Page 3 of Her Protector on Route 14 (Love Along Route 14 #6)

My throat is dry from talking so much. I keep waiting for Tanner to tell me to be quiet, but he doesn’t.

Whenever I stop he motions for me to continue or asks another question about me, my trip, the things I’ve liked most or what I want to see.

His questions are always short and to the point, but the fact he’s asking makes me feel vibrant and glowing.

By the time he slows for a single stop light, I realize exactly how long I’ve been speaking for.

The sun has set and streetlights glow in a warm yellow light.

My gaze slowly slips to Tanner. He looks so big in this truck and lit by the red light .

.. I’m picturing him popping the buttons on his flannel and doing a body roll like in some TikTok videos I’ve seen.

I lick my bottom lip and force myself to look away. I shouldn’t be thinking about him like this, wondering what it would be like to climb onto his lap, feel his breath across my lips, his tongue dragging along my ear before he says something low and hot while guiding me closer against him.

My whole body buzzes with lust in a way I was sure only existed in movies and books, but there’s more. Because I want to make him laugh. I want to earn that half smile again and again.

Tanner starts to go forward, then a vehicle runs the light and his arm shoots out in front of me, grazing my breasts as he holds me in place. He lets out a soft curse as my heart stutters in my chest. He clears his throat and I realize I’m grabbing my thigh as his arm drops.

“Are you okay?” he asks softly.

“Yeah, fine. I um, I’ve been in cities where people do worse,” I whisper.

His jaw tightens and it ends our conversation. He only speaks again when he pulls into a mechanic shop. “Petyon and Wyatt will take care of your vehicle. They’re the best I know.”

“That’s great. Thank you,” I say.

I feel like a broken record, thanking him over and over. It’s like I’ve forgotten how to talk to an attractive man.

Which is ridiculous. I’m twenty-four—not sixteen.

But I haven’t had a real relationship since high school.

College came first, then work, and somewhere along the way, dating just…

faded out. The few times I did try? I was told I was too much.

Too sweet. Too na?ve. Some guys got irritated when I didn’t sleep with them right away, like basic respect came with a timer.

Tanner probably senses it—maybe not the full story, but enough. The way I stumble over my words, the way I keep fidgeting and thanking him like I’ve never been shown this kind of kindness before.

That must be why he’s being so patient. So gentle.

Even if it feels like he’s cast a spell on me… I know he’s just doing his job. Right?

We get out and I glance at the sign reading Miller Car Restoration, then glance at the tow truck unloading my vehicle here. Tanner doesn’t pause until he realizes I’m not following him. He glances back at me and waits for me to catch up to him, then walks right to the garage.

A woman with bright red hair is currently wiping her greasy hands on a towel. I blink a few times. She looks like a model when it comes to her face, but her clothing is obviously oversized and her glasses keep slipping down her nose. Her hair is up in a messy bun that she tugs while grumbling.

Tanner clears his throat and she stands up, tossing the rag and adjusting her jeans. “We’re closed.”

“You’re here,” Tanner says, but there’s a teasing tone to his voice and a fondness in his eyes that seems to soften his whole face. “That means you’re open.”

The girl turns and laughs. “Well, for you, I am.”

She flashes a huge, perfect smile and walks over, punching his shoulder. Then she notices me. Her eyes flick between Tanner and me and he clears his throat. “Her car was towed here.”

“Always playing the doting hero, aren’t you?” She asks while shaking her head.

He grumbles something I can’t quite hear and the girl rolls her eyes before reaching out a hand to me. “I’m Peyton. Let’s see what we’re working with.”

Tanner answers a few questions, but Petyon keeps teasing him. “Oh yeah, Tanner? You just happened to be on call? Uh-huh, because that’s not your signature move or anything.”

He rolls his eyes and she bumps his hip, drawing another wry, almost smile from him. He elbows her lightly and she snorts. “You see this, not even a hug. It’s like he’s not fully human.”

“Don’t start that again,” he orders.

“Yeah, if I didn’t remember you pouting while covered in mud, I might be intimidated,” she says.

Something about the fondness between them, the reactions that she gets from Tanner and how close they seem makes me feel ... jealous . It’s stupid. I just met the man. He’s barely said anything to me, but I’m frustrated and feel like I need to get his attention back.

Instead, I play with my fingers in front of me. This feels like a private moment for them, but here I am, interrupting and trying to calm my reaction. He’s not mine to tease or play around with. He’s just a man doing his job.

“Tell Holly, not me,” Tanner says, pulling me from my thoughts.

“It’s going to take a few days for me to get to your vehicle and repair it properly. I recommend booking a room. The Nighty Nigh B&B is the best place to go,” Peyton says.

Tanner nods in confirmation and motions to me. “I’ll take you.”

I bite my bottom lip to avoid saying thanks again. Peyton calls out as he and I walk away. “Tanner, be a good guy and help her enjoy town while she’s here!”

“You don’t have to,” I say seriously. “You’ve already done more than enough.”

“You want to take photos and it’s better to go around with someone who knows the best places,” he answers as if it’s that simple.

He takes me to the lobby of the cozy, rustic B&B. It has modern elements that don’t pull away from the hominess of the place. Once I book a room, I turn to Tanner. “I should get your phone number then.”

He arches an eyebrow. “Is that so?”

“If you’re going to be my tour guide, I think it’s necessary,” I remind with a slight smile.

He nods once and pulls out his phone. A quiet wave of self-consciousness creeps in—I'm sure someone like Peyton wouldn’t stumble over her words or second-guess every move like I do. But I push the thought aside. I probably just need some sleep.

So after we exchange numbers, I head to my room and settle in, hoping a little space and rest will help clear my head.