Page 21 of Trusting Tanner
“You bought the dress?” His confusion was evident in his tone.
She nodded. “I went back and bought it today.”
Her stomach dipped, and she prayed he didn’t ask why. She was not going to admit she’d done it for him, because she knew he liked the dress better than the pants and she wanted to see the simmering desire in his eyes. Despite not wanting to get into a relationship, she liked when he looked at her like she was the only girl on campus, like not being able to touch her was physically painful for him. Because after what Zach had done and the things he’d said…she needed to know she was still desirable. And wanted.
He stepped closer, and she sucked in a breath. “Ireallylike the dress.”
The breath rushed out of her, and she laughed. “I know.”
A deep, rumbling noise emanated from him, and the sound sent a tremor through her. “You’re absolutely positive we can’t turn this into a date?”
It was so tempting to throw her arms around him and confess she did want to date him—until Zach’s words crowded into her mind, pushing away all other thoughts.You’ll never be long-term material, Jules.She drew in a shaky breath and forced his ugly words away.
“Sorry.” Tanner frowned.
“No, don’t be sorry.”
“Were you actually considering it?” His expression was hopeful.
“C’mon, let’s get in line.” Her hands trembled, and her palms were sweaty. Thankfully, he didn’t push the issue, and they fell into an easy conversation as they waited to get in the door. Fifteen minutes later, they were inside. The décor was stellar, but her attention was on the massive disco ball hanging from the center of the room.
The main skating area was in the middle of the large room, while tables were placed around the edges and near the walls. A temporary, waist-high wall separated the two areas. The concession stand was open, and there was a line forming there as well.
“This place is busier than I expected,” Tanner said, leading her toward the skate-rental booth.
“Yeah, I figured more people would be checking out the rush parties.” They waited in line a short five minutes to get their skates, then they moved to some empty chairs a few feet away. She sat and laced her skates.
Tanner stood and wobbled a bit before regaining his balance. Then he held out his hands. “Ready?”
She smirked. “Do you know how to skate?”
“Yes.” He laughed. “I might not be good at it, but I do know how.”
Taking his hands, she stood, needing a moment to get her balance. She hadn’t been on roller skates since junior high, but it was like riding a bike, right? At least she hoped so. He kept a firm grip on her hand and, carefully, they made their way onto the makeshift rink. Pushing off with her right foot, she found a slow pace. Tanner kept pace beside her. His hand was warm and strong wrapped around hers. He gave a slight squeeze, and her heart raced in response. If simply holding his hand in a purely platonic way had this effect on her, she couldn’t begin to fathom what it would be like to have him touch her in other ways.
Like the rest of the place, the rink was crowded, and people whizzed by so fast, Juliana’s hair whipped around her face. Tanner was quick to reach up and brush it back, his long fingers lingering on her cheek and jaw, causing goose bumps to erupt all over her body. And then his foot slipped out from under him, and he released her hand, his arms circling frantically as he tried—and failed—to steady himself.
His eyes widened. “Oh shit,” he said, seconds before his ass hit the floor with a hard thud.
She cringed in sympathy but couldn’t hold back the fit of laughter overtaking her. Covering her mouth with her hand, she kneeled beside him, trying to stifle her giggles. “Are you okay?”
“No.” He groaned. “I think I broke my ass.”
“Oh my God.” She burst into another round of giggles that were so intense, she had tears forming in her eyes.
“Keep laughing and you’ll be the one giving me a butt massage.” His eyes danced with humor. He pushed himself off the floor.
Jules stood, too, taking both of his hands to help steady him. “You know, you really could pass for John Travolta’s double inSaturday Night Fever. Minus his rhythm and grace, of course.”
“Haha. Funny.” He shook his head, a panty-melting grin firmly in place. “Didn’t realize you were such a fan of corny movies.”
She gasped with shock and placed her hand over her heart. “Corny movies? That’s a pretty serious accusation for a movie I’m sure you’ve never even seen.”
“Oh, I’ve seen it.” He moved forward, slowly at first, then faster.
Jules skated to catch up with him, a dorky thrill shooting up her spine at the knowledge he’d actually seen one of her favorite movies. “MoulinRouge?”
“Seen it.” They fell into a steady rhythm and made a loop around the rink.
