Chapter 18
The next morning, I wake to find Tanner perusing the shelves of my built-in bookcase. He’s standing in the morning light, wearing nothing but his underwear like an inky, muscly, mussed-up wet dream. The sight does wonders for a hangover, I’ll tell you that.
He picks up one of the several small drawings that I have stacked one right after another, similar to my books.
I have so many drawings. I’ve been making them since I was five.
It was a hobby my mother and father both pushed on me adamantly.
I think mostly because it was something I was quiet while doing, and a quiet Belle made for a happy mummy and daddy.
A smirk plays on Tanner’s lips as he stares at one longer than normal.
“Which one is it?” I croak, my voice hoarse.
He jumps and his eyes snap to mine. With a sheepish shrug, he turns it around to face me. It’s a self-portrait I drew when I was fourteen, but I defiled it by adding devil horns, a pitch fork, and a curly mustache.
“That’s my parent’s favourite one.”
He chuckles. “I hardly believe that. You were quite cute, metal mouth and all. Are those dungarees you’re wearing?”
“Hey, they were in style back then!” I screech, feeling my headache a bit more now.
Tanner points to the bedside table. “There’s water and aspirin right there.”
I turn and snatch them up quicker than I thought humanly possible with this kind of hangover. “You just making yourself at home now? Digging around my medicine cabinet?”
His brows lift. “I didn’t hear you complaining when you swallowed the pills.”
“All right, all right, keep your shirt on. It’s not even nine.”
“Speaking of, don’t you have to work?” he asks.
“Took a personal day.”
“Nice. What are you going to do with it?”
My eyes trail down Tanner’s body. “After a shower to wash the stink off, I’m sure I can think of a couple of things.”
Tanner shoots me a mock-surprised look. “Why, Dr. Ryan, are you hitting on me?”
A ring stops me from responding. Tanner strides over to his jeans in a heap on the floor and pulls out his mobile.
“Hiya, Vi,” he says, walking back over to the bookcase to replace the drawing.
“Yes, I did realise that was the match this weekend…No, I haven’t talked to him about it yet…
I don’t know. He seemed fine last night I guess…
No, Gareth hasn’t called. Gareth never calls…
I agree with Hayden. You shouldn’t go, it’s too far… Sure, I’ll stop by later…Okay, bye.”
“Family problems?” I ask.
He shakes his head from side to side. “Sort of. Camden and our older brother, Gareth, are playing each other on Saturday.”
“Oh, that’s right! Arsenal and Man U rivalry is pretty epic.”
His brows lift. “Yeah, Vi’s concerned. She wants to go, but she’s way too pregnant to travel that far. She’s just mother-henning like she always does.”
Tanner sighs and flops down on the bed beside me, staring up at the ceiling, obviously deep in thought.
Not sure how to help, I say the first thing that comes to mind. “Would it help if you went?”
He frowns and side-eyes me. “I don’t need to go.”
“Why not? You’re off. It sounds like your brothers could use some support. It’s the perfect time to go.”
“I’d have to see if Gareth has dumped his tickets yet, then find a hotel. I bet the trains are all full. Everybody and their dog will be at this match.”
“Can’t you stay with your brother?”
“Yeah.” He shrugs sullenly. “I guess.”
“Then it’s settled. I’ll drive.”
He turns to look at me. “You want to go to the match?”
“An Arsenal and Man U game? Hell yes. I’m a Devils fan through and through. I thought you knew!”
He gives me a look like I’ve just committed treason, but then glances down at my breasts and redirects his thoughts. “Let’s get you in that shower.”