“Looks like somebody just got whacked upside the head with a two-by-four,” Wick says, chuckling.
“Maybe. Can’t say I hate it,” I admit, taking off my hat and running my hand through my hair before replacing it.
“Then go forth and experiment, and let your heart lead you,” Sparrow says, his rare smile genuine.
Time for somecommunicationwith Tanner.
7
TANNER
Since Junior liked my makeup so much, I went with pink blush and red freckles this time. Black jeans and stompy boots, as always, but I’m wearing a baby-blue cardigan and a croppedMaybe Today, SantaT-shirt with my black-on-black Santa hat. I’ve even done my hair in a bit of a swoop up front to keep it festive.
A grin overtakes his mouth when he pulls into the driveway. I don’t know how I’m supposed to get through the day with him looking so feral. When he gets out of the car, I inhale sharply.
Damn, that man can wear a pair of Wranglers. Even better, he’s got on a cherry-red pearl-snap shirt with green hollies appliquéd on the shoulders.
“Called it. You’re adorable.”
My cheeks heat and I drop my eyes to the driveway. “You’re just saying that.”
He steps in a little closer to me. “I am not. I promise. This outfit of yours makes me want to ask if your uncle’s already gone.”
“Why is that?” I ask, blinking up at him.
“Because I’m about to reschedule Mrs. Tooke and see what we can get up to in your bedroom,” he says, tugging on my fluffy black pom-pom.
“Really?”
“Unless you changed your mind and want to keep what we did in Mrs. Abrams’ garage to a one-time thing.”
I shake my head. “No, I liked it. Definitely want more of it.”
“Good,” he says, coming in close, whispering into my hair. “You unsettle me, Tanner. You make me want to do things I’ve never wanted before.”
“Like what?” I ask, saying a prayer to the setting spray I used this morning before pushing my face into his neck. Here’s hoping it preserves my freckles because nothing could pull me away from his body right now.
He sways us side to side, rubbing his hand up and down my back. “I want to be a quiet place for your mind. I want to carry whatever this weight is on your shoulders. Take the reins for a while and show you how worthy and brave you truly are.”
“What do you mean, take the reins?” I ask, suddenly light-headed and desperate for something I never knew I needed.
“I’m not totally certain,” he admits, sliding his hand from my back to my ass. “But something’s telling me I need to find out.”
Cupping his free hand around the back of my head, he brings me up for a kiss. I moan, and he licks his tongue into my mouth, pressing against me, wrapping his arms around my rib cage.
I can’t be certain, but I think my life is about to change.
“Tanner Buchanan!What the fuck are you doing in broad daylight?”
Ohfuck. I pull back from the kiss and peer over Junior’s shoulder.
“My dad,” I whisper furiously.
“This is why my family has been torn apart?” he asks, jumping out of his truck, gesturing wildly. “Because you want to fuck a cowboy?”
He follows that up with a few slurs, and even though I’ve heard them all, it’s awful. I feel ridiculous in this fucking crop top and…Jesus, the makeup. He’s never seen me with eyeliner on.
“You look like a trashygirl. I wonder if I ask nicely if they’ll deport you with your mother.”
