Page 33 of Trusting Tanner
She started to pull away, and he flattened his palms to her lower back, keeping her in place. And she didn’t argue because being in his arms…it was so right. Tanner’s fingers curled around the hem of her hoodie, lifting it just enough for his hands to find her bare flesh. Instant goose bumps. Everywhere. Even places she didn’t know she could have them. Just as he’d done earlier in the night, he rubbed her back in a slow, small circular motion, but this time, it was more intense because it was skin-on-skin.
A full body shudder shook her, and to anyone watching, it probably looked like she was having a seizure. But his hands were warm and confident, and she couldn’t imagine what else he could do with them, if she let him. “Tanner.” She breathed his name as if it were a prayer.
“I know.” He slipped his hands from under her hoodie and clutched her hips. Then he placed a lingering kiss to her cheek.
Her eyelids fluttered open and she drew back. “Thought only your dates ended with a good-night kiss?” Her cheek tingled from where his lips had been. “This isn’t a date, remember?”
“And that wasn’t a good-night kiss.” Without releasing her, he straightened to his full height, and their bodies were now flush with each other. Good Lord, he had a fabulous body. She wanted to climb him like a pole and lick her way down. He cupped her cheek and rubbed his thumb across her bottom lip, his gaze locked on hers. “My persistence is going to outlast your stubbornness, Jules. That’s a promise.”
He was both right and wrong. He was right about his persistence. Hell, he’d already achieved that goal. But he was wrong about her. She wasn’t being stubborn. She was being cautious.
“Now get your sexy little ass inside before I do more than just kiss your cheek.”
She swallowed hard. “Good night.” Her hand shook as she fumbled to get the door unlocked.
…
“You’ve never been here before?” Devon asked.
“No.” Since meeting Tanner, a flock of butterflies had taken up permanent residence in her stomach, and they were now busy trying to make her throw up.
“Damn, these are some nice apartments.” He whistled with appreciation.
His commentary on Tanner’s living arrangements weren’t helping Juliana’s nerves. At all. She took a deep breath and glanced up at the expensive-looking homes. Each building had two sets of steps and two doors, indicating two separate apartments. Or houses. Or whatever the hell they were.
“Which one is Tanner’s?” Devon shifted the plate of quesadillas into his other hand. Jules had made them this morning, so all she had to do was cook them once they arrived for the football party.
“Number forty-two.” The ornate brass numbers were bright against the hunter green door. This was it. Thankfully, her first visit to Tanner’s house was with a group of people and not alone. She pressed the doorbell and waited.
Moments later, the door swung open. Juliana’s jaw hit the ground. Tanner stood there—shirtless—a living, breathing testament to perfection. Well-defined pecs gave way to the most gorgeous abs she’d ever seen. Every chiseled line looked like it had been hand carved into his body. Even his nipples were sexy. How was that possible? Gym shorts hung low on his hips, and her gaze was drawn to the muscular indentations that were a roadmap to his…goods.
“Come on in.” Tanner stepped aside and held the door. “Jason and Holly made a beer run, but they should be back any minute.” His eyes lingered on her. She was staring, and she knew that he knew it, but it was hard to care when the view was so amazing.
“We brought quesadillas.” Devon held up the plate. “Where can I put them?”
“Kitchen is through there.” He pointed at an eight-foot archway. “You can put them on the counter.”
“Thanks.” Devon disappeared into the kitchen.
“Make yourselves comfortable. I’m going to go put a shirt on.” Tanner hooked his thumb over his shoulder, then turned and walked down the hallway.
“Who the hell answers the door half naked like that?” Devon grumbled as he came back from the kitchen and sat on the edge of the large, leather sectional.
“You.” She laughed. “And he wasn’t half naked.”
He narrowed his eyes. “Whatever. I do not.”
“Bull. I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve shown up at the frat house to find you wandering around in nothing more than a pair of boxers.”
Tanner walked back into the room, and his expression fell.Shit.
Chapter Eleven
Tanner sat on the edge of his seat, eyes glued to the screen. It was the end of the fourth quarter, and the Cowboys were leading by seven points. The Giants had the ball and were on the ten-yard line. If they made this play and the subsequent field goal, the score would tie. Then all they had to do was stop the Cowboys from scoring again until they could bring back their offensive line. He had way too much riding on this game to lose by one damn touchdown.
“Come on,” Devon said, scooting closer to the edge of the couch.
The ball launched in the air, and Tanner held his breath. A perfect pass that ended with the receiver in the end zone. “Touchdown!” He jumped up and pumped his fists in the air. “Yes!” He gave Devon a high five then grabbed Jules, lifting her off her feet and spinning her around.
