Page 23 of Exposed

“It’s okay. I have it all under control.”

“How?”

“You told me yourself that Kennedy used to like Felix. I’m going to get them together. And Matt’s already forgiven me.” He waved his hand through the air like his meddling wasn’t chaotic. “He’ll forgive his other lesser friends too.”

I laughed. “Other lesser friends?”

“So, you agree? Splendid. I really should go check on the lad, though. He’s going to be a little upset. But I’ll remind him that he can’t be mad at you for getting married. Because he’s publicly engaged to Poppy. And he almost proposed to Kennedy. Could you imagine how awful that would have been?”

I’d forgotten all about Poppy. But I was a little stuck on that other tid bit of information. “He almost proposed to Kennedy?”

Tanner cringed. “You didn’t know that?”

“No. I didn’t.”

“Well, no reason to be upset over could-have-beens. I prevented that from happening. Just pretend I never said anything…”

“I need to call her.”

“No, put that away.” He slapped the cellphone out of my hand. “Stop feeling guilty for loving Matt. Just…stop it right now,” he said, like he was reprimanding Jacob instead of me.

I laughed. “I can’t just turn off the way I feel.”

He put his hands on my shoulders and stared at me. “Do you trust me?”

“Yes?”

“You sound uncertain. Say it with gumption.”

I laughed. “Tanner, I do trust you. But you gotta stop it with the big surprises. Matt and I just need time.” I realized the irony of my words. I didn’t want to waste time.

Tanner raised his eyebrow at me. He seemed to realize the irony too. “You love him. He’s already your fiancé. End of story.”

“He’s not my fiancé anymore, Tanner.”

“So you want him to propose again? Okay, I’ll make it happen.” He stood up like he was going to go make it happen right now.

“Tanner. I don’t want you to interfere anymore. IfMattwants to propose, he should. IfMattwants to come talk to me, he should. I don’t want you to force him into anything.”

“I’m not forcing him. I’m opening his eyes. Like I’m opening your eyes.”

“Can’t we just keep everything we talk about between us?” I asked.

“But…I like fixing things.”

I wanted to tell him I wasn’t something that needed to be fixed. But it was a lie. My heart hurt all the time. I wanted it to heal.

“So I’m not allowed to tell Matt that you’re still in love with him?”

“No,” I said. “That should come from me, don’t you think? When I’m ready. Which doesn’t necessarily mean tomorrow. Or the next day. I need…” my voice trailed off. I didn’t want to say I needed time again. What the hell was I doing?

Tanner sighed. “Very well. I’ll give you two days then. I should be off. Matt is probably fretting.”

When I said not tomorrow or the next day, I wasn’t saying two days. But I’d talk to him about that later. “Tanner?”

“Yes?”

“Could you maybe watch Jacob tomorrow morning while I talk to Matt? Jacob really likes you and Mrs. Alcaraz is working…”

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