19. Victoria
19
VICTORIA
I t has been a few days since I fell in the yard and my leg is almost completely healed. The new boots I now own are definitely helping. They are comfortable and not overly ugly, and they go well with my jeans.
Tanner has been in contact via text every day, which is nice, but I am still on guard. I haven’t seen him since the other night when he cooked me dinner. Instead, Jasmine and Lacy have been coming by, helping me where I need it. But really, we have just been enjoying wine nights and lots of giggles and too much online shopping for the house.
The other thing that has been consistent, though, is Josh. His calls are excessive. I continue to ignore them, which seems to have the opposite effect, because his calls have increased to almost hourly. I don’t want to talk to him; I don’t even want to acknowledge his existence, but his daily barrage makes me think I need to address this issue. Otherwise, I’m not sure if it will stop.
“I can’t believe you broke your leg.” Fiona huffs a laugh as I hold my phone between my shoulder and chin, cleaning up a bit.
“I just sliced it a little. It is perfectly fine,” I tell her, laughing at her exaggeration.
“So your sexy neighbor came in handy, then?” she teases.
“He cooked me dinner… helped me with the animals.” I ignore her remark about him being sexy, even though he most certainly is. I look out the back window at Garry. He is doing a fantastic job of chewing the grass down, but I am increasingly worried about his weight.
“Hey, do you think I need to be monitoring Garry’s grass intake?” I ask Fiona out of the blue.
“The goat?” she asks, confused.
“Yeah. He has a full pot belly. I wonder if goats can get bloated from eating too much grass. Is it a calories in versus calories out situation, like us humans? I wonder what his metabolism is like…” I bite my lip, watching my four-legged friend. “Do I need to be monitoring his protein and carbs? Does he need a diet of pellets or something?” I sigh at myself as Fiona laughs at me.
“I have no idea. But why don’t you ask your neighbor? I bet he knows exactly what to do.”
“Maybe…” I slump on the arm of the sofa, now back to thinking about the man who consumes my thoughts these days. Tanner is right; I have no idea what I am doing here, and I need to call the local vet and get a health status on the animals. Although the cow, which I have since named Marmalade, and the chickens seem happy enough .
“The images you put up of your new curtains got a lot of likes,” she mentions.
“I love them. My new shower screen and vanity have been installed too. Bob kindly came over and finished off the floor sanding that I had left, and between the two of us, we also managed to seal the floorboards with some gloss. The place smelled for a good two days, but now it is amazing.”
With the painting done and the floors complete, I now need to get new carpet arranged for upstairs, fix the fireplace, and get it into working order, plus order the new light fittings, furniture, and décor, and the two biggest items, the new kitchen and laundry.
“Ugh. Sounds exhausting,” she moans, and I laugh just as I hear someone shout.
“Hello!” Tanner's voice bellows from outside, and I jump a little in surprise. Walking swiftly to the front door, I open it quickly, surprised because I didn’t hear him drive up. Clearly, I was in my mind too much.
“I have to go. Tanner is here,” I whisper to Fiona.
“Ohhh, I want an update,” she whispers back, giggling.
“Later,” I tell her and end the call.
“Hey,” I greet, as he and another man who looks like every girl’s wet dream walk toward me from his truck. My breath catches in my throat at the sight, and I make a mental note to call Fiona back as soon as they leave and tell her to move to Whispers immediately. The status of men in this town is phenomenal. As my eyes flick back to Tanner, who’s looking relaxed in his standard uniform of black shirt and jeans, I suddenly feel parched. His sleeves rolled up to his elbows show off his thick forearms, and his shirt is open at the neck, giving the slightest hint at his chest.
“How’s your ankle?” he asks, frowning as he looks at me. Straight into overprotective mode. I have come to realize that he does actually care about me. Because if he was just being nice to get my land, then he could just leave me here to fail. He isn’t doing that.
“I’m fine, just like I told you yesterday and the day before,” I tell him with a smirk, looking up at him as he doesn’t hesitate and walks straight up the porch steps to where I am standing. His furrowed brow doesn’t soothe as he looks down at my leg and back to my face again, and my breath hitches as I feel his hand curve around my waist.
“You shouldn’t be on it too much,” he says quietly, our heads close as the other man watches us. Tanner is immediately back into concerned mode, and if I could breathe, I would speak. But his thumb rubs up and down my torso slowly, and I feel the heat of flames flick across my skin that have left me speechless. This man. My God, he makes me weak at the knees. I shake my head, getting myself together.
“I’m not. Just because you haven’t been here to see it doesn’t mean it didn’t happen,” I bite back, and his frown turns into narrowed eyes.
“I don’t believe you,” he says, and I huff. We stare at each other, the fire in us both reigniting, and I only look away from him when the man standing nearby clears his throat .
“This is Griffin, my builder. I thought he could look at your kitchen for you.”
My eyes widen in surprise before I smile at our visitor. This is yet another thing Tanner doesn’t need to do, and in doing so, totally contradicts him wanting my property. I think Tanner might just like having me around.
“Nice to meet you. Come on in,” I say, shaking his hand. Tanner drops his hand from my waist and opens the door for us, and I lead them both inside.
“This looks great! Much better than it was!” Griffin says, looking around, surprised. I smile, because although there is still a lot to do, it is really amazing. Better than I could have imagined.
“You said you have been resting,” Tanner growls, aiming his scowl at me.
“I did,” I tell him with a shrug, only fibbing a little bit. There is no way I can rest. I have to get this house renovated and styled. I need to remain focused.
“Not by looking at this, you didn’t.” He waves his hand around my living area, where I have a new rug on the new floorboards, new furnishings, and my new sofa and armchair.
“Bob helped, Jasmine and Lacy too. Besides, I stayed indoors. I didn’t want another surveyor stake to trip me up again,” I snip, annoyed at his overbearing attitude.
“This the kitchen, then?” Griffin says, walking that way, pretending he isn’t hearing us bicker.
“She has plans,” Tanner says to him, and I fetch my sketches and pass them to Griffin. His eyebrows shoot up.
“This is…” He flicks through the pages, where I have drafted different viewpoints of the kitchen, my 3D sk etches outlying exactly what I want. The last page contains all the appliances and the materials for the cupboards, including the color scheme as well as the marble for the countertops.
“Is it doable?” I ask, holding my breath. I look at Tanner, and he’s already watching me closely.
“I mean, it won’t be cheap to do,” Griffin says, and my heart sinks for a beat. I don’t have much money left. I knew the kitchen would be expensive, and it would probably take all that I have.
“We can make it work,” Tanner says quickly, his eyes boring into Griffin.
“We can make it work.” Griffin nods to Tanner. “When do you need it completed?” Griffin asks, looking back at me.
“Oh, well, I really need it as soon as possible, but of course, I am aware you have other projects,” I say, trying to be understanding of his schedule since he seems to be the only builder capable of building the kitchen how I visualize it.
“When do you want your project started?” Griffin asks Tanner. I didn’t realize Tanner has a project in the works.
“This one can take priority,” Tanner confirms with a nod, and Griffin smiles, biting his lip, looking like he is trying hard not to laugh. I frown in confusion. Why is Tanner helping me so much if he is just going to swoop in and take my land? Maybe Jasmine was wrong about the legal takeover, or maybe he has had a change of heart…
“Are you local?” I ask Griffin, realizing I know nothing about him and should look at his quality of work.
“I work countrywide. I own a company called Patterson Constructions,” he says, and my eyes widen a little.
“As in, luxury builder, Patterson Constructions?” I ask hesitantly. Everyone who works in interior design knows them. They are literally the best builder in the entire country.
“Yep. That’s the one,” he confirms with a proud smile.
“Oh, so you reside in Whispers?” I try to sound cool and not like I am fangirling over here. How did I not know this man lived here?
“I don’t really reside anywhere; I move around all the time… Let me get this quoted up, but I think we can probably get this made and installed within the month. Tanner said that you might also need a laundry fit out?” Griffin asks, and I stand rooted to the ground in shock. A week ago, I couldn't find one builder to make the kitchen as per my design, and now Tanner walks in with his friend, who happens to be the builder to billionaires and celebrities, and suddenly I have it exactly how I want it and within the month.
I bite my lip, thinking about my budget. I know it isn’t going to be cheap, and if I include the laundry, I will have no reserves. Tanner clears his throat, and I look at him as he continues to eyeball Griffin.
“Tanner tells me you have a solid social media profile. If you want to do a collaboration, that could work well for me. I usually build large-scale ranches and homes, but I am starting a new division which will concentrate mainly on renovations rather than new builds. This could tie in really well for both of us. If you want to do a before and after that we can use in our portfolio, I will knock the price down,” Griffin suggests, looking back at Tanner, who nods at him. I feel like I am missing something here, but I go with it.
“I would love that. I have about fifty thousand website visits a week at the moment, and it is growing fast,” I say, both proud and surprised by the sudden and rapid rise in people now interested in my Woman of Whispers platform.
“Shit.” Tanner’s eyebrows rise.
“Whew. That's a lot,” Griffin says. “Especially in such a short amount of time.”
“I guess it just resonates with a lot of people,” I tell them, shrugging.
We spend the next thirty minutes going through the entire house. Griffin can take care of not only the kitchen and laundry, but will also assist with joinery for a mini mudroom, wardrobes, and cabinets for the bedrooms. He’s also suggested I look at a small expansion, where I could put a master bedroom downstairs. It makes sense, I have the room, and he has offered to draw up the plans to show me what he is thinking. I don’t have the budget, but there is no harm talking about the possibilities.
“Give me a couple weeks to put it together and source the product. The stone countertop will be the issue, but I have a guy, so hopefully he can help,” Griffin says as we walk back to the main living area.
“Let’s take a photo. I can put it up on my socials today,” I say, and Griffin nods with a smile. “Make yourself useful,” I tell Tanner, thrusting my cell toward him as Griffin and I stand together in front of the amazing open fireplace that came up so well after a bit of scrubbing this week. Besides a small grumble, Tanner does as I ask, and I realize he has been mostly quiet for the entire time, letting me lead the discussions with Griffin and only offering an opinion when asked. In complete contrast to Josh, who always talked over me at every opportunity and used to like being the center of attention wherever we went. His scowl deepens as he takes some images. I have no idea why he is extra grumpy today.
“I need to take a call. I will wait for you outside, Tanner. Good to finally meet you, Victoria. Looking forward to our project.” Shaking my hand, he grabs his cell as he walks out the door.
I sigh, looking back at Tanner. “What's your problem?” My hand finds my hip, knowing something is up.
His jaw pops and his face hardens. “You need a security system,” he states, and I stand up straighter.
“What? Why?” I ask, totally bamboozled.
“Number one, your asshole ex is still calling you,” he grits out, clearly upset. Now the frown he had when taking our photo makes sense, as Josh probably called while Tanner had my phone. “Number two, you have fifty thousand website visitors; your socials are well into the hundreds of thousands. Your video of the new blinds yesterday went viral and had almost a million views.” He stalks toward me, stopping mere inches in front of my chest. I swallow at his closeness, feeling my heart thud louder.
“I am not worried about any of that,” I say, waving off his concern.
“What is this ex capable of?” Tanner pushes, not looking happy .
“He is harmless,” I counter quickly.
“He has called you at least five times since I have been here.” Tanner’s voice rises.
“It’s just calls,” I tell him, although even I can admit it’s excessive.
“You need some cameras.”
My shoulders tense. We are at it again. After the other night, I thought we had a breakthrough. A ceasefire. But he is back to his bossy, dominate self, telling me what to do. I don’t even reply before he’s continuing.
“Victoria. You are a single, beautiful young woman living here alone. You have already said your ex is a persistent asshole. You have just told me you have thousands of people now extremely interested in your renovation, not to mention that they know exactly where you are located.”
Shit, he is right. I promoted Whispers and this place because of what I want to do with it when it is finished. Open it up for others who are struggling, who need a new direction like I did. Given my thoughts on that, I need to be a little more anonymous with locations moving forward. But…
“I don't need security,” I tell him forcefully, because even if I did, my budget is not going to stretch that far yet.
“Let me get it for you,” he offers, and I look at him, wide-eyed.
“Tanner…” I start to say, shaking my head, because that is not happening.
“It would make me feel better knowing you are safe.”
My eyes thin even as my stomach flutters .
“Why? You want me gone anyway,” I state, and his face flickers with confusion.
“What are you talking about?” He steps even closer.
“I know what you are up to. I didn’t want to believe it actually. But now I know, you have been so nice and perfect and gentlemanly to me, when in reality, you are just trying to sweeten me up because you are trying to take my house straight out from under me!” My voice gradually rises until I’m yelling. I feel stupid for even thinking Tanner was anything more than a businessman wanting my property. He is silent, watching me carefully, his eyes never once moving from mine.
“What are you—” is all he gets out before I but in.
“I know all about your legal pitch to grab this property by adverse possession. I know you put in paperwork to get this house straight out from under me,” I grit out, my breaths coming quicker. His jaw clenches, and now he looks pissed.
“If you would stop talking for a minute, I could tell you that I already ripped up the paperwork and canceled the request.”
I am so angry that his words don’t register.
“So were you just lying to me for the first week we met, or have you been lying to me right up until this moment?” I throw my hands up, huffing.
“I never lied. I ripped the paperwork up! Stop arguing with me just this once!”
“You stop arguing with me!” I yell back, and before I know it, his hands are on my face and his lips are against mine. My heart stalls, his lips warm and my cheeks hot in his palms .
My breath is stuck in my chest as he walks me backward a step until my back hits the wall. Our lips fight for the others, our tongues tangling, and my hands grip on to his arms, needing to hold myself up so I don’t fall. I hear a small growl in his chest, and my pulse thunders in my ears as his hand drops from my face to my ass, where he picks me up, my legs immediately hooking around his waist.
“Tanner…” I whisper against his lips, my hands almost shaking in a mix of shock, desire, relief, and a mounting pressure of wanting more. More of him. More of this. Pinning me against the wall, my arms lock around his neck, his kiss so brutal, I almost feel branded. His large hands grab my ass, squeezing, as I pull his head to my own, ensuring our lips stay together as he swallows my moan.
All the fighting, all the tension, all the desires I have had overflow into this kiss, and I never want it to stop. Garry bleats from outside, pulling me from my thoughts and back to reality, and Tanner slowly pulls back a little. My eyes search his as we both pant, breathless.
“Fuck, I have wanted to do that since the moment I laid eyes on you.” His voice is gravel, and my thighs tighten around him.
“I don’t think anyone has ever kissed me like that before,” I say, my fingers coming to my lips. They are throbbing, tingling to the touch. I’ve been completely and thoroughly kissed.
“You deserve to be kissed like that every damn day,” he says, pressing a light kiss to my lips, and I feel my body shudder. His grip on me is still tight, his thumb rubbing my thighs as they stay firmly around him, our bodies close.
“Are you offering?” I tease as I move my hips a little, wanting more friction, and I feel him hard against me.
“You keep moving on me like that, baby girl, and I swear Griffin will get a show that he wasn’t prepared for today.” Tanner's voice is rough and low and pulsates right to my core. Right now, I don’t care about Griffin, my pussy is throbbing. It has been months since a man held me, kissed me, and touched me in this way, and my body is on fire.
“Best you get back to your friend, then?” I whisper, my mouth dry. We have bickered ever since I arrived, but it is now very clear exactly what we think of each other, and like a volcano, we are both very close to fully erupting.
Tanner looks at me closely, pulling in his lower lip, and I literally feel my world tilt a little at the way he is looking at me. “I need to take him back to my jet.”
“Jet?” I question, not understanding.
“I flew him in today to look at your place. He is currently working on a new project in Aspen,” he explains, and my shock is evident.
“You flew him here? For me?” I ask in disbelief.
“I did,” Tanner confirms with a nod.
“Why?” That couldn’t have been easy or cheap.
“Because you have a vision, and it needs to come to life.”
I am glad he is still holding me because I would fall over otherwise. I don’t tell him that my main motivating factor is not to fail. I can’t go back to the city with my tail between my legs. I need to make this work. He moves, carrying me to the sofa and placing me down gently.
“I’ll see you tomorrow,” he promises, but I don’t get a chance to ask any more questions before his lips meet mine in another soft kiss. This time it is slower, and we take our time. He cups my jaw with one hand, and I am complete putty for him before he stands up, growling, and walks toward the door.
“You are getting security.” He opens the front door, not taking no for an answer as per usual, and I huff.
“I’ll think about it,” I call out, and I hear him chuckle as he closes my door. I lie back on my soft new sofa, listening for his truck as it drives away, and then my house is quiet again. Bringing my finger to my lips, I feel them hot and throbbing.
My body is like mush, my legs weak, and while I have a million things I should be doing, I stay on my sofa for a while, thinking of my dark, grumpy neighbor. How he’s given up on fighting for the house. How he’s helping me see through my dream.
And how much more I want to do than just kiss him.