She might not like the way he pushed, but he wasn’t backing down. Not when the chemistry was so great, and he was set on proving to her that he was in this forever.
Wait. Forever? Is that where this was going? Raising a baby was one thing, but going full force as a couple was entirely different.
Tanner pulled into the side parking area of Bella Vous and shot a quick text to Melanie to meet him at his house later. Even though they were going to Thanksgiving at his mother’s house tomorrow, he wanted to see her tonight. Maybe the more time he spent with her, the more he could gather his thoughts and sort these jumbled up emotions.
One day at a time. That’s all he had to keep telling himself. Between the anxiety and the worry, he was a mess. But keeping on top of his feelings was the only way to conquer this period in his life.
His cell vibrated in his hand and he thought for sure it would be Melanie responding, but one glance and he stilled. His boss on the private security detail he’d been working on had set up another time and place to go in and extract a woman and three children.
Tomorrow. Thanksgiving. Fabulous.
Tanner raked a hand down his face and battled an instant war with himself. He’d already hit the point of having to choose his work or his family.
Damn it.
He set the phone down without a reply and weighed his decision. There were plenty of men on the team, and Tanner had never missed a rescue, but he wanted to be there. That pit deep inside him that kept him going from one job to the next gnawed at him. He had to save anyone he could. There was a need inside him he couldn’t explain.
But on the other hand, he also had other obligations he didn’t have before. Melanie had to come first above all else, and tomorrow should be about family and his mother meeting Mel.
By the time this baby came, Tanner needed to reorganize. He’d been loyal to his career. Hell, he’d been married to his job for so long, but now he had to take a step back and truly work on time management and make sure his personal life was taken care of first.
Ignoring his phone, Tanner headed into the bakery entrance of the women’s resort. The old pre–Civil War era home had been done up to reflect the time period. It was no wonder women flocked here year round. And the story of three brothers opening the place to honor the memory of their late sister didn’t hurt in drawing the crowd, either.
As soon as he stepped inside, the aroma of pastries assaulted his senses. The glass cases were filled with everything a person could want. This was definitely a sweet tooth’s fantasy.
“Hey, man.”
Tanner smiled as Liam Monroe came out of the back, wiping his hands on a towel. The once mysterious Monroe brother had truly come out of his shell now that he’d married Macy, and was pretty much forced to work with the public here at Bella Vous.
So much had changed for the Monroe brothers and this home, in such a short amount of time. Tanner sure as hell wished the same success for Jax and Livie and their vision for the airport.
“Haven’t seen you in here since the bakery opened to the public.”
“Thought it was time I came by and saw what all the fuss was about,” Tanner replied.
Liam rested his arms on the top of the case. “We’ve been busy, that’s for sure. What can I get you?”
The wedding ring on Liam’s finger glinted in the light. Tanner was thrilled Macy and Liam had found each other. They were perfect together and Tanner figured Macy had a hand in keeping Liam in town when he’d wanted to be anywhere else.
“What do you recommend?” Tanner asked, glancing through all of the options. From the looks of the full trays, there wasn’t a bad option. Sugar and icing? Yeah, not a bad option at all.
“The éclairs are always a hit. I just made an apple spice cupcake, which is seasonal, and I have pumpkin tarts. There is a cinnamon pumpkin bread I’m getting out of the oven soon, if you want to wait around for that.”
Hell, he had no idea what to get Melanie. Was she a chocolate lover? Did she get wrapped up in the pumpkin craze like so many did this time of year?
There were so many things he didn’t know about her. But she’d said she didn’t recall the last time she’d had a cupcake, so that helped him narrow his choices down.
“I’ll take two of the apple cupcakes.”
“Good choice.” Liam folded a small white box and carefully placed two cupcakes inside. Then he added an éclair. “On the house because I know you’ll love them.”
Tanner laughed as he pulled out his wallet and counted out some bills. “Is that how you get people coming back? You throw in a freebie?”
Liam set the box on the counter. “I’m a businessman. It’s how we work.”
“Business is going well, then?” Tanner asked. “I know the resort is always booked, but the bakery is everything you wanted?”
“It really is. I never knew this place would take off the way it did. When Chelsea passed and we found her notes . . . hell, I thought my brothers were crazy for wanting to do this.”
The three Monroe boys had lost their sister a few years back, but they’d all come together to fulfill her dream of this women’s resort and spa. Like everyone else in the town, Tanner had wondered how this would go over, but the guys had pulled it together, with the help of their now spouses, and Bella Vous was the biggest hit Haven had ever seen.
“How’s the airport renovations coming?” Liam asked. “I’ve heard rumors you guys are making it something grand.”
“We’re hoping to,” Tanner replied. “We’ve been working hard on it, but time will tell if we’re making a mistake or if it will pay off in the end.”
Liam smiled, and the scar running along his cheek creased. “Taking a risk is the only way to find out, but I have a feeling you guys are going to be just fine.”
“I sure as hell hope so. We’ve invested quite a bit into this project.” Tanner paid for the desserts and grabbed the box from the counter. “Tell Macy I said hi.”
Liam nodded. “Will do, buddy. Don’t be a stranger.”
“Oh, I’m sure I’ll be back soon.”
When Tanner got back into his truck, he checked his phone and couldn’t help the sliver of relief when he saw Melanie’s message that she’d meet him at his place in an hour. That gave him enough time to get home and shower, because he was a mess after working all morning at the airport.
He made his way home and left the box of tempting treats on the kitchen island while he cleaned up. By the time he got out of the shower and dressed in jeans and a tee, he knew he needed to give his superior a heads-up about tomorrow.
Tanner took a seat at his bar in the kitchen and sent a text explaining that he’d be unable to participate in the rescue tomorrow. He didn’t make excuses or apologize. He’d never taken time off from this project before, and he didn’t figure this would be a problem unless others had already bowed out.
He’d worry about that later if need be.
Tanner sent a coded text to the officer involved in the gym sting. Hopefully he hadn’t been lying when he’d told Cash they’d wrap this up this week. They were close, so close, but Tanner and his captain wanted the name of the top dealer. This was their best chance at getting it.
Setting his phone down, Tanner raked his hands down his face. He wasn’t used to bouncing between his work and family, but that’s exactly the territory he was venturing into.
When his doorbell rang, he left his phone and headed down the hallway toward the entryway. Darkness had settled in already, thanks to the time of year. Tanner flicked on the porch light and the light to the foyer. With a flick of the lock, he opened the door.
“Sorry about the darkness,” he stated. “I lost track of time.”
Melanie smoothed her hair behind her shoulders and shrugged. “No big deal.”
Tanner stepped back and gestured her inside. When she offered him a shaky smile, he reached for her arm before she could pass him by.
Her eyes darted to his, her face just a breath away.
>
“Tanner,” she muttered.
Without giving himself much time to think things through, he closed the distance between them and covered her mouth. Feathering his lips across hers, he waited until she relaxed before he slid his hand up her arm, over her shoulder, and cupped the back of her head.
How had he gone without tasting her for nearly two months? Melanie was sweeter than he’d remembered. Her body shifted against his as she reached up and threaded her fingers through his hair. Tanner nipped at her bottom lip before easing back. As much as he wanted to completely devour her, he also wanted to take things slow until she was comfortable with his touch.
Ironic considering their current status, but he needed Melanie to feel secure.
“Why did you kiss me?” she whispered.
Tanner eased his hand around and ran his thumb over her moist bottom lip. “Because I’ve been wanting to since we slept together and because you looked tense as hell when you walked in here.”
“I am tense,” she replied with a half smile. “You ask me to come over and I don’t know if you want to talk or rip my clothes off.”
Tanner couldn’t stop his laughter. “You’re always honest. I appreciate that. And for the record, if I thought tearing your clothes off was something you were on board with, you’d already be naked.”
Melanie’s bright eyes darkened just enough for him to see the arousal staring back at him. Perfect. He didn’t want her immune to this chemistry.
“How are you feeling?” he asked as he closed the door behind her.
When he turned, he reached for her purse and hung it on one of the pegs beside the door.
“I’m feeling good. A little tired and had some nausea this morning, but the doctor said all of that was to be expected.”
Tanner didn’t want her to feel anything but perfect, but he also knew she was carrying a child. There would be difficult days, he just prayed like hell nothing would go wrong.
“Hey.” She reached out and touched his arm. “Everything okay?”
He wasn’t ready to get into the past. “I’m fine. I asked you over because I wanted to see you, but I picked up a surprise for you.”
Melanie’s brows shot toward her hairline. “A surprise? What on earth for?”
“Because I wanted to.”
She propped one hand on her hip, pulling her long-sleeved tee tighter across her chest. “You got me a surprise for no reason at all?”
“Why is this so hard for you to believe?” he asked. “Trust me, it’s nothing major.”
“Still, I’m just . . . confused.”
That pretty much told him all he needed to know about the prick she’d been married to, or any other man that had come along in her life. Clearly she’d never been taken off guard in a good way, and Tanner vowed to make this the first of many.
“Maybe you should have more surprises in your life,” he told her as he took her hand. “Follow me.”
“Did you get me a dog? I always thought when I had kids I’d have a dog, too. I feel like they go hand in hand, you know?”
Tanner laughed as he led her down the hallway toward the kitchen. “Sorry. That can be the next surprise.”
“It’s not much of a surprise if you tell me, but if you get me a dog, make sure it’s a rescue animal. I’m a firm believer in the adopt-don’t-shop motto.”
He stopped and turned to face her. “You’d want a rescue dog?”
“Of course.” Those beautiful eyes held his and gave another punch of lust to his gut. Damn it, he could still taste her. “Why buy an expensive dog or one from a puppy mill where the moms are abused? There are so many precious dogs at the shelters. It’s heartbreaking.”
Melanie continued to amaze him in so many different ways. “I never would’ve taken you for a shelter shopper.”
“Well, I’ve never had a dog,” she amended. “But there’s no way I’d pay for one. I’d love to rescue them all if I had the land to care for them. I definitely think I’ll get at least one or two when I find my own place.”
“Maybe we should go look for a dog, then.”
Where had that come from? He’d invited her over for a damn cupcake, not to get a joint pet. When the hell could he take care of one? Added to that, they didn’t live together. Did he want to share custody of a child and a dog?
Tanner didn’t want to share. Period. He wanted to do everything with Melanie—together. While he’d resisted all committed relationships for years, he couldn’t keep denying he wanted to at least give it a try with her.
“We?” she asked, her eyes wide.
“Move in here for now until you decide what to do.”
Okay, really. Why did he keep opening his mouth and letting thoughts come out before he fully thought them through? Although, he wouldn’t mind one bit if Melanie moved in here. He could keep an eye on her better that way and they could get to know each other even more.
Fine, he also wanted the hell out of her and craved her in his bed. Having her close would only make sense. Why shouldn’t they explore their attraction? Why was a sudden halt put on things simply because she was expecting a baby?
Melanie held up her hands. “I mention a dog and you suddenly want me to move in? Tanner, we’re not some big happy family.”
The knot in his gut tightened. Once upon a time he’d wanted that big happy family. Now fate was dangling the possibility in front of his face once again.
“You want a place for a dog,” he justified, like this solution made all the sense in the world. “Plus you don’t want to stay in Livie’s old house forever.”
“I said that I meant to get a place of my own.” Vibrant eyes held his gaze a moment before she blinked and glanced away. “Moving in together is hardly the answer.”
The more he thought about it, the more he realized it was the perfect answer, and damn if he wasn’t going to fight for what he wanted.
“Think about it.”
Melanie tipped her head and in a surprising move, she reached out and patted his chest as she offered him a smile. “Are you always this relentless?”
Tanner grabbed her hand and kissed her palm. Heat flared in her eyes. “When I want something bad enough,” he replied.
“Maybe we should move on to the surprise and table this discussion for another time,” she suggested.
Tanner released her hand and turned toward the center island. “You said something the other day that had me thinking, so I stopped at Bella Vous and picked up something for you.”
“Really?” Her smile widened. “Is it a massage? Because Cora Monroe gives the best massages. I had one when Livie’s dad passed and we stayed at the resort before the funeral. Man, I could seriously use another.”
He’d text Macy later and have her schedule a massage for Mel at the very next opening.
“Sorry, no massage, but something I think you’ll enjoy just as much.” Melanie could definitely use the relaxation time. He should’ve thought of that already. “I actually went to the bakery and Liam hooked me up with a few pastries.”
Melanie’s smile faltered as she spotted the white box on the counter.
Tanner wasn’t sure why she suddenly seemed so . . . hell, he couldn’t even put a word to the look on her face. He lifted the lid and presented the treats, never taking his eyes off that pained look on her face.
“Liam said these were some of his favorites,” Tanner stated. “The other day you told me you hadn’t had desserts for some time, so I thought what better chance than from the greatest baker in Haven. Actually, probably all of Georgia considering he worked for Magnolias, the most popular restaurant in Atlanta, before coming here.”
Her eyes were fixed on the box, and for a half second Tanner feared she was going to start crying. She remained silent as she continued to stare. Tanner waited for her to say something, anything, or even make a motion. Hell, she wasn’t even blinking.
“Melanie?”
She jerked and turned her attention to him. “Is this a joke?”
“What’s wrong?” Melanie threw her arms in the air and spun around, then began pacing like some caged animal who had nowhere to go. “What’s wrong is I’ve been down this path before. You can’t make me into someone you can control and keep on a tight leash. I won’t fall into that trap ever again.”
Tanner pushed away from the counter and crossed to where Melanie stood facing the patio doors, staring out into the backyard. His hands gripped her shoulders, and he didn’t give a damn that she tensed when he eased her back against his chest. The war she waged with herself apparently was going to spill over into whatever they had going on, and there was no way in hell he would let her battle this alone.
“Talk to me,” he murmured into her ear. “What got you so upset over seeing that box?”
Something had triggered in her memory bank. Whatever it was, he was hell-bent on eradicating the old flashes of fear and replacing them with only happy thoughts and hope for the future.
She’d yet to relax against him, so he slid his hands down her arms and wrapped his arms around her waist. Tanner wasn’t always the best at consoling, but right now Melanie needed to be held, whether she wanted to admit it or not.
“I’m sorry,” she whispered. “I shouldn’t have exploded on you like that.”
“Don’t apologize for someone else’s actions, because that stems from your past, I’m sure. I can take your words, Mel, but I can’t take you being hurt or shutting me out when I want to help.”
She pulled in a shaky breath. “I was heavy my entire life up until about two-and-a-half years ago.”
“I saw that on your blog.”
Melanie twisted in his arms just enough to peek up at him. “You read my blog?”
“I wanted to find out more about you.”
Now she did offer a smile that released some of her pent-up energy. She settled a little more against him as she refocused her attention out the back door. Night had fallen and the back lights had kicked on, but with that added glow, he could see her reflection so perfectly.
Be with Me Page 14