Page 100 of Trusting Tanner
“Right. I’d texted you already.” He rubbed his hand over his face. “How are you?”
“I’m okay.” There was a sigh, or maybe she was taking a deep breath, but he didn’t miss the slight catch. Or the almost imperceptible sound of a sniffle.
A tight knot twisted his gut, and he squeezed his eyes shut. She was crying. He flexed his fingers, but the urge to hit something tingled up his arm and exploded in his chest. He should’ve stayed in Florida where he could’ve been closer to her; he never should’ve left knowing she was alone.
“How’s New York?” she asked.
“Cold.”
“Well, my lunch is ready, and I don’t want to keep you from your family.” There was too much sadness in her voice, and his heart seized painfully.
“Jules.”
“Thanks for calling.” She ended the call before he could say anything further, but he was positive she’d been crying.
Tossing his phone on the nightstand, he grabbed his bag from where he’d dropped it on the floor and set it on the bed. He had packed a few things in it when there was a knock on the door.
“Hey, Tan, you got—” Ryder walked in, his gaze darting between Tanner and the half-packed bag. “What’re you doing?”
“I’m going back to campus.” He zipped the bag and then slipped his phone into his back pocket. “And before you even try, there’s nothing you or Xander can say to stop me.”
Ryder crossed his arms. “What’re you going to tell Mom and Dad?”
Okay, except for that. He frowned. He hadn’t thought about that. It would break his mother’s heart to know he was leaving like this. She lived for the holidays when she could have all her boys back in the house. But, at the same time, if he told her the truth, she’d understand. His mother was the most compassionate woman he’d ever known, and she wouldn’t want anyone to be alone during the holidays. In fact, she’d be proud of him for wanting to go back.
“For Christ’s sake.” Ryder threw his hands in the air. “Come on. Xander and I will cover your ass. Like always.”
“Thanks, man. I owe you one.”
“Yeah, I’m doing this for Jules.” Ryder walked out of the room, and Tanner followed. “Because I like her. And because you’re an ass who managed to fuck up the best thing to ever happen to you.”
Tanner mumbled obscenities under his breath, and Ryder shot a dirty look over his shoulder, but there was a hint of a smile. It was one of the many things he loved and respected about his brothers—they didn’t coddle him just to make him feel better.
…
Tanner arrived back in Florida at four thirty the following day. Traveling on Black Friday was worse than going to the mall. After paying the ridiculous parking fee, he fought traffic and crowds for another hour before he finally arrived at Juliana’s apartment. And now, bags in hand, he stared at her door. Nerves stole his confidence, and he hesitated. What if she didn’t want him here? Maybe he’d been wrong and she hadn’t been crying. Maybe she liked to be alone. No. He was doing the right thing. Lifting his hand, he knocked loudly.
“I already told you. I’m not interested in whatever crap you’re selling. Now stop”—the door swung open—“Tanner?”
His heart melted at the sight of her. She wore sweatpants and a hoodie with the college logo. Her hair was down, the wild curls going in all different directions. He held up the two bags. “Are you interested in dinner? I promise you don’t have to buy anything.”
She stepped aside so he could enter. “I thought you were in New York with your family.”
“I was.” He carried the bags to the kitchen and began to unpack them. “But now I’m here.”
“Wait. Is that turkey and gravy I smell?” She’d moved into the kitchen but stood at the opposite end of the counter.
Grinning, he nodded. “Yup. I have all the fixings for a traditional Thanksgiving dinner. Mashed potatoes. Yams. Stuffing. Green bean casserole. Turkey. Gravy. Biscuits.” He took each plastic container from the bag and set it on the counter. “And, of course, I have pie. Apple and pumpkin. I wasn’t sure which you preferred.”
She stared at him like he was an alien who’d landed his spaceship in the middle of her living room. He turned slowly, watching for any signs she was going to kick him out, but she remained unmoving for much too long.Shit. Had he gone too far? But then she blinked. Once. Twice. Three times. She cleared her throat.
“Um, I—I need a minute.” She pushed off the counter and all but ran down the hall.
Chapter Thirty-Six
Juliana rushed into the bathroom and slammed the door. She splashed cold water on her face and pressed the heels of her hands into her eyes.Don’t cry, don’t cry, don’t cry.She’d been crying on and off for the past two days, but then she’d gotten his phone call and bawled so hard, she made herself dry heave. And she would not do that now. She wouldn’t.
She shook her head, squeezing her eyes shut so tight, she saw stars. Her heart beat wildly in her throat, causing her to choke around the lump that had formed. Tanner left his family to come back here. To be with her. Not even Devon had done something like this for her.
