Page 54 of Tanner

Tanner kept one hand against Savannah’s back. “What?”

Miles leaned one shoulder against the fence post. “You busy tomorrow?”

Tanner frowned. “What kind of question is that?”

“A simple one.”

“No, it isn’t.”

“Alright.” Miles nodded. “Are you free tomorrow evening?”

Tanner stared at him for a second. “Why?”

“I want to treat you to a meal.”

Tanner blinked, then looked past him toward the yard before he could stop himself. Cody had his back turned at the grill. TJ was saying something to Santino, Orsen standing with them. When he looked back, Miles was still standing there, waiting.

Tanner kept his voice low. “You just ask everybody that in the middle of a barbecue?”

“No.”

That was so direct it caught him off guard and he blurted, “Then why me?”

“You know why.”

Looking down at Savannah’s head tucked under his chin, Tanner bought himself some time to think. He should say no because too much was still unsettled. Nothing was fixed and going out with Miles would only tangle things up more. Not like it wasn’t tangled up enough already with what had happened between them.

“Food,” Tanner said at last.

Miles nodded. “Food.”

“That’s it?”

“For now.”

Tanner narrowed his eyes. “You say that like there’s going to be more.”

Miles took a drink from his beer. “That depends how dinner goes.”

Tanner shifted his weight. “I’ve got Savannah.”

“I know.”

“Who will look after her?”

“I didn’t say anyone had to.”

Tanner frowned. “Then what exactly is your plan here?”

“I bring food over after she’s asleep. We eat, and if you decide you’re sick of me after that, I leave.”

Tanner stared at him for a second. The fact Miles had thought that through should probably have annoyed him, but it made something in his chest ease before he could stop it.

Finally, Tanner said, “One meal.”

“One meal.” Miles nodded.

“You’re paying.”