Footsteps take me closer to the door. With every second, my dread grows. I wanted to see Amanda one last time. I didn’t even get that. I’m leaving empty-handed, poorer, and broken fucking hearted.
The first two I can deal with. The last… I have no idea how I’ll get over. Even losing Ellie didn’t hurt this much.
Then I hear the voice that first gripped me, even before I saw the face that went with it. And just like the earlier song said, it leaves me tongue-tied and speechless. “Tanner, wait!”
* * * *
Amanda
After settling Oliver in my brother’s capable arms, I wring my hands and stare at the back of Tanner’s big, broad shoulders, willing him to face me.
Slowly, he pivots. His dark eyes are stark and pain-filled. Seeing him is a body blow. I press my hand to my chest. It feels like I’ve stopped breathing. Like the world has stopped turning.
How am I going to reach him before he walks out the door for good?
“I’m sorry,” I blurt and approach him slowly.
The raw tangle of anger and pain on his face nearly kills me. I did this. He tried to help me when I needed it. He protected me when I felt threatened. He listened when I needed understanding. And he loved me when I started to fall.
I repaid him with a knee-jerk, courtesy of my fear and mistrust. I didn’t listen to his side of the story before I sent him away. I owe him at least that—and so much more.
“For what?”
He tries to look impassive, but I see through his expression. He hasn’t slept much and he’s hurting. I feel horrible.
“Last night. Overreacting.” I remember the rest of my family is standing in the middle of the kitchen, watching us. “Would you come with me? Like I said, ten minutes. Please.”
Tanner hesitates, his gaze flicking over the other men in my life before settling on me again. “All right. Ten minutes.”
He’s already hedging his bets, and I don’t blame him.
As he heads back in my direction, I ease closer. Our fingers brush. As I lead him to the sliding glass door at the back of the villa, I ache to tuck my hand in his, but I have so much to say before I have any right to touch him. And I respect that because I know too much about what it’s like to be touched by someone who shouldn’t.
Like a gentleman, he opens the door and leads me out. His guiding hand at the small of my back makes me tingle. Then it’s gone in a flash, and I feel alone again.
Tanner shuts the door, then glances at his watch as if he’s taking note of the time before he crosses his arms over his chest. “What?”
He’s not hostile…but he’s not friendly. I don’t blame him. He’s just coming out of a divorce. I’m probably the first person he opened his heart to since his ex-wife. And I treated him horribly.
“I wish I had a do-over on last night. Everything happened so fast, and I admit I was terrified of being hurt again.”
“I would never have hurt you on purpose, but you were too afraid to even listen.”
He’s not wrong. I swallow, wishing again that I could touch him. “The minute you were gone, I realized that I was way more afraid of being without you than I am of being hurt by you.”
“I don’t know if I can believe that. I told you I love you—”
“And I love you, too. I’m sure everyone will think we’re crazy. A week ago, I had no idea you even existed. Now I can’t imagine living without you.”
His posture relaxes. His arms drop from his chest. “What are you saying?”
Here’s my moment. I drag in a deep breath and go for broke. “I want you. With me. Near me. Protecting me—”
“If I stay, it’s because I’m doing more than protecting you.”
“Yes!” I dare to step closer, but I have to clench my fists to stop myself from touching him. “I want you to love me, too. Now. Today. Forever. I don’t know if that makes sense or if you’re ready—”
“Fuck, Mandy.” He grips my shoulders and hauls me closer, wrapping that possessive palm around my nape and sliding my mouth inches under his. “Are you sure?”
“Very.” Tears sting my eyes.
“I think I’ve known from the minute I laid eyes on you that I wanted to love you forever. You’re not afraid anymore?”
“I am. I can’t lie, but I won’t give in to fear. I’m determined to put the past behind me.” I caress his face. “I want to be with you. I don’t know what that means yet or what that looks like but—”
“We’ll figure it out together.”
My lips tremble as I smile. “I wouldn’t want it any other way. You definitely staying on Maui?”
He hesitates. “I thought about that some last night. I like it here. I’m ready to start over and make a new life. Maui seems like a good place. I know there are a lot of good people.”
I nod. “I have a new job. You have a new range to open…”
“Neither of us have a place to live.” His fingers tighten around me. “You thinking we should find one together?”
My smile widens. “Why wouldn’t I live with the man I love?”
Finally, an answering grin slides up his face. “You should. So…we’ll find a place.”
“Soon, yeah.” I look into his dark eyes. There’s nowhere I feel happier or safer. “I can’t wait.”
He drags me against him. “Same, baby.”
Then Tanner dips his head and slides a slow, solemn kiss across my lips. I feel the weight of it. The seriousness. It’s a solemn vow, so I answer in turn, holding nothing back. This time when my heart lurches like it wants to be closer to him, I know he’ll be there for me. And I’m right. He holds me tight and barges into my mouth, like the dam of his restraint broke. The
