Page 18 of All Night with the Cowboy
“Remember Hawaii?” Tanner asked, moving to sit beside her.
Her eyes met his, just for the briefest of seconds, before she turned her gaze back to the ocean or whatever else she was staring at.
“Yeah, I remember.”
Tanner turned when movement caught his eye and he watched as two men ran down the sand, lighting the big torches that dotted the beach. Once night fell, the effect would be beautiful, just like everything else about the island so far.
Lauren touched his arm and he smiled down at her, his thoughts still on Hawaii. They’d gone on a family vacation there, and his father had let him bring someone, since his older brother was taking his girlfriend. It was only a short time after that they’d parted ways, butit had been a magical vacation and he’d often wondered if he’d done something wrong while they were away, if something had happened that he hadn’t realized, because it was when they got home that things had slowly started to change between them.
“We’d better go. Are you staying barefoot?” Lauren asked.
He nodded. “Yes, ma’am. Unless you think I’ve breached the dress code again?”
Her laugh caught him by surprise. “You look great, Tan. And I want you barefoot as much as possible here. It’ll be good for you.”
He saluted at her as she walked away, following her out and then securing the door. He couldn’t decide if he was starting to enjoy her company, or whether it was just the balmy island air that was making him forget just how badly she’d hurt him in the past.
“Bula!”A resort worker waved out as he walked past.
“Bula,” Tanner called back. “Hey, we could have gotten a ride down. Didn’t they say something about coming to get you if—”
“Out of the question,” she said. “I knew you’d be sore and stiff after the flight, but a slow barefoot walk is just what you need to loosen your joints up. Tomorrow we start getting you back in shape.”
Tomorrow? “I thought I’d have a few days relaxing on the beach first.” There was no way his body was ready for anything other than some sun and relaxation yet. He’d only just had his cast taken off.
Lauren looked effortless in her short dress, her shoulders bare and her arms surprisingly golden. Maybe she’d been for a spray tan, because he bet she didn’t getmuch time sitting out in the sun, and it wasn’t exactly balmy weather this time of year back home.
“You know, walking along here with you now, I can almost forget what happened,” he said. “It’s like we knew each other a lifetime ago, but we’re two different people. It’s hard to explain.”
“I know the feeling.” Lauren was staying more than an arm’s length away, but he caught her sideways glance. “Does that mean you forgive me?”
Tanner cleared his throat. “Not a chance. But I don’t feel like I’d rather die than be stuck on an island with you now, so I guess that’s progress.”
Her laugh was soft, almost timid, and he hoped he hadn’t made her uncomfortable. But he didn’t want her thinking she was off the hook where their shared past was concerned. Something had happened arriving here—maybe it was the weather, or maybe he was just so desperate to feel like himself again, or maybe he’d never truly fallen out of love with Lauren.
Only that last thought was for him alone, because he’d never admit that to her for as long as he lived.
***
“You know, I was surprised when Mia said you’d come here with me at Christmas. I kind of expected you’d have someone to spend the holidays with,” Lauren said. “Sorry, I hope that’s not overstepping, I just…” Her voice trailed off and she wished she hadn’t spoken at all.
Tanner looked up at her from across the table. They’d set it for the two of them on the beach, maybe guessing they were honeymooners or on a romantic getaway—maybe word would start to spread among the resort staff when they found both king beds were being used at the Beach House.
“Do you think I’d be here with you if I had a girlfriend or significant other back home? Seriously, any woman would be mad to let me come here with you.”
Lauren almost choked on her wine. “Excuse me?”
Tanner sat back in his chair, slowly putting his beer bottle to his lips. She watched as he slowly sipped it, like he was purposely drawing the conversation out. “Look, we have history and you’re a beautiful woman. I doubt there’d be many men who’d be allowed to spend time with you without their other half keeping an eye on them.”
“Meaning theirother halfcouldn’t trust me?”
He frowned and shook his head. “No, meaning you’re beautiful and intelligent and I can imagine most women being jealous of you.”
She sighed. “I’ll take the compliment. I guess I’m just a little touchy when it comes to being around men. You know, I’ve had to spend most of my career proving to players’ wives and girlfriends that they don’t have to worry about my presence by never, ever dating a player.”
“I get it,” he said softly.
“Your salmon,” the waiter announced, and Lauren looked up to see him standing beside her. She’d been so focused on Tanner she hadn’t even noticed.
