Page 15

MARLIE

“Dinner was delicious, thank you,” Tanner tells me after he’s helped put away the leftovers, do the dishes, and clean up the kitchen. It was a simple dish of lasagna and Caesar salad, so it’s kind of hard to screw up. Nevertheless, it’s nice to be complimented.

“You’re welcome. And thank you as well.” I lift up my glass of wine.

Tanner told me earlier on he’s not a huge fan of wine.

That didn’t stop him from trying the red blend I adore so much.

It was funny at first, the almost bitter-looking face he made, but by the second and third sip, he conceded and liked it.

I just laughed and told him he didn’t have to drink it and next time, I’d have beer ready for him.

Tanner gave me a thoughtful look, came up to me, his hands going to my hips, backing me into the corner, and took my mouth.

There was no other way to describe it. The sensation of his tongue sliding against mine caused a rippled effect.

I felt it from the tips of my toes to the bottom of my feet.

Not to mention my body was left throbbing with a need that I knew wouldn’t stop even if I used my fingers or the plethora of toys in my nightstand.

“Anytime, sweetheart.” We’re sitting on the couch, Tim is at Tanner’s feet, my legs are propped on Tanner’s lap, his hands are massaging my calves, my wine glass is in my hand, and I’m in complete and utter bliss.

It’s also not helping calm down my overdriven libido.

Nope, with every touch of his work-roughened hands sliding up and down my body, it only gets worse.

“Are you sure you’re real?” The words slide from my lips. This time, when Tanner’s thumb works my inner thigh right above my knee, a moan leaves me. He grabs my wine glass just in time because I’m pretty sure I would have spilled the remnants on not only me but the couch as well.

“Easy, there.” My eyes watch him the entire time in his cotton tee, worn jeans, and muscles rippling in his arms as he takes care of me.

“And, yeah, I’m real, sweetheart. If you’re not careful, I’m going to show you just how much.

I’m thinking that’s not something we should be doing right now, but damn is it hard not to. ”

Tanner moves, wedging himself between my now spread thighs, hands going beneath my back until one hits my neck, holding me there while the other kneads my lower back, touching bare skin.

“If this is your version of slow, I’ll take it, Tanner.” I sigh aloud, enjoying the feel of his weight against my body.

“Fuck, you make me lose my mind.” His eyes are locked on my lips, and for all the teasing he’s done, this time, it’s my turn.

I lick my lips. Tanner groans, and his head drops to my chest, which doesn’t help in the least, especially when he lets out a breath of air.

The sweater set I’m wearing, well, let’s just say it’s very breathable, and I nixed the bra today.

It was a crapshoot. I didn’t want to be annoyed by a bra or panties, plus I’ve been lucky in the chest department, and gravity has been kind.

It’s honestly a family gene thing, so maybe it’ll continue to be there as well

“I’m not opposed to that either.” I lift my head, wanting our tongues to mingle with one another, to have his taste on my lips, and to memorize this moment.

“You’re making it mighty hard to be a gentleman, Marlie,” Tanner tells me before taking my lips in a heated kiss, deep, passionate, full of want and desire.

“Tanner,” I moan right before our tongues dual in a manner that’s as old as time between two lovers, nothing else bothering us in this moment in time, just two people who have been put through the wringer.

The passionate way Tanner told me he tried every avenue he could to find me and fell short, well, besides standing on my front porch step, which he was worried would come off as creepy.

I didn’t know it, but it released all the tension I had left in my body.

It’s hard on a woman at the age of thirty-one to never have had a real lasting relationship, and while I’m hesitant to dive headfirst into this thing that’s building between Tanner and me, I will, if only to have this small fleeting memory.

“Tanner,” I mutter, wanting his lips again, though he’s already pulling away from me.

“Not tonight. We’re doing this right, and as much as I want to feel every smooth inch of your skin, knowing you’re naked beneath those clothes from feeling you alone, I know it’s time for me to leave before that happens.

” I’m kind of put off by this idea, but there’s also this blooming sensation inside my chest that’s saying this is a good thing.

He’s not a one and done, a wham-bam-thank-you-ma’am.

He’s also not acting like some men in the clingy department.

“As much as I’m lamenting this idea, which I am, by the way, I know it’s a good idea.” Tanner stands up, and I see the way his jeans are bulging. Clearly, God is testing my limits because it only makes things worse in the longing department.

“I get it, sweetheart. It’s gonna be a long night and another one with my fist, but we’re doing this the right way. I want you to know this thing we’re building is going to be rock fucking steady.” His hand reaches out to me. Tim is already up on his four legs, tail wagging and tongue lolling out.

“God, do I feel that. If you’re not busy tomorrow, I would like to go to the shelter,” I offer.

Earlier, he mentioned eating dinner at his family’s house.

Not knowing how to react, I didn’t respond.

If Tanner asks again, I’d more than likely say yes, especially after the way he talked about them during dinner.

“You call me when you’re up and moving. I’ll come pick you up. We can spend the day together, and you can think on what I asked you earlier.” Clearly, he’s also a mind reader. I roll my eyes but smile while doing so.

“Okay, okay. Tonight really was amazing. Thank you.” I go to the tips of my toes, and my lips graze the underside of his scruffy jaw.

“Hell yeah, it was. It’ll happen more often. I might need some grace every now and again, but I’ll make time for you, Marlie.” He squeezes my hip, then we walk to the door, where I’m left with another scorching kiss and the need to use my vibrator as soon as freaking possible.