Page 122 of Let Me Be the One

Dirk worked his jaw a few seconds. “He has to have hired someone else. No way would that fancy pants hold a snake or skulk around at night.”

“I agree,” Tanner said. “But if it wasn’t either of you, then who?”

“I might be able to find out.” Dirk pinned Callie in his gaze. “But I don’t want to be accused of any more shady shit. I don’t give a damn what Tanner thinks. But you…”

“I would be eternally grateful,” she said quietly. Now that she knew why Tanner wanted her property, shehad some big decisions to make. That’d be easier to do without Sutter’s interference.

To everyone’s surprise, Tanner agreed. “Try telling him that you saw someone hanging around, and you don’t appreciate him hiring someone else.”

Dirk stood. “I’ll crack my knuckles and act all threatening.” He half grinned. “Usually works, just not with Tanner.”

“Thanks.” Tanner got to his feet and offered his hand. “We’d appreciate it if you got back with us on anything you learn.”

The two men, recently bitter enemies, now shook hands.

Despite the low throbbing in her arm and the deep ache in her thigh, Callie enjoyed the moment. A lot had been accomplished here today, more than she’d hoped for. And likely more than Tanner had ever expected.

CHAPTER SIXTEEN

CALLIE HAD JUSTfinished dressing after her shower when Tanner tapped on the bathroom door. “How long are you going to linger in there?”

She’d come out when she was good and ready. Or…when she could stop crying.

Everything she’d planned, everything she’d thought she knew and it had just dissolved as if it never existed. Why hadn’t Tanner told her?

She dried her eyes yet again. “Two more minutes.”

“Honey, we need to talk.”

Yes, they did. But it should have happened weeks ago. Of course, if he’d told her right off why he wanted Reggie’s place, she’d have sold it to him and moved on and now she wouldn’t have him at all.

Miserable at that thought, she opened the door and tried to look composed.

His gaze dipped over her, and he bent to take her mouth in a warm, leisurely kiss. “Holding up okay?”

It was nice having his attention and concern, but she wished it wasn’t over an accident. “I’m fine, I promise. I was just stiff when I first woke up, then having to deal with Sutter…”

“You never need to defend me.”

No, of course not—because Tanner didn’t need her, he just needed her property. Drawing a shudderingbreath and willing herself to stay dry-eyed, she leaned into his warm chest. “He’s lucky I didn’t smack him.”

He tipped up her face, his astute gaze missing nothing. “You’re upset.”

“A little.”A lot. “We could get that discussion out of the way. That is, if you have time to stick around…?”

“I’m all yours.”

Oh, how she wished that was true. “Where’s Blu?”

“Kam came by and got him.”

Okay, then she could use more coffee. “Let’s go to the kitchen.”

“Wouldn’t you be more comfortable on the couch?” he asked as she limped along.

“No.”

“At least sit down.”

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