by Lane, Aubree
Later that day, he discovered one of the devices of personal pleasure hiding under a bush near the walkway. The rechargeable bunny eared apparatus was concealed inside a paper bag under his sink. In a quandary about how to return it without causing further embarrassment, for either himself or Cara, Tanner suspected it would remain in his custody a bit longer.
He tuned out Mrs. Grimes and wished she would change the subject. There was no need for her to push him into the beautiful woman’s direction. Cara had been grace under fire when Duncan tried to use the benefit gala as a way to force her to pretend affection. She had dealt with a lot as the wife of that piece of pond scum and appeared stronger for it.
Tanner held Cara in the highest regard. He didn’t know if he had a chance in hell, but he planned on getting to know his new tenant much better.
Tanner hadn’t been celibate since the death of his wife, but he hadn’t put himself out there either. The idea of forming another serious relationship scared the hell out of him. But the long legged vision in unit 269 had him multiplying his remolding efforts in the vacant apartment across the street. It was the perfect vantage point to catch a glimpse of her short shorts walking out to her car, or standing with Mrs. Grimes out front.
Tanner suspected Mrs. Grimes orchestrated a few of those outings hoping to spur him into action.
Tanner looked at the joyful crinkles around Mrs. Grimes’ pale gray eyes. The old woman and her new neighbor had become chummy, and he wondered if he should have Mrs. Grimes return Cara’s toy for him. There was no way the curious lady would be able to resist taking a peek inside. He imagined the traumatized look on her wrinkled face and had to suck in a chuckle.
Tanner had been nursing his cup of coffee, but when Mrs. Grimes began asking about Erin and the gala, he rolled his head back and stared at the ceiling. That was another subject he didn’t want to discuss. Not that he was doing any of the talking. Mrs. Grimes was doing fine all by herself.
Tanner shuddered to think what might have happened if Cara hadn’t pointed out the lascivious dance of deception taking place between his little sister and her ex. Even after he cut in and made his feelings clear, Erin found her way back into the dick wad’s arms several more times during the course of the evening.
Every time Tanner cut in, he earned not only Duncan’s wrath, but Erin’s too. Tanner didn’t care. As long as there was a breath inside of him, there was no way Erin was going to get involved with Duncan Alexander.
As Erin laid into him, he watched Duncan walk up to a solid rock of a man and angrily spout some orders. Tanner couldn’t hear what was said, but the way Duncan accentuated each word with the sharp bounce of a fierce index finger, Tanner expected to be expelled from the ball at any moment. The muscled brawn glanced his way with an appalled look on his face. Then surprisingly, he tapped his watch, shook his head, and turned away from the blustering, crowned prince of Tahoe.
Just as he was about to haul her out of that affluent hell hole, Erin slipped away from him again. It had taken him another hour to catch up with her, and Tanner hadn’t been able to bring himself to wonder about what happened during the missing time frame.
Mrs. Grimes tapped his hand. “Are you listening to me?” she asked softly.
Brought back to the present, Tanner shook his head. “I’m sorry Mrs. Grimes.” He stood to leave. “I didn’t get much sleep last night and I’m beat. If it’s just the same to you, I’ll look at the disposal later.”
Mrs. Grimes nodded with understanding. “I’m the one who should apologize. I can see how tired you are and yet I keep rambling on.” Then with a gleam in her eye she said, “Just promise to tell me all about the ball later.”
Tanner pulled the little old lady to her feet and wrapped her up in a warm hug. She had been like a mother to him since the day he took over the place, and he hadn’t expressed his gratitude nearly enough. He stepped back and patted the top of her silver gray head. “I’ll catch you later, Mrs. G.”
~~~**~~
Cara slipped on her running shoes and took the two mile downhill jog to the lake. She crossed Tahoe Boulevard and made her way down Speedboat Way. The sun was already well above the ridge as she snaked a course through the residential area down to the beach. This was one of her favorite areas in Tahoe. The unique rock formations had been formed about four-hundred million years ago by a process known as fault blocking. Large boulders seemed to be stacked precariously on top of each other, but neither millions of years of Mother Nature raining down her worst, nor the thousands of visitors who had climbed, pushed, or prodded had been able to topple their vast mass.
Reaching the water’s edge, she looked out and was once again amazed at the sight. The rocks which rose out of the water were immense, and their rounded bodies were reflected in the calm of the new day. In a few hours the bright sun would glint off the water, and the small lake waves made by the wind and passing boats would shimmer brightly.
That was the way Cara wanted the lake to stay, clean, clear, and at certain times of the day, blinding.
Due in part to her research and fundraising efforts, Lake Tahoe had been getting just a little bit bluer. Less than fifty years ago you were able to see over a hundred feet down from the surface. By nineteen ninety-six, that number had declined to a mere sixty-two feet. Today, between education and a lot of hard work, the lake’s visibility had increased by about ten feet.
Pollution, runoff, and climate change were the biggest offenders, but Cara’s expertise approached the problem from a different angle. She and her research assistants scoured the lake several times a week searching for invading life forms. During the past century numerous non-native species had been introduced to the lake and had altered its natural ecosystem. Some of this introduction had been intentional. By the end of the nineteenth century and throughout the nineteen-forties, the lake had been repeatedly stocked with different types of trout and salmon. Then species like the crayfish and Mysis shrimp had been added to help improve the fishery.
More recently, the illegal introduction of largemouth bass, bluegill, Asian clams, along with certain plant life, had placed an enormous amount of stress on the lake, and the native species who once thrived in the icy cold waters were now struggling to survive.
The latest culprit discovered was none other than the common goldfish.
No one could imagine that it was capable of living in the lake’s mountain water. Dumping the no longer wanted little fishy into the lake had probably seemed like the humane thing to do. The destruction that seemingly benign act could cause had probably never entered the offender’s mind.
Cara was determined to change that. She was a firm believer in the power of the press and Cameron Caldwell, the local anchorman for channel KOTV’s evening news, who had lent his voice at last night’s gala, had promised his support in getting the story told.
Education, education, education, she was determined to drum her message home in as many different avenues as possible. Her students and research assistants, fondly known as her disciples, represented the future guardians of the lake, and she had no problem exploiting their boundless energy and enthusiasm to its fullest.
In a few weeks she’d be back on their research vessel for their summer session, and this year in particular, she was looking forward to it. The Lady of the Lake Aquatic Research Vessel, lovingly called LOLA, was her pride and joy. It had taken years to convince the regents of the college to agree to help fund the acquisition of the upscale fishing boat. The fifteen year old watercraft had been outfitted for their specific needs. LOLA might have a few years on her, but she always got the job done.
Wanting a better view, Cara scrambled over a rocky outcropping and made her way around the point. She jumped down into the sand and watched a large terra-colored crayfish that had been scavenging in the shallows shoot off for cover.
She loved the serene mornings. Momentarily, she had the beach to herself, but Cara knew it wouldn’t be long before that changed. Soon open water swimmers an
d their companions cruising along on their stand-up paddle boards would dot the tranquil waters. Cara wanted to be gone before they arrived. They were a chatty group and Cara felt like keeping to herself.
The unsettling events at the gala had left her shaken. It was just another day in the life for anyone involved with the Alexanders, but Cara had taken great pains to leave the family turmoil behind, and facing another round last night had been harder than she expected.
Cara climbed the weathered wooden steps and headed back up the hill towards home. The rhythmic pounding of her feet matched her breath. She let go of the clutter that filled her mind, no Duncan, no gala, no drama. The only thought that rummaged through her head was that of the suave and sophisticated, Tanner James Reed, property owner. She knew that sounded a bit snooty, but she didn’t care. The hard muscular body of, TJ, the complex caretaker had caught her interest. She felt flush thinking about the way he walked and how his tool toting belt made his jeans hang low on his hips. She had more than enjoyed the look of his ripped abs and broad shoulders, but the man she saw last night had cut quite the figure, and he had taken her breath away.
Tanner appeared to have found a balance between both worlds. He obviously had some wealth, but he didn’t flaunt it or expect people to treat him with respect he hadn’t earned. Duncan could make no such claim.
Her mind drifted to his date, the young blonde Tanner had brought to the gala. His reaction to her dancing with Duncan had seemed a bit odd. He told Cara point blank that he adored the young woman, but then seemed reluctant to leave Cara’s side to disrupt the lusty lascivious dance between the two.
Her breath became labored as she drove herself up the steep hill and her body warmed. Thoughts of Tanner continued to run through her mind, and her body let off a shiver of anticipation to once again see sweat glistening on his brow as his defined biceps heaved a heavy load of sheet rock into the dumpster.
She passed through the entrance of Granite Gates Estates and the smile that had been forming on her lips was wiped clean off. Tanner stood next to a little red car, and he was holding the charming, blonde, doe-eyed lovely in his arms.
Cara stopped abruptly so she could spy on the parting couple. She bent over and placed her hands on her knees. She gazed down at her shoes, and hoped it looked as if she was trying to catch her breath. Her lungs were burning and Cara knew she it wouldn’t be hard to achieve the desired effect.
The couple shared an easy and genuine affection. Tanner tousled the young woman’s hair when she ducked inside her car.
The blonde smacked his hand for mussing it.
Tanner told her to drive safely as she closed the door.
She powered her window down and told him to stop worrying.
He replied that he would always worry.
The young woman scoffed.
As her car pulled away from the curb Tanner called out that he loved her.
Strands of her wispy hair blew out the window as she picked up speed and the sweet young thing waved.
Then the strangest thing happened. As the woman drove past Cara she made eye contact, definite eye contact. Like they knew each other. Then the young woman smiled. The girl’s pearly whites gleamed almost as brightly as the lake and left Cara baffled. She swiped a trickling band of sweat off her brow and raised a confused hand in reply.
When the little red sports car turned out of the drive, Cara shook her head and began an easy cool down around the complex.
The moment Tanner saw her, a big smile flashed across his face and he waved her over. She didn’t want to, but she found herself beating a trail toward his location. The man obviously worried about the blonde beauty’s welfare and had even proclaimed his love. Regardless of the attraction Cara felt for the man, there was no way she was going to get in the middle of their relationship.
She was no Blackjack Barbie.
She couldn’t. She wouldn’t.
Cara felt her respect for the man plummet. He had turned out to be just as bad as Duncan. The moment his girlfriend was out of sight, he was smiling in her direction and was probably about to continue the flirtation they began the previous night.
Tanner fell into step alongside her.
“So,” Cara began as casually as possible, “she spent the night.”
Tanner nodded. “By the time we made it home from the gala it was too late for her to head back to Los Angeles. It was nice to be able to spend some alone time with her this morning. She had a blast dancing and carousing last night. I haven’t seen her smile like that in a long time. Thank you, it was a great event.”
Tanner clearly was not the jealous type. He obviously enjoyed the fact that his date had a good time, and it didn’t seem to matter that it wasn’t exclusively with him. Then they spent the morning together alone.
Translation: They’d had sex.
Yet, here he was smiling his sexy smile and flashing his baby blues like there was no tomorrow. He was not like any man she had ever met before. Did TJ Reed play it fast and easy with every woman’s emotions?
Cara was more confused than ever. He hadn’t appeared to be the least bit jealous as he watched Duncan hold his date in his arms, or as their bodies pressed tightly together. Tanner hadn’t flinched when Duncan charmed her with his attentive eyes and seductive smile.
Cara shook her head. Just now, TJ and the blonde appeared to be on solid ground. Having morning sex and expressing a caring goodbye were all good signs of a healthy relationship.
Maybe they weren’t exclusive. Maybe the addition of a few lovers spiced it up for them. Cara didn’t pretend to understand the infatuation of having an open relationship. Having Duncan bring home his sex partners hadn’t done a thing for her, except make her question herself down to the core.
Cara shook her head and regained her focus. “When she drove past right now, she waved at me like she knew who I was. Do I know her?”
“I pointed you out at the gala, then again when you ran by earlier.” He shot her a sly grin. “I hope you don’t mind, but I told her about our moment yesterday. She’d like to meet you.”
Cara stopped dead in her tracks. The thought of Tanner standing alongside her at the railing had filled her mind, but there was no way she would ever share her man again! “Of course I mind!” Cara couldn’t imagine what he could be thinking. She shuddered at the implication of what his girlfriend wanting to meet her actually meant. She had to know if what she suspected was true. “Are you asking me to have a three way with the two of you?”
Tanner stopped and blinked hard several times. Then he shook his head repulsed. “No! Why would you think that?”
“The two of you obviously have a close relationship. I’m sure you’ve read all about me and Duncan. You probably think we did that sort of thing all the time. Why else would your girlfriend want to meet the woman you flirted with last night?”
Tanner’s entire body began to shake. A smile spread out over his face, and his head began to bob. The laughter that followed was full bodied and warm. It took Tanner a while to regain his composure. The only thing that kept Cara from continuing on with her cool down was because it felt like he was laughing at her, and she didn’t understand why.
When his mirth finally sputtered to a stop, he said, “I think there have been a few misconceptions building between us. How about we start from scratch and get to know each other without any preconceived ideas.” He reached out his hand and introduced himself. “Hi, I’m TJ Reed. Despite what Beth Rainy has led you to believe, I am your landlord.” He took the hand Cara had left hanging and pointed down the empty road. “That irritating girl in the little red Corvette is my baby sister, Erin.”
Cara stopped and blinked several times. A moment later she rolled her eyes skyward and continued on with her jog. She held up a halting hand to prevent him from joining her, but turned back after she put some distance between them. “I think we should have dinner sometime.”
Tanner’s smile grew wide and he called back with delight, “How ab
out tomorrow night?”
Cara glanced back over her shoulder. “Make it Tuesday and you’ve got a deal.”
“Tuesday it is, Cara Lee.”
As Cara’s pace took her further away, she could not believe Tanner had called her Cara Lee. That’s what her father called her right before one of his lectures. She hoped her tool-man didn’t make a habit of calling her that. TJ was nothing like her father, and she certainly didn’t want to be reminded of dear ol’ dad while she was with him.
Cara slowed to a walk. If she was Cara Lee to him, then he would be Tanner to her. Besides, Tanner sounded much more eloquent than TJ. After all, he was a property owner, not a department store.
The look on his face and the sound of his laughter was priceless. It had been worth making a fool out of herself for the joy of seeing that smile. Unlike his little sister, Tanner’s smile had been genuine. The shallow grin on Erin’s face reminded her of Duncan, and Cara crossed herself at the thought.
~~~**~~~
Lunch time Tuesday her divorce was final, and once again Cara was on top of the world. A huge weight had been lifted off her shoulders to no longer be Duncan Alexander’s blind wife. A new sense of power and freedom rocked her world. She knew one of the main reasons behind her jubilation was spelled, T-A-N-N-E-R. Cara woke up with thoughts of the man in the Armani suit sweeping her off her feet, and went to sleep with fantasies of her tool-man’s tight, firm, backside climbing a ladder as he replaced fascia board riddled with dry rot. Cara didn’t know which man she liked better, but if things worked out with Tanner, she wouldn’t have to choose.
Their first date was only hours away and she couldn’t wait for the afternoon to end. Having a paper signing celebratory freedom lunch with Leah had been planned weeks ago, now it had the added benefit of making the time go by faster.