“You're welcome here anytime, Morgan.” He followed her outside and put his arms around her waist. She leaned back against his chest and closed her eyes as the sun warmed her face.
The only thing left for her to see was his bathroom, and she hoped that she would find a large tub that they could soak in together.
“Oh, hi babies!” Her thoughts were cut off when she saw the three roos hopping back toward the porch. “I guess it's not so private here, huh?” Morgan giggled, looking up to Tanner.
“I don't think they would mind if you were naked,” he answered her and his fingers found the zipper on her jacket. He managed to slowly pull it down halfway without her noticing and was immediately swatted away when she did catch him. “Damn, so close!”
“You're a bad influence, Mr. Collins,” she turned around to face him completely.
“You like it.” She could feel his breath on her lips and at that moment she could have easily gone back upstairs for round two, three.....seventeen. She also would have been completely content with spending the whole day in bed with the gorgeous Aussie.
“Mhmm,” her hands slid down his chest and under his tee, tempting him. “So what if I do?”
He thought for a moment, his smile growing with every second. “I've got nothing.”
“Thought so.” Morgan wasn't even sure what they were play-arguing, but she kissed him to celebrate her victory anyway.
“Should we get your stuff inside then? I need something to get my mind off of taking you back to my bed right this second.” His fingers ran up her sides, then curled into her ribs and she fought to wiggle free from his tickling culprits.
“Hey, not fair! You....know....my....tickle...spots...stop it!” She couldn't speak though her giggles and he wouldn't relent until she finally managed to break free. “Butthead!” She ran into the back door, through the house and out the front door, but he was on her tail and caught her before she made it off the steps on the front porch.
“Butthead? Really? Nobody has called me a butthead since I was eight.” Her mocking reply of 'butthead, butthead, butthead' landed her another tickle fight on the front lawn. It was then that she found out his ribs were even more ticklish than her own and he begged for mercy when Morgan dug her knuckle in his side. “Okay, I give, I give!” She lifted her hands above her head and he gently flipped her off of his waist. “Whew!”
Both of them were out of breath and neither of them knew how much time passed while they laid together on the grass. A tickle fight turned into an afternoon of relaxing in the sun, not a care in the world. They talked more about her charms, and eventually Tanner couldn't take it and had to know the story on the sheep. Morgan told him a long story about how Sean's car had broken down in a bad storm and there was a herd of sheep in the way between two mountains, so they had to move each one of them out of the way so they could push the car through. Tanner listened intently as she went on with her story, but when she told him that they couldn't push the car any longer and had to ride two of the sheep back into town, she burst with laughter.
“Oh, c'mon! I was buying that shit! Did that really happen with rain and the car though?” Tanner propped himself up on his elbow, awaiting her answer. He had to wait for her to get her giggling under control to get that response.
“No!” she sat up too, still laughing. “None of it happened. His mom collects sheep, that's all.”
“Aw, man! I thought it was something exciting! He gave you a charm because his mom collects sheep? That's normal.”
“You're normal,” she mocked him, not giving him the answer he wanted. She'd let him continue to wonder about the 'wee sheep'. Morgan stood from the grass and walked over to Tanner's truck and he got up to follow her. “I'm hungry again, so let's get my stuff inside and you can cook me a nice dinner.” He couldn't resist her smile, and he had a decent hand at cooking, so he couldn't deny her.
“You like grilled roo? Although, those are nice after they're marinated all night.” He trailed off on the last part as if he were thinking out loud.
“You're awful! You wouldn't!” She stopped digging in the back of the truck to turn around and face him with her arms crossed in front of her.
“You know I wouldn't, baby doll,” he walked up to her and placed a finger under her chin to bring her lips to his. After a brief lip-lock, the two gathered her three bags and carried them into the house and to his bedroom. She hadn't noticed before that the floor creaked even more than the rest of the house, but it was a comforting sound. She also hadn't noticed that his comforter was covered in a huge image of a great white shark jumping out of the water.
“You've got a lot of stuff, don't ya? You're gonna need a bigger bag.” His Jaws line, in his best American accent, made her laugh.
“I know! I was thinking that I might have to go home soon and get a storage building to keep some of this,” she pointed at the largest luggage bag that was obviously losing a battle of holding everything inside. The two zippers that were supposed to come together had separated and a hint of a lacy number was daring to be seen though the opening.
“No, don't do that!” For a moment, Morgan was confused at his meaning. Why wouldn't she dump some of her things off in storage? “I've got plenty of room here. Shit, in that case, you can have your own room here! I've got five bedrooms! Just store what you're not using here, and whenever you need it, you can stop by and get it. It also gives me a chance to see you more.” She waited for it. There it was, the famous wink.
She didn't know what to say. “What a generous offer! Thank you, Tanner!” Morgan gave him a tight hug and thanked him again. “That's perfect!” There would be no difference if her stuff was in Ohio or in Australia. So far, in the last two months, she had spent more time there than in her home state anyway. And she liked his thinking...hopefully, I'll need to pick up things often.
“That reminds me!” Morgan grabbed her carry-on bag and dumped all of its contents on the floor beside the bed and after a quick rummage, she found what she was looking for. “I bought this for you in Hawaii. It says it's for luck..you know, so you don't break your ankle again.” She handed him the green-eyed tiki head she had bought in Kole's gift shop.
“Ha! This is great!” He flipped it around in his hand and ran his finger softly over the feathers that were popping out of the top of the wooden head. “Thank you! I need the luck!”
They kissed again, then Tanner walked her and her bags-she carried her pile of things she had just dumped-into the bedroom that would become hers. He helped her sort through the things she didn't want to take with her, from the things that she was going to put back in her bag. By the time they were done, she was left with an almost full luggage bag, and one that was completely empty. She hadn't realized how much she had acquired, and she also discovered that she hadn't even worn some of the things Julianne had bought her when she was hired. It was like a child finding a toy under their bed that they hadn't played with in months.
“That's so much better! Thanks again, ya sexy piece of man! Now, how about that dinner?”
Chapter Three
Two days with Tanner had proved to be the best two days that she'd had in a very long time, if ever. They lazed in bed long after waking, and held hands under the covers as they talked about their lives. Even hot dogs on the grill for lunch had been more fun than she could have imagined, especially with a gorgeous Aussie chasing her around the picnic table with metal tongs. She was already starting to feel sad at how quickly time was passing, and how soon she would have to leave him.
“Hey, how about you take one of your famous bubble baths, and I'll run out and pick us up a pizza for dinner.” Tanner had changed his clothes from the sweaty tee and shorts that he had worn that day, sweaty from all the walking and sightseeing that the two of them had done since early that morning.
“Are you sure? I could go with you?” She stood from the sofa and offered her company, but her face told Tanner that a bath is what she would ha
ve preferred.
“Off with ya!” He kissed her forehead and gave a quick swat to her backside.
Ten minutes later, Morgan was sinking into a sea of bubbled bliss inside of Tanner's extra large tub. She also had her phone next to her on the floor, but had decided to soak for awhile before she checked her messages again.
The day before, after a great dinner with Tanner, she had sent a quick message to Julianne. It was then that she saw her text messages piling up, and Morgan put off reading them until she had more time.
After several long moments of relaxation, and a few more of washing herself, Morgan dried her hands and picked up her phone. “This should be interesting.” Her voice echoed throughout the tiled bathroom as she opened her messages.
“Fin.” I know you're with Tanner, but don't forget to think about me. Fin Morgan smiled at the message, mostly at the freedom she felt with being honest with the men. It still felt strange, having feelings for both of them, not to mention the thoughts of Kole that would creep into her day, but that was her life right then and she was more than alright with it. She sent a message back assuring him that she hadn't forgotten about him, and that she would talk to him soon.
“Sean.” Twelve more sheep. I may end up living in a pasture so that the wee bastards can have my home. Miss you. Sean. Morgan laughed and told him to stand his ground, and to buy more shelving for the kitchen. She also told him that she missed him as well.
“Angel.” Oh! Is Fin mad? Is Tanner jealous? Did you do him yet? I want pics, make sure he's naked. Love you, sticky buns! Your true Angel. “I miss you!” She yelled at her phone and laughed out loud as she told him that she rode him like a drunk monkey on a wild bronco, and that there would be no naked pics for him. She also told him to kiss PoPo for her, and she sends a kiss to him, one of those really wet sloppy kisses that he'd have to use his sleeve to wipe off.
“Kole.” I fucking miss you! When can I fucking see you again? Fuck!!!!!! Morgan laughed until she actually snorted and only managed a quick text in return in fear of dropping her phone from laughter. She knew he must have been drunk when he sent it, very drunk, and she could imagine how silly he felt when he realized what he had sent. Kole...FUCK right back at ya. Morgan. She was still laughing when she got to her last message.
“I knew it!” Morgan, sorry about that. I was drunk. But I do miss you and I can't wait to see you. Sorry. Kole
She put her phone down on the floor again and was just about to stand up in the tub.
“Sounds like you were having a party up here.” Tanner walked in slowly and his eyes darted to her phone, then back to her face.
“I was just checking my messages, my phone never seems to have a dull moment. Angel actually wanted me to...” Her words were lost in Tanner's sweet kiss. When he broke free, she forgot what she was going to tell him.
“Dinner, my sweet lady, is served.” He motioned for her to follow as he left the bathroom. She was quick to follow his lead.
Morgan wrapped herself in a new red silk robe that Julianne had purchased for her, and quickly towel dried her hair enough to get a brush through it. She was eager to get back to Tanner's kissing, and almost as eager for the pizza that she could smell from the second floor.
When she reached the kitchen, Morgan snagged a slice and was promptly pulled onto Tanner's lap. “Now, tell me what's so fascinating about that little phone of yours.” She laughed as she explained Angel's text, at least the naked picture part, and then about Sean's growing sheep infestation. “What about that Finlay guy? Did he write to you?” He shoved the last of his crust into his mouth and tried to act casual, but Morgan could see right through his game.
“He did.” She tried to let it go, but Tanner insisted on knowing more, so she told him. He nodded, and then wrapped his arm more tightly around her waist as they finished their meal.
When the large pizza box was finally empty, mostly due to Tanner, Morgan leaned back against his chest and announced that she planned to never eat again.
“Let's get drunk then.” He kissed her neck as he enjoyed her sigh of pleasure at his touch. He also enjoyed the fact that she agreed to tie one on, as long as they intended to stay indoors.
*****
“No! It's my turn!” Morgan's drunken mind couldn't understand why Tanner kept throwing the little white ball into her cup when she clearly hadn't been given her turn.
He laughed and told her that she had to drink every time his ball made it in. One thing he didn't tell her was that he was a near champion at beer pong, and he had to drink when she wasn't looking when he wanted to enjoy his beer.
Tanner let her have a turn, even though she was cheating, and he watched her squint one eye as she aimed for the cup. His eyes traveled over her breasts that were covered in a black tank top that she had put on, along with her white denim shorts. “Take your time.” He tried to guide her from his side of the table, but it was no use, the ball hit the table and flew several feet away and rolled under his back porch.
He watched her face as she laughed at what she had done, and he couldn't remember a time when his whole world had felt so right. Of course, he would never admit that playing beer pong in his back yard was the answer to life, but watching Morgan laugh so freely was something to behold.
“I lost your little ball.” She stuck her lip out dramatically as her near apology began to surface, then she realized what she had just said. “Little ball! I said you had a little ball!” She doubled over and staggered with laughter to his back steps, where she finally sat down.
Morgan was having a great time, and was starting to feel the effects of the beer game that she was losing miserably. A few more and her world would go from funny, to needing a bed to sleep it off. Tanner could see that she was nearing that point as well, so he called off the game and opted to sit with her on the porch.
“You know what I just realized?!” She turned to looked at him as she spoke. “We never had our bet! I mean, we had sex, lots and lots of sex, but we forgot about the bet!” She smiled as she moved closer. “So, maybe we could do it tonight?”
Tanner picked her up and put her on his lap, then put his head on her shoulder as he spoke. “Morgan, I can't think of many things in this world that I enjoy more than having sex with you.” He ran his thumb down her cheek and trailed kisses behind his touch. “But I'd like to just hold you, and enjoy you for awhile without it. Would that be alright?” He watched her face, hoping that she could hear the truth in his words. Tanner wanted her with every ounce of his being, but he also wanted to show her, and himself, that what they had was more than a physical attraction. Explaining it would be a problem, because he didn't know why it was so important for him to show her.
“Actually, that's the most romantic thing that I've ever heard a man say to me.” Her eyes filled with tears and she wrapped her arms around his neck tightly. At that moment, even in drunken limbo, she knew beyond the shadow of a doubt where he stood. More importantly, she knew where she stood. They were two people who cared very much about each other. Maybe more than they should, but there was no denying the facts.
“You deserve every romantic thing in the world said to you, Morgan. You're an amazing woman.” She reached behind herself and put her finger up to his lips. If she heard anymore of his sweet words, she was sure to melt into a puddle on the ground in minutes.
“Let's go to your room and enjoy each other,” she stood from his lap, swaying a bit, and grabbed onto the door frame for support.
“Sounds like a plan.” With that, he stood and picked her up, then carried her to his bedroom and gently set her on top of the fluffy white shark on his bed.
“This is soooo much better than that hotel room! I love your room! I love your house! I love your yard. I love your baby kangaroos!” Morgan rolled over on the bed, that last cup of beer finally hitting her.
I love everything about you, Tanner thought, shaking his head at the beautiful drunk girl in his bed. He was halfway betwe
en tipsy and drunk, but he hadn't been able to get many sips of his beer without her looking until she had actually been drunk. Each time she caught him trying to sneak a drink, she had yelled at him for 'letting her win', even though she had missed every shot she took.
“I'll tell ya one thing, basketball isn't in your future!” He added to his thoughts, speaking out loud.
“Oh yeah? You know what is in my future, Mr. Smarty Pants?”
“What's that?” he asked, and sat next to her on the bed, blocking another one of her rolling attempts.
She sat up and gently put her hand on his cheek. “You. I see you in my future.”
“I better be! Remember, I have all of your stuff!” Tanner didn't want to have a deep emotional talk right then. He wanted to tell her how he felt, but not while she was drunk. He tried to change the subject to more light-hearted matters.
“Oh! Right! Well, you can keep my stuff. I'd come and see you anyway!” People always speak the truth when they're drunk. It had been something Tanner's father had always told him, and though her words and every action she made, he could tell, just as Morgan could, that they were on the same wavelength. Since she had left the first time, he had wondered if he'd ever see her again. To have her in his house...his bed...in his arms...it was better than anything he could have imagined. Never had he found a woman that made him feel so...himself.
Tanner laid down on his side and pulled her into his chest, then locked his fingers with hers between her breasts. He could still sense the sweet aroma of her bubble bath on the skin of her neck and the warm vanilla scent on her soft blonde hair.
Around the World in 80 Men Series Boxed Set 1-10 Page 52