Page 26

Veronica

Hot Tub

“S o yeah, TJ’s pretty boring actually,” Tanner says, looking at Lizzy.

She huffs in disappointment, holding her plastic wine glass above the bubbling water of the hot tub.

“Damn, I was really hoping you had some crazy rockstar stories.”

“Hate to burst your bubble,” Tanner says, shaking his head, “but yeah, he’s boring. Comes out here a couple times each winter to ski. Tries to make it out in the summer and fly fish a bit, not much else. Oh, and he does really like to cook too.”

“Yeah, no shit,” I say. “That kitchen is insane. Glad someone is using it.”

I look at Tanner, sitting in the opposite corner of the hot tub directly across from me, Collin and Lizzy in the others. His chest and shoulders are still above the water and the view is incredible. I would kill to just be able to go across the hot tub and curl into his lap.

“So, Chap,” Collin says, cracking open a new beer, “is this the coolest place you manage?”

“It’s pretty cool,” Tanner says, “but not the coolest. There’s a guy with a dozen or so acres along the Snake on an old ranch. He built a new house, pretty similar to this, but the land is amazing. Fishing access, places to ride horses, insane views of the mountains. It’s perfect.”

Watching Tanner talk about this place is charming in its own way. I doubt he even realizes it, but when he describes the mountain, the river, the land, his entire demeanor changes. His voice is softer, his eyes sparkle, his dimples show while an involuntary smile takes over his face. It’s like he’s letting his guard down and giving you a glimpse into what really makes him tick. I’ve always known he loved Jackson and the Tetons, but hearing the way he knows the this place, it’s like he’s talking about a close family member or loved one, or even himself.

“So, Chap . You said your dog gave you those scratches? What is he, a fucking wolf?” Lizzy asks, still eyeing Tanner.

He laughs, almost choking on his beer. “Rex is a cattle dog, but he packs a punch. I was sleeping on the couch last night and he curled up on my back, until a moose outside startled him. The little shit ripped my back up good when he jumped off to go bark at the door.”

Lizzy seems to accept that answer, but her eyes still linger on his bare chest above the waterline with a mix of skepticism and lust.

Tanner takes note of Lizzy’s gaze before drying his hands on a towel and grabbing his phone, laughing as he types something out.

“Well guys, TJ says hi and he hopes we’re enjoying the place. Wishes he were here,” Tanner says.

“Damn, look at you. Texting famous celebrities,” Collin says, lifting his beer to cheers Tanner.

My phone’s on silent, but I see my screen light up with a notification. I wait a minute before grabbing my phone to check. It’s a message from Tanner.

Tanner: Thinking of you, maybe a little too much. Got a bit of a Teal Tiger crop top situation again… ;)

My heart skips a beat, thinking about the way he ruined me tonight before dinner, leaving my body craving more. I reply, before putting my phone away.

Me: Thinking of you and your situation too… XOXO

Getting my mind back to the moment, I change the subject to something more predictable.

“Collin? Lizzy?” I start. “Do you guys remember the plan for tomorrow?”

“Ugh, V. Just when I’m starting to think you’re being less… you … you go and bring up the itinerary,” Lizzy scoffs before taking another sip of wine.

Collin laughs, looking back at me.

“Why don’t you go ahead and pretend we forgot and walk us through it again? We know you’ll feel better if you do.”

I guess I am that predictable. I think back to what I told Tanner just before dinner, that I want to be more spontaneous. I think about how he’s right, I can relax and trust him. I can trust Collin and Lizzy too.

“Alright. Fine then. If you want me to be less me, let’s say screw it. What do you guys want to do tomorrow?” I ask, glaring at both of them, my eyebrows raised. I smirk before my eyes meet Tanner’s, who nods and grins in approval. Geez. That did feel good.

Lizzy is the first to wipe the surprised look off her face and quickly gets a giddy look. “Well I know what I want. After we go skiing, let’s go out for dinner and then I can finally look for a cowboy at one of those cool old bars downtown.”

Collin nods to Lizzy, clinking his beer to her glass. “Now that’s a good plan.”

Tanner laughs and runs his fingers through his wet hair.

“Sorry, Ronni,” he says, trying to hide his disappointment. “I have to work in the morning so I won’t see y’all on the slopes. I’ll catch up with you at the bars later though. Where’re we going first?”

I look over to Lizzy.

“Since this is Lizzy’s first time here and she’s hell bent on finding a cowboy,” I say, rolling my eyes, “I figured we’d start at the Silver Dollar Cowboy Bar. Sound good to you guys?”

“Oh hell yeah, V,” Collin says, looking over to Tanner. “You ready to check in on our old friend, Tanner? I hope he’s still there.”

Tanner lets out a chuckle and reaches over to Collin, giving him a jab in the shoulder with his fist still holding his beer.

“I hope so, bud. Been a while since we’ve checked in on him.”

“Umm… someone care to fill me in?” Lizzy asks, annoyed she’s missing out on an inside joke. A look of excitement then takes over her face. “Wait, is your old friend a cowboy?!”

I roll my eyes, shaking my head thinking about Collin and Tanner. All these years and they still have to do this same old shit. I sigh.

“You’ll see, Lizzy. I told you these boys never change,” I groan.