by Dara Girard
Tanna reluctantly nodded. “You have a point.”
“And the fact that I plan to marry you, means I expect my mother to treat you as something other than a girlfriend she expects me to dump in a couple months.”
“And that is another good point but—”
“And you are safe with me,” he said as if stating a vow. “That is a promise.”
Tanna felt her face burn, embarrassed that she’d made him feel that he had to make such a declaration. “I know, Doran—”
“Follow me.” He left the room, walked down the hall then stopped at another door. “This was supposed to be your room. Go on and look inside.”
When Tanna stepped into the room, she saw what he meant. “Oh, your mother is mean,” she said looking around the bedroom that was nearly twice as small as his room. It was serviceable, but lacked the large windows and overstuffed pillows that greeted her in Doran’s room. She rubbed her hands together. She’d temper her lust as long as she had to. “I must make her pay for this.”
He winked. “Now you’re getting the picture.”
Chapter 16
“Do you like your room, Tanzania?” Vanessa asked as she, Tanna and Doran sat in the sitting room nibbling on the snack Vanessa had expected them to eat hours ago. Not that Tanna thought it was a snack or that it had taken much preparation. She wasn’t sure if the plate was creating an optical illusion or if the crackers topped with either sliced hard boiled eggs, a few capers and drizzled with olive oil or those with brie, red pepper and avocado were really the size of a dime. Although they were colorfully and exquisitely decorated, the moment they hit her mouth they seemed to dissolve without the need for chewing. Doran sat beside her and hadn’t touched a thing.
“My name is Tanna,” she corrected, taking another bite, pleased to know that dinner wouldn’t be too far away.
“It’s not short for anything?”
“Nothing you’d be able to pronounce.”
Vanessa shot her a look as cold as the Arctic. “I speak three languages. Let me decide.”
“I’ll let you hear my full name on our wedding day,” she said, affectionately rubbing Doran’s thigh. Doran’s tight, muscular thigh. What did he do in his spare time? Lift tree trunks? She started to pull her hand away, but Doran covered her hand with his own trapping it in place.
“And she has a beautiful name,” he said.
“Of course you would think so,” Vanessa said. “Your standards aren’t as high as mine.”
Tanna made a small, ineffective motion to pull her hand free from his grasp. “But thank you for asking, I love our room.”
“Our?” Vanessa turned to her son. “I thought I said—”
“You did and we don’t care. And we’ll continue not to care until we leave. Unless you want us to leave now.”
“Tansy dear—”
Doran’s eyes darkened. “Tanna.”
“Will you excuse us?”
“She doesn’t need to.”
“She has to if I want to speak to you alone, which I do.”
Tanna knew a command when she heard one. She jumped to her feet. “Okay.”
Doran pulled her back down. “No, it’s not okay.”
She met his gaze and said between her teeth. “Yes, it is.” She squeezed his hand in warning.
He squeezed her hand in return, his tone also low. “I like having you by my side. You know how much I miss you.”
She squeezed his hand a little tighter. “I won’t be far and you promised I could see more of the house.”
He glanced down at their hands and a slow secretive smile touched his lips. “So I did.” He kissed the back of her hand then nipped it gently with his teeth before letting her go.
She stared at him and made a noise between a gasp and a laugh. Had he just bitten her because she was abandoning him?
“You’d better go before I change my mind,” he whispered.
She sprung to her feet. “Let me leave you two. I’m eager to stretch my legs after such a long drive and walk around a bit.”
“Yes,” Vanessa said. “The exercise would do you good. Perhaps you’d make it a habit.”
“Perhaps,” Tanna said with a bright smile, walking behind where Doran was sitting, “and maybe I’ll stroll down to the lake, fall in and nearly drown.”
Vanessa lifted a cracker. “Only nearly?”
“Yes.” She bent over Doran and wrapped her arms around his neck with playful adoration. “I don’t plan to let anything steal me away from his side,” she said, then bit the tip of his earlobe, holding back a grin when she felt his body tense. “Bye darling,” she whispered then walked out the side door.
She shivered once she reached outside even as the summer sun struck her. How could a woman like that be the owner of such a splendid house?
Tanna strolled down to the lake, looked across it and noticed a house for sale, knowing it wouldn’t be on the market for long. She turned and walked around the Gibson house, then strolled along a woodsy path, where she saw a little cross made out of popsicle sticks. She glanced at her watch to see how much time had passed before she would have to do battle again.
When she thought Mrs. Gibson had had enough time to sink her teeth into her son, Tanna made her way back up to the house. She paused when she saw Doran leave and march towards the lake with a determined look. She’d never seen that expression on his face before, or seen him walk with such an arrogant, forceful stride. When had he changed? Instead of the jeans and T-shirt, he’d had on earlier, he wore dark trousers and a light blue shirt. And where was he rushing off to? She raced over to him and grabbed his arm. “Has she got you thinking about drowning yourself?”
He spun around. Tanna quickly released her hold and took a hasty step back. The man wasn’t Doran. He looked like him—similar build, coloring, eyes, but his mouth was a little thinner, his brows a little thicker, his face a little rounder.
They shared the same physique, cheek and jaw line, but this man had softer, more approachable features. “I’m so sorry,” she said, stammering over the words. “I thought you were Doran. I’ve been waiting out here for him. Do you know if your mother is finished with him yet?”
The man stared at her in a way that made her wonder if he was a little slow, which was fine. She’d be patient. “How rude of me. First I grab you like a crazy woman and then ask you questions without first introducing myself.” She held out her hand and smiled at him. “I’m Tanna Ariyo, your brother’s fiancée.”
“Dillon,” he said, offering her a nice, firm handshake and a voice that reminded her of warm biscuits.
“It’s a pleasure to meet you.”
He held onto her hand and continued to stare at her in an odd way. She cleared her throat. Was there something on her face? Was he awkward with strangers?
“Do you know if your brother is free?”
He blinked. “Free?”
“From your mother,” she said slowly. Poor thing. Was language hard for him? He was such a beautiful man too. It didn’t matter. She didn’t want him to feel awkward. “I was just walking around the property. Your house is wonderful. Would you like to show me around or were you heading somewhere?”
“No, I mean, yes.” He rubbed the back of his neck. “I’m sorry, but this is kinda of a shock.”
“Meeting me?”
He nodded.
“I know,” Tanna said with sympathy. “Don’t be too upset with your brother, it happened faster than either of us expected, but I know we’ll be very happy together.” She leaned in and winked. “That’s if your mother doesn’t chew him up first.” She paused. Perhaps that was too harsh. What if Dillon thought his mother was a saint? She waved her words away. “Forget I said that. No matter what your mother thinks, I hope you’ll give me a chance. I know I’m not your brother’s usual flavor of the month and will take getting used to.”
Dillon shook his head. “It’s not that. It’s just—”
Tanna didn’t get to hear the rest of his
sentence. A soccer ball hit her on the back of the head with enough force that she fell forward like a felled tree.
Dillon swore and kneeled down beside her. “Are you okay?”
“What just happened?” she asked, gingerly touching her stinging nose. When she pulled her hand away she saw blood.
“Dammit you’re bleeding.”
“It’s okay. I have tissues in my purse, which I don’t have right now.”
He quickly unbuttoned and removed his shirt, revealing a muscular chest. “We need to put pressure on it.”
“No, it’s okay,” she said quickly when he bundled up his shirt and handed it to her. She waved it away. “I’m all right, really.”
“You’re not all right,” he said, pushing her hand away and gently pressing the shirt against her nose. “This is my fault.”
“How could it be your fault?” she asked, her voice muffled against the fabric.
A young boy of about seven ran up to them. He had soft brown eyes and pudgy cheeks, although the rest of him was rail thin. “Dad I’m sorry,” he said sounding out of breath.
“Don’t apologize to me,” Dillon snapped. “Apologize to her.”
The little boy looked at her with sad brown eyes. “I’m sorry, ma’am. I didn’t mean to hit you, I swear.”
Ma’am? Why did that American term make her feel so old? “Call me Aunty and don’t worry about it.”
“I thought I’d locked that ball away,” Dillon said.
The boy hung his head. “I didn’t think anyone would be out here.”
“The last time you—”
“I know, I know, but I didn’t mean to that time either.”
“Go to your room, we’ll talk later.”
“What happened last time?” Tanna asked unable to stop her curiosity.
“He killed a squirrel,” Dillon said when his son remained silent. “Knocked the sucker right out of the tree. It didn’t know what hit it.”
The boy pointed towards the wooded area. “We buried it right over there.”
“So that’s what that was,” Tanna said remembering the little cross.
His eyes lit up. “You saw it?”
“Yes, a very dignified send off.”
“Gran doesn’t know about it.”
“My lips are sealed,” she said in a solemn tone.
“ And that’s why we agreed no balls at the lake house,” Dillon said, sending his son a harsh look.
The boy hung his head. “I’m sorry.”
“It’s okay,” Tanna reached out and squeezed the boy’s arm in reassurance. Seeing his dejected posture broke her heart. “Really.”
“I’m so sorry,” he said with tears in his voice before he turned and ran.
Dillon shook his head as he watched his son trip and fall before making it inside the house. “If only his mother…” He stopped and turned to her. “Let me see if the bleeding has stopped,” he said removing the shirt. “We’ll need to get some ice on it to get the swelling to go down.”
“Don’t be too angry with him. I’m sure it’s hard for him to see you with anyone but his mother. Kids tend to act out when they’re feeling unsure. Maybe he saw me grab your hand and misinterpreted it. Are you widowed?”
He shook his head.
“Divorced?”
He nodded.
“How long?”
“Not long enough,” he said with a weary sigh.
“I suspected as much.”
A slow smile touched his mouth. “No, it’s not what you think. When it comes to Raymond it truly was an accident. He’s not jealous about the women I see. He’s just accident-prone. The squirrel story is true. My son could aim for a big red barn and miss.” Dillon pulled out his mobile. “Arthur get an ice pack ready, I’ll meet you in the kitchen.”
Tanna started to smile then winced. “You sound like you’ve done this before.”
“Too many times to count,” he said with a groan that made Tanna laugh. “You’re lucky you’re not here for me.” He helped her to her feet then led her to the house. “My last girlfriend ended up with a black eye when Raymond opened the door just as she was walking down the hall.”
“That’s why doors should swing in and not out. How would he know she was coming?”
“She also sprained her ankle when he tripped into her on the stairs and caused her to fall.”
“That’s your fault.”
His brows shot up. “My fault?”
“Yes, you were supposed to be there to catch her.”
Dillon threw his head back and laughed. “Yes,” he said holding the door open for her. “I guess you’re right.”
Tanna looked up at him liking the sound of his laughter. “And what’s a black eye and a sprained ankle when you can spend time with a sweet boy?”
“You don’t know he’s sweet.” Dillon led her to the kitchen where the requested ice pack waited with a First Aid kit and refreshments.
“I’m sure he has his father’s genes.”
Dillon pulled out a stool from underneath the kitchen island. “Yes, and it gets me into trouble.”
“Trouble?”
His eyes met hers and his voice deepened. “I end up falling for the wrong women.”
Tanna cleared her throat, feeling suddenly flustered. “Yes, well falling isn’t what it’s cracked up to be. Just look at me.” She glanced down at his shirt and noticed the label. Her heart dropped. “Please tell me you didn’t give me a thousand dollar shirt to use as a tissue.”
He took the shirt from her. “You sound as if you don’t think I can get another one.” He gently placed the ice pack on her nose. “Now hold this in place and go to bed.”
“Bed?”
“To rest.”
“I bumped my nose, not my head.”
He frowned. “But—”
She waved her hand in a dismissive gesture. “You’re worrying too much. I’ll just hold this a little bit longer and then I’ll have a nice purple bruise to annoy your mother with.”
Dillon closed his eyes as if in pain. “Oh, damn that’s right. The party’s tomorrow. She can’t have you looking like this.” He slapped the counter with the flat of his hand. “I know. We’ll get a bandage and say you just got some work done. No one will bat an eyelash.”
“Do you honestly think that’s necessary?”
“No,” he said in dry tone. “You could tell her, and everyone who asks, the truth. That my son hit you in the head with a ball and you—”
Tanna held out her hands. “Your idea is brilliant.”
Dillon grinned and gave a mock bow. “Thank you.”
Minutes later he had her nose bandaged to look like she’d gotten some cosemtic work done. He held up a mirror. “What do you think?”
“You’re an artist, doctor,” Tanna said, tilting her head as if looking at her bandage from different angles. “I can’t wait to see what my new nose looks like.”
“I’m sure it will look stellar. I am the best after all.”
“I only go to the best,” Tanna teased, resting her arm on the counter. She accidentally knocked one of the bandages to the ground and they both bent down to retrieve it, bumping heads.
“Are you and your son trying to give me a concussion?” Tanna said with a laugh, holding her forehead.
“No,” Dillon said with a chuckle rubbing his own sore forehead.
Doran entered the room and looked at them. “What’s so funny?”
Chapter 17
Tanna looked up at Dillon. “Doctor, should I tell him or should you?”
“It was your decision,” he said with a straight face. “So I think you should.”
She clasped the mirror to her chest and took a step towards Doran. “After how your mother treated me, I didn’t feel pretty anymore so I decided to get my nose done. I’ll get my chin done next.”
Doran folded his arms. “I don’t like people having fun without me. What are you two up to?”
“She just met Raymond,” Dillon said.
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Doran blinked, swore and then rushed over to her, cupping her face in his hands, his eyes searching her face. “What did he do to you?” He glanced down at her body then met her gaze again. “Are your hurt anywhere else?”
For a moment, Tanna couldn’t speak, surprised by his tender concern. He’d never looked at her like that before—as if she truly mattered to him. I don’t want you falling for me, he’d warned her. She took a step back and let out a nervous laugh. “Your nephew hit me in the back of the head with a soccer ball. It was my fault for falling forward and smashing my nose. Fortunately, I’m all better now thanks to your brother.”
Doran shoved his hands in his pockets, an expression she couldn’t read closing over his features. “Good.”
“And I bet, he’s the older one so I was trying to get into his good graces in case I need him as an ally against the queen.”
The brothers shared a look, but Doran turned away first and folded his arms. “Hmm.”
Dillon patted Tanna lightly on the back. “You don’t have to try any harder. I already like you. If you need anything, let me know.”
“She’ll be fine. I’m here now,” Doran said.
“Right,” Dillon said, the same poignant, secretive glance passing between them. “I’ll go check on Raymond.”
Doran waited for his brother to leave then looked at Tanna again, concern in his eyes. “Are you sure you’re okay? You’re not just putting on a brave face?”
Tanna tapped her chest with pride. “You’re looking at a girl who survived five consecutive whacks from Aunt Violence.”
He didn’t smile.
She held up her hand, spreading out her fingers. “Did you hear me say five?”
He still didn’t smile.
“That was supposed to be funny.”
He turned away from her, leaned against the counter and unrolled one of the bandages then rolled it up again.
Tanna sighed and decided to change the subject. “I didn’t know you had a twin.”
“Hmm.”
“How was the talk with your mother?” She looked him over. “I don’t see any scars.”
Doran patted his chest then unrolled the bandage again. “That’s because they’re all inside.”