“Sophia.” He said knocking on the door. When she didn’t answer, he cracked the door open. “Soph.” He called a little louder.
“What?” She asked. He pushed the door open to find her laying on her stomach on the bed, swinging her legs in the air. She had a book on the bed in front of her and her wavy hair made a curtain around her. His heart froze in his chest when she looked up at him and smiled.
“What’s up?” She asked him.
“Dinner is ready.” It took all of his will power not to walk over and kiss her.
“Okay. I’ll be there in a second.” She smiled, then looked back down at her book. He stared, unable to look away. “You okay?” She asked when she stood up.
“Hm, yeah.” He shook his head and walked back to the kitchen. She wasn’t even trying, and she had all of his attention. He knew if she tried, she would own him within minutes.
“Bout time. I thought I was gonna have to eat all of this alone.” Jackson said then shoveled another bite in his mouth.
“If you let Jackson cook, I’m not eating. He would probably poison me.” Sophia said behind him. He stepped to the side and put his arm around her.
“I cooked. He only survived in the army because of the MREs.” Tanner looked down at her and smiled.
“I resemble that remark.” Jackson grinned at them.
“That’s why he is doing the dishes tonight.” Tanner smirked at him.
“That’s just mean.” Jackson scowled at him.
Sophia laughed, then grabbed a plate. He followed behind like the lost puppy he seemed to be. She seemed more relaxed though dinner. Tanner was relieved to see her smiling, and tormenting Jackson. He ate and watched as they seemed to resort back to all the years before when his mom had cooked for them. She always said a noisy kitchen was a happy kitchen. Diana had wanted them to be quiet and proper at her house. Here they laughed and cut up at the dinner table.
“Y’all get out of my kitchen.” Jackson told them when they finished eating.
“Count the dishes. He used to hide them so he didn’t have to wash them.” Sophia laughed.
“Tanner, remove her before I go on strike.” Jackson huffed.
“You can’t go on strike, you haven’t done anything.” Tanner laughed.
“I work hard all day and this is the thanks I get.” Jackson scowled. But Tanner could see his lips twitch.
“Come on, Soph, let’s give the diva some space.” Tanner held out his hand to her.
“Thank you, kind sir.” She giggled.
“Y’all are banned from the kitchen till I’m done.” Jackson called after them.
“Was he this fussy in the army?” Sophia asked as he led her out the front door.
“No. He is making up for lost time.” Tanner joked.
“And we are the lucky few who get to deal with it.” Sophia shook her head. “Where are we going?” She asked as they stepped off the porch.
“Just over to the fallen log.” He kept her hand in his as he guided her. It was dark and he didn’t want her to fall.
“I used to love to sit out here.” She sat on the log and took a deep breath.
“I remember.” He had found her out here a couple times when they were younger. He straddled the log and sat close to her.
“I’m sorry about earlier. I didn’t mean it.” She sighed and glanced up at him from under her lashes.
“I know, sweetheart.” He smiled. Did she have any idea how beautiful she looked out here under the stars?
“Tanner, you’re staring.” Sophia told him, then looked away.
“You’re beautiful. It’s hard not to stare.” He told her honestly.
“You don’t have to give me compliments. I know what I look like.” She shrugged playing with a strand of her hair.
“So, you know you are beautiful, and how your green eyes could bring a man to his knees.” Tanner said pulling her hand away from her hair.
“Tanner, stop.” Sophia whispered,
“I don’t think I can, Soph. Can you honestly tell me you don’t feel it too?” He asked tipping her chin up.
“You’re Jackson’s best friend.” She mumbled.
“Do you feel it Sophia?” He whispered resting his forehead to hers.
“I don’t know what you are talking about.” She tried to pull away.
“This.” He said cupping the back of her head.
He held her head still and brushed his lips across hers gently. He felt her stiffen, and he applied more pressure. Her hands came up to his neck and she relaxed. He slowly rubbed his tongue against hers. He growled at the sweet taste of her. He used his hand at the back of her head to tilt her how he wanted, and brought his other hand to her waist. Her fingers trailed through the hair at the nape of his neck and he groaned. He squeezed her hip and she whimpered.
“I’m sorry, Soph. I didn’t mean to hurt you.” His brain had completely shut off till he heard that sound.
“Wow.” Sophia whispered. “Is that what a kiss is supposed to feel like?” She ran her fingers over her lips.
“What do you mean?” Tanner kept his hand on her head and made her look at him.
“Hm?” She was so cute. It was like she was in a daze as she looked at him.
“You asked if that was how a kiss was supposed to feel.” He reminded her.
“I didn’t mean to say that out loud.” She blushed.
“Soph, you have been kissed before, right?” He narrowed his eyes at her.
“Well, Steven kissed me at mom’s.” She bit her bottom lip.
“What he did was assault, not a kiss. Have you been kissed before?” He asked. Surely guys were lining up to be with her.
“Chad tried once, but it was too weird. He didn’t even touch me before we started laughing.” She whispered.
“Do you want to try it again?” He asked and prayed she said yes. “Turn and sit on the log facing me.” He instructed when she nodded shyly. Once she was facing him, he asked again. “Do you feel it too, Soph?”
“Yes.” She whispered keeping eye contact.
“Good. This isn’t a game. You are mine.” He told her.
“But Jackson…” She started.
“Jackson and I have already talked. He is okay with this as long as you are.” Tanner put his hands on her knees, needing to touch her. “Do you understand what I’m saying?” He needed to be sure.
“I’m yours. We are dating.” She spoke softly.
“For lack of a better term, yes.” It was more than that, but her could give her time.
She looked up at him and smiled. That was all he needed. He leaned over and kissed her lips softly again. This time, she slipped her tongue in his mouth. He was content to let her explore. It wasn’t long before he took over the kiss. Her shy exploring ignited a fire in him. He lifted her legs and scooted closer to her. Then draped her legs over his. He put one hand in her hair to guide her, and the other he let wonder up and down her back. He wanted to kiss her forever, but knew it was time to pull back. He eased out of the kiss, and with one final brush of his lips over hers, he rested his forehead against hers.
“Did I do something wrong?” She asked shyly.
“No, baby, you are perfect.” He reassured her.
“Then why did you stop?” She bit her lip.
“It’s getting late. We need to get back to the house.” He brushed his lips against hers again, then stood pulling her up with him.
“Yeah, Jackson will be worried.” She looked down at her feet.
“Don’t pull away. Jackson knows, he’s okay with this.” Tanner wrapped his arm around her as they went back to the house.
“Are you sure?” She asked him.
“He pointed it out before I noticed it.” Tanner smiled at her, but she frowned. “Just trust me. Everything is good.” He said then led her in his house.
“Y’all good?” Jackson asked when they walked in.
“Yes.” Tanner nodded.
“Is this what you want, Soph?” Tanner wan
ted to be mad, but he understood Jackson was looking out for her.
“Yes.” She whispered.
“Good. I’m going to bed.” Jackson nodded, then left.
“Are you tired, Soph?” Tanner looked down at her.
“Not really.” She bit her lip and looked down.
“Let’s watch TV.” Tanner didn’t care what they watched, he just wanted to spend time with her.
“Sounds good.” Sophia said walking over to the couch. When he sat beside her, she tensed up.
“Relax Soph.” He told her turning on the TV.
“I am.” Sophia had her eyes glued to the screen.
“Does being with me make you uncomfortable?” Tanner hated the wall she had put between them.
“Of course not.” She answered immediately.
“Let me in, Soph.” Her body was so stiff he was afraid she would shatter if he touched her.
“What do you mean?” She asked turning toward him.
“It’s like you have put up a wall around you to keep me out. Relax, it’s just me.” Tanner knew he was a big guy, but that had never bothered her before.
“But this is different.” Sophia told him.
“We watched TV together all day.” Tanner reminded her.
“Yeah, but we weren’t dating.” She shook her head.
“That only makes things easier.” Tanner smiled.
“How so?” She scrunched up her nose. He wanted to kiss it, but she had to relax.
“That means it’s okay for me to hold, touch, and kiss you.” Tanner gave up and kissed the tip of her nose.
“But Jackson…” She started.
“Went to bed. He knows we are together. Just relax. Everything has been so natural with us. All I ask is that you let that guide us. I don’t want to push you, but I will if I feel like you are shutting me out.” Tanner rubbed her back as he let her sort through what he said.
“Okay, you’re right.” Sophia sighed than leaned back against him.
“That’s my girl.” He said kissing the top of her head. “Now, what do you want to watch?” He asked flipping through the TV guide. “There’s a marathon of ‘Last Man Standing’ does that sound good?” She asked looking up at him.
“Perfect.” He nodded, then kissed her forehead.
Sophia finally relaxed as they watched TV. She laughed and talked some through a few episodes, then said she had to go to the bathroom. While she was gone Tanner moved so that she could lay back against him while he had one leg stretched out across the couch and the other foot on the floor. When she came back she looked at him confused.
“Sit right here, and lean back on me.” Tanner patted the cushion between his legs and smiled.
She narrowed her eyes, and started toward a recliner, but he caught her wrist and pulled her down. She huffed just like he knew she would. He wrapped his arms around her, and she melted back against him. Tanner knew she was nervous, so he simply held her against him. After two more episodes, she turned so she was on her side with her head on his chest. He played with her hair as they watched TV. He knew it was getting late, but he couldn’t let her go, so he held her.
Chapter 7
Sophia jerked awake at the loud clanging noise coming from the kitchen. When arms tightened around her, she looked down and the night before came flooding back to her. How could this man possibly want her? She was chubby and plain. She let her eyes run over his face, taking in his high cheek bones and square jaw. His Native American heritage showed in his skin tone and bone structure, not to mention his black hair.
“Morning beautiful.” He murmured sleepily.
“Hiya.” She whispered.
“Can somebody make breakfast?” Jackson yelled from the kitchen.
Sophia rolled her eyes, and started to get up. Tanner wrapped his hand around her neck, pulling her down for a kiss. She wasn’t prepared for his assault, and gasped. Tanner took that as an invitation to deepen the kiss. Sophia whimpered and melted into his arms. She had no idea what she was doing, but she was happy to follow his lead.
“Seriously, I’m going to separate you two. Brother in the room, break it up.” Jackson said covering his eyes.
“I can go home…” She started.
“No.” They snapped at the same time.
“Guys, I will have to go home at some point. I go back to work Monday.” She thought they were being too over protective.
“No, you don’t. Tanner can take you to get the rest of your clothes, and you can stay here.” Jackson nodded like that was the perfect plan.
“Number one, this isn’t your house. Number two, I have another year on my lease, so I couldn’t move out.” Sophia informed him.
“Number one, I want you here, and it’s my house. Number two, I will pay your lease so they can’t do anything.” Tanner said pulling her attention back to him.
“No. I can take care of myself. I pay my own bills. He will give up soon.” Sophia was annoyed they could think that little of her.
“Sis, this guy isn’t sane. We can’t take the risk of you being hurt.” Jackson was worried and she knew it.
“How about this, if he doesn’t try to contact me before Monday, I get to go home. I will call and check in so you know I’m safe.” This was the most logical compromise Sophia could come up with.
“Sophia, this is about your safety. We don’t compromise on that.” Tanner said walking to her.
“This is my life. I won’t hide in fear. I will stay here till Monday, then when I get off, I’m going home.” Sophia put her hands on her hips and stared up at Tanner.
“Fine, then Tanner will go home with you.” Jackson said.
“No. Y’all have a lot to do to get everything set up for your business.” Sophia turned her glare on him.
“We can’t do anything till all of our permits and stuff come through. That’ll be a few months still.” Jackson told her, folding his arms across his chest.
“I don’t want to give him the power to control what we do.” Sophia said quietly.
“It’s not giving him power, it’s being safe, and smart.” Tanner said wrapping his arms around her.
“Sophia, please don’t make us the bad guys.” Jackson pleaded with her.
“I get that y’all want to protect me, but my life really isn’t that exciting. This isn’t the army. There aren’t bad guys lurking around waiting for me.” Sophia loved that they wanted to keep her safe, but they couldn’t put her in a bubble.
“Soph, don’t let this come between us.” Tanner whispered pulling her against him.
“No Soph. You aren’t running from me.” Tanner squeezed her tighter.
“I’m not this girl. I don’t cry, and I don’t run. You can’t protect me all the time. Steven has no way to contact me, so he will go away. I’m not going to hide in this house forever.” Sophia wished Jackson would back her up, but he didn’t seem to be on her side.
“Sophia, we aren’t hiding you. We are protecting what is most important to us. I didn’t protect you from mom, but I swear I will protect you from this.” Jackson promised.
“No one could protect me from her. In some ways, she is probably right. I could try harder to be what she wants…” Sophia started.
“No. You are perfect as you are. Your mother would have you be a soulless monster like she is.” Tanner snarled.
“That is still my mother, and you didn’t let me finish.” Sophia chastised him. “I don’t want to be that. Yes, I have extra fluff, but it is just more of me for the right people to love. I never want to be as cold and as cruel as her.”
“You’re right. We have always loved you just as you are.” Jackson told her and Tanner kissed her forehead.
“I’m going home Monday.” She reiterated.
“Can I come over and see you after work?” Tanner asked her.
“Of course. Y’all are welcome anytime, but I’m going home.” Sophia told them.
“Fine, can someone make breakfast, I have to help dad.” Jackson didn’
t look happy, but he gave in.
“What do you want?” Sophia asked pulling out of Tanner’s arms.
“Bacon, eggs, and toast please.” Jackson said.
“Fine. Can you run with me to my place to grab scrubs for work when you get home?” Sophia asked Jackson.
“We can do that while he’s gone.” Tanner said following her into the kitchen.
“Yeah. I’m gonna bring dad back with me tonight.” Jackson said cracking eggs for her.
“Why?” She asked as she started cooking breakfast.
“He is blaming himself for mom, and I think it would be good for y’all to talk.” Jackson said looking over at her.
“It’s not his fault. He didn’t know.” Sophia defended.
“I know Soph, but it was right under his nose.” Jackson said hugging her.
“Here, eat you breakfast.” Sophia said handing him a plate of bacon to put on the table.
They ate breakfast in silence. She could feel their eyes on her, but she kept hers focused on the food. As soon as Jackson finished eating, he left to go help their dad. When she finished, she put her dishes in the sink, then went to the bathroom. After brushing her hair and teeth she went to her room to get dressed. She pulled on her jeans, then shrugged on a t-shirt and sat on the bed. She could hear Tanner moving around the house, but her mind just zoned out.
“Soph, you ready to go.” Tanner called.
“Yeah.” She walked in the living room, grabbed her purse and went to her car.
“You okay?” Tanner asked on the drive over.
“Yep.” She nodded.
“Talk to me Soph.” Tanner put his hand on her thigh.
Sophia put the car in park and went to the house when they pulled in. she didn’t know where she stood with Tanner after this morning. She wasn’t a dainty little woman. Maybe he only wanted her while he thought she needed a hero. She couldn’t get pulled into him. She knew she would fall hard for him. She went straight to her room, and grabbed her scrubs. The sooner they got back, the sooner he would give her some space.
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