “I want to make a toast.” Case’s voice boomed. “Y’all listen up. Pay attention.” The room quieted some, but she and Tanner continued to kiss. She never wanted this to end.

  “Will someone please peel Tanner off the good doctor so I can make this toast?”

  Tanner lifted his body off first, their mouths still connected. He finally broke the kiss and dropped his forehead to hers. “I apologize for my friend’s rude interruption. We are not finished.”

  He rolled to the side and leaned against the wall, capturing her hand in the process. “Proceed, if you must.” Everyone laughed at Tanner’s comment.

  With a nod, Case announced, “Old and new. I want to thank all of you for joining me tonight to celebrate the past year and to ring in the new one.”

  Cheers erupted, then Case pushed his hands downward in a motion to quiet once again. “Erica tells me there’s still plenty of food left and our former quarterback, Coach Bradley, here,” he slapped a square man on the shoulder, “has his team outside waiting to drive you home…for a generous donation to the Booster Club. You can come back tomorrow and get your vehicles. Except for Tad. I might have to keep that brand new pick ’em up truck you got for Christmas.” Deep laughter filled the air.

  A feminine voice called out from across the dining room, “You can have the payment book that goes with it, too.”

  “Nah, I’ve got enough of those already,” Case said offhandedly.

  He raised his now full glass. “I’d like to make a toast to the New Year.”

  Everyone raised their glasses in salute.

  “To old friends and new.” Case looked right at Bailey and smiled. “To more good times ahead. Happy New Year.”

  “Here, here.”

  “Bravo.”

  “Cheers.”

  Tanner filled the space in front of Bailey so he was all she could see. He tapped his beer bottle to her wine glass. “To the wonderful year ahead.”

  “I’ll drink to that.” She sipped her wine as he downed a big gulp.

  “Now, where were we before we were so rudely interrupted by Case?” Tanner leaned in again.

  Oh, how she really wanted to continue kissing this man, but she had to be to work at seven o’clock. She now regretted taking duty for some of the other doctors, but they all had families and had promised to cover for her over the next several months while she trained for the Paralympics.

  With a heavy sigh, she placed her palm on Tanner’s chest. “I am so sorry, but I really have to leave. I’m working tomor
row morning, early.”

  His face fell into disappointment before he recovered. “I understand.” He pushed off the walls that formed the corner he’d blocked her into. “Can I drive you home?”

  “There’s no need. I’ve only had one and a half drinks.” She held up her half empty glass. She scanned the packed room. “I would appreciate it if you’d walk me out, though.”

  “Of course.” Tanner took her hand and wove through the bodies to the front door. He grabbed her coat and held it like a gentleman for her to slide into.

  “Leaving already?” Case was right beside her.

  “Yes. I’m working tomorrow morning,” she explained as she zipped up her coat and dug her hat out of her pocket. “I really had a good time. Thank you for inviting me.” She held out her hand to shake, but Case leaned down and kissed her cheek.

  He whispered in her ear, “Thanks for keeping Tanner company tonight.” As he pulled away, he added, “Glad you had a good time.”

  She liked Case. For some reason, she pegged him as one of the good guys. She hadn’t noticed him with any one particular woman, but he’d certainly flirted with several during the party. He’d also checked on her every time their glanced met, mouthing, You okay? She had been better than okay with Tanner at her side.

  “Ready?” He asked.

  “You really don’t—” she started to insist.

  “Let’s go.” Tanner had the door open and her hand in his.

  Case lived in an old farmhouse with a circular driveway, his office and surgical suite in the huge barn where fifty cows a day had once been milked. The smell of farm animals wafted their way.

  “Does Case have a cow?” Bailey could just touch one of his cows. Maybe other animals, too.

  “There’s probably one or two in there, but I’ll take you to touch a cow. I promise,” Tanner assured her.

  Bailey had parked near the end of the driveway, knowing she’d have to leave early. “Thank you for walking me all the way out here.”

  “Trust me, it’s my pleasure.” He pulled her to him when a freezing wind slapped their faces. “Is your car already running?”

  “Yes. I did the remote start as soon as I got my coat on. I love that function. It’ll be nice and warm for me.” She reached for the handle, but stopped and turned to face him. “I had a wonderful time tonight, Tanner. Thanks for introducing me to everyone.”

  “You are very welcome.” He looked away then back at her. “When can I see you again?”

  “In all the puppy excitement last week, I forgot to go over the new certifications with you—”

  “No. Not for business.” He hesitated then said. “I want to…take you out to supper, to a movie, whatever people do on dates these days.”

  Date? Tanner wanted to date her? Well, yes. She’d like to get to know him even better. But her schedule was somewhere between tight and impossible between work and workouts. She’d have to look at her calendar. “Call me and I’ll see what we can work out.” Oh, darn it all. That sounded like a brush off.

  From the look on his face, he’d taken it as such. “I’ll call you—”

  “No. I mean it.” She took his face in her gloved hands. “Between the preparing for the semi-finals and work, I’ve got to look at my calendar. But the answer is yes. Supper. Soon.”

  She watched relief smooth his worried wrinkles, and a smile, the one she really liked, cross his face.

  “Can I call you tomorrow?” he asked.

  “Please, do.” She’d need to hear a friendly voice after what she was sure to face at work.

  He leaned down and kissed her. It was sweet and not nearly enough. “Careful driving home. Even though you may not have been drinking, plenty of other have.”

  She leaned into him and pulled his head down giving him one more quick kiss. “I will.”

  When she was seated he leaned in through the open door and looked her in the eyes. “Text me when you get home. I want to be sure you got there safely.”

  He really cared.

  “It’ll be late,” she started to insist.

  “I’ll be here.” Tanner nodded toward the house where people were leaving in small groups. “I want to help Erica clean up and make sure she gets home safe and sound.”

  She considered for a minute before agreeing. He gave her one last kiss. “Thank you.” Then he backed out of her car and shut the door. He stood there, watching her maneuver her car out of the space and down the driveway.

  In her rearview mirror, he waved.

  Even though he couldn’t see it, she waved back.

  Chapter Six

  “Turn on the lights, the party’s over,” Erica sang in a very good rendition of the old song as she flicked on the lights throughout Case’s house.

  “They say that all good things must end,” Case chimed in sounding way too much like Willie Nelson as he hauled out the vacuum. “Let’s call it a night, the party’s over. And let’s not start the same old thing again.”

  “Not exactly the right words, but I prefer your version,” Tanner said as he dumped liquid into a pitcher and threw the beer bottle into the recycling bag. Erica was filling a trash bag just as fast as she could while the caterers scurried around collecting all the wine and cocktail glasses, and champagne flutes.

  “It was a really good party,” Erica conceded. “One of my best considering how little time I had, thank you very much.”

  “Thank you, Erica.” Case grabbed her and twirled her around and into his arms. “You are the best little non-sister I’ve ever had.” He gave her loud smack of a kiss on the cheek. “And I thank you for pulling this together.” He set her down. “And for sticking around to clean up. Our friends certainly made a mess.”

  “Parties are always a mess. You two rarely see the aftermath.” She chastised, “You’re usually well on your way home with the woman du jour at this point.” She glanced between Case and Tanner. “Thanks for helping clean up.”

  When she grinned at Tanner, he knew what was coming.

  “So,” Erica dragged out the word, “brother of mine. You and the doc?”

  “Take note that she went home alone,” Case pointed out the obvious.

  “She’s not that kind of woman.” The words had escaped before Tanner thought better of it.

  “No, she’s not,” Case agreed. “If all you’d wanted was a one-night stand, though, Janey was ready and willing.” He turned to Erica. “Which brings up the point, why did you invite her?”

  “I saw that you’d invited twelve, do you hear me, twelve, single guys from your rowdy college days.” She fisted her hands on her hips and stared him down. “I don’t have eight, say nothing about twelve, single girlfriends that I’d allow within fifty feet of your friends. They’re horndogs. I figured Janey could entertain at least a few of them.”

  “I’m not sure,” Tanner admitted, “but I think she went home with your old roommate, Jeff.”

  “Better him than me.” Case sounded sincerely thankful as he cleared his mantle of decorations in one swipe of his arm.

  “Oh, she’d never go after either of you, again.” Erica double fisted and up ended beer bottles into the pitcher to empty them.

  “Hey, what’s wrong with us?” Case asked and glared at her.

  “You both smell like animals most of the time, rather than expensive aftershave.” Erica had said it so casually but Tanner wondered if he did smell like a stinky kennel. Maybe that’s why—

  No. Bailey told me to call tomorrow. He’d talk to her then, and they’d figure out when they could go out. But go out where? She was probably used to expensive restaurants, fine cuisine. He didn’t know which wine went with what food. A nice supper in D.C. could set him back a couple hundred dollars. Looking around at what was left of the party, he wondered what tonight was going to cost him. He might be in over his head.

  “Earth to Tanner. You over there daydreaming about kissing that pretty little psychologist again?” Case’s ribbing broke through Tanner’s line of thought.


  “Oh, shut up,” he scoffed back. “Let’s just get this place cleaned up so I can go home and get to bed.”

  “Back to my original question, brother of mine. Are you and Bailey an item?” She tossed beer bottles in to the bag. “Not that it probably matters to you, but I like her.”

  “I don’t know.” Tanner sighed. “I’m out of my league with her. Maybe I should just keep things professional.”

  “What are you talking about, out of your league?” Case asked. “You are the best person I know.”

  “Her parents own a yacht, like the kind that races. She’s raced boats. She took jumping lessons.”

  “Jumping lessons?” Case and Erica said at the same time.

  “Yes. Horses jumping over fences and walls and stuff.”

  His best friend and sister oh’d in unison.

  “So her parents are rich or something?” Case crossed his huge arms over his chest and stared at Tanner.

  “Yes, they are,” Erica said and stared at Case. “Don’t stop working or we’ll be here until dawn.”

  “How do you know?” Tanner asked his sister.

  “I know Bailey.” Erica picked up several flutes from a corner table and handed them to one of the catering staff. “We’ve talked several times, even had drinks once. After things settle down this week, we’re going to Crystal City Mall together for the sales.”

  She motioned with her hand. “Keep working.” Then she added, “Her family has been in investment banking for over a hundred years.” Her fist flew to her hip and she stared at Tanner. “But that’s her parents. She has nothing to do with them.”

  “So.” He’d have to give more thought to dating her. She’d said she didn’t get along with her folks. But that wasn’t all of it. “She’s so smart. She has a doctorate. I made it through high school.”

  “Tanner Hill.” His sister dropped what she was doing and marched over to him. “You are one of the smartest men I know. You read chemistry and physics books like they were novels.”

  “That was part of my work.” He tried to explain. “I want to stay on top of the field. EOD changes fast, with every new bomb maker. They’re developing new explosives every day. Just two weeks ago the sheriff’s department called me in on a bomb threat.”