Page 31 of Trusting Tanner
“Because that’s the only reason you’d try to ditch us. Spill it, Tan. Who is she?”
He tossed his phone on the bed, removed his towel, and slid on a pair of boxers. “Her name is Juliana, but there’s nothing going on. At least, not yet.”
Xander laughed. “How long has nothing been going on?”
“About two weeks.”
“Show her your dick and get it over with. You know women can’t resist a Collins’ cock.”
“That’s the shittiest fucking advice you’ve ever given to anyone, and you’ve given a lot of terrible advice in your lifetime.” He zipped his jeans then got a shirt from his dresser, yanking it over his head.
“I’m telling ya, bro, it works every time.”
“Whatever. I’ll let you know soon about fall break, okay?” He took the phone off speaker and held it to his ear.
“Fuck that shit. You’re coming. End of discussion.” And then Xander ended the call, cutting off whatever response Tanner had been prepared to make.
Chapter Ten
Saturday night, Juliana sat in the park, surrounded by friends. Three large comforters were spread out on the grass with more blankets and pillows piled on top. Two coolers packed full of drinks and an oversize beach tote filled to the brim with snacks were placed near their feet, and a massive movie screen stood several feet away.
Lucas and Mariah were to her left, sharing the comforter with Brittany. Next to them were Jason and Holly, who turned out to be super nice and had apologized the second Juliana had arrived, swearing that there was nothing going on between her and Tanner. Jason had simply laughed and wrapped his arms around Holly. To her right was Devon, who sat in a group with Spencer and Kyle.
“Got it!” Tanner announced as he walked up behind her.
She twisted around to see what had sent him running back to his car. He held the largest bean bag chair she’d ever seen. He dropped it on the blanket then flopped his body down. She laughed. “The Mount Everest–sized pile of blankets weren’t enough?”
“Nope.” He adjusted and scooted over. “C’mon, there’s enough room for both of us.”
“Nice.” Jason gave Tanner a fist bump.
“You guys are so weird,” Holly said.
“What movies are showing tonight?” Kyle asked.
“It’s a Blast from the Past Back to School Extravaganza,” Jason said, making exaggerated hand gestures.
Tanner laughed. “Fast Times at Ridgemont High,The Breakfast Club, andGrease.” His gaze landed on her when he named the last movie. “Figured you’d like that one.” He patted the bean bag chair.
Her heart fluttered as she moved to sit next to him. She’d opted for warmth and comfort over style—her favorite pair of gray yoga pants and a hoodie with the college logo—and she was pleased to see she wasn’t the only one. Even Tanner had worn sweatpants, and damn, he made them look good. He turned his hat so it was backward, and good God, that was the hottest thing ever. She didn’t know what it was about a guy in a backward-facing hat, but she suddenly regretted wearing a sweatshirt because it was hot out here.
“Is that a Giants hat?” Devon asked.
“Sure is.” Tanner grinned.
“Best team in the NFL.” Devon gave him a high five.
“No shit! You’re a Giants fan?”
“Yeah.” Devon nodded. “My dad took me to a Giants–Lions game in Detroit for my tenth birthday. It was my first game, and I’ve been watching them ever since.”
Jules smiled as she listened to her best friend and the guy she liked way more than she was willing to admit bond over football. She settled in the chair and pulled her sleeves over her hands. Tanner wiggled his butt, burrowing deeper into the chair, and then his arm casually landed on her lower back. That alone had her body tensing, but when he started to rub soft, lazy circles on her back? Parts of her body that had been ignored for far too long throbbed.
“They’re playing the Cowboys tomorrow. You should come over and watch the game with us,” Tanner said, completely oblivious to what his touch was doing to her. He glanced her way, smirking. Okay, maybe he did know what he was doing.
“Fuck yeah,” Jason hollered louder than necessary. “Everyone’s invited. We’ll have a football party.”
“I’ll be there,” Devon said.
