Chapter 47 #2
Adrenaline-induced exhaustion is a strange phenomenon. My limbs feel heavy and my feet kill from my stilettos, but I still am riding the high.
Brandon left to escort Stacey, the Sandersons, and Julia’s parents to the exit. Amantha roves through the crowd, reaping the benefits of her hard work.
I’d still be working the crowd alongside her if she hadn’t just banished me to take a break. And judging from Kendra’s actual smile from the donation tables, the event seems to be a smashing success.
I work my way through the thinning crowd toward one of the loveseats lining the Astor wing.
A tiny moan of satisfaction slips out as my backside hits the cushions, and I have half a mind to unstrap one of these heels and go barefoot.
Before I can move, however, the cushion beside me dips as a large frame claims it.
All it takes is a glimpse of white-blonde hair and a small-toothed smile for my pulse to take up jump-roping.
“Tanner?” I sputter.
His smile turns sheepish. “Is it okay that I’m here? I’ve been following your promos on social media, and I couldn’t resist seeing the exhibition myself.”
“Um, of course.”
“Amantha sure knows how to throw a party,” he says, reclining and crossing an ankle over his navy suit pants. “This is pretty cool.”
“Thank you.”
The awkwardness is so alive, it might as well be a breathing organism.
I fiddle with the crystal line of beads on my thigh and search for something to say.
My mind unravels memories I forgot about. Our first date in the gallery. His easy laugh, his earnest attention. The hope on my doorstep when he admitted he’d fallen in love with me.
The night I ended things.
Empathy eases the tension in my stomach, and I take a deep breath.
This man has already been put through the ringer and still is acting friendly. I chastise myself for being so standoffish.
“I’m glad you’re here,” I say. “I’d like to apologize again for how I ended things with us. You deserve someone great, Tanner, and I’m happy we’re catching up as friends.”
His chin drops to his chest for a few breaths before he lifts it.
“Kate, I’d be lying if I said that’s why I came. I didn’t come to support a friend. I was hoping you had enough time to reconsider giving us a fresh start.”
The breath freezes in my lungs.
The only fresh start I want is with Brandon, not Tanner.
“I’m not who you want, Tanner,” I say gently. “When we dated, I…wasn’t myself. I was going through some things, and I’m sorry you got caught in the crosshairs.”
“You’re wrong, Kate.” He slips on a small smile. “You are who I want. And I’m willing to wait.”
I ease myself off the couch until I’m standing. “Listen, I’d hate for you to miss out on someone really great because you’re waiting for me. Tanner, I’m not—”
“Is there a problem here?” Brandon’s arm winds around my waist, but his face is the perfect picture of easy neutrality.
The “guy display” of possessiveness would usually make my eyes roll, but I allow myself to revel in the comforting weight of his arm. Tanner’s hazel eyes sweep between the two of us before he stands to match Brandon.
I’m reminded of lions in the wild, facing off over the tired female who probably doesn’t care. Who probably only cares about ripping off her high heels and watching trashy TV from her couch.
“No problem here.” Tanner’s smile gleams. “Just two friends catching up.” His gaze lingers on me. “Hope to hear from you soon, Kate. Think it over.” He moseys off toward the viral pizza mural.
“What was that about?” Brandon’s eyes stay trained on Tanner’s back.
“I seem to have a blinking neon sign that says, ‘Free Second Chances, come and get it.’”
“Ahhh. That explains us working out, then.” His chuckle heats my cheek before he presses his lips to it.
“K, but I’m declaring the sign out of order. I’ve closed up shop.”
“You have?” he asks, low and husky.
“I have,” I reply, nuzzling his nose. “The new rule is that unless you drive a motorcycle and own a leather jacket, get out of here.”
“Speaking of which, I’d love to get out of here,” he murmurs, “but I promised Rick and Val I’d help with takedown later.”
“No worries, I’ll wait for you. But if you find me asleep on one of these couches in a puddle of drool—”
“Then I’m a lucky, lucky man.” He waggles his eyebrows and disappears into the crowd.
I scan what’s left of the attendees and check my watch.
The event is supposed to be over in fifteen minutes, and Kendra is known for her punctuality.
I eye the security personnel patrolling in tuxedos, status only indicated by the radios hanging from their utility belts. They’ll probably begin to usher guests out in another ten.
Deciding there’s no harm, I unstrap my heels and tuck them beside my purse on the couch. The black tiled floor is heaven against my aching feet.
I could sit here all night.
Minutes pass as I keep an ear out for Amantha, shifting my feet to different spots on the cold tile.
My clutch vibrates beside me, and I grapple for my phone in case she’s texted.
A warm flutter takes flight as I see Brandon’s name.
brANDON: I’m madly in love with you.
KATE: I love you too.
brANDON: Then will you finally come to Navy Pier with me tomorrow at sunset? - Hopefully Yours.