He scoffs at my tone. “I mean, the people who live here knew I was coming. It just seems unannounced to you.” He shuts the door behind him. “I didn’t expect you to be here. Your van isn’t here.”
“Rhett took it to get groceries and pick up Winnie.”
“Where’s Laur?” he asks, inspecting the house. “Damn, it’s clean in here.”
I roll my eyes. “She’s showering and thank you. I worked hard.”
He leans against the counter, running a hand through his hair. “You’re scowling at me.”
“I am not,” I snap, my arms crossing over my chest.
“You absolutely are. Is this about the other day?”
“Nope. I don’t even know what you’re talking about.”
His mouth twists in amusement. “Oh my God, it is. You’re mad at me.”
“Not mad. There’s nothing to be mad about.”
“You’re telling me you felt nothing and me being near you isn’t what has you hot and bothered right now?”
“Hot and bothered?” My jaw drops at the accusation. “I amnot,and that meant nothing.”
“Then kiss me.” The words fly out of his mouth, but they don’t seem even remotely reckless. They’re pointed and strong. A command.
“Excuse me?”
His eyes darken as he takes a step toward me. “If it meant nothing, if all of this means nothing, then kiss me. Because if it means nothing, then a kiss won’t change anything.”
I don’t know where this boldness came from, but I quite literally can’t drop my gaze from his. A simple look has me frozen to my spot.
“Tanner.”
“Hannah.” Another step closer.
“I'm not kissing you.”
“Because it meant something. Admit it. It meant something.”
“Of course it meant something!” My words come out in a hushed scolding.
“And that’s why you’ve been avoiding me.”
“I have not!”
“Hannah.”
“Tanner.”
“Rhett?”
Over Tanner’s shoulder, Rhett is shuffling in the front door with bags in his hands and Winnie skipping in behind him.
“Hi Tan!” She runs over and wraps her arms around him in a hug. “I missed you.”
My jaw opens again and this time no words come out.
“Fred!” He hugs her back. “I’ve been busy with those sheep. Your mom said you have been very busy with summer camp too. Still loving it?”
