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The longer Tanner spent in my home, the more he showed me exactly who he is. He wasn’t annoyed or frustrated because Shiloh was taking up most of the conversation. He soaked it all up like he was starving. I’m not sure who gained more out of the time they spent together—Tanner or Shiloh.
It’s been a few days since he came over and tilted my world in a way I wasn’t expecting. I cleaned his house yesterday and was a little sad he wasn’t there while I was working. It really was for the best since he would have been a giant biker sized distraction.
Still, oddly enough, I missed him.
The note he left me was so sweet and basically said what I already suspected. He wrote that he wanted to see me but made sure to be gone because he knew he wouldn’t be able to keep his hands off me. And that is how I found out that cleaning a house while turned on is not fun at all.
Nope. Not even a little bit.
Even though I haven’t seen Tanner in a few days, that doesn’t mean there hasn’t been contact between us. We’ve texted a lot and he’s called at night to wish me sweet dreams and to chat about our days. His deep rumble belongs on one of those apps for people with insomnia because it is pure fucking magic.
Not that I want to share the rich tone of his voice with anyone else. I’m surprised with myself because I already feel possessive and a little feral when it comes to the man who has swept into my life in the most unexpected way.
I’ve spent the last eight years staying away from men. I haven’t been on a single date because I made Shiloh my priority. I also had a lot of growing up to do in that time. Nothing matures you faster than being responsible for the life of a small human who relies on you for everything.
For the first time in so long, I’m excited about the idea of doing something for me. My instincts are telling me Tanner will be good for Shiloh as well. Maybe, I hope, we’ll be good for him too.
He’s shared a little bit about his time serving and it’s a life I can’t fathom. It makes me wonder what kind of nightmares live in his head. He’s already become a source of light in my life after a few days. I want to be the same for him.
When my phone rings as I’m hanging out with Shiloh on the couch, I find myself smiling the moment I see that it’s Tanner. I don’t think I’ve ever answered a call faster.
“Hi, Tanner,” my voice sounds almost chipper. How long has it been since I could say that?
The man makes me happy.
Maybe I shouldn’t get too comfortable.
“Hey, pretty girl,” his low, husky voice goes straight to parts of me which haven’t been touched by someone else in so long. “Can you and Shiloh get your coats on and come outside?”
My eyebrows pull together, and I glance at Shiloh who is looking at me with a curious expression. I shrug and whisper to her, “Tanner wants us to get our coats on and go outside.”
She’s up and across the room before I get all the words out and I can’t help but laugh.
“I take it that’s a yes,” I can hear the smile in Tanner’s voice. “Come and hop in the truck. I have a booster seat for my little one.”
My heart flutters and a lump forms in my throat. He hangs up before I can get myself together to push words past it.
My little one.
No one, other than me, has ever claimed Shiloh. Well, my brother, Lane, who is off being a famous musician, loves her fiercely, but it’s not the same.
Harry never claimed Shiloh. But Tanner did without even a hint of hesitation in his voice.
He went and got a booster seat to make sure she’s safe. Tears well up in my eyes, but I push them back. It’s been a long time since I’ve cried. I found it never did much good anyway.
Shiloh is on the smaller side for her age and even though I’m sure I won’t have long before she starts to fight me on the booster, she prefers it right now since it makes the seatbelt more comfortable. Whatever her reason is for not arguing about it and telling me she’s not a baby anymore, I’ll take it.
“Mom,” Shiloh whines, holding out the word like she’s auditioning for her teenage years, “come on.”
I can’t help but laugh and shake my head as I get up and slip my shoes on. She shoves my coat into my hands and is practically dancing in front of the door while I pull it on.
“Did he say anything else? Do you know what’s going on?” I don’t get a chance to answer before she’s squealing, “I love surprises.”
“Then let’s go check it out,” I tell her, letting myself get excited as well.
When I open the door, she takes off like a shot. I was expecting Tanner to be sitting in his truck with an expectant look on his face, but he’s not. He’s leaning against it like he has all the time in the world to wait for us.
Shiloh launches herself at him the moment she’s close enough and he scoops her into his arms with an ease I could never duplicate. I’m frozen, addled by lust, as he throws his head back and laughs. Talk about things that should be illegal. The man has a great laugh which vibrates right through you in a way that feels like champagne bubbles.
