He got up and stepped toward her. She couldn’t handle it if he hugged her, so she held up her hands. “Just go.”
Her tone came out harsh, but she was lucky any words escaped.
“Tammy, please. Let me see—”
“Don’t.”
He shrugged then strode out of the living room. The kitchen door closed softly. Her legs caved and she dropped onto the seat cushion.
Don’t cry.
Jasper had to pull through. He just had to.
* * * *
Talk about feeling like crap. While he and Tammy hadn’t been close in years, it hurt Tank to see anyone in need go it alone. He was a little surprised the building inspector even let her live in the burned-out shell. While the structure seemed sound, the walls would barely protect her from the elements. Perhaps if he and Aiden put their heads together, they could come up with a plan to help her.
Since it was still early, he had time to change then stop at the Mountain View for a roasted coffee and a bagel before work. He wanted to prepare what he was going to tell Bill. Tammy seemed to have a plan in place whereby she could pay the bank back. If Jasper died, or if Mr. Cummins had to use the money he was planning to give Tammy for his hospital bills, she’d be out of luck.
Before he headed inside the bank, he called Aiden. His friend was in the middle of loading his animals in a trailer. “Can I call you back?”
“Just calling to see if after you get off work, you want to meet at Mountain View for a drink?”
“Great. Say six?” Aiden’s breath came out ragged.
“Works for me, but call in case you get tied up.” Tank knew a vet’s job was unpredictable.
They disconnected and Tank headed into work. His boss found him within ten minutes of his arrival. He told Bill that Tammy had a plan to pay her back payments.
“Just see that she does.” With that, Bill stomped off.
What was stuck up his craw? Maybe Bill and Tammy’s parents had interacted poorly in the past. Some people just didn’t understand how important it was to forgive and forget. There was nothing more he could do about her situation. Maybe Aiden could come up some way to help her. His friend already told him how he’d bartered to keep his animals at her barn in exchange of payment. Win-win solutions were always the best.
The rest of the day sped by. He read his manuals, as he needed to get caught up with his licenses specific to Montana. His plan was to get his broker’s license so he could move out of loans and into investments.
He’d actually lost track of time when his cell rang. He rubbed his eyes and checked the screen. It was Aiden.
“Hey, man.”
“I can be showered and changed in an hour. Can we change the time to 7:00 p.m.?”
Tank couldn’t believe it was already six. If Aiden hadn’t called, he might not have emerged for hours. Maybe because it was still light outside that he hadn’t realized it was so late. “Sure.”
After cleaning up his desk, he left. He wanted a quick shower and a change of clothes before going out. Good thing he lived so close to work. He got to the bar and grill about ten minutes to seven. Luke, one of the owners, came from behind the bar. He hadn’t seen his friend since his return.
“That you, Tank? Shit man, you packed some muscles on that scrawny frame of yours.”
Luke was four years older, but his mentor had stayed around after high school to help out with the wrestling team. Tank had been stocky back then, not scrawny, but compared to Luke, he hadn’t stood a chance on the mat.
Tank patted his flat belly. “Age does that to you.”
They caught up a bit until Aiden sauntered in. After Aiden and the owner exchanged pleasantries, Luke went back to work behind the bar. Tank and Aiden found a table in a quiet corner. The patrons didn’t need to be privy to Tammy’s troubles.
Tank told Aiden how he’d stopped over at her place this morning. “I can’t tell you what horrible condition her house is in.”
“I know. I was in there. At least the barn is new, but it could use a camera system to keep an eye on the animals.”
Tank and he ordered two beers. “You know, this is the first time I’ve been not spent my evening with my dad.” He figured one night away wouldn’t hurt. Besides, his dad probably wouldn’t remember he didn’t show up anyway.
“How’s he doing?”
“His memory’s fading fast. The doctors say part of his problem is his bad heart is preventing the needed oxygen to reach the brain.”
“I always liked your dad. He was a good guy.”
“That he was.”
The beers arrived, and the first taste hit the spot. “So give me the lowdown on Tammy. I know she still resents me, but what’s her story?”
“What do you want to know?”
“Last I saw her, she was sixteen and basically a tomboy.” He smiled. “She’s changed. Any men in the picture?” He was surprised how important Aiden’s answer was.
Aiden laughed. “Not that I know of. I asked her out a few times, but she always turned me down. Even before the fire, she was too proud to go out with anyone.”
“I see she hasn’t changed much since high school.” Tank leaned forward on his elbows. “Does she remind you of anyone?”
Aiden’s gaze shot off to the right. “No. Who do you have in mind?”
“I can think of a few. Tammy is unique, I’ll grant you that, but her feisty attitude reminds me of some of the women we’ve shared.”
Aiden guffawed. “I see where you’re headed, but you have to be kidding. She’d never go for that lifestyle. I wouldn’t be surprised if she were still a virgin.”
Since he and Aiden had shared a lot of things, there was no reason to keep quiet about this secret. “I know for a fact she isn’t. I was the cad who took her virginity. Remember when I dumped her for Eileen Turnbell?”
Aiden whistled. “Ah, yes. Good ole Eileen.”
He’d regretted that move every since. Tammy was pure and honest, and he’d fucked it up all because Eileen said she liked bondage. His eighteen-year-old dick had fallen for her line. When it came time to tie her down though, she’d balked. She, along with his guilty conscious over what he’d done to Tammy, had ruined his senior prom.
“I wasn’t the brightest guy back then.”
“I recall the details. You definitely were an ass to Tammy back them. When I walked into the barn the other night, and you two were on your knees soothing Dixie, it seemed like she’d forgiven you.”
“She only tolerated me because I was helping her horse.” He told Aiden about the foreclosure deadline.
His friend cocked a brow. “You think she fell for the big bad wolf act?”
“I’m afraid it wasn’t an act. I wish it were. I do have to huff and puff and maybe blow her house down if she doesn’t pay.”
Aiden swigged half his beer. “Christ.”
“I know. It sucks.” He quenched his thirst. “Let me ask you. Knowing Tammy like you do, do you think there’s any chance she’d change her mind about me?” The waiter stopped by to take their dinner order. He hadn’t even looked. “Give us a minute, will ya?”
The young man nodded and hurried to another table.
“Not unless you paid off her mortgage, and even if you did, she’d resent you so much, she’d probably kick your ass to the curb.”
That’s not what he wanted to hear. “I was afraid of that. I just can’t get her out of my mind. There’s something about her that sets my dick on fire.”
Aiden looked around, probably to make sure no one had heard. “Mine, too. Maybe if I can convince her she wants to be with me, then you can come in and join us.”
Tank smiled. “Thanks for the visual. Now I won’t sleep tonight dreaming about having her spread-eagle on the floor of her barn and me doing her.”
“Don’t forget I get the back door.”
“You wish.”
Aiden shook his head. “We’ll think of something.”
“That something better come
pretty quick. She only has eight weeks.”
Tank checked out the menu items and waved the waiter over. They both ordered. Two friends from high school happened by and sat with them throughout dinner. By the time their two football buddies left, Tank’s eyes were drooping.
Aiden checked his cell phone. “I really need to get going. I need to get up at five. Sorry, we didn’t get a chance to talk much.”
He was an early riser, too. “We’ll do this again.” He stood. “By the way, did you ever deliver your extra animals to Tammy’s barn?”
“This afternoon. I’m getting her to check up on the animals for me. I’m hoping there will be some late-night calls.” Aiden winked.
“Ah, I see the genius to your plan.”
As they walked out, Aiden wrapped an arm around his shoulder. “I didn’t get my medical degree for nothing.”
“I’m pulling for you. But if you do get lucky, don’t forget me.”
“Never.”
Once Tank got back to his apartment, he climbed the steps instead of taking the elevator to clear his head. He needed time to think of a plan for getting Tammy to forgive him for all of his transgressions.
At the top of the stairs a man was pacing in front of his apartment. Tank slowed. He’d only been in town a week. Who even knew where he lived?
“Can I help you?”
The tall, blond man turned around and opened his arms. “Tank, man, how are you?”
Holy shit. In two steps he had his cousin, Jake, in a bear hug. “What the hell are you doing here?”
“It’s a long story. Can I come in?” There was a flash of desperation in his face.
“Sure.” Tank unlocked his door and Jake followed him in. “Beer?”
“No, thanks.”
He wondered what that was all about. Whenever Jake came to visit him at Princeton, they partied hard. “How about a Coke?”
“Water’s good.” Jake dumped his backpack on the ground.
Tank went to retrieve the drinks. “So what are you doing in Pleasure?” Last he’d heard, Jake lived in South Carolina. His uncle had told Dad that a drunk driver had killed Jake’s wife two years ago, but other than a quick call, they’d not discussed the tragedy. Maybe that was what prompted the no-drinking rule.
“You know I’m in construction, right?”
“Heard that.”
“I owned my own company for a couple of years, but with the housing market going in the toilet, I got out.”
Tank handed him a glass of water and popped the top off of his Coke. “You just visiting?”
Jake swiped a hand over his rather shaggy, blond mop. “No. I thought I’d come out west for a new start. I always loved the area and had fond memories of Pleasure when we visited.”
Something didn’t quite add up, but it didn’t matter. He was glad Jake was here. As if the proverbial light bulb went off, he figured out the answer to Tammy’s problems and maybe Jake’s.
“I have a great idea that I think you just might like.”
Chapter Three
Tammy had spent a large part of the day making sure all of Aiden’s animals were well fed and exercised as per his instructions. He’d left a detailed list of what medicines each animal needed and when to give them the doses. As promised, he’d left feed for each animal. In all, Aiden now boarded four horses and two cows. She enjoyed having the activity at the ranch again and was thrilled she was helping out Aiden while paying off a debt.
Satisfied the animals, as well as Dixie and the foal, were well taken care of, she went in to shower and get ready for her jewelry presentation. Only when she met with the wealthy ladies did she dress up. It wouldn’t do to come in ragged jeans and T-shirt. Unfortunately, nice clothes cost money. She’d spent her hard-earned dollars on two different JP Nesters Western Wear outfits. Their fit was impeccable and gave her the added look of class. She only owned two of their ensembles, but it was the one or two days that she knew she looked good.
She’d just finished applying her makeup when a knock sounded on the door. Goose bumps crawled up her skin. She’d just spoken to Aiden about the animals, and Earl was on his way home. She didn’t have any other creditors beside the bank.
Her heels smacking against the hardwood floors, she passed through the living room to the kitchen to answer the back door.
Tank, along with a good-looking blond man, was standing there. “Tank.” Despite wanting to slam the door in his face, she’d been brought up to show some civility to all. She knew he wanted money. Money, she didn’t have. Why couldn’t he get that through his thick skull?
She motioned them inside. Instead of bringing them into the living room, she remained in the kitchen. He could talk to her here, then leave.
Tank’s gaze never left her face. “You look beautiful.”
She almost laughed. She’d been about to ask why he sounded surprised, but the truth was, he had only seen her twice in the last ten years, both in the last two days. Once was when she’d been rolling in the hay, and the other when she was in her sweats. Neither time had she fixed her hair or had on makeup.
“What can I do for you?” Besides give you my mortgage payment, which I don’t have.
“This is my cousin, Jake Harrison.”
Jake held out his hand. “Nice to meet you, ma’am.”
She cringed at the endearment. “Call me Tammy, please.” He seemed like a gentle soul.
“Tammy it is.” His grin came out genuine. She refused to address the heat creeping up her face.
Tank stepped forward. “Can we talk? I think I might be able to help you out.”
Right. Since when did Tank Harrison have her best interest in mind? He’d used her before. There was no reason not to think he wouldn’t use her again.
She checked the clock on the wall. “I have a showing in town in forty minutes. Can you keep it brief?”
“I’ll try.”
Without invitation, he walked over to the kitchen table and sat down. His cousin followed suit. Not to look like an idiot, she, too, pulled out a chair. “So tell me how you’re going to make my life easier.”
“Jake just arrived in town last night. He used to be in construction in South Carolina, and he’s come to Pleasure to start over.”
While it was a nice story, she had no idea what it had to do with her. “I hope everything works out for you, Jake.” She meant that. The man might be related to someone without many scruples, but she shouldn’t hold it against Jake that he had Tank as a cousin.
Tank leaned back in his seat. “Seems to me you need to have your house rebuilt.”
She glanced to the ceiling. “There are a lot of things I need. Like money to pay off my mortgage.” She shrugged. “Actually I need Jasper to pay what he owes me.”
“Winter’s coming, and if you stay here, you’re going to be mighty cold. Even a wood stove won’t take the chill out of the air with thin plywood separating you from the weather.”
She slapped a hand on her hip. “I’m well aware of that. I don’t need some hotshot banker to point out my inadequacies.”
Tank leaned his elbows on the table. “That came out wrong. What I’m trying to say is Jake needs a place to stay, and he can help you heat up the place.”
Her mouth gaped open as she glanced from Tank to Jake. “I’m not sharing my bed with any man.” It didn’t matter that this one was hot with a capital H. Or was Tank trying to pawn his cousin off on her so he wouldn’t have to deal with the man? Either way, the answer was no.
“Darlin’, what Tank is doing a bad job of explaining, is that if you’d be so kind to give me room and board, even if it’s in the barn, I’ll build you the best dang house in Pleasure, Montana.”
She had to laugh. “For free.” No one offers that.
Tank reached over and clasped her hand. Her initial instinct was to pull away, but the comfort spread through her.
Don’t let him fool you again.
She took back her hand.
“You’d have to buy
the materials, but Jake’s labor is free.”
“Why would he do that?”
“It’s for selfish reasons,” Jake said. “If the townspeople of Pleasure see my handiwork, I can build my business again.”
The idea intrigued her, but there was one major problem. “That’s great, but remember, I have no cash.”
“I bet Brody would give you the lumber on credit,” Tank said.
Brody owned the local hardware store. He also sold lumber. Her parents hated borrowing, except to buy the property, and so did she. “Can I think about it?” She stood. “I really have to go.”
They both shoved back their chairs and stood, too. “Tammy,” Jake said, “the real problem is that I have no place to stay. I really don’t mind bunking in the barn, at least until winter.”
Her heart went out to him. “I can’t have you sleep in the barn, but I only have one bedroom. The rest of the rooms burned down in the fire.”
“I can sleep on the couch. I don’t mind. Trust me, I’ve slept on worse.”
She looked over at Tank. “Why can’t he stay with you?”
“I, too, only have a one-bedroom. The difference is that you need a house built and I don’t. How about if Jake stays here tonight and we can discuss the details tomorrow?”
If she didn’t have to leave right now, she would have given it more thought. “Fine, but I have to go. Lock the door when you leave. Linens are in the hall closet.”
Jake’s smile was wider than her ranch was long. “You won’t regret this, darlin’.”
“I hope not.”
With that she hurried out. On her way out, she picked up her jewelry case. In forty-five minutes, she had to focus on the show and not on some poor guy who had no place to stay. By tomorrow, he’d probably be gone after he checked out the less-than-ideal accommodations. It would be a moot point anyway. Thomas’s Hardware Store would surely turn her down, and Jake would have to find something else to build using someone else’s money.
Too bad his blue eyes seemed so open and pure, and that he appeared to be an honest and nice guy. At this time, all that was really important to her was keeping her ranch.
She made it to the host house with about five minutes to spare. She always allotted thirty minutes to set up, but already a few friends of the hostess had arrived. Damn. She shouldn’t have let Tank in. She’d lost valuable time.
Monroe, Melody Snow - Taming Tammy [Pleasure, Montana 5] (Siren Publishing Ménage Everlasting) Page 3