Page 95 of Tanner

He pulls me toward the front door, and my stomach turns more than I ever thought possible. I glance down at my shirt, tugging it lower and smoothing out the small wrinkle I see on the bottom.

The outfit I have on is cute—a crew-neck top with designer jeans and my nicest pair of knee-high boots. Tanner’s wearing jeans and a sweater, so I followed suit with what he was wearing. I’m not the type to question my appearance, yet here I am, wondering if it’s good enough.

What will they think of me? Will his stepmom snub me at first glance because of my outfit?

Why do I care?

He reaches in his pocket, taking out his keys and unlocking the door. It opens, revealing a foyer. A six-foot round table sits in the center of a room of marble with a bouquet of flowers that must be four feet tall and just as wide. A gigantic crystal chandelier hangs low above it.

“Tanner, is that you?” a woman calls out.

I pull on Tanner’s hand to keep him at the door. He wraps his arm around me and inches me forward.

“Yep. I’ve brought my girlfriend, too.”

“You brought your wh—” The woman stops mid-sentence when she turns the corner and lays eyes on me.

“Missy, I’d like you to meet my girlfriend, Harper Doyle. Is Dad here?”

Tanner told me Missy was around my age—a year younger actually. What I wasn’t expecting was for her to be so beautiful. White-blonde hair that looks polished as it sits in a sleek bun. Her hairline is a perfect line across her forehead, which is also pristine without a laugh line or blemish to be seen. She’s wearing a snow-white turtleneck and matching linen pants. She’s as polished as the floor we’re standing on.

She keeps her eyes trained on me as she makes her way to Tanner, holding out her arms and giving him a hug, which borderlines on inappropriate with her body smashed up against his. She gazes up at Tanner and places her hand on his cheek, the way I like to when we’re having our late-night talks.

“You grew again. In so many ways.” Her arms trail down to his biceps where she gives them a squeeze. “A mighty fine man you’ve become, Tanner Sexton. Mighty fine.”

Her words linger, and I already despise the way she’s staring at him. My thoughts are cut short by the sound of footsteps echoing on the cold tiles.

“Edward, dear, look who’s home.”

A tall man resembling the photo I’ve seen of Bryce on Tanner’s phone comes walking in. Graying dark hair on a tall frame. His skin is overly tan, and he has definitely had some work, but overall, he’s very handsome despite the stoic expression on his face. His eyes are cold, nowhere near the kindness I get from Tanner.

“Dad”—he reaches out his hand to shake his father’s—“I’d like you to meet Harper.”

Edward clears his throat. “Nice to meet you.” He shakes my hand, and it feels anything but sincere.

“You have a beautiful home, Mr. Sexton.” I feel like I should curtsy but glad I don’t follow through.

Missy turns to me. “Well, one more shouldn’t be too much of an inconvenience. I’ll see what I can do to salvage the evening.”

Missy turns out of the room, and I feel awful.

“This way.” Edward ushers us to follow him.

Tanner takes our coats and hangs them up in the front closet.

As we make our way down a hallway lined with photos of Missy, I whisper-yell at Tanner, “I thought they knew I was coming tonight.”

“They did. Missy’s just being a bitch.”

“Well, that’s fantastic.”

He kisses my hand. “Just don’t let her know she’s getting to you. It’s her power play. She’s intimidated by beautiful women.”

I try not to melt at his sweet comment because I’m actually really uncomfortable, being here in their more than comfortable home.

We enter a living room, and I have to remember to keep my eyes relaxed and mouth closed, or I’ll look like a deer in headlights. The room is larger than my apartment with moldings the size of my head and more chandeliers that make it look like a palace.

A man in a white coat is standing near a door that I can only assume leads to the kitchen.