Page 111 of Let Me Be the One

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HE’D MISSED HERso much. Even more than he’d realized. Being with her now was like coming out of a dark cave for the first time in a week. Didn’t even matter that she kept trying to kick him out.

Yeah, right. Of course it mattered. No way could Tanner convince himself otherwise.

At the same time, he reasoned that if she hadn’t wanted to see him, she wouldn’t be so angry now. Plus she’d shared that bit about wanting him to like her. As if he wasn’t already half in love with her.

Sucked that he didn’t better understand her. However, he had a chance to change that tonight.

With everything on a tray, including the refreshed ice packs, Tanner rejoined her. She was putting up a good show, but he could tell she was shot, hurting, tired, and overall miserable.

Hoping to ease into things, he got her situated, watched her devour a cookie in one bite, and then looked around again. “The house looks great.”

The compliment took the edge off her attitude. “Thanks. I think so, too. With everything spiffed up, the charm is coming through.”

“Before your changes, I didn’t know the place had charm. I see it now though.” He ran a hand over the fabric of her new couch. “With this warmer weather, Blu is going to shed.”

She leaned over and kissed his dog. “I don’t mind.”

“Then would it be okay if I put down a bowl of water for him?” With any luck, he and Blu would be around a while.

“Of course.” She hesitated one second, a cookiedunked in her milk, then said, “I picked up some treats for him, too.”

Blu was quick to catch that word, his eyes hopeful.

Grinning, Callie kissed him again. “I thought I’d be seeing more of you, bud.” She shot a mean look at Tanner. “Didn’t know your daddy would dodge me.”

“I’m not hisdaddy.” For God’s sake, he didn’t think of Blu as a son. “We’re…friends. And we already established that you were the dodger.”

Callie snorted. “Fine. Whatever. Get your pal a couple of treats, will you? I put a variety in the pantry.”

Pleased that she’d planned on seeing him and disgruntled that she hadn’t reached out, Tanner returned to the kitchen. Getting things set up for Blu gave him a minute to sort out his thoughts.

He wanted to stay with her. Obviously, he’d have to clear up some misconceptions first. Maybe it was time to be up-front with her.

After finding the treats, including a chew that would keep the dog busy for a little while, he whistled. Blu stuck his head in the kitchen with a “what?” look on his furry face. Tanner grinned. “Come here, Blu.” Once the dog sniffed the water bowl and got assurance that it was for him, he took a long drink. “I know you’d like to stick close to Callie, but how about leaving that to me for a bit?” He offered the chew. “This might help, right?”

From the living room, Callie said, “I can hear you.”

“I don’t mind,” he called back, glad that she didn’t deny his plans.

Blu accepted the treat, but he carried it back to the living room. Instead of getting on the couch with Callie, he curled up on the rug in front of the door.

When Tanner carefully seated himself next to Callie, she asked, “Want a cookie?”

“No, I’m good. Thanks.” He did another check of her arm and thigh, then got down to business. “I’ve missed you.”

Her beautiful blue gaze lifted to his.

“So damn much,” he admitted.

She took a second, then whispered, “I missed you, too.”

A big admission, considering her earlier anger. He figured he might as well go for it. “Since I’m here and Blu seems settled, how about another overnight?”

Callie was quiet a long moment, then she put down her cookie. “I’m trying not to be a wimp, but I’m not up for anything physical tonight.”

It wasn’t easy, but he didn’t grin. “I just want to be near you.” If she needed anything, if it turned out her injuries were worse… He wanted to hold her. “I’m a light sleeper so I promise not to hurt you during the night. Blu will be fine sleeping on the floor at my side of the bed.”

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