“That kid.” Tanner smiles and I hope they get a full-faced shot of that smile. I hope that changes the subject, but no.
“It didn’t matter who you were talking to, you were constantly looking for Spencer.” Tanner toys with his fork. “He’s the same way. He can’t take his eyes off you when you’re around.”
His words jolt me. “He’s always been protective of me. We’ve been friends a long time.” I don’t want to talk about Spencer, so why am I drinking in every mention of him like it’s the best glass of wine I’ve ever had? I don’t want to talk about Spencer because it’s not fair to Tanner, and I like Tanner. I really do.
Just not like I like Spencer.
Love. Love Spencer.
“I think you’re more than friends.” Tanner looks at me with a sad smile, and he knows. “It’s good that he’s here.”
He has to know this is all wrong.
I get to my feet. “I can’t do this,” I declare.
29
Spencer
I
forcemyselftohangaround the lobby with the others, waiting for Tanner to report back on his date with Lyra.
Even saying that in my head makes me grit my teeth.
But after the bonding of last night, I need to wait with the others. It’s been a long afternoon and even longer evening as images of Lyra with Tanner begin to haunt me. I may still be jealous that Tanner has gotten this chance, but at least the regret has calmed to a dull roar in my mind, and I honestly wish Tanner the best. He’s a good guy.
If I’m not the one who ends up with Lyra, I could handpick a few of the men for her.
If I want to torture myself, that is.
I don’t want to think about that. I’m not ready to give up yet, but I’m not sure what I’m going to do if I don’t get the next one-on-one rose.
Finally, close to midnight, Tanner returns, as smiling as he was when he left.
He’s immediately accosted by the others, all wanting to know how it went with Lyra.
“I’m hopelessly in love with PrincessTema,” he says with a laugh.
“What about Lyra?” Charlie asks. “Are you hopelessly in love with her?”
“That would be too easy, if I thought I had a shot.” Tanner shrugs his shoulders. “I don’t think I have a chance in hell with Lyra.”
“What do you mean?” Rand asks.
“I think there’s only one guy here that’s got a chance.” And Tanner looks right at me. “I hate to say it, but it’s you, man. It’s all you.”
30
Lyra
R
iamanagestotalkme into staying longer with Tanner, long enough to get a few shots of us hugging in the moonlight.
He seems to sense that I don’t want to kiss him.
Rue presses for a more intimate shot, but Tanner seems content to keep his arms around me. He drops a kiss on the top of my head, but that’s it.
