Page 7

CHAPTER SEVEN

T HE NEXT FEW days were something of a routine, and Callie took comfort in knowing what to expect—in the short run, anyway. Each morning, Tanner or Kam had showed up to make sure she had the hang of caring for the animals. Addie visited her during the day. Glory alternated between complaining about wanting to go home, and looking at her phone.

She could have told Glory to go home, but that would mean she was at the house by herself. At night. Daytime was fine, but those pitch-black evenings with wailing goats and intrusive raccoons, not to mention the bugs, tended to weird her out a little. It was easier to sleep with Glory in the bed right next to her.

In between the never-ending chores, Callie immersed herself in recording her progress so they could post it later. She also fixed up the house so it’d be more livable. And in between those things, she dreamed up ways to seduce Tanner.

Twice more, she’d accepted Addie’s invitations to dinner.

She was supposed to dine with them again tonight.

Addie swore she loved the female company, and Kam joked enough to keep her entertained, but each time Tanner grew more remote.

The third night, he wasn’t even at dinner. She’d been looking forward to seeing him again all day, especially since Kam had visited her that morning instead of Tanner. Now he wasn’t here, either.

Even to herself, Callie refused to admit how much it bummed her. She decided to ignore his absence, as if it didn’t matter at all. “I don’t know how you do it every night, but the dinner is incredible.”

“Chicken Marsala,” Addie said. “It was a new recipe for me.”

“It’s perfect with the rice,” Glory said. “I’ve never had better.”

Hmm. At least Glory was making the effort to atone for her first performance at dinner. Now, she was all compliments and an occasional shy smile at Kam, which he ignored.

Unfortunately, after a few bites, she seemed to realize they were missing someone. “Tanner isn’t joining us?”

“Nell called,” Kam said, as if that explained it. He went back to eating without elaborating.

It immediately made Callie wonder who Nell was and why Kam was quiet about it.

I will not ask, I will not ask, I will no—

Addie huffed, appearing disappointed in her discretion. “Nell is sixteen, soon to be seventeen, actually. She’s a real sweet girl, but she has some difficulties at home.”

“Difficulties?” Callie asked in concern.

Kam frowned at Glory. “That doesn’t leave this table though.”

“Oh, I wouldn’t… I mean, I don’t even know anyone here. I wouldn’t say anything even if I did.” After all that, she clammed up and glared back at Kam.

“Goats and chickens put away?” Addie asked, which was now her habit.

“Yes, and I ensured the latches were secure.” She’d also locked her door.

“You get that extra room cleared out yet?”

Callie smiled. “Mostly, and no, I don’t need you to finish it. You’ve already done more than enough for me, especially with dinner again. You work too hard.”

“Amen,” Kam said. Then he offered, “But if you run into anything heavy, or need any help, just let me know.”

Glory flushed, maybe because she was the only one not offering.

To help her out, Callie said, “I’m going to enlist Glory to help me finish going through the last few boxes. Once that’s all done, I hope to make it a proper bedroom.”

Blinking fast, even smiling, Glory looked up at her. “ Oooh , new furniture?”

“I think so.” Callie hadn’t told anyone yet, but she’d made plans to get some of her stuff out of storage, especially her beautiful bedroom set. “I want to get both bedrooms painted first.”

Glory touched her arm. “I’d love to help.”

Like it was an honor? Had Glory wanted to pitch in, but hadn’t known how? Knowing her cousin’s history, Callie should have considered that. “I was also hoping you’d help me with my videos.”

More excited, Glory turned to face her. “For your channel?” This time the color blooming in her cheeks was enthusiasm. “I would love, love, love it! It’s my specialty, you know.”

Yes, Callie did know it. “Awesome.”

“How do you have a specialty in online videos?” Kam asked, his skepticism plain.

Of course, Glory froze up, but only for a couple of seconds, then she turned back to her plate, cleared her throat, and composed herself. “I’ve studied audio engineering, sound design, and audio production.”

“Plus she has hands-on experience.”

“Only with family stuff.”

“And it always looked beautifully produced and professional.” Whenever she could brag on Glory, she did.

“Fascinating,” Addie said. “Why don’t you tell us more about that?”

See, that just made her adore Addie even more. The woman knew how to bring out the best in people.

While they ate, Glory modestly shared what she’d learned and what she could do with even the simplest recordings. They were almost finished with dinner when suddenly Blu, who’d been sleeping within view in the great room, jumped to his feet and gave a joyous bark. Everyone looked up.

Addie left her seat. “That’ll be Tanner.” She went to the stove and began preparing a plate.

Blu charged out of the room, and when he returned, Tanner was with him, talking softly to the dog and stroking his neck. He met Callie’s gaze first.

Addie bustled over and gave him a hug. “I’m heating up your meal now.”

He embraced her, his cheek to the top of her head, holding her gently…for an extra-long moment. Callie felt like she was intruding and yet she couldn’t look away. Kam clasped Tanner’s shoulder in brotherly concern, then he took over where Addie had left off with the food. He covered the plate and put it in the microwave.

With one last squeeze, Tanner released Addie, saying low, “She’s okay.”

“Thank God,” Addie murmured.

Glory shared a quick, concerned glance with Callie.

Nodding, Callie pushed back her chair. “The food was incredible as always. Thank you.”

Addie said, “You’re not leaving, are you?”

“Actually, I have a dozen things to do yet tonight.” She looked at the kitchen. “I’d like to help with the dishes before I go.”

“You always help,” Addie said. “Take tonight off.”

She couldn’t resist glancing at Tanner again, but he was busy accepting his plate from Kam, hot from the microwave, and sharing a few hushed words. Deciding not to interrupt the men, she said softly to Addie, “Thank you again for everything.” She nudged Glory forward and the two of them left after giving Blu a pat. They passed Percy, the cat, who was sprawled out asleep on a chair in the great room. They exited through the back door.

It was another cool evening with the scent of rain carried on a heavy breeze. Tree leaves stirred overhead and the goats started their nightly bleating.

“I wonder what’s going on,” Glory whispered.

“With the goats?”

She rolled her eyes. “No, with Tanner and the mysterious Nell.”

Callie shook her head. “I don’t think she’s mysterious. It’s probably just a private matter, as Addie said.”

“And young.” Glory stuck to her side. “I don’t even know her, but I already feel bad for her.”

Callie hooked an arm through Glory’s and pulled her closer as they walked. “I understand.”

“I know. You’re the only one who ever has.”

Sadly true. “We’re sisters, right? Even if we weren’t born from the same parents.”

After biting her lip, Glory asked, “Do you really feel that way? Still?”

“Of course I do. No matter what, Glory, that will never change.” As the skies grew darker, Callie was glad she’d remembered to turn on the outside lights. “I know there have been a lot of changes.”

“So many, and I…well, I need to confess something to you.”

Dread gripped Callie, but she kept her tone calm. “Oh? Does this have something to do with my parents and Sutter?”

She nodded miserably. “They contact me constantly wanting updates on you.”

“I figured. Sutter, too?”

“A few from him. Remember I called him that one night?”

“Yes.” And in annoyance, she’d told Glory she wasn’t her cousin anymore. “You know I was mad, right?”

“Yes!” Glory turned to her, stopping them both at the end of the driveway, where the porch light didn’t quite reach. “I don’t blame you, I swear I don’t. I wanted to convince you to go back—I mean, I still do.”

Slowly, Callie grinned. “No you don’t.”

“I do!”

Callie just looked at her, waiting. It got darker by the second, and she could almost feel the rain moving in.

Shoulders slumping, Glory grumbled, “All right, fine. It’s what your parents want. And Sutter says he’s still madly in love with you.”

“Sutter was never in love with me, madly or otherwise.”

Huffing a breath, Glory glanced around. “At first I didn’t get it. This place is awful, the animals are possessed, and bugs are everywhere.”

“At first you thought that?”

“I still think it—mostly. But it’s sort of growing on me.” Glory hugged her arms around herself. “I’ve slept better here than I ever have, and listening to you, Kam, Addie and Tanner all talk…it’s so peaceful and easy. And personal, in such a nice way.”

“It is, isn’t it?” Going forward, Callie would ensure that she drew Glory more into the conversation. “Most importantly though, no matter where I live, or what anyone else wants, I’m not marrying Sutter. I’ve told all of you that often enough.”

“So then why?” Holding out her arms, Glory asked, “Why all this fuss?”

“What do you mean?”

“Your parents sent me along to ‘talk some sense into you,’ as if I’ve ever had sway over you. They insist, constantly, that I need to do my duty and bring you back. Even when I told them it was useless, that I wanted to come home—”

Glory had wanted to leave her?

“—they said I had to stay. They said…” Her voice broke, but Glory rallied. “They said if I didn’t bring you back with me, I might as well not return either.”

Of all the nerve! “What the hell does that mean?” Glory had lived with them forever. She was, or should have been, like a daughter to them.

Playing it off with a sad smile, Glory lifted her hands. “Pretty sure it means I won’t have a job, or family, if there isn’t a wedding.”

Fury lit a fire through Callie’s veins. “I’ll take care of it.” The words emerged calmly enough, but they were forged with steel. Glory was her sister. Better than a sister. No one, not even her own parents, could treat her like that.

“Don’t you see, Callie? Your parents are frantic and acting out of character, and Sutter, I swear, is nearly apoplectic with the need to get you back. To all of them, it’s critical or something. I mean, I know it was going to be a big society to-do and all that, and uniting the families was a big deal for the business. But is there something I don’t know?”

Callie was starting to wonder the same thing. Just then they both heard voices coming from her house. Male voices that didn’t sound like Tanner or Kam.

Glory huddled closer. “Who is that?” she whispered.

“No idea. Come on.” Together, they inched along the driveway until Callie could see her front porch. Two men were there, and one was peering through a window. With Tanner’s many warnings ringing in her ears, she wasn’t sure what to do.

Getting out her phone, she pulled up Addie’s number but didn’t yet hit the call sign. Hoping to make a strong stance instead of appearing as a wary woman, she took a hard step closer and immediately drew their attention. “Gentlemen, can I help you?”

Both men slowly turned to fully face her. They were not ogres. Opposite of ogres, even. Almost as gorgeous as Tanner and Kam.

“Holy shit,” Glory whispered in a very uncharacteristic loss of decorum. Then even lower, she murmured, “They’re growing some really fine guys around here.”

No lie. “Must be the country air.” These two men weren’t as tall as Tanner, and they weren’t as shredded with muscle, but they were lean. Almost too lean. The taller of the two at maybe five-nine, or five-ten, visibly sized her up. Bracing his hands on her porch railing, he replied, “And who are you, darlin’?”

“I live here.” That’s all she’d tell him at the moment.

His eyes narrowed slightly. “Try again. This here’s Reggie’s place.”

Surely this wasn’t one of the Garmet brothers. “It was, yes. Reggie passed away.”

“I’m aware. But the house never went up for sale.”

“Naturally, since he left it to me and I’m not selling.”

One man looked at the other, and they both grinned.

“You find that amusing?”

“Very.” His gaze shifted to Glory. “You both livin’ here?”

Glory surprised her by hefting her chin and saying succinctly, “We are.”

“Well now. Reggie only had one bedroom. The other was piled high, from what I remember.”

“So?” If Reggie had something of theirs, she’d get it for them and end this awkward visit.

Wearing a lecherous grin and sliding his gaze over Glory, the second guy came forward. “So since there’s only one bed, does that mean you two will be sleeping…together?”

Of all the… Infuriated, Callie stepped in front of Glory. “She’s my cousin .”

He lifted both hands in mock surrender. “Hey, don’t say it like that. Can’t fault a man for the way his thoughts go.”

“Actually, I can.” Most definitely when he acted like a pig.

“Oh, gawd,” he groaned dramatically. “Don’t tell me you’re one of those.”

They were insufferable. Callie crossed her arms and cocked out a hip. “Those being?”

“Women who twist every word, who get insulted over every little thing.”

“What you were implying wasn’t a little thing, and no, I don’t get insulted easily.” Let him make of that whatever he wanted. “I think it’s past time for you two to go.”

“Ah, now, darlin’, don’t be like that,” the taller one said. “We’re neighbors.”

Damn. Sincerely hoping she was wrong, Callie guessed, “The Garmet brothers?”

“None other.” As if settling in, the taller guy propped his forearms on the top rail. “I’m Dirk, and this is my brother Lang. We’re harmless, I promise, so let’s get acquainted.”

In her mind, Callie couldn’t help contrasting Dirk’s nauseating attitude to Tanner’s when they’d sat at the kitchen table joking about her independence. Tanner had teased, not insulted, and not once had he leered at her in such a disgusting way. “Not tonight.” Yet they stood on her porch, so how could she get in her house without getting closer to them?

“Come on up,” Dirk said. “We don’t bite.”

Lang laughed.

Callie didn’t know what to do. When a growl sounded behind them, she turned—and God bless him, Tanner was approaching at a fast clip with Blu beside him. The dog immediately stepped in front of Callie and Glory, his ruff up, ears flattened and body stiff.

As Tanner passed them, he shoved a plate of cookies at her, which she automatically accepted. “Stay,” he said, and Callie seriously hoped that abrupt command was for the dog and not her, because she’d had enough of hardheaded men for one evening.

She passed the cookies to Glory and, much more sedately, followed Tanner.

The men on the porch straightened, their expressions uneasy.

Dirk said, “Hey Tanner, what’s up, man?”

“Leave.”

Dirk and Lang both went rigid. “We were just introducing ourselves to the women and—”

“And you’re done. Leave now .”

“Fucker,” Lang muttered, but he skulked down the steps.

Dirk, deliberately provoking, took his time. “Staking a claim, are ya?”

Tanner bunched up even more. “Say it again.”

“Just asking, dude.”

“No, you’re insulting her and in the process you’re pissing me off.”

Callie remained just a few feet behind him. If things erupted, she didn’t want to be in the way, but she hoped to smooth over the confrontation before that happened.

“Does she know you’re a killer?” sneered Dirk from the porch. “Does she know how your mama had to mortgage her house just to keep your sorry ass out of prison?”

Showing no reaction to the taunts, Tanner shrugged. “I have no idea what asinine rumors she’s heard from the local lowlifes.”

The complete lack of emotion in his tone alarmed Callie and clearly irritated Dirk. “If I may interrupt,” she said, “it’s getting late and I’d really like to call it a day.” To ensure Tanner knew the dismissal wasn’t for him, she stood at his side and gave all her attention to Dirk and Lang.

Dirk accepted it, loping down the steps, but with caution. “Maybe I’ll see you tomorrow then.” He glanced at Tanner. “Or maybe not.” Pretending he didn’t care, he backstepped away, keeping Tanner in his sight.

Tanner stood there, his body still tense, his gaze watchful as if he thought the brothers might attack at any moment.

Callie appreciated his rescue, but wasn’t sure how to feel about his methods. He’d been antagonizing before he even understood the situation. Still, if it would deter Dirk and Lang from menacing her again—because they had been menacing, she wasn’t oblivious to that—then she’d accept Tanner’s influence.

While the other men were still near enough to hear, she said, “Tanner, would you and Blu like to come in for a few minutes?”

One of the brothers guffawed, and then they disappeared into the shadows at the side of Callie’s house.

After drawing a slow, deep breath, he gave an abrupt nod. “Blu, come on.”

The dog calmed, but he didn’t leave Glory’s side, sticking with her as she carried the cookies up the driveway, her expression bewildered. When she reached Tanner, who hadn’t yet moved, she whispered, “I don’t know what that was, but thank you.”

For Glory, he softened. “Welcome.” He took the plate from her and gestured for her and Callie, which included Blu, to precede him. “You might want to put my number in your phones. Kam’s too, because no way is that the end of it, and the Garmet brothers are a hell of a lot worse than a raccoon or two.”

Callie didn’t realize she was shaking until she tried to get her door unlocked. She fumbled the key twice before getting it right and finally opening the door. The house was dark inside, so she took the plate from Tanner and, as she carried it to the kitchen, she flipped light switches. On her way back, she even turned on the hall light.

Blu took that as an invitation to explore, something she appreciated, especially when the dog returned without alarm, sniffing the floor, the couch, the walls.

“Probably looking for Reggie.” Tanner patted his thigh. “Come here, Blu. You won’t find him, buddy.”

The dog immediately trotted over, then tipped his head in question.

Callie had the urge to cry. She even bent to hug Blu. “You are such a good boy, Blu.” Swishing his tail, he nuzzled her, then stepped away and dropped down to rest in front of the door.

The house fell silent, the only sounds that of Glory pacing and Blu huffing out a tired breath as he settled in.

Tanner looked at Callie, ran a hand through his hair, and said, “Sorry about that.”

She shook her head, unsure what he meant.

“Escalating things. Looking for a reason to take Dirk apart. The brothers set me off every damn time I see them.”

Glory said, “Well, I can see why. They’re disgusting.”

“Agreed.” Callie badly wanted to get closer to him, but she didn’t want to press him. Ever since they’d kissed, he’d kept his distance. “I got the feeling they were going for charm, but missing it by a mile.”

“They have zero respect for women. Honest men, either. Don’t ever be fooled by them.”

“We weren’t.” No, from the first sight of them, she’d sensed something was off—especially with them attempting to peer in her windows. “Were they friends with Reggie?”

“Hell no. Reggie didn’t trust either of them. He’d busted them stealing from him plenty of times over the years, and once, when they were late teens, he found them shooting his chickens with BB guns.”

Callie fumed. “Cretins.”

“Their dad, before he passed on, thought it was hilarious and tossed ten bucks at Reggie, as if that’d solve it. Reggie punched him in the mouth and told him if he saw either of his boys around his place again, he’d call the police.”

“He should have anyway!” Callie insisted.

“Wouldn’t have done any good. They have cops for kin, so somehow they always skate by.” Tanner studied their enraged faces. “Not to alarm either of you…” He stopped and shook his head. “Scratch that. You should be alarmed.”

Glory put a hand to her head and groaned.

Callie said calmly, “Let’s hear it.”

“You need dead bolts on the doors, and probably on the windows, too.” He hesitated only a second, then said, “I know a kid working an apprenticeship with a contractor. He’s handy and always looking for extra cash. If you can afford him—”

“I assume he wouldn’t cost any more than anyone else I hired?”

“Less, I’m sure. Liam’s just turned nineteen and trying hard to make it on his own. He’s the kid I told you about who needs a car.”

And Tanner was trying to help him? Her admiration grew every time she was around him.

“I could bring him by tomorrow, after I do some deliveries,” he offered. “Late afternoon, probably. You could meet him then.”

“Sounds perfect.” She’d be happy for the extra security, and for another visit with Tanner. “While you’re both here, we could check out the car, make sure it still runs and everything.”

Nonplussed, he blinked at her. “You haven’t started it yet?”

She shook her head, and gave a ridiculous admission. “Don’t you dare laugh, but I haven’t even been in the garage yet.” It was a detached building, and to her it didn’t look at all inviting.

“Basement? Attic?” he asked.

“No to all that. I wanted to get my living space in order before I did anything else, though I planned to venture downstairs tomorrow because Addie said the washer and dryer are down there.” And she already had plenty of laundry to do, especially with Reggie’s bedding, towels, and dish towels that had gotten musty over the last couple of months.

“They are, among other things.” He crossed his arms and watched her.

With a sigh, Callie said, “I can tell you’re just dying to explain that cryptic comment.”

“Glory might faint if I do.”

“Oh God,” Glory said, dropping to sit on the edge of the couch. “It’s that bad?”

Tanner had the gall to laugh. “Lots of cobwebs, spiders, and other creepy crawlies. That’s all.”

A shudder ran over Callie. There was no guarantee that things in the basement would stay down there. “So I need an exterminator. Got it.”

His taunting smile faded to one of gentle amusement. “Tell you what. While I’m here with Liam, I can check out the basement, make sure it’s clear of the worst stuff.”

She would love to agree, especially since he was being so nice about it. However, that would mean she couldn’t handle it. Two big male strangers looming on her porch was one thing. A few spiders or other bugs was another. Surely, single women dealt with that sort of thing, and worse, on a regular basis.

So she sucked it up and declined with a grateful smile. “I appreciate the offer, but I can handle it.”

His brows drew together in concern. “Okay, but would you mind waiting to go down there until I’m here, just in case?”

“Just in case I chicken out?”

“No, just in case a snake has taken up residence, or anything like that.”

Her stomach bottomed out. Pretty sure she went pale, too. “Oh.” Her effort to sound blasé failed. “Snakes.” Yeah, she sounded sick.

“Most around here are harmless. Rat snakes or garter snakes, no big deal. But we have pit vipers too, and I wouldn’t want you to run into one of them.”

Yeah, that pretty much ensured she would not step foot in the basement.

He elaborated anyway. “They’re venomous, in case you didn’t know. Copperheads especially like to take up in abandoned buildings, and since it’s been two months—”

Thrusting up a hand, Callie shushed him. “Say no more. Perhaps when Liam is here, he can also install a dead bolt on the basement door.”

“Not a bad idea, since there are two windows down there.”

“Well.” Glory flopped back on the couch as if wilted. “If I hope to get any rest after all these dire warnings, I’m going to need a sleeping pill tonight for sure.”

Looking genuinely contrite, Tanner said, “Sorry, but it is a concern.” Taking Callie by surprise, he stepped closer and cupped a hand to the side of her neck. “I’m serious about you having my number. Keep your phone near you and call if either of the Garmet brothers gives you any trouble.”

“Or if a snake intrudes?”

The corner of his mouth hitched up a notch, but his voice emerged as a husky rumble. “Even a raccoon.”

The warmth of his hand on her skin had a lulling effect, as did his dark eyes staring into hers. She intrinsically trusted him, regardless of whatever had happened with the mysterious Nell today, or what that horrid Garmet brother had insinuated about murder. Already, Tanner knew things about her that no one else knew, not even Glory, and definitely not her parents.

Given that he’d talked with her about his childhood, she felt certain that he’d also shared things with her he would normally keep private.

However it had happened, they’d connected, even bonded, and not just in a “nice to date” or “sexual chemistry” type of way. There was that, for sure. Never in her life had she been so physically drawn to a man. Yet it was more, especially for her because she’d been looking for someone who would accept her choices, let her test her own boundaries.

Just let her be .

Oh, he grumbled, but he also encouraged her and when necessary—as it had been tonight, and previously with her raccoon intruder—he stepped up to make sure she was safe without ridiculing her.

Even when Tanner did criticize her, it didn’t feel condescending. It felt teasing, sometimes automatic, as if he did it by rote, and occasionally self-serving and deliberate. After all, there were things he wanted with her house, so he had his own agenda.

“Thank you,” she whispered, leaning a little closer.

Abruptly coming to her feet, Glory said, “I think I’ll get a shower. Thank you for the help, Tanner. And the cookies.”

Without looking away from Callie, he replied, “No problem.”

Blu glanced up, watching Glory disappear down the hall, then he checked out Callie and Tanner, but he must have decided everything was fine because he put his head back on his paws and dozed off again.

The second they heard the bathroom door close, Callie went on tiptoe to kiss Tanner. From the moment he’d showed up, some part of her mind had wanted her mouth on his. If she thought of him, kisses were involved. When she looked at him, her lips tingled. Now he was here, in reach, and he wasn’t exactly resistant.

But then, neither did he deepen the kiss.

His hand slid from her neck to her shoulder, then down her back so he could nudge her closer by small degrees until they were in full body contact.

Her senses rioted. How did she even stay upright? The scent of him, the feel of his solid body, his strength and warmth…so intoxicating.

Being held by him offered contentment, acceptance, and safety, all together in an incredibly stirring mix. She was twenty-eight years old and she’d never felt anything like it.

However, he wasn’t devouring her mouth as he had last time, and in fact had turned the kiss so tender, their lips were barely touching. That was special in its own way. Sighing, she rested her cheek on his chest. “Kissing you is so, so nice.”

His hand stroked up and down her back. “I wanted to talk to you.”

Hm. So he’d rather talk than kiss. She could handle that—barely. “Okay.” He sounded so grave, she emotionally braced herself.

“I had to miss dinner. I didn’t want you to think I was deliberately dodging you.”

“Kam mentioned someone named Nell.” She waited, not releasing him, in no hurry to break physical contact with him.

His arms tightened around her. “I have no idea why I want to explain this to you.”

At that, she pressed back to see his face. “Right? How long have we even known each other?” In case he misunderstood, she said quickly, “It just feels right, though, to share, I mean?”

“It does.” He cupped her face in both hands. This kiss was deeper and more thorough, but still far too brief. “Though I’ve known you for a long time.”

Ouch. She was still smarting over that when he took her hand and led her into the kitchen.

With a glance around, he said, “The place is coming together.”

She practically beamed. “Coming from Grumpy Gus, that’s quite the compliment.”

He hedged his big topic by saying, “You’ve done things faster than I expected.”

“Oh?” She got out two mugs and a jug of milk, setting them on the table with the cookies and a decorative napkin holder that she used as a simple centerpiece. As she dropped into a chair, she asked, “What did you expect?”

He looked back at the kitchen entrance to ensure they were alone, then said, “That you’d be more like Glory, and no, that’s not an insult to your cousin.”

Sure sounded like one to her. “Then what is it?”

“An observation.” He took the seat opposite her. “I assumed you’d look at a mess, hire people to clear it out, and otherwise stay clean.”

“Clean?” she repeated.

The look he gave her almost brought on a blush. As far as she could remember, no man had ever looked at her like that, as if she was both the sexiest and most wonderful woman he’d ever known.

“That’s what I always noticed about you. How ‘fresh from the bath’ you always seem.” His gaze traveled over her cheek, along her neck and then the top of her chest. “Even sweaty, you glow.” His voice dropped. “Makes me want to breathe you in all over.”

You can. Name the day. Now would be fine. He was so serious, though, she didn’t want to derail him. “I look at you and see strength and compassion.” That didn’t quite cover it. “Protection, too.”

His gaze sharpened. “For yourself?”

“No, not necessarily. For anyone who needed it, I guess.” A dog, a brother…a girl named Nell. “In case you can’t tell, I admire you, Tanner. A lot.”

“I was getting a whole different vibe.”

She grinned. “Yeah, well, I want you, too.” And she didn’t mind saying so. “But fine as you are, I wouldn’t get all hot and bothered around you if I didn’t admire you, too.”

His laugh was quick and rough. “Hot and bothered, huh?”

Fanning her face dramatically, she said, “Very much so.” There, she’d said it. He could make of that what he would.