Trusting Tanner (The Collins Brothers)

by Lexi Lawton

He raised a brow. “My fault?”

  She nodded, swallowed, and then licked her lips. Again. But she didn’t stop there. She put her index finger in her mouth, sucking off the cinnamon, and then doing the same with her thumb. He let his head fall back against the seat and rubbed his hands over his face. Fuck me. Her sweet, melodic laugh had him looking over at her.

  “You don’t offer someone a powdered donut and not provide a napkin.” Her eyes sparkled with mischief.

  With a smirk, he reached into his bag and retrieved a small stack of napkins.

  “You were holding out on me.” She attempted to take a napkin, but he didn’t release his hold on it.

  He put his face inches from hers and wiped the little bit of cinnamon from her bottom lip. “Next time, I’m not using a napkin,” he whispered. His gaze lowered to her mouth then raised back up to her eyes, which were now wide and full of shock. He straightened and gave her the napkin.

  “Thanks.” She cleared her throat.

  “So, you going to the frat party this weekend?” He dug through his backpack for a pen and notebook.

  “I don’t know. My roommate is trying to get me to go, too.”

  “I like this roommate.” He grinned. “She sounds smart. You should listen to her.”

  Juliana shook her head. “I usually only go because Devon won’t let me stay home.”

  “Is he letting you stay home this time?” He sure as hell hoped not. But the idea of her going to the party with another guy wasn’t all that enticing. No matter what either of them said, he knew clear to his soul that Devon was itching to get out of the friend zone.

  “He doesn’t have a choice.”

  “Sounds like you’ve made up your mind then.” Disappointment pooled in his gut. If he couldn’t casually hang out with her at a party, he was limited to class time. And during classes wasn’t ideal for getting to know her like he wanted to. He’d ask her out, but she’d already shot him down once.

  “Yeah, I guess so.” She sighed. “You know better than anyone how intense this med program is. There’s not a lot of time for socializing.”

  “True.” He nodded in agreement. “But it’s the first week of classes, and we barely have any work yet, so now is the best time to cut loose and have some fun.”

  “Frat parties really aren’t my thing.” She took out a notebook and pen, her movements stiff as if she were suddenly uncomfortable.

  Clearly she was trying to let him down easy. Strike two. He took a deep breath and flipped open his notebook. A sheet of bright yellow paper floated out, and he snatched it before it hit the floor. A slow smile spread across his face. “What about roller skating? Is that more your speed?”

  “I haven’t roller skated in years. I’d probably break my ankle.”

  He set the flyer in front of her. “The Student Union is hosting a flashback Friday seventies roller disco party. We could go there instead of the frat party.”

  She picked up the paper and studied it. “This actually sounds fun.”

  “Really?” His tone was a combination of shock and excitement. He shifted in his seat, preparing himself for the possibility of her saying yes.

  “Yeah…”

  His stomach dropped. “But?” He knew it was coming, and he had a sinking feeling it wasn’t going to be something he wanted to hear.

  She handed the paper back to him. “Is this a date?”

  “Do you want it to be?” Not that he had to ask. The answer was written all over her face.

  “No.” She twisted in her seat so she was facing him. “But please don’t take it personally. I’m just not ready to date anyone.”

  Not ready to date? That was a telling choice of words. He was going to have to take his time and become her friend before he could have any hope of possibly being her boyfriend. “We’ll go as friends, then. In fact, I know a lot of people who’re planning to go to this. Consider it a group of friends hanging out for the night. And if you want to invite anyone, you can.” Please don’t invite Devon.

  After a moment, she nodded. “Okay, yeah. We’ll hang out as friends. But no laughing at me when I fall.”

  His lips twitched, but he bit back his smile. “Deal. Do you have any seventies clothes hanging out in the back of your closet?”

  “No, do you?”

  “God no. Do I look like a hippie?” He laughed.

  She took a moment to study him, and he remained perfectly still, allowing her to stare at him for as long as she wanted. Her gaze heated his body, and a slow burn started deep in his gut and spread like a wildfire throughout the rest of him.

  “No, you’re definitely not a hippie.” Her eyes darkened slightly, and if he hadn’t been looking at her, he wouldn’t have noticed. But there was an intense burning in her gaze he hadn’t seen before.

  He cocked his head. The way she’d said that, it was like she wanted to say more but for reasons unknown to him, she didn’t. “We should go buy some costumes.”

  She twisted around in her seat again, her gaze scouring the lecture hall. “Where is this professor?”

  “Good question.” Tanner checked the time on his cell phone. Class was supposed to start at nine fifteen, and it was now nine twenty-two. “My buddy Jason took a psychology class during his sophomore year, and the first day of class the professor intentionally didn’t show up, but he was watching from a video feed he’d set up in the room. It was a social experiment to see how long everyone would stick around.”

  “No way,” she said with disbelief.

  “I swear. It was the funniest thing ever.”

  “Funny? I would’ve been pissed.”

  “Nah.” He shrugged. “The professor played the video back to the class, and they had a good laugh about it. They all got an A for their first assignment.”

  “I hope that’s not what’s going on here,” she said.

  Just then, a short, plump man rushed into the room. “Sorry, everyone. I’m Brandon Weirs, the TA for Professor Cameron’s Cardiology class. She had something come up unexpectedly, and she won’t be able to make it today. She asked me to relay a message.” He pulled a folded piece of paper from his pocket. “Have your textbooks by our next meeting time. Read the first two chapters and answer the questions at the end.” Brandon looked up. “That’s it. You’re all free to go.”

  Almost immediately, people started getting up and leaving. Tanner closed his notebook and sliced a look at Juliana, who was moving slowly to put her stuff away. “Hey, sorry.” He nodded toward the front of the room. “I know you were really excited for this class.”

  She shrugged. “It’s okay.” She stood and flung her backpack over her shoulder.

  He stood, too. “Feel like getting some coffee or something?”

  She covered her mouth with her arm and yawned. “Actually, I think I’m going to head back to my room and try to take a nap before my next class this afternoon. Hopefully my roommate will be gone.”

  “Want some company?” He smirked. “I’m the king of naps.”

  “Uh, no. I have a feeling there wouldn’t be any actual napping if you’re involved.”

  His eyebrows rose with surprise. “That’s not necessarily a bad thing, you know.”

  “Maybe not, but we’re not going to find out.” Shaking her head and giving him a playful smile, she turned and headed out of the lecture hall. He followed. Once outside, she said, “Thanks for the donut. I’ll let you know about costume shopping.”

  He’d almost forgotten about that. “We should exchange numbers.” He held up his cell phone. “So you can let me know if you want to go shopping.”

  “Smooth one, Collins.”

  He grinned like a buffoon and gave a one-shoulder shrug. “What can I say? I’ll do whatever it takes to get what I want.”

  “I’m sure you will.” She rattled off her phone number, and he called her right then. “There. Now you have my number, too. Don’t be afraid to use it.”

  “It’s a good thing you’re charming.” She stepped up to
him and patted his chest. “Otherwise, you’d just be pushy and arrogant.”

  The feel of her hand on his chest was too damn good, and his entire body tensed in preparation—for what he had no idea, but God he wanted more of her touch. The need was alive inside of him, demanding to be set free.

  He smiled down at her. “Honey, you haven’t seen charming yet.”

  She rolled her eyes, but she couldn’t hide a tiny grin from forming. Yes! “I’ll see you later.” She walked away, and he took a moment to enjoy the view, her hips swaying with each step as if she wanted him to watch her.

  He hadn’t expected her to agree to exchanging numbers, but she had. It was a small step in the right direction, and hopefully, after the roller skating party Friday night, he’d be another step closer to moving beyond the friend zone.

  “Hey, Tanner!”

  He turned at the sound of his name. Jason jogged up to him. His face was red, and his eyes were dark. “Hey, what’s up?”

  “Holly fucking dumped me.” The words were so angry, Tanner half expected them to come out of his mouth in a blast of fire.

  He frowned. This wasn’t the first time they’d broken up, but this was the most upset Jason had ever been about it. “Give her a few days. She’ll come back around. She always does.”

  “Not this time.” Jason shook his head. “She told me this was it. We’re over for good.”

  Tanner sighed. She’d said the same thing last time, too. “You know she doesn’t mean it.”

  “You didn’t see her face.” Jason dragged a shaky hand through his hair.

  “Did she say why?”

  “No, and I was too fucking pissed to ask.” He flexed his hand and then shook it out. “Shit. I need to know if she’s seeing someone else.” Jason’s knuckles were red and semi-swollen.

  “Did you hit something?” Last time this happened, Jason had taken out his anger on the bathroom door, which Tanner ended up paying to replace. How much would this breakup cost him?

  “The wall in the English building.”

  At least it wasn’t a wall in their apartment. “Why don’t we get out of here for a while?” Maybe getting Jason off campus for a couple hours would help him calm down and clear his head. “Let’s head home, and you can kick my ass in some Call of Duty.”

  “Yeah, there’s no fucking way I’m going back to classes today.”

  Tanner slapped him on the back then gave his shoulder a squeeze. “Come on.”

  “I’m gonna make a beer run. I’ll meet you at home, okay?” Jason veered off in the opposite direction before Tanner could say anything. It was barely ten in the morning and Jason was already planning to get drunk? It was going to be a long-ass week—or however long it would take for Holly and Jason to get back together.

  On the way to his car, he sent Jules a text. Hope you have a good nap.

  He’d barely gotten his phone in his pocket when it chimed. No shit. Had she responded? He jerked the phone back out and swiped his thumb across the screen. Sure enough, there was a message from her. It would be better if you weren’t interrupting me.

  He laughed. No, it would be better if I was there with you. He hadn’t realized he’d stopped in his tracks until a group of students walked around him, muttering something about rudeness and moving out of the way.

  Juliana: lol. You’d hate it. I snore like a banshee.

  His cheeks ached with how hard he was smiling. Prove it.

  Juliana: Ha! Nice try. Not gonna happen.

  He stepped out of the way to let a few people pass as he sent a reply. Can’t blame me for trying. He continued toward his car.

  Juliana: I don’t blame you. There was a smiley face emoji. But if you don’t let me sleep, I’ll miss clinical labs & it will be all your fault.

  “Yes,” he said to himself, punching his fist in the air. I have that class, too. See you there.

  Juliana: Fantastic. This time there was a winking emoji.

  He didn’t know whether she was being sincere or sarcastic, but he found it hard to care too much. She was totally text flirting with him, and he was going to see her again in a few hours. Slipping his phone away, he got into his car. He needed to go home and help Jason through his most recent breakup.

  Chapter Five

  Juliana groaned and rolled over. She stretched her arms above her head and wiggled her toes. The alarm she’d set on her phone beeped obnoxiously. She grabbed it and shut it off, and that’s when she realized she had a text from Devon. Yawning, she read it. Sorry to bail on lunch today but I need to meet with my advisor and this is the only appointment I could get.

  She scrunched up her face and typed a response. You suck. She hit send then immediately sent a second one. You owe me.

  Devon: Name your price.

  Chewing on the inside of her cheek, she started and deleted several replies until she settled on: Don’t make me go to the frat party. Her hands shook as she waited for his reply, fully expecting a lecture about how she couldn’t avoid life forever. She got out of bed and put on her sneakers.

  Devon: I thought you’d want to go to see Collins. There was an emoji with a heart over its puckered lips.

  Her jaw dropped. He did not just say that! Laughing, she typed a response. You’re impossible. She included the middle finger emoji then added, lol. Still not going to the frat party.

  Devon: You’re lame. But I’ll let you slide. This time.

  She blew out a breath. Thanks, Dev. Now she was free to go to the roller-skating party with Tanner, which was so not a date. It was a bunch of friends hanging out. Nothing more. Still, the thought of being on a non-date with him had butterflies invading her chest. She hesitated, wondering if she should tell Devon about her planned evening with Tanner.

  Devon: Yeah, yeah. Catch up with ya later.

  He was on his way to meet with his advisor, and she had a class soon. She’d tell him later. Juliana’s stomach growled loudly, reminding her the only thing she’d eaten all day was the donut Tanner had given her. Just thinking about his reactions made her face flush. He had been doing some serious flirting. She had, too, but she hadn’t been able to stop herself. He was the type of guy who made it easy to get caught up in the excitement of all the feelings that came with getting to know someone new, and those feelings were downright addictive. It was those same feelings that kept her going back to Zach, because every time she’d try to break up with him, he’d lure her in again with the rush of all those initial emotions.

  She left her room and headed to the dining hall. If she was lucky, she’d run into someone she knew and wouldn’t have to eat alone.

  Moving through the line, she grabbed a roast beef sandwich, a cup of fruit cocktail, a bottle of strawberry lemonade, and a pack of gummy bears—they were her weakness. She stepped up to the cashier and dug into her backpack for her meal plan card. Before she could get it out, an arm extended in front of her.

  “My treat.”

  She glanced up to find Tanner standing next to her, smiling. Where the hell did he come from? Her heart raced, and she licked her lips. “You really didn’t have to do that.”

  “I know. I wanted to.”

  Her heart melted, and she had to consciously stop from sighing like a lovelorn teenager. “Oh, well, thanks.” She smiled and took her food, waiting while Tanner paid for his.

  “So, now that I’ve bribed you by paying for your meal, you think we can eat together?”

  “Of course. I was planning to head outside.”

  “Sounds good. Lead the way.”

  Taking a deep, calming breath, she led Tanner to her usual spot beneath the tree, and they sat. “Great choice.” He looked around. “Nice and shady. I can see why you like to sit here and stare at me.”

  She’d done that one time. “I don’t sit and stare at you.”

  “Mm-hmm.” Disbelief drenched his voice.

  He didn’t believe her? Oh heck no! There were so many things she could say to prove him wrong. A competitive thrill raced up her sp
ine, raising the hairs on the back of her neck. Just let it go, Jules. She twisted the top off her lemonade and took a drink, swallowing the urge to get into a ridiculous argument with him. “You know, for what it’s worth, you didn’t have to bribe me to have lunch with you.”

  “Oh yeah?” The corner of his mouth lifted in a dead-sexy smile.

  She took another drink, praying the cold liquid would cool the fire raging inside her, and then she nodded. Her voice wouldn’t work right now even if she had to scream for her life.

  “I’ll have to remember that.” He unwrapped his burrito and took a large bite. She stared at him, watching the way his lips moved when he chewed, the bob of his Adam’s apple when he swallowed, the way his tongue darted out to dab the corner of his mouth.

  Okay. Stick a fork in me. I’m done. Everything made much more sense now. The way he’d stared at her that morning like he was memorizing every move she made, the way his eyes had darkened and he looked like he wanted to eat her instead of the donut. Seriously, when did eating get to be so sexy?

  Forcing herself to look away, she tore off the plastic film covering her fruit cocktail. Moments ago, she’d been ravenous, and now she could barely swallow. She was hyperaware of Tanner’s presence, making her appetite vanish.

  “You ready for Clinical Lab class?” He wadded up the foil wrapper and reached for his drink. “It was so lame last semester.”

  Clinical Lab was a class where real-life illnesses and diseases were simulated by actors—mostly the drama majors because they got extra credit for it—and then the class had to act like real doctors to diagnose and treat them. Unfortunately, the drama students took their roles too seriously and often overacted, which made the entire class ridiculous.

  “Yeah, but it’s nice to have comic relief when all our other classes are so intense. Besides, it’s an easy grade.”

  “Maybe for you.” He shifted so his leg was resting against hers, and she held her breath at the shudder that shot through her at the contact. “Not all of us are geniuses.”

  Without thinking, she moved closer, wanting to feel more of his body near hers, even if it was just his leg. “Trust me, I’m not a genius. Though I’ve always been good in school. Stick with me; I’ll get you an A.”