“You’ve gotta knock this off,” I mutter to Tuck.
“Knock what off?”
“I don’t know, whatever weird protective streak you’ve got going on. Don’t mess this up for her.”
A large hand falls on my shoulder, interrupting us. “Thanks for lending me your phone,” Tanner says. “I really appreciate it.”
“Welcome.” I take the phone, shrugging off his palm without turning around.
Tuck and I resume arguing as the elevator doors hiss open behind us.
forty-nine
PRESENT DAY
KATE
“Have I mentioned how beautiful you look tonight? Pink has always been my favorite color on you, Kate.”
I shift awkwardly before addressing the compliment.
“Um, thanks, Tanner.”
I catch sight of myself in the closed elevator doors. My cheeks are so flushed with anger and hurt over Brandon that they almost match the same shade as my dress. I watch Tanner take a tentative step behind me, and he speaks to my reflection.
“I was hoping to run into you again this evening, but maybe another time would have been better. Are you okay? You seem upset,” he says.
“I’m…”
What am I supposed to say? I’m confused? I’m heartbroken? I might have been put through hell by a playboy’s playbook?
“I’m fine,” I say weakly.
“Kate, look at me.” His hand envelops my upper arm, gently tugging until I face the worry in his hazel eyes. “I know what I said on that couch in there, but I’m still here for you no matter what. You can talk to me.”
I clamp down on my bottom lip, trying to staunch my flow of confused anger.
Tanner sighs. “I get it. I can’t force you.”
“Thanks for understanding, Tanner,” I say. “And thanks for being a friend.”
Tanner’s jaw tightens in response, if he’s trying to bite back his next words. They come crashing out anyway. “Again, Kate, I know this isn’t the best timing, but I really do think we should give our relationship another?—”
“Please. Tanner. Not tonight.”
“Fine.” His tone is brittle before he smooths it away. “Sorry, that sounded harsh.” He turns away, and—almost to himself—murmurs, “Won’t stop beinghopeful, though.”
The hint of humor—the uptick in his voice on that single word—catches my attention.
Unwarranted fear beats hard in my chest before I hush it for being stupid. The last H.Y. text came from Brandon, not Tanner.
But I can’t help but focus my gaze on Tanner’s. Although his expression stays somber with concern furrowing his blonde brows, his eyes almost…twinkle.
Deciding it can’t hurt, I repeat the triggering word back to him, watching closely for tells.
“You won’t stop beinghopeful, Tanner?”
A spear of recognition seems to lance his features, but then it’s gone.
