Page 90 of Tanner

I take a deep breath, falling into his touch. This man made a vow last night and I to him. If we’re in this thing, it’s feetfirst.

“Of course I’ll go with you. And don’t worry about Monday. I can take a few days off if that’s what you need.”

He leans over to give me a quick kiss before typing our names and his card info into the computer.

* * *

Tanner has been a burst of energy this morning. He couldn’t go back to sleep, so he started working out. First, he did push-ups and then right into an absurd amount of sit-ups. He was breathless and sweaty when he announced he was going for a run. I didn’t argue.

While he’s gone, I straighten up his apartment, making sure everything is okay for us to leave for a few days. By the time he’s back, I’m freshly showered, changed, and lacing up my boots.

He’s holding two Starbucks coffees, and he hands me one. I want to make a joke about him not needing the caffeine, but he doesn’t seem to be in the mindset for commentary. He takes his with him into the bathroom. The shower turns on, and he takes a longer than normal amount of time in there.

When he gets out, I tell him I need to stop at my place—April’s place— to pack a bag. He nods, and together, we head downtown on his motorcycle. While I get my things, he’s sitting on the futon, constantly checking his phone. It’s not until we get back to his place that he finally gets a text saying that Austin is going to be okay. Bryce also told him to cancel his flight.

“That’s great news.” I throw my arms around his neck.

He doesn’t seem as happy as one should be after learning his brother is going to live. He dials his brother’s number, and I step out to get something for lunch.

I’m disappointed and relieved that we aren’t going to San Francisco. Meeting his family, especially in this situation, would have been awkward and intense. But, while I feel like I’ve known Tanner for years, there is so much more I’d love to know. Meeting his brothers would have put all the pieces together.

When I get back, he’s sitting at the kitchen island with a sketchpad and a pencil running furiously over the paper. I put the bag of Chinese food on the counter and take in the fact that he’s no longer wearing a shirt or shoes.

“Are you okay?” I ask.

“I’m fine. Austin’s out of surgery. His girlfriend is going to take care of him, so he doesn’t need me. He told me to stay here since I’ll be home for good soon.”

And here I thought that New York was your home.

I ignore the pang and busy myself with taking the white cartons out of the paper bag.

“So, you talked to Austin?”

“No, I just got off the phone with Bryce. He was at the hospital all night.”

I lean forward and look at the image Tanner is sketching. It’s a woman sitting on a bench overlooking what I think is a lake. His hand is buried in his hair as he’s hovered over the paper, lost in the drawing.

I put the container back in the bag and walk around the counter. I turn his body on the barstool toward me and run my hand down the side of his face.

“Let’s take a time-out.”

He looks up at me at my suggestion. With his hand in mine, I pull him away from the kitchen and toward the sofa. I sit him down and then straddle him.

“You’re overthinking. It’s okay. You had a big night and very little sleep. Now that you know Austin’s all right, I think it’s time you start to relax.”

He runs his hands up my thighs as he rolls his head back. His chest puffs out with a sharp breath and then calms with the longest exhale.

I smile. “There’s my guy. Now, tell me, what’s eating you up?”

“They don’t need me.”

“I’m sure it’s not an insult. It looks like you were right about Austin having a girlfriend. He’s probably happy to have her tend to him for a while. I know you’d want me to tend to your wounds if it were us.”

His Cheshire cat grin tells me I’m right.

“Tell me about your brothers. I was kinda excited to meet them. Nervous but excited.”

He sits up and gives me his full attention. “You’ll meet them soon. I promise. I still want to take you home with me. Show you around town and introduce you to everyone. Don’t get your hopes up about my brothers though. They can be … intense.” Tanner quirks a lip, and it’s obvious that thinking about his brothers brings a smile to his face.