Page 48 of Tanner

“A girl could take that as disinterest.”

“A lesser woman would.”

I cover my face to hide my smile even though he can’t see me. “I want to thank you … again.”

“The last two times you thanked me were each after we spent the night together.”

A slight shiver runs up my spine at the mention. I ignore his comment and start talking. I tell him all about my day with the art projects my students created and the way their faces beamed.

“That’s amazing. You gave them the greatest lesson they’ll ever walk away with. Pride.” He sounds genuinely impressed. It makes my stomach flip. “But why are you thanking me?”

“You’re the one who opened my eyes to what art really is. I always appreciated it. I love architecture and literature and a beautiful painting. But you showed me what it can do for your heart. What is can do for your soul.”

I can practically hear him smiling on the other end.

“That makes me happier than you can imagine, but there’s no need to thank me. What happened today was all you, Harper. You created that moment all on your own. I just put the brush in your hand.”

I close my eyes, grinning at the memory his words elicit.

The painting I created.

His hands on my skin.

Our mouths gasping as passion explodes.

“I’m glad you shared your day with me.” His voice breaks me out of my spell. “Now what?”

“What do you mean, now what?”

“It’s Friday night.”

“Well, yeah …”

“I want to see you again. Now actually. I want to see those beautiful blue eyes again.”

I laugh. “What happened to not rushing me?”

“Fuck it. I’m a greedy bastard, and I decided you’ve had enough time.”

I fall into my desk chair and grin like an idiot. “I could stand to see you again.”

“My friends convinced me to go to the Lion’s Head Tavern tonight. Come meet me.”

“I know the last two times we met was in a bar, but I’m really not a bar person.”

“Me neither, but I can’t bail on these guys. The last time I went out with them, I ditched them for a gorgeous blonde.”

“More like you were running away from the stuck-up blonde.”

“I was hoping you’d follow.”

My jaw drops at his admission. “Tanner!”

“Come out tonight. I’ll plan a late-night adventure for us.” I hear a commotion around him and his mumbling to someone nearby. He laughs under his breath as he says, “Ryan wants you to bring someone. He struck out with your lawyer friend.”

Poor Ryan didn’t have a chance with April.

“I’ll see what I can do.”