Page 73 of Trusting Tanner
Tanner hadn’t been lying when he’d warned her Xander was cocky, or that he used the F-word as naturally as most people breathed. She stepped to the side and watched the two of them, smiling. Tanner put his arm around Juliana’s waist and kissed her temple. “I’ve been a little preoccupied.”
She smiled, shaking her head slightly. Thank God the lights were dimmed, because heat rose up her face, erupting in a full blush.
“I can see why.” A different guy, who was another mirror image of Tanner, sat with his arms extended along the back of the bench and legs apart, giving the appearance he didn’t belong anywhere else but there.That must be Ryder.“Sorry, Finn, but I totally would’ve ditched your party for her.” His gaze lingered on Juliana much too long, making her shift her weight uncomfortably. Tanner pulled her even closer, and she gladly slid her arm around his back, taking refuge in his protectiveness.
“That’s enough, Ryder.” Tanner’s voice had an edge to it, a warning of some sort.
Ryder stood, laughing. He slapped his brother on the arm. “Relax.” Then he turned to Juliana. “I’m Ryder.”
She shook his outstretched hand. “I’m Juliana.”
“Yeah, I know who you are. I bet I know a lot more about you than you realize.” He winked at Tanner.
Wait…Tanner had been talking to his brothers about her? What had he said?
“Don’t,” Tanner warned.
“Apparently my brother has no manners. I’m Xander, the youngest and best-looking Collins brother.”
She took his hand. “Nice to meet you.”
“That’s Finn, the birthday boy.” Xander pointed to a guy standing near the ball return. “And that’s Lora.” His voice had dipped with what sounded like annoyance.
She gave them a small wave.
“We gonna bowl or what?” Finn clapped his hands together. “We’ve been waiting on you two.”
“Get it set up. Jules and I will go get some shoes.” Tanner took her hand again and led her away from the lanes.
They stood at the counter and waited for someone to acknowledge them. “You failed to mention the three of you could pass for triplets.”
He gave her an adorable, almost goofy grin, then lifted one shoulder in a half shrug. “Sorry?”
“I don’t think you are.” She chuckled. “So, what have you told Ryder about me?”
He rested his arm atop the counter. “Not much at first. I told him I’d met you and was attracted to you, but you wouldn’t go out with me and it was driving me crazy.” He caressed her cheek. “I told him how much I wanted you.”
Her heart lodged in her throat, and she was frozen in the moment, savoring the feel of his hand on her face.
“I told Xander about you, too, and he gave me the worst advice in the history of bad advice. I’m sure they’re both going to have a lot to say tonight. Ryder likes to tell me how wrong I am and how right he is. And Xander…well, he’s Xander, and I can never predict what’s going to come out of his mouth. I apologize in advance.” He leaned over and kissed her fully on the mouth. “But if they go too far, tell me, okay?”
She wanted him to kiss her again. But they were interrupted by the guy behind the counter. “Need shoes?”
“Yeah. I need a size eleven and she needs…?”
“A six.”
“A six?” Tanner grinned. “You’ve got small feet.”
She shrugged. “Yeah, but I can always find the cutest shoes in my size.”
He reached for her. “I hate when you’re so far away.”
Her brain turned to mush at his words. She leaned in to him, enjoying the feel of his arms around her.
“Here you go.” The guy slapped two pairs of shoes on the counter then walked away to assist someone else. Tanner grabbed both pairs and headed back to the lane. She followed.
“Figured it would be easier to play teams,” Xander said when they sat to change their shoes. “It’s me and Lora, Ryder and Finn, and then you two.”
