Chapter 4
CHAPTER FOUR
TANNER
W ith Wayne out this week for a family reunion in Boise, I’ve been busy. I have two other part-time employees, but no one knows the gallery as well as I do, aside from Wayne.
And that fact is always glaringly obvious whenever the man’s on vacation.
I swear, he takes two holidays a year because each time he comes back, I give him a raise.
Smart man.
So, when I get in the car to drive home at the end of a long day at work, all I can think about is a cold beer and watching the basketball game on the TV so I don’t have to think about anything for the rest of the day.
But, when I turn into the driveway, I see Sarah muscling her way up the steps of her patio, loaded down with bags of groceries.
She has to have a dozen bags in her hands, and as I step out of the car, one of the bags breaks, and cans scatter everywhere.
“Crap,” I hear her mutter in frustration.
“Need some help?”
Her head comes up in surprise, and her cheeks darken with embarrassment. “Nah, I’ve got it. Thanks, though.”
I can’t help but think how entertaining she is as I lean back on the car and cross my arms over my chest, taking her in. She’s always been stubborn.
I’m glad to see that hasn’t changed.
She bends over, giving me a full view of her ass, and attempts to gather the cans, but she still has all the bags in her hands, as well, and the cans fall out of her arms as quickly as she can pick them up.
When some tomato soup comes rolling down the driveway, and I stop it with the toe of my shoe, Sarah blows her hair out of her eyes and scrunches up her face in a whine.
It’s adorable.
“Why aren’t you helping me?”
I laugh as I pick up the can and walk to her. “Because you told me not to.”
“Well, I’m dumb, and you’re supposed to know that.”
I take the bags out of her hands and wait as she gathers the items that fell, then follow her through the back door into her kitchen.
“You can just set those on the counter there.” She gestures to the empty peninsula and opens the small pantry closet to put the cans away, then turns to start unloading the rest of the groceries.
I’m three steps ahead of her, already filling her fridge.
“I admit, you’re handy to have around,” she says with a grin and passes me a block of cheddar cheese and some butter.
“You know, you could ask me for help with the groceries, rather than carting all of those bags back from the store on foot.”
She shakes her head, sending her wavy blonde hair moving around her shoulders in a way that makes me want to run my fingers through the soft strands. “No way. You are not at my beck and call.”
“I don’t mind being at your beck and call.”
She narrows her eyes at me and puckers her lips.
And fuck if I don’t I want to kiss her with everything in me.
“That wasn’t my fault, smartass. The bag was defective.”
“Are you sure it wasn’t operator error?”
Sarah laughs and closes the fridge, gathering the bags and stowing them in the pantry. “Okay, okay. I might have taken on too much. Anyway, want to stay for dinner?”
Yes. Absolutely. I want nothing more.
“I don’t know, it depends on the food. What are you having?”
“Well, I just went to the grocery store, so naturally I’m not cooking. I have tacos being delivered in about fifteen minutes, and I have plenty to share.”
“Tacos, you say? I’m in.”
“Want a margarita?” she asks as she pulls salt, tequila, and a bottle of mix out of the cabinet.
“Are tacos even tacos without margaritas?”
“That’s my philosophy.” She happily begins to mix the drinks, and she looks like a professional bartender.
“Did you work as a bartender in California?”
“No, I wasn’t allowed to work.” The comment was made so casually, so off-handedly, as if she said, No, I’ve never been to New York. My hackles rise. “But I like to mix drinks, and because Anthony entertained so often, and he left the drink mixing up to me, I’m pretty good at it. I don’t have the best tools for it here. When I lived with him, I had an awesome set that he had to have paid a mint for. The bar was impressive. But then again, the whole house was because he was all about showing off for other people.”
She stops mid-shake and looks over at me with wide eyes. “Oh, God, Tanner, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to say all of that.”
“Why wouldn’t you?” I have to make a conscious effort to loosen my fisted hands. I want to punch that fucker in the face. “It was a part of your life, and we’re having a conversation, Sarah.”
“I know, but it’s…”
“Awkward,” I finish for her, and she looks down into the glass she’s holding. “That seems to be your favorite word with me lately, and I think we should clear it up right now. It’s only awkward if we make it that way. You used to talk to me about everything and anything. We’ve always been good at that, and there’s no reason that we shouldn’t be now.”
“But that was… before. ”
“Doesn’t matter to me.”
“You look mad.”
I take a deep breath. “And here I thought I was doing a good job of hiding the fact that I want to punch that son of a bitch into the next century.”
She doesn’t smile. She simply watches me with sober eyes.
“Any anger or frustration that I feel isn’t directed at you. It’s maddening to know that you were mistreated for so many years, and there’s absolutely nothing I can do now to change it. I can’t go back in time and make it right for you.”
“I don’t need you to change it,” she replies, surprising me. Her voice is firm, her eyes direct, as she continues. “I appreciate the gesture, but it’s done. Finished. I learned a lot, and most importantly, I survived it. And I’m doing a hell of a lot better than I was when I first got home. I don’t even feel like the same person anymore.”
“I can see that.” I can’t help myself, I reach out to cup her cheek in my hand, and she leans into my touch. “I know you’ve come a long way in the past few months. You’re a strong woman, Sarah.”
“I am now.” She offers me a soft smile just as there’s a knock on the back door. “And there are the tacos. Thank goodness, I’m starving.”
She hurries over to open the door, takes the bag of food, and thanks the delivery person before returning to the kitchen counter and sets the bag down. She pulls out six tacos, a bag of chips and queso, and paper plates from the pantry.
“You did buy a ton of food.” I pop a chip into my mouth. “Am I about to eat tomorrow’s lunch?”
“Nah, I’ll grab something at the diner. I’d rather have the company,” she says and leads me into the living room. She sits on the floor, her back against the couch, and I follow suit, sitting directly across from her. “So, who have you been dating since I saw you last?”
I choke on a chip, and Sarah laughs as I take a sip of my margarita.
“That’s a hell of a conversation starter.”
“Well, I just figure if we can talk about anything , including my former marriage, it’s only fair that it goes both ways. Go on, you can tell me.”
I chew my taco and wipe my mouth with the napkin she offers me. “I mean, there have been a few dates here and there.”
She raises an eyebrow.
“Jesus, talk about awkward.”
Sarah laughs. “Oh, come on, you weren’t a monk for a dozen years.”
“No, but you don’t need to hear all about it. There hasn’t ever been anything very serious. A few dates here and there. I dated one girl that doesn’t live here anymore for a few months, but she got a job in Chicago, and I didn’t want to do the long-distance thing.”
“No, you’re not very good at that.”
My eyes find hers. “No, I’m not.”
“Well, at least you recognize it.” She wads up the paper from her finished taco and sits back to drink her margarita, licking the salt off the rim.
I always had a weakness for that pink tongue.
“Is everything going well here in the house?” I ask her, changing the subject. “Are you comfortable? Do you need anything?”
“It’s the best ,” she says with a grin as Petunia sidles up next to me and starts to purr. “We love it here.”
“I’m glad.” I pet the cat as she curls up in my lap, and sip my drink.
“Speaking of that, I have the money for the deposits and such. I just keep forgetting to give it to you.”
“I’m really not worried about it, Sarah.”
And just like that, her chin firms stubbornly. “It’s your money.”
“I don’t need it,” I insist. “Those fees are usually collected because I don’t know the tenant. They’re a stranger to me. You’re not a stranger, and I know you won’t stiff me on the rent or destroy the place.”
“But, it’s just normal to pay those things,” she says. “It’s how it works, Tanner.”
“Are you telling me that you have a couple thousand extra dollars just lying around that you can hand over without blinking an eye?”
She pauses and frowns.
“I thought so. It would just go into an account, waiting to be refunded to you later. That’s silly.”
“You make it sound like I’m the bad guy here,” she complains, and I chuckle at her.
“No, you sound like the stubborn woman here, and I’m explaining to you why you don’t have to be. Just say thank you, Sarah. Use the money for something you need, or whatever you want, for that matter.”
“Hmm.” She swallows the last of her drink and sets the glass on the table next to the couch. “Thanks.”
She stretches her legs out and bumps my foot with her own.
“Wanna go walk the beach?”
I glance at the dark window. “It’s dark outside.”
“That’s okay. I won’t let you walk into the water.” She winks, and I frown at her.
“Do you often walk on the beach in the dark after you’ve been drinking?”
All humor leaves her face. “Actually, no. I just thought it sounded nice. Forget I asked.”
She stands and I join her, taking her hand in mine. “The thought of you being hurt freaks me out, Sarah. I’m not trying to be an asshole. I just worry about you.”
“I’m a smart girl,” she says softly and looks up at me with those big eyes. “You don’t have to worry.”
She leans in, and I brush my fingertips over the soft skin of her cheek.
What I wouldn’t give to yank her against me and kiss the hell out of her.
But we’re friends.
And she’s a tenant.
“Thanks for the tacos,” I say as I pull away.
“Sure.” She clears her throat. “Thanks for your help with the groceries.”
“Anytime.” I walk to the back door and open it, then turn back to her. “Sleep well, Sarah.”
I walk to my house, resigned to another long night of thinking about the sexy woman sleeping less than a hundred feet from me, and how much I want her.
It’s going to be a long night.
“ Proud Mary keep on burning… ”
I glance over at the stage, where Sarah, June, and Luna are singing karaoke, including dance moves, and grin over the rim of my beer glass.
The six of us are at Lighthouse Pizza. The girls have been singing, dancing, and doing shots.
“Corner pocket,” Wolfe says, pointing to the pocket in question and takes a shot.
He misses.
“Shit,” he mutters in disgust as Apollo circles the table for his turn.
“If he makes this shot, he wins,” I remind him.
“Are you trying to piss me off?” Wolfe asks, and I grin.
“I don’t have to try. You’re playing like shit tonight. What’s on your mind, man?”
Wolfe glances at the girls, takes a pull from the neck of the bottle of beer, and then sighs. “I’ve been asked to drive in a charity race.”
I shake my head. “What did Luna say? Did she throw a fit?”
“I haven’t told her.”
My head whips around, and I stare at the man in horror. Wolfe had a very successful career as an F1 driver, but he had a career-ending crash last year. He moved home to Huckleberry Bay to heal and start a new life, and he fell in love with Luna.
Hell, they’re engaged to be married.
“That’s not going to go over well.” I watch as Apollo lines up his shot. “She might throw you off the cliff next to the lighthouse.”
“I’m pretty sure I’m stronger than her,” he says and rubs the back of his neck. “Maybe. Look, I don’t know for sure that I’ll do it. I probably won’t be given the medical clearance for it, but the thought is damn tempting.”
“You miss racing.”
“Like I would a limb,” he confirms. “But I love her more.”
“You’ll do what’s best for both of you.”
The girls come bouncing over to us just as Apollo sinks the shot, and they retrieve their drinks.
“It’s handy having you guys around to guard our liquor,” June says and sips her gin and tonic. “We don’t have to worry about any roofies from strangers.”
“We’re the only ones here,” I remind her with a wink. “But, you’re welcome.”
“Looks like it’s our game now,” Apollo says to me. “You go ahead and break.”
I arrange the balls in the triangle and feel eyes on me. When I glance up, it’s Sarah who’s watching me with a hungry gaze that I recognize from many years ago.
She grins at me and slowly sips her drink.
She’s wearing a short dress with a low neckline that shows off her tits spectacularly.
And when I lift my cue to break the balls, she leans over across the table, giving me an even better view, and says, “Smear him, Tanner.”
My eyes are pinned on her breasts. I can’t help it. They’re right there.
“Those aren’t my eyes, you know.”
I shake my head and try to focus on the table, but it’s the worst break of my pool career.
Apollo sneers as he walks around the table. “You let a dame ruin your concentration.”
“I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
But when I return to my seat, Sarah’s sitting there, and grins at me as I approach.
“I stole your spot,” she informs me.
“I see that.”
She tilts her head to the side. “You can have it back, if I can sit in your lap.”
I lick my lips and smile down at her. “I remember when you tried that on me in high school.”
“It worked.”
“Yeah, it did. But I’m good right now. You sit.”
She pokes her bottom lip out in a little pout. “That’s boring.”
“Come on, Sarah, we need more drinks.”
June pulls Sarah away, and I’m left with the guys.
“Well, looks like Sarah’s found her flirting mojo again,” Wolfe says, wiggling his eyebrows.
“It’s not like that. We’re just friends.”
“Listen, if that’s what you consider friendly interaction, you and I need to have a conversation about the birds and the bees,” Apollo replies. “That girl has been eye fucking you since she got here.”
“I think it’s refreshing to see the mischief back in her eyes,” Wolfe adds. “She’s not so sad or unsure.”
“She’s more herself,” I agree, and watch as she laughs with the other two girls at the bar. “Hey, I’ll be back. I need to run to the can.”
“But it’s your turn,” Apollo calls out.
“Let Wolfe take it,” I reply over my shoulder.
But when I turn down the hallway to the restroom, I hear someone behind me, and turn to find Sarah standing there, a happy smile on her gorgeous face.
“You okay?” I ask her.
“Sure. You?”
“I’m good.”
I turn for the men’s room, but she slides her hand in my back pocket and stops me in my tracks.
“I can’t go in there. It’s against the law.”
I turn and smile down at her. “What do you need, pretty girl?”
Her face softens. “Aw, you used to call me that all the time. I don’t know, I just wanted to talk to you without the others.”
“About what?”
She leans in close to me, and I know without a shadow of a doubt, that she’s going to kiss me.
So, I press my fingertips to her lips, and she scowls at me.
“Hey,” she says against my fingers.
“I don’t think that’s a good idea.”
Her eyes flash. “In case you missed it, I’ve been flirting with you all damn night.”
“I didn’t miss it.” Now there’s hurt there, and I feel like a complete moron. “Sarah, you’ve been drinking, and we’re friends, and?—”
“Forget it,” she says and yanks herself away from me. “You seem to think that I don’t know my own mind when I’ve had a little liquor. I’ve had two drinks, Tanner, just enough to loosen up a bit, but definitely not enough to lose control. I know what I’m doing, but I’ll gladly go find someone else who wants to kiss me and wants my attention.”
She turns to walk away, but I catch her by the elbow, whirl her around, and pin her to the wall.
“You think I don’t fucking want you?” I press against her and brush my lips against her ear. “You have no idea how badly I want you, what I want to do to you. But goddamn it, I promised you that I’d be a gentleman. Not to mention that once I start with you, I won’t be able to stop, and I refuse to be anything but mindful where you’re concerned.”
“No one’s asking you to stop,” she says. Her chest heaves as she breathes heavily and clings to me, her hands fisted in the T-shirt at my sides. “Damn it, Tanner, no one is asking you to stop.”