Tanner's Promise

by Kaylie Newell

  Still, even as he thought it, Francie walked closer than before, her small frame tucked in his shadow. He ached to put his arm around her and pull her close, but he didn’t.

  “Thank you for asking me tonight,” she said. “I had fun.”

  “Me, too. Oh, watch out.” He touched her elbow and guided her around a hole in the sidewalk.

  She smiled. “Next you’ll be throwing your jacket over mud puddles for me.”

  “No jacket. It’d have to be the shirt off my back.”

  “I wouldn’t complain.”

  He looked over, but she was watching the kids ahead.

  “Francie.” He reached out and touched her arm, stopping her while Maddie and Colton took a selfie in front of Sweet Pea Flowers, where there was a massive teddy bear in the window.

  She turned, her eyes wide. “What?”

  “I wasn’t thinking earlier. Not clearly, at least.”

  “Earlier…”

  She knew exactly what he meant. But she was going to make him say it. Because the Francie he’d known wasn’t going to wade into something that wasn’t comfortable and tidy if she could help it.

  He gritted his teeth. “You know I’m attracted to you.”

  She watched him, and God only knew what was going through that head of hers.

  “But I’m not in any kind of position to start something,” he continued. “With anyone…”

  She raised her chin, and he immediately felt like a dick. He was nowhere near as self-assured as he’d like her to believe. For starters, he wanted to wrap his fists in her hair right where they stood. Even if Maddie and her entire sixth-grade class could see. He didn’t necessarily want Francie to know that, but he’d overshot and hurt her, he could tell.

  “I get it, Tanner,” she said. “You’re being smart. Responsible. I totally agree.”

  He nodded slowly. Her gaze dropped to his chest and stayed there for a long moment before she looked back up again.

  “We’re both busy,” she continued. “You’ve got Maddie, Quaking Aspen. I’ve got the house to fix up and school starting in the fall. Definitely smart.”

  All true. All good reasons not to screw each other’s brains out.

  “Maybe if things were different, right?” Her voice was sweet, like something succulent.

  “Yeah,” he said. “Sure. If things were different.”

  A couple approached from down the sidewalk. They were talking a little too loud, the way people did sometimes when they’d had too much to drink. The kids were still taking selfies several yards away. Cars passed, music played, but Tanner had eyes only for Francie. The way she was looking up at him, the way her mouth curved just so, made him want to tell her that he’d lied. He wanted her. He wanted every single bit that she was willing to give. That he was willing to risk his entire world being rocked, if it meant that he could kiss her again and hold her close like he’d wanted to since he was fifteen years old.

  “Francie?”

  He looked up at the voice behind her. A man walked toward them in the darkness, and something about the way he held himself made Tanner grow cold.

  “Out on a Saturday night, huh? Just like the old days.”

  Francie turned then, too. She was flustered, Tanner could tell. Whatever had been happening between them just now had messed with her composure. Another layer that had peeled away, leaving her new and vulnerable underneath.

  The guy slowed as he approached, but his date was having trouble keeping up. She trotted after him and giggled as he finally came to a stop underneath the streetlight. She tucked her arm triumphantly in his, breathless.

  And then his features came into focus, and Tanner went rigid. The broad bridge of the nose, the thick, meaty shoulders that time had softened only slightly. The eyes, which were still small and dark, and holding that same sharp glint from before. Guy Davis. Standing only a few feet away and smiling at Francie like he’d just stepped off the football field where he’d scored the winning touchdown.

  “Guy…” she managed.

  Tanner felt the slow, hot rolling of blood into his chest and up his neck. His fists curled in his pockets, his fingers biting into his palms.

  He’d seen Guy around town since high school, but they’d never talked or acknowledged each other. In fact, Tanner wasn’t even sure Guy knew who he was anymore. He wasn’t the same scrawny kid he’d been in first period English. And honestly, up until now, it hadn’t mattered. Those days were long gone, and Tanner had nothing to prove. At least, that’s what his brain said. His heart, beating like a freight train behind his rib cage, seemed to disagree.

  Guy’s lips curved. He seemed to be completely oblivious to his date. And he hadn’t even glanced at Tanner yet.

  “You look fantastic,” he said. “I mean, really. Fantastic.”

  Francie laughed nervously and Tanner’s gaze shifted over. He realized in some weird way that he’d been waiting for this moment. This exact scenario to see how much Francie had changed. Really changed. It was like a test to see if she’d pass. And then what? Would he finally forgive her for being a typical kid back then?

  As if reading his mind, she looked up at him, the expression on her face drawn.

  Then she turned to the other man and smiled. Turning it on like always. “Guy,” she said. “How are you?”

  Guy stepped forward and hugged her, and she slowly raised her arms to hug him back. Tanner’s jaw felt like it was going to snap in two.

  When Guy finally let her go, he shook his head. “We need to get together and catch up. I’m not going to take no for an answer now.”

  “Well, I’ve been busy with my house. You know.”

  Tanner watched her steadily. The guy was an asshole. He’d always been an asshole, and she knew it. There was absolutely no reason to agree to see him, other than her allowing him to control her.

  They all stood there, an awkward silence settling among them as Guy continued to stare at Francie.

  She cleared her throat and took an audible breath. “You remember Tanner? From Marietta High?”

  It was fucking painful, but even Tanner realized an acknowledgement only made sense. Even if it was just to put the poor woman hanging on Guy’s arm at ease, since she was looking more and more uncomfortable by the second.

  Guy finally looked over then, and Tanner saw with satisfaction that he had to tilt his head back to see his face.

  And there it was. Recognition. And it was sweet as candy. The realization that this was the same kid whose life he’d made a living hell in school. Bingo.

  Francie moved closer to Tanner’s side. In a silent show of support? Or possibly because she was afraid he’d rip Guy’s throat out.

  Guy took a small step back. Maybe subconsciously. Maybe not.

  “Sure,” he said, his voice a weird combination of cocky and strained. “How’s it going, man?”

  Tanner felt his lips tilt as he held the other man’s gaze. “Good, man. How are you?”

  Like a grown-ass adult, he held his hand out for the other man to shake. And he thought the last time they’d touched each other, Guy’s nose had been spurting blood, and Tanner’s knee had been twisted almost backward.

  They shook, Tanner squeezing harder than he should’ve. But whatever. Really, he was being nice. He could’ve crushed some bone right then if he’d wanted to.

  He let go and put his hands back in his pockets. Guy blinked up at him and wiggled his fingers.

  “This is my friend Gina,” he said, looking at Francie again.

  Gina’s face fell at the word friend. What a dick.

  “We were just headed to dinner,” he continued, taking another step back. This time it was obvious. When he was a few feet away, he looked back at Tanner, his lips hardening a little. “Let’s grab a coffee soon, okay, Francie?” And there it was. A subtle, shitty, male chauvinist claim to his ex-girlfriend whom he hadn’t seen in close to eight years. Just to try and assert some kind of dominance over her. And probably over Tanner, too. The
man had the beginnings of a small paunch, but truthfully, he hadn’t changed at all.

  Tanner felt the pulse skip in his neck. What he really wanted was to finish what he’d started all those years ago. To sucker punch this guy and watch him crumple on the sidewalk. But he couldn’t do that, could he? Maddie was watching, and she came first. Not to mention, this was Francie’s fight, not his. She was going to have to decide how to handle this, how much of a priority she wanted to give Guy Davis in her life.

  He waited for her answer, and realized he was holding his breath.

  “I’ll have to check my schedule,” she finally said, “and get back to you.”

  Chapter Eight

  Francie picked up the tray with the sandwiches and carried it through the house, pushing open the screen door with her foot. Maddie came bounding up the porch steps to take it from her.

  “Tanner!” she called in her high-pitched voice. “Lunch!”

  It was overcast, with storm clouds gathering in the east. The air was heavy and muggy, and matched her mood perfectly. Ever since they’d seen Guy last night, Tanner had been quiet and withdrawn. They’d walked back to his truck afterward and she’d looked over at him in the moonlight to see his jaw working back and forth.

  He hadn’t said much on the ride back to her place and had dropped her off with barely a good night. Obviously, meeting up with Guy had affected him. And why wouldn’t it? It had affected her, too. Ever since seeing him, she’d had a sour feeling in the pit of her stomach. She should’ve told him what exactly he could do with his cup of coffee. And it didn’t involve drinking it. She’d hated everything about that stupid encounter—how he’d acted so possessively toward her, how he’d been so dismissive of his date. And how he’d looked at Tanner, with such teeth-grinding superiority. Of course, he hadn’t had the nerve to give him that look until he was out of punching range, she’d noticed.

  But had she told him to screw off? Negative. Because her mother had ingrained manners and cheer, even if it meant biting through her tongue to deliver. She realized now more than ever, how ridiculous that was. Tanner had noticed. And she felt like she’d let him down somehow. Let herself down, too.

  She walked over to the little picnic table which sat underneath a big, shady maple in her yard. The pink roses growing next to the picket fence were the most fragrant there, and she breathed deeply while watching Tanner unload the last of the sod from his truck.

  Sweat trickled down the back of his corded neck. He wore his baseball cap backward again, something that always made her ovaries ache. She’d gone over and over what he’d said last night. He was being smart putting Maddie first. But that didn’t mean deep down the words didn’t cut. Because despite everything, despite honesty and common sense, all she could think about was kissing him again.

  “Mmm,” Maddie said, straddling the bench. “Turkey on white. My fave. How’d you know?”

  Francie tugged her ponytail. “Your brother told me.”

  “I can’t believe he remembered.”

  “I think he makes it a point where you’re concerned.”

  Maddie looked up, taking a sip of lemonade. “You like him, don’t you?” she asked, licking her lips.

  The question was so abrupt, Francie could only stand there for a second. Of course, she should’ve expected it. “I do,” she said carefully. “But it’s complicated…”

  Charlotte walked over and nudged Francie’s thigh, demanding a pat. She reached down and rubbed the dog’s silky ears absentmindedly.

  “Why’s it complicated? You like him, he likes you. Why don’t you go on a date or something?”

  The look on Maddie’s face was precious. There was absolutely zero doubt where she wanted this to go. If things were only that simple.

  “I…”

  Her voice trailed off at the sound of a vehicle pulling up to the curb. She looked up to see a blue car boasting a Hertz rental tag idling in front of the house. A brunette with a sleek A-line bob rolled down the window and leaned over the passenger’s seat.

  “Maddie?”

  Maddie’s face, which had been almost rapturous a second ago, fell.

  “What is it, honey?” Francie whispered. “Who’s that?”

  Tanner dropped the load of sod he was carrying and wiped his hands on his jeans. He looked toward the car, and then at Maddie.

  “Vivian,” he said, evenly. “What are you doing here?”

  The woman turned her car off and got out, pushing her dark sunglasses onto her head. “Is that all the welcome I get? For a full day’s travel all the way to Montana, I’d at least expect a hug.”

  Maddie turned to Francie and chewed her bottom lip. Vivian. The aunt from Hawaii who’d be taking her at the end of the summer… The little girl’s expression made Francie want to pull her into her arms and shield her from whatever she was feeling at that moment.

  But before she could touch her, Maddie forced a smile and got up, holding her arms out for a hug.

  Vivian wrapped her arms around her and kissed the top of her head.

  “I went to your house, Tanner, but obviously you weren’t home. Your neighbor told me where he thought you’d be. Hope you don’t mind. I just couldn’t wait to see you kids.” She turned to Francie and held out a manicured hand. “Hello. I’m Vivian Craig.”

  Francie stepped forward and shook it, as Charlotte promptly stuck her nose in the woman’s crotch.

  “Charlotte, come,” Tanner growled.

  “Nice to meet you,” Francie said. “You must be exhausted. Can I get you something to drink?”

  “Oh, that’d be lovely.” She turned to Tanner and stood on her tiptoes to give him a kiss on the cheek. Then rubbed the lipstick off with her thumb. “I’m sorry I didn’t call, but I knew you’d try and talk me out of coming. Good Lord, have you gotten taller since I saw you last?”

  He smiled, but it was strained. This visit wasn’t going to be easy, Francie could tell.

  “Think I’ve officially stopped growing.”

  “You’re enormous. And sweaty.” She planted her hands on her hips and looked around the yard. “Jennifer always said you wanted to be a gardener.”

  Francie frowned. He was light-years past being a gardener. Anyone could see that. He had a degree in horticulture and was launching a successful business with a client list as long as her arm. She couldn’t be sure if his aunt was just oblivious, or maybe was baiting him a little. Or both.

  Tanner nodded slowly and turned his hat back around so the bill came down low over his eyes. “Never wanted to be a gardener, Viv. Not that there’s anything wrong with that. But if that’s what Mom told you, she wasn’t paying attention.”

  “Oh, I don’t mean you’re not good at it,” the older woman said. “This is going to look beautiful when you’re finished.”

  “Francie,” he said evenly. “Can I use your bathroom to wash up?”

  “Of course. I’ll get some more lemonade while you’re at it.”

  “I’ve got an extra shirt in my truck. I’ll be right in.”

  Francie walked up the steps while Maddie showed Vivian around the yard, pointing out the flowers and different species of plants using their proper names. It was an impressive feat for a preteen, and one she could thank her brother for. Francie couldn’t help gloating a little. Tanner was an artist. Pure and simple.

  She made her way into the kitchen and stopped at the sink, looking out through the sheer, white curtains to the little girl and her aunt in the yard. And then to Tanner, who walked back toward the house, carrying a wadded-up shirt, with Charlotte trotting along at his heels.

  After a second, she heard the screen door slam and the sink running in the bathroom. She knew he was conflicted about sending Maddie to Hawaii in September. No matter what he said about it being the best thing for her, it was obvious a good part of him wanted her here in Marietta. From what he’d said, Luke and Judd felt the same way. But they were all single men, who worked full-time and hadn’t exactly had the best example o
f domesticity growing up. Keeping her here probably felt like a long shot at best. Irresponsible at worst.

  Frowning, Francie opened the fridge and took out the pitcher of lemonade. The ice tinkled merrily in the glass, sounding like summertime itself. She poured a cup for Vivian, before setting it on the counter and looking toward the bathroom again.

  He was going to need some support these next few days. Even if it only meant an ear to bend. Tanner was maybe one of the most stoic people she’d ever met, but that didn’t mean he wasn’t in pain—from the fresh loss of his mother, to the decision against raising Maddie.

  All of a sudden, she wanted to see him before he went back out there. At the very least, she was his friend. And she wanted him to know he wasn’t alone.

  She made her way through the house, her flip-flops slapping softly against her heels. The bathroom door was ajar and the light was on, casting a gentle yellow glow into the hallway. Thunder rumbled in the distance, the trees outside beginning to shiver in the breeze. The windows were open and it blew in warm currents against her skin.

  “Tanner?” She knocked on the door and waited.

  Silence.

  “Tanner…are you in there?”

  After a long moment, she slowly pushed the door open. He stood at the bathroom sink, shirtless. He’d wet down his hair, which was slicked back and dripping down the back of his neck.

  She actually had to remember to breathe. Had to remind herself not to stare. His body was that stunning. Long, lean muscle and smooth, tan skin. His jeans rode low on his hips where a worn leather belt only accentuated the sexiness.