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“You’re playing a dangerous game. You’re not safe here, Tanner.”
“Are you threatening me?” Tanner asked, sounding almost bored.
“No. If I was threatening you, you would know it. I do suggest not letting Shade or Meadow know that you’re here though. They wouldn’t like the fact that the person who killed the man they loved, was living here.”
My stomach fell.
“I didn’t kill him,” Tanner bit out. “Listen, it doesn’t matter if you believe me or not. I don’t give a shit anymore. I didn’t kill Sunny. I don’t know who did, but I will find out. With or without your little club’s help.”
“Whatever, man. Don’t say I didn’t warn you.” The sound of the door closing a moment later, jarred through me.
The closet door opened, revealing Tanner.
“Hey.” He smiled down at me, but that smile never reached his eyes. Much to my surprise, he joined me in the closet and shut the door behind him.
My heart jumped to my throat at being locked in such a small space with him. “Is what Sammy said true?”
Tanner’s brows narrowed. “No. Yes, I was there. I saw it all. And I gave your friends a hard time beforehand. So unfortunately for me, it doesn’t look good. I understand why they think I pulled the trigger, but I didn’t. I promise you that I did not kill Sunny.”
“Are there any security cameras?” I asked, switching on the closet light. I needed to see him. “Maybe Uncle Greyson hasn’t looked at them yet and—”
“I’ve already seen them, Busy.” Tanner rubbed the back of his neck, his dark eyes locking with mine. “It looks bad. The footage doesn’t show much. I should have stayed and worked it out but even I know that wasn’t possible.”
“How come?” I asked, taking a step toward him.
“Because your uncle would have killed me first before getting the answers everyone is looking for.” He chuckled. “Actually, your cousin would have killed me. Greyson? He probably would have slapped me around a bit first. Jaron on the other hand…”
“Would kill you.” My cousin had a temper on him. “I remember when I was a kid and I was being bullied by a girl in school. Jaron kicked her brother’s ass who was older and bigger than him, since he couldn’t hit her.”
“Did she stop bullying you?” Tanner asked, leaning against the wall on the other side of the closet.
“Yeah. Her brother ended up slapping her around instead.” I grimaced. “It was awful to see.”
“I can understand that.” Tanner took a step toward me. He reached out, brushing his thumb along my hip. “I didn’t kill him, Busy. I need you to believe me.”
I searched his face for any sign that he was lying. I knew the basics. Looking away when they said the lie. Blushing. Heartbeat picking up. My dad had taught me how to read people but when it came to Tanner, I couldn’t overly tell. There was something inside me, a teeny tiny little voice that said he wasn’t lying.
“I believe you,” I said softly.
Tanner sighed, his shoulders slumping like the only thing that mattered was my belief in him. “Did you ever play Seven Minutes In Heaven?”
A breathless laugh escaped me. “Oh yeah. Because my dad was totally cool with me going to parties where boys would be.”
Tanner looked around him before meeting my gaze. “This closet is big.” He took a step toward me, forcing me back.
“That’s why I came in here.” I backed up until I hit the wall.
He closed the distance between us. “Sammy’s worried I’ll do something.” He lifted his hand, brushing his thumb along the length of my jaw. The touch was so gentle, it sent a flutter of nerves racing through me.
“Should he be worried?” I asked, tilting my head.
“Not sure.” Tanner pinched my chin, staring down at me.
“Kiss me,” I heard myself say.
His jaw clenched. “I shouldn’t.”
“I know you want to.” I placed my hands on his chest, feeling the beating of his heart beneath my palm.
