Page 22 of Fresh Tracks
I guess that explains her reaction. Even after spending a week in Bend at his house, she still can’t help but fangirl a little whenever he’s around.
I should be irritated with him. This is the second time he's surprised me like this in the middle of a conversation. But I’m not, because it's also the second time he’s shifted the attention away from me, like he knew I needed a lifeline.
Any bit of anxiety I had about making up an excuse for my brother and his wife is instantly gone. I look over to see Tanner tip his chin to TJ in greeting
“Hey, man,” Tanner looks from TJ to me with a curious expression on his face. “Have you two been hanging out?”
TJ rubs a few small circles over my shoulder through my t-shirt, just to the side of my overalls strap. The sensation sends a shiver down my spine and prickles my skin. My body reacts to the touch and I start to lean into his hand, just before he removes it. This is the kind of stimulation and feeling I crave and I find myself wanting him to put it back.
OK. That's a new one for my traitorous body.
Then to my pleasant surprise, or dismay, I’m not sure yet based on the mixed signals my body and mind are still sorting out, TJ pulls up a bistro chair from a nearby table. He spins it around and faces the three of us. Everything about the way he moves and carries himself always looks so calm and comfortable. It’s like being around people, in any setting, doesn’t faze him.
TJ looks to me, winks, and looks back to Tanner and V with a wry smirk. “I guess you could call it that. She’s my newest employee. Isn’t that right, Rainbow?”
I’ll give it to him, TJ is shameless. The look he's giving me is everything all at once, playful and knowing, challenging and pleading.
I match his wink with a roll of my eyes before turning back.
“Surprise!” I raise my hands up beside my head and wiggle my fingers for some convincingly enthusiastic jazz hands.
V practically jumps off the loveseat with a squeal. “No way. Are you serious? Does that mean you’re going to be in Jackson more?”
TJ looks back to me with a pleased grin, his dimple popping in a way that is far too attractive to be fair. He brushes his shaggy hair behind his ear and turns back to V.
“It’s up to her. I give a lot to charity each year and thought it would be a good idea to have someone who knows what they're doing advise me on it for a change, especially when it comes to picking causes. I think she’ll be great at it for as long as she wants to do it.” He looks at me, his expression still cool but confident. There’s no sign that he’s just putting on an act and every sign that he means what he says. Something about that vote of confidence in me makes my stomach flutter.
Tanner nods before bringing his attention back to me. “What about Wasatch Wishes?”
Alright, if TJ wants to play whatever game this is, I can play along. I cross my legs in a very ladylike posture, one that instantly feels foreign to me, and turn to face my newboss.“Well, as Mr. Jacobso eloquently put it, this is a very open-ended opportunity.”
I use my best professional, secretarial voice and smile, displaying what I hope is way too much gratitude and enthusiasm. “Wasatch Wishes said I could come back if something changes. But this was just too good to pass up.”
It’s not a total lie. They did say that ‘if something changes’, I’m always welcome back. At the very least, whatever this is with TJ buys me some time.
“That’s so cool! You’ll have to tell us all about it when we're back in town again,” V bursts out, hardly containing her excitement. Turning to my brother, I see that his questioning expression has shifted to one of quiet indifference. “TJ’s not that demanding of a boss. I’m sure he’ll be great to work under.”
Thanks, Tanner. Those words immediately take my subconscious, which is apparently agreeing with my traitorous body now, to a very unprofessional train of thought.
After finishing his drink, I notice Tanner checking his phone.
“Well, we better hit the road before it gets too late.” He stands and tips his chin to me. “Maybe we’ll try and see if Dadand Clay are free for dinner in Utah, but when we’re back in town here, we need to get dinner too.”
I nod. “I’d like that.”
I get up and hug each of them before they make their way out of the shop.
When I hear the bells ring against the door closing behind them, I turn all my attention to TJ.
“You really need to stop sneaking up behind me,Boss,” I say, flaring an eyebrow at him and folding my arms across my chest.
“Don't call me that. And consider it payback for sneaking up behind me on the river every morning,” he says with a nonchalant, one sided shrug.
“What’s that saying? Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice, shame on me?” I scoff, reaching for my tea which is thankfully still warm.
I feel him watch me as I lift the mug and take a long sip of my Earl Grey tea.
When I look up, sure enough, those baby blues are locked right on me.
