Ineeded to remember that. I was all for having fun with an incredible man, as long as I kept my head on straight. Otherwise I was careening headfirst into heartbreak.
The bells above the door went off again, followed by a familiar deep rasp that I felt in every molecule and nerve in my body. “I hope I’m not interrupting.”
Goosebumps broke out on my arms at the sound. My core clenched and my nipples pinched into tight, hard peaks. I spun around, my face lighting up with a smile that made my cheeks ache. And just like that, the warning I’d given myself only seconds earlier was completely forgotten.
“Of course not,” I insisted, moving toward him like I was a moth and he was the open flame. I was helpless to resist his draw. “What are you doing here?” My eyes bugged out at how that came off, and I immediately started to backpedal. “That’s not what I meant, it’s just, I’m surprised to see you. That’s what I mean.”
Tanner chuckled and my core pulsed. God, the man was addictive. “I hope it’s a good surprise.”
“The best,” I answered sincerely. He lowered his head, and I didn’t hesitate to rest my palms on the solid wall of his chest and rise up on my tiptoes for better reach. He closed the last few inches I couldn’t and pressed his lips to mine. The growl that rattled through his chest dampened my panties and sent a shiver up my spine. It wasn’t until one of those jerks behind us cleared their throat that I remembered we weren’t alone. That was what he did to me. I had tunnel vision when it came to Tanner. He was all I could see.
I let out a mortified groan and dropped to my feet, thumping my forehead against Tanner’s chest as my friends whistled and catcalled. “Ignore them. They were all dropped on their heads as babies.”
Tanner’s laugh was rich and masculine. “It’s all right. And why I’m here is to give you this.”
I realized then that his hands were full. His left was holding a familiar paper coffee cup, his right a white paper bag, bothsporting the Muffin Top logo. My lips parted in surprise as I took the cup he extended to me. “You got me a coffee?”
He lifted the bag in his other hand. “And a cinnamon roll. I hope that’s right. The lady at the coffee shop said this is what you preferred.”
I caught sight of my oldest sister from the corner of my eye and twisted to better see her. Her eyes were locked on mine, and she lifted her clasped hands beneath her chin. Her expression softened as her gaze darted between the two of us.
Bringing the cup to my lips, I took a sip, my eyes widening at the flavors on my tongue. I let out a pleased moan and immediately sucked back another sip. “A pistachio latte?”
He looked almost nervous that he’d gotten it wrong as he said, “Another suggestion by the lady at the register. Is it right?”
“It’s my favorite,” I admitted without hesitation. “Both of them. Thank you so much.”
His shoulder lifted in a carefree shrug. “It’s no big deal. I thought you might need a midday boost.”
That. When I told Gypsy it was more than just sex, right there was what I meant. He was thoughtful without even trying. Kind without realizing. I knew my judgement of people—men especially—could be wonky, but Tanner was proving himself to be a good man at every turn.
“It’s a big deal to me,” I said softly, looking at him and hoping he could read how much I meant it. “Thank you.”
“Any time, Sunshine,” he replied tenderly, then leaned in for another kiss. “I also wanted to swing by because I planned on asking if I could see you again tonight, but I ran into Zach at the store, and he invited me to this poker night he’s hosting.”
Before I could get a word out, Rae spoke up, her hand poised to shove another fistful of chocolate raisins into her mouth. “You tell my husband if he loses again he’ll be sleeping in the barn tonight.”
Tanner grinned and nodded in understanding. “Yes ma’am. And like I told him, congratulations on the little one.” He tipped his chin toward her belly. “I’m excited for you both.”
Her cheeks flushed under his attention. That was the effect he had. Even women in happy, healthy, loving relationships weren’t immune to his brand of charm.
“Thanks,” she said, then let out a girly giggle that caught her by surprise.
I cut my gaze to her, giving her a look that screamedwhat the hell was thatbefore shifting my attention back to Tanner. “You should go. I think you’d have a great time.” There was also the added benefit that perhaps if Tanner made a strong group of friends here he wouldn’t want to leave.
“Okay, I will.” He brought his hand up, placing it on the side of my neck. “But I’ll text you. Maybe I can still see you if it gets out early enough?”
One corner of my mouth hooked upward. “I might be okay with that.”
He hit me with a brilliant smile that I felt from the ends of my hair all the way to the tips of my toes. “Good. See you soon, then?”
I barely suppressed the shiver at the feel of his fingertips on my skin as he tucked my hair behind my ear. “Yep.”
“All right, Sunshine. Enjoy the rest of your day.”
“You too.”
He went in for one last kiss, then took a couple steps back. “Ladies.” He tipped his chin at my sisters and friends, then he left. The door closed behind him, and I watched as he passed by the windows, giving one last wave to me before he disappeared. When I finally turned back around, the only word that could accurately describe what my girls looked like just then wasgobsmacked.
