Page 10 of Tanner

“Sounds like a good guy.”

“I thought he was.” I bite my lip.

He raises a thumb to my mouth and pulls my lip out from between my teeth. “If you’re gonna hang with me tonight, you’re not allowed to do that.”

“Do what?”

“Think about some douchebag who doesn’t know the value of a good woman.”

The subway car stops, and the doors open to allow people on and off.

I let out a sigh. “What makes you think I’m a good woman? A few minutes ago, you accused me of looking for a meal ticket.”

His eyes stare into mine. My breath hitches as he enters my soul, searching for an answer to a question he hasn’t even asked.

I look right back. He has a powerful presence, yet, when I’m this close, I can see a vulnerability to him. I don’t know anything about him other than he’s a good kisser, yet I know I am safe as long as I’m with him.

The train begins to move again.

“Your words,” he says.

“I thought actions spoke louder than words.”

He smiles. A real smile that is luminous. “You did chase me down to the subway, so I’d say you have some pretty loud actions.”

I blush. I can’t see it to know, but damn, I can feel it.

“Don’t be embarrassed. I like a woman who goes after what she wants.”

I step back. “What makes you think I want you?”

He winks. “You can’t stop thinking about that kiss.”

My mouth parts in shock at his cavalier attitude.

He laughs and holds out his hand. “I’m Tanner. I told you earlier, but you weren’t listening.”

He’s right. I was distracted by Aaron. But not now.

I’m ready to listen.

“Harper.” I shake his hand. It’s large and soft. The hand of a gentle soul.

We’re two strangers on a train, knowing that whatever we decide in the next moment might dictate our fate for the rest of our lives.

The train stops again, and he pulls me toward him. Our chests brush up against each other, our lips just a touch away from one another. When it starts moving again, I use him to brace myself.

“What do you want to do, Harper? Tonight’s your night to move on and forget. What’s the one thing you haven’t done since you had your heart broken?”

I bite my lip and then immediately stop doing it. “Laugh. Can you make me laugh again?”

Those crinkles are back around his eyes. It’s like that was the last thing he thought I’d say.

When the train stops again, he gently kisses my cheek before stepping away and pulling me with him toward the open doors.

“Where are we going?”

“Do you trust me?” he asks as soon as we step onto the platform.