by Ava Miles
“You’re a good man.”
His body tensed. “Why don’t you make coffee? I’ll need some to keep up with Keith.”
She knew withdrawal, but couldn’t figure out why he’d reacted that way. Was he one of those good guys who didn’t like compliments?
“I’m going to talk to Peggy about hiring someone here to watch Kenny.” He followed her into the kitchen. “Someone who can move around and report directly to her. Maybe find out where he’s stowed his truck and the drugs.”
“He’s driving a blue 2010 Ford Ranger now.” She selected an Abba coffee cup for him just to be saucy and a plain blue pottery mug for herself.
“And you know this how?”
“Ah, Grandpa heard it at Bingo.”
Tanner sputtered out a laugh. “Bingo? Again?”
“I told you it’s the best place for information in Dare. Hell, he could tell you who has hemorrhoids on any given day.”
“Thanks so much for that image.”
“Let me say it one more time since I know you’re a man of action. I don’t want you taking any more risks beyond us gathering intel.”
“Fine. You’re right. It goes against my nature, but between you and Peg, I’m pretty much hearing the same tune.” When she handed him the Abba cup, he raised a brow. “Speaking of tunes, how’d I score this one?”
She laughed. “Because Jill called you my Man After Midnight this morning after their song.” Lifting on her tiptoes, she kissed his cheek.
“I won’t be your Man After Midnight until my sister leaves. Don’t ask me how unhappy I am about that.” His chocolate eyes gleamed as he drank the coffee. “I’ll miss being with you.”
Her insides warmed. “Well, it’s not like we won’t see each other, but I know what you mean.”
Setting his coffee aside, he reached for her. “Maybe we should make this quality time.”
“You said you couldn’t,” she said, twining her arms around his neck. “Admit it. You want to be able to say you’ve made love on an orange couch.”
“You found me out. Now, shut up and kiss me.”
Feathering the hair at the base of his skull, she opened her mouth and tantalized him with deep strokes of her tongue. He’d worked her black blouse open when the doorbell rang. She pulled back.
He groaned. “You’re kidding.”
“Hold that thought,” she said, buttoning up her shirt.
When she opened the door, her stomach burned. A delivery man held three dozen yellow roses in a crystal vase. Her mouth flattened. That son of a bitch! How dare he send her flowers. She signed in a scrawl and slammed the door.
“You okay?” Tanner sauntered closer.
She threw up a hand and turned her back on him. “Give me a second.” She ripped open the card.
Meredith,
I heard you were back in Dare. I can’t help but think of you on our anniversary. I’m sorry for everything. I thought you should know I miss you. Thanks for your continued support.
Love,
Richard
“Oh my God! I can’t believe him.” Stalking around the living room, she put her hands in her hair and pulled. “That arrogant, pompous…”
Tanner stepped in her path. His jaw ticked. “You want to tell me what’s going on?”
“It’s not what you think. It’s not from an admirer.”
He crossed his arms. “I didn’t think so given the way you’re acting.”
She took a deep breath and touched her bustier with her fingertips. Divorcée Woman would know how to explain the situation. She handed him the card. “It’s from my ex. Today was our anniversary.” She stalked to the window, watching the neighbor kids pelt each other with snowballs. “I can’t believe…a whole host of things, including how he knew I was staying with Jill. It reads like a…okay I’ll say it—a damn political ad.” She kicked a side table. “He’s screwing with my head.”
“Yes, he is,” Tanner growled.
“You don’t need to be worried.” She put her hand on his arm. “I can’t stand him.”
Tossing the card aside, he pulled her over to the couch. “But he can still push your buttons.”
“Of course, he can. He cheated on me! That’s not something you forget.”
Tanner veiled his eyes. “You can tell me if it’s none of my business, but can I ask you something?”
She sat up straighter. “What?”
“What did you ever see in him?”
Pushing off the couch, she threw up her hands. “I don’t have to justify myself to you!”
“I’m not asking you to justify yourself, Meredith. I only want to understand. This thing with Richard changed you.”
Her eyes burned suddenly. “You’re damn right about that. Being cheated on sucks, okay? But it’s even worse to have your judgment called into question.”
“That’s not what I’m doing,” he said softly.
She met his gaze dead on. “Aren’t you?” She let out a sound between a laugh and cry. “Well, you aren’t the only one. I question my own judgment. What happened made me lose confidence in myself. Do you have any idea what that’s like?”
“No, I don’t.”
She strode across the room. “Of course you don’t. You know exactly who you are. You always do the right thing. And you can probably always tell the good guys from the bad ones.”
“Not always, Meredith. I’ve made plenty of mistakes.”
“Yeah, well this one cost me a hell of a lot. You want to know why I fell for Richard? It’s pretty simple. He pursued me with a determination I’d never experienced before. I felt wanted. He’s handsome. I was attracted. And he’s pretty slick. He always knows how to say the right thing.”
“Go on.”
She gripped the curtain in her hand, seeking some way to stay grounded. “It took me awhile to realize he didn’t always mean it. And eventually, I figured out that my name was probably what he liked most about me. He was angling to become part of the paper. Take it over maybe, merge it with his. I don’t know. He didn’t realize Gramps would never allow that. That’s when things changed. I thought I was a good judge of character.”
She heard him walk toward her, but he didn’t touch her.
“He’s fooled a lot of people. I know that doesn’t help, but it’s true.”
“I just wish I hadn’t been one of them,” she whispered. “I know you probably think I’m not over him, but that’s not true.” Lowering her head, her vision blurred. “I haven’t stopped blaming myself for being so stupid.” A tear plopped on her boots.
“Okay, that’s enough.” He pulled her against him.
She tried to yank away.
“I’m not letting go. It won’t hurt you to lean a little. Blaming yourself is cutting you into pieces. I happen to know Meredith Hale is one hell of a woman. She’s insightful, savvy, and sensitive. If your ex cheated on you, he was weak. A mega-prick.”
“Yes, he is,” she muttered against his chest.
“You should talk to my sister. Peg was married to another police officer. They were happy at first, and then they had Keith. She was on a stakeout when she saw her husband coming out of a house. He was supposed to be hunting with friends. She found out that he’d started cheating on her while she was pregnant and couldn’t give it up after Keith was born. He said it wasn’t about her.”
She leaned back. His scar twisted when his mouth did.
“Peg is one of the best judges of character I know. She makes life and death decisions on the job. But she didn’t see him for what he was. She blamed herself just like you’re doing.”
“Did she get over it?”
“Not at first, especially since she still had to see the bastard because of Keith. But after a while, she realized he didn’t want to be a father, so she moved to Kansas when her commander took a new position there, promising her a promotion.” Tracing her cheek, his eyes glowed with emotion. “She finally remembered what she was inside.” He kissed her forehead and cradled her lik
e she was precious. “You’re remembering too.”
Was she? She supposed she was. How else could she have moved forward with Tanner? Gone to bed with him? She did feel more confident now. But not perfect.
What the hell was perfect anyway?
She framed his face. “I meant what I said before. You really are a good man.”
The muscle jumped in his jaw. “Don’t make me out to be something I’m not. I told you I make plenty of mistakes.”
Okay, so he wasn’t going to listen. She dropped the subject and rested against his chest. The clock ticked. The neighbor kids cheered and yelled war cries, pelting snowballs at each other with an innocence that made Meredith nostalgic. She could never go back to that time, that place. She could only move forward.
She nuzzled Tanner’s neck. When she pulled him down for a kiss, he flowed into her, filling up every dark and aching corner. She tried to give back the light he had bestowed on her, hearing him murmur words she couldn’t decipher.
He kissed her in short, sweet bites. “I’ve decided I have a little more time,” he muttered between kisses.
His hands smoothed her clenched back muscles, but he held her loosely. She understood that he was letting her decide if she wanted more.
She did.
She tugged on his bottom lip, deepening the kiss. When she drew back, she tightened her arms around him. “Make love to me.”
He wove his fingers through her hair and lifted her onto her toes. His chocolate eyes smoldered with more than desire. Their gentleness had her body moving into him with new confidence.
“Orange couch or bed?” he asked with a seductive smile.
“The bed. Definitely the bed.” Bringing him there would be another way of making him part of her life.
He undressed her slowly in the dim light from the drawn shades. As his hands drew off her bustier, the buzzing increased in her head, and in her body. She pressed his palms to her breasts and let her head fall back. By now, he knew how to circle her nipples to make her gasp. Pluck at them until she moaned.
And still he moved slowly.
When she tried to undress him, he drew her down to the bed. “No, watch.”
She watched him slide his clothes off, the line of electricity intensifying through her body. He took her breath away, so defined and strong. When he was naked, he stretched out over her, arms bracketed on either side of her head.
“Just feel.”
Even though his whole body was corded with tension, he touched her with gentleness. Kissed her with tenderness. Caressed her with a reverence she could only think of as cherishing.
When he guided her over the first peak, she arched back, letting the feelings wash over her like sunlight on snow.
She opened her eyes, wanting to look at him, and he brushed a lock of hair back from her forehead. She knew the control he exerted over his own needs wasn’t easy.
“Be with me,” she whispered, touching his cheek.
He came into her inch by slow inch, resting his forehead against hers. Their union felt like a merging—so right. When the crest came for both of them, their hands found each other and gripped. Waves of pleasure washed over them.
After he left the bed, she fingered the crease in his pillow, realizing they’d journeyed somewhere new together.
She wasn’t sure what to think about that.
She turned to her side, rolling around words in her mind.
Nora Roberts Land.
The One.
Pleasure. Trust. Fear.
When he came through the bathroom door, all chatter in her head ceased. He tucked her against his side, stroking her skin softly.
No one said anything. No one needed to.
When he finally picked up his watch, he sighed. “I really do need to go now.”
They both dressed. When they came out of her bedroom, he took her hand.
“I’m almost sorry we didn’t use the orange couch. Not too many people can say that.”
At the front door, a smile shimmered on her lips. “Well, it’ll be waiting for you when your company leaves.”
“I’ll keep that in mind.” Reaching into his pocket, he handed her his Swiss army knife. “Don’t let Sommerville have the last word. Hack the flowers up and stomp them to bits if it’ll make you feel better.”
It was still warm from his body. She curled her hand around it. “Okay. Thanks.”
He’d given her his gloves—and now his knife. Funny how they warmed her heart in a way flowers never had.
He settled his hands on her waist and gave her a slow, deep kiss. “It’ll be all right. You’ll see.”
His voice tightened at the end of the sentence. Was he trying to convince her or himself? After what they’d shared in her bedroom, she wasn’t sure either of them knew where they were going.
They’d have to talk about it soon. Her stomach flipped. How would he feel about her writing an article about him being her hero in Nora Roberts Land? Was she ready to even admit he was The One?
She was pretty damn close.
Her fingers cinched his navy scarf. “Have fun with your family. I’ll see you tomorrow.”
“Can’t wait.” He walked away and then angled back, kissing her again before leaving.
The roses made her nose twitch. She fingered her crystal necklace, studying the bouquet. She realized she didn’t need to pulverize Rick-the-Dick’s flowers. Her anger had floated away. There was a new peace inside her. She felt…solid and centered—nothing like the wobbly mess she’d been in New York.
She took the bouquet to their elderly neighbor’s house to brighten her day. How was that for progress?
***
Tanner reached for his phone only to set it aside again. Damn Sommerville. The flowers had driven his point home. He wouldn’t think twice about fucking with Meredith directly and letting her know Tanner was scum. That would stop the article in a heartbeat.
Sommerville didn’t miss her. He got off on people’s weaknesses.
And now he was preying on Tanner’s.
If it wasn’t for David, he’d tell Sommerville to go to hell and march right back in and tell Meredith the truth in the hopes that she’d listen and forgive him.
But he couldn’t risk David. He’d always looked out for him. That’s what big brothers did. Plus, if he’d stayed home instead of going off to college and traveling the world, maybe he could have stopped David from following in their dad’s drunken footsteps.
He glanced at the house. He didn’t think about his fucked up family life when he was with her. She made him believe something better existed. Made him believe he didn’t have to be alone anymore.
He froze, the wind harsh on his face.
He hadn’t planned on it, but he was in love with her. All the way.
And she loved him too. He knew it.
His gut settled. He couldn’t be sure what Meredith would do, but he had to find out. He’d tell her when Peg left.
Meredith wasn’t supposed to be here much longer. Neither was he. He could find a job in New York to be near her, although he was surprised to realize he’d miss Dare. The damn town was growing on him.
When he arrived home, he settled in to wait for his sister and nephew, pulling out all the files on Ray’s death.
The sooner he could lock up this case, the sooner they’d be free and clear to start a new life together.
Chapter 40
Meredith’s heart landed with a thud at her feet at the sight of Tanner carrying his nephew on his shoulders.
How could she help but love man who would let a seven year-old mess with his hair?
“He’ll make a good father,” Jill commented beside her at the window, watching them walk up the sidewalk.
Her heart warmed until she felt rosy all over. “Hush.”
“Look me in the eyes and tell me I’m wrong.”
“Why don’t you get the door?” she asked, wanting a little time to herself.
“Get it yourself, Mermaid.” Jill sl
apped her butt and sailed off.
She pressed her hands to her face. She finally had to admit it. She was in love with Tanner McBride.
Oh boy!
And they were spending a family holiday together. You didn’t get much more Nora Roberts Land than that.
The ground trembled beneath her feet. She’d really found The One. She’d have to tell him—about both her feelings and the article. When Peggy left.
The bell chimed. Meredith headed over to the door with a spring in her step, her green dress dancing with her rhythm.
“Hi, there!” Tanner’s nephew piped the moment she opened it.
He had dark hair and chocolate brown eyes just like Tanner. She found herself smiling. “Hi, yourself. Happy Thanksgiving.”
“Meredith, this is my sister, Peggy, and my nephew, Keith,” Tanner noted with a wink. “Keith won’t be eating since he doesn’t like turkey, but we brought him anyway.”
“I do so like turkey! I don’t like veggies. You don’t have those, do you?”
“Sorry, kiddo. My mom insisted we have them,” she joked.
“Please forgive my son.” Peggy extended her hand. Her dark, chin-length hair framed a sweetheart-shaped face. “He wants to stay short all his life.”
“Do not, mom,” Keith cried, pulling Tanner’s hair up straight like he was eyeing it for a haircut.
“Watch the backtalk, please. It’s good to meet you, Meredith. And thank you for the invitation. It’s so nice not to be cooking today.”
“Yeah, thanks,” Keith mimicked.
Peg gave him the behave look. “I hope he won’t be too rambunctious.”
“Not possible,” Meredith’s grandfather replied, walking forward. “It’s nice to have a young gun around. I’m Arthur Hale. Please come inside. Couldn’t get lucky with a heat wave for the holiday, could we?”
Tanner made the introductions as Jill and her parents joined them with oh-so-pleased grins. When her dad said he’d hang their coats, Tanner grabbed Meredith’s arm and led her away. Oh, he looked so handsome in navy slacks and a white dress shirt.