Page 16 of You are the Reason

Tanner downshifts and takes a left hand turn, slowing to stop in front of a beautiful old Victorian home. “This is where I grew up,” he mentions softly, an underlying sense of sadness in his tone.

The house, though beautiful, isn’t what I expected the Hayes family to have lived in. It has a wrap-around porch, a giant oak tree in the yard where an old tyre swing still hangs and a picket fence with a sign that readsDarcel House. The windows are boarded up, telling me nobody lives here anymore, and my heart aches at the emptiness.

“It’s beautiful,” I reply softly. Tanner simply nods, and then lifts his feet as we slowly ride away without another word.

The remainder of the ride is quiet, my thoughts consumed by why he chose to show me his childhood home; and the vulnerability he is allowing me to witness.

Tanner climbs off his bike first. I watch him pull off his helmet and run his fingers through his hair before unzipping his riding jacket. I can’t help but admire the lines of muscle I can see through his tight t-shirt.

Removing my own helmet and lifting my eyes to his, I find him watching me.Great,as if Tanner Hayes didn’t already have a big enough head, now he’s caught me eye fucking him …again.

He cocks a brow. “Are you going to just sit there all day?”

Swinging my leg over, I climb off the bike. Allowing myself a few moments to unravel my plaits and smooth down the top of my hair before going in search of the others.

* * *

Jesse

Sophie is awesome; I can see how she won Kinsley over. Not that she would have had much of a choice in the matter. Sophlovesto talk and her bubbly personality is infectious. She’s yet to notice Tanner and Kinsley standing over on the other side of the car park. I, however, saw them as soon as we drove in. Kins was shaking out her hair and Tanner’s eyes were glued on her, as if she was the only girl in the world. I can’t blame him though, she is definitely something else.

“Who’s a good girl?” Soph coos to Lou-loo whilst I rummage through my backpack for her leash.

I must chuckle out loud, because when Sophie speaks again, even though she is still staring into the eyes of Lou, it’s directed at me.

“He’s just jealous that he isn’t the centre of my attention.” Lou lets out a friendly yap in response and Soph laughs.

“Yeah, yeah. C’mon you two. The love birds over there are waiting for us.” With Lou-loo on her leash and Sophie in step beside me, we approach Tanner and Kinsley.

“Hey girl!” Sophie greets, with her arms wide open.

I contain my laughter as Kinsley, who I know isnota hugger scowls in my direction whilst Sophie bundles her up in a hug. Breaking apart, Kins turns to Tanner and gestures towards us, “Tanner, this is Jesse and Sophie — and guys, this is Tanner.”

Tanner and I exchange a subtle nod and shake hands.

“Oh!” Kinsley exclaims, both our eyes snapping back to her. “I forgot to introduce Tanner to Lou-loo; I’m sorry, girl!” She coos and Tanner scratches Lou’s neck.

With that declaration I release a shaky breath. Why do I feel so on edge right now? Kinsley crouches down to scratch behind Lou’s ears and I shake my head in amusement.

“I need a coffee,” Tanner announces with tension lacing his statement, obviously feeling the same sense of unease as I do.

“Oooh yes!” Soph silently claps her hands in excitement and trails off behind Tanner. “I haven’t had my coffee fix today yet!”

Kins and I share a look, Sophie doesn’t need any caffeine. Tanner, on the other hand, could use some if it’ll allow him to lighten up. As if reading my thoughts, her lips pull into a thin line.

“Come on then, princess,” I say quietly, bumping her with my shoulder, as we follow the other two into the farmers market to find our coffee fix.

“For the picnic I was thinking of picking up some cheese and wine,” Kinsley says as we walk through the lines of market stalls.

“Yeah, and maybe some fresh sourdough or something,” Sophie adds. “You know like, the thick crusty kind?”

Kins glances at me with a smirk, knowing all too well that my stomach is rumbling in agreement.

“Hey, my stomach appreciates good food, it’s nothing to be ashamed about.”

“Your stomach would appreciateanykind of food Jess,” she laughs.

The girls shop up a storm and before we know it we are back at the ute loading fresh bread, deli meats, cheeses, and fresh fruit into the picnic basket in the back. Sophie holds a bottle of wine and paper cups close to her chest as if they are her most prized possession, swaying on her feet.

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