Page 7

MARLIE

“So, I guess this is goodnight.” I’m never awkward. Okay, I take that back. I can be when I’m around my friends, you know, the kind where you let your barriers down as well as your hair, maybe dance on tables, have too much to drink, and regret nothing from the night before.

“Yeah, afraid so, sweetheart. You might get a day off, but if I leave my brother to delegate where the crews work come Monday, we all might be screwed and out of jobs.” His hand is in mine, my back is facing the door of my car.

After we sat and listened to the waves crash along the shore, we finished our drinks, and I let out yawn after yawn.

Tanner called it a night, which I’m completely bummed about, but I also get it.

He’s got a twenty-minute drive home, and jet lag is the real freaking deal, not to mention time zone changes. What a bitch and a half.

“It was nice to finally meet you, and not to inflate your ego, but Taylor was right about everything she said about you.” I stand up on the tip of my toes, going for Tanner’s cheek because I’m not that forward and expect him to kiss me.

After all, this isn’t even our first date, much less anything more.

I mean, sure, he asked for my number, and I gave it to him without hesitation, my eyes drooped a few times, and my head landed on his shoulder, but I wasn’t going to be that aggressive.

“The feeling is entirely mutual.” Tanner must have seen what I was up to. His lips meet mine, a light graze at first, and when I go to pull back, his hands land on my hips. My back meets the door of my car as his soft pillowy lips kiss me again, and swear to all that is holy, it’s heaven on earth.

“Oh.” That two-letter word leaves me as my hands move to his shoulders, gaining more purchase as his tongue licks my upper lip, nipping it teasingly.

“Gonna kiss you now, Marlie. I hope like fuck you’re okay with that.

” Tanner doesn’t give me a chance to respond.

The intake of my breath, the way I’m tightening my hold on his shoulders, that’s all the answer he needs.

Our tongues meet in a slow sweeping motion.

Tanner’s smooth movements, the way we’re in this clench…

Everything has drifted away—the aching in my feet from wearing heels all day, the pulling of the bobby pins in my hair, the jet lag, it’s all a thing of the past. The only thing that’s at the forefront of my mind is how fucking amazing Tanner is at kissing me, and I know without a shadow of a doubt, whenever he calls me, I’ll be answering it on the first ring.

To hell with trying to make it seem like I’m not interested, because I am.

And believe me, it’s been a long time since I’ve decided to take a chance on a man. I’ve kissed my fair share of frogs praying they’d be a prince. Newsflash, they weren’t, but Tanner, he most definitely could.

“Shit, I should apologize for mauling you out in public. There’s not a chance in hell that will happen, though.” Tanner pulls back. I’m still yearning for more, rocking back on my heels.

“I don’t want you to apologize either,” I reply. He dips his head, whispers a kiss against my lips one last time, and if my hands weren’t still on those muscular shoulders of his, I’d be chasing after his mouth yet again.

“That’s good, Marlie. You get home tonight. I’ll get what I can done at the office tomorrow, then I’ll call you. If you’re free, we can hit up the beach, go out to dinner or something, okay?”

“I’d really like that.” My hands slide down from Tanner’s shoulders to his chest, and it takes everything in me to not to take advantage of how he feels.

“It’s settled, then. Drive safe.” Tanner moves me to the side, one hand staying on my hip, while the other opens the door I unlocked when we walked up on it.

Of course, it’s one of the only cars in the parking lot light besides a few others.

At least I was smart enough to park under a streetlight this time.

Most of the time, I pay zero attention. Today, I knew I’d need to stay behind and make sure Taylor’s parents were okay before dipping out myself, which now I’m even more glad that I didn’t.

“You too. You have a longer way to go. Are you sure you won’t fall asleep?” I ask.

“I’ll be good. You’re the one who should be worried about falling asleep, sleepyhead.” I noticed Tanner quit drinking before I did, though to be fair, I never finished that last glass of champagne, and had I drunk that, I’d either walk home or call for a car.

“Three streets away. I can stay up long enough for that. Once I get home, there’s no promises. Text me when you make it to your place?” It must be getting close to one o’clock in the morning, and I know he’s been just as busy as I have been today.

“Will do. Now get your gorgeous self in the car.” Tanner squeezes my hip, and then I move.

Once I’m in the driver’s seat, he closes the door, watching as I start the car, and even when I’m about to back out of my parking spot, Tanner doesn’t leave his spot and watches me drive away.

I so have some ass to kiss the second Taylor is back in town, and a whole lot to catch up on, too.