Page 29 of Married to Murder
“Come on, my car’s not that bad.”
“No. His haircut is that good.” He chuckled. “Seriously, where would you even meet a guy like him?”
“He came into my shop.”
“Really?” He frowned. “He just walked into your shop?”
“Yep.”
“Some guys have all the luck.” He adjusted the speed of the boat a little, and then went back to staring at me as if I was a riddle to be solved.
I avoided his gaze, well aware my face was probably red.
“So, you seem close. What is he to you?” He smirked. “Your lawyer?”
“Very funny.” I was getting a little annoyed at Randy’s attitude. It wasn’t like I was pond scum. Yeah, Tanner was obviously a different kind of guy from me. His nails and grooming were on point, while I usually forgot to even get my hair trimmed every six months. But still, I didn’t like being judged, and I didn’t want Tanner being judged either. We got along great, and that was no one’s business but ours. Who cared if we were different?
“I’m just teasing.” He hesitated. “But really, are you two dating?”
I tensed. “Yeah. We’re dating.”
“Wow. I’m impressed. I guess it’s fun to see how the other half lives every now and then.” He laughed and turned back to the wheel. He opened up the engine a little more and the speed increased.
I glanced up at Tanner, shielding my eyes with my hand. It was a perfect day out on the water. The wind was gentle, and there were no white caps. I watched Tanner, noticing he looked more relaxed now. He seemed to be enjoying the experience and he even waved at me. I waved back, laughing and feeling happy that he’d taken the chance to parasail when I’d suggested it. I liked that, even though he was probably more worldly than me, he was willing to listen to me. That made me feel like he respected me.
Randy left Tanner in the air for around twenty minutes, then he began to slow the boat a little, and the rig in the center of the boat drew in the slack line.
“You gonna dip his toes?” Tim asked, adjusting his baseball cap.
“Yeah. Just a little.” Randy smiled. “Don’t want to scare him.”
I watched as Tanner neared the waves, dipping lower and lower until his feet were only inches from the ocean. I could see he looked nervous, but he just went with it. When his feet hit the water his body flopped around ungracefully, but I heard him laugh. Once he was nice and soaked, Randy sped up and Tanner lifted back into the air, hovering near the boat’s platform.
Tim tugged on lines and pushed levers until Tanner was safely on the boat. With his feet firmly on solid ground, he smiled at me and my heart squeezed at how happy he looked. Water still beaded on his tanned face, and his eyes sparkled.
“You were right. That was awesome.” His grin widened.
“I knew you’d like it.”
Tim helped Tanner out of the harness and the vest they’d made him wear. He jumped down from the back and put his arms around me, pulling me in for a kiss. I wasn’t expecting him to show affection like that in public, and it took me completely by surprise. I stiffened in his arms, but kissed him back. When he lifted his head, he looped his arm around my shoulders and grinned.
“I should listen to my fiancé more often.” He wiped some water from his face. “That was very cool.”
Randy lifted his dark brows. “Fiancé?”
“Yeah. Didn’t Seth mention we’re engaged?” Tanner grimaced, giving me a funny look.
“No he did not.” Randy seemed to shake himself. “Well, I’ll be damned. Congrats you two.”
Tim nodded. “Yeah, congrats.”
“Thanks.” My voice was gruff, and I could feel Tanner’s gaze.
He let go of me and took the towel Tim offered him. Randy headed the boat toward the harbor, and Tim and Tanner talked while I stared out to sea. I was relieved that Randy had seemed to take the news of my impending wedding in stride. A part of me had expected him to laugh hysterically at the idea of me marrying a man like Tanner; especially since he’d seemed to have trouble picturing me dating Tanner.
Once Randy had the boat docked, Tanner and I jumped onto the pier. “Thanks again for taking us up on such short notice.” I fist bumped Randy. “Appreciate it, man.”
“My pleasure.” Randy waved. “Nice meeting you, Tanner. I guess we’ll be seeing more of you around town.”
