Total pages in book: 45
Estimated words: 43870 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 219(@200wpm)___ 175(@250wpm)___ 146(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 43870 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 219(@200wpm)___ 175(@250wpm)___ 146(@300wpm)
“Maybe, but I’m growin’ on her,” I singsonged.
Tanner grunted in faux irritation, looping another strand of lights around a branch. “You probably have better gossip than me. Kids know everything.”
“I know that Sydney, Phee’s pre-K bestie, has asked for a puppy for Christmas. Guess who wants a dog now?”
“Ooh. What else does Phee want for Christmas?”
I frowned. “She hasn’t said much. That’s a little odd ’cause she’s usually got a list a mile long. I think…”
“What?” he prodded.
“I think every day feels like Christmas for her lately.”
Tanner smiled. “She likes it here.”
“She loves it. A nice house, a playground with horses and pigs, and a couple of new best friends…”
“Friends are important.”
Such a simple throwaway line.
“Hmm.”
We worked quietly, putting the finishing touches on the tree.
“Do you remember what you wanted for Christmas when you were five?” he asked after a minute.
“Probably boots or a new cowboy hat.”
“So you really were always a cowboy at heart.”
“I ’spose so.”
Tanner grinned. “Same. At five, I’d have been happy with a new football and a bunch of Matchbox cars too. Remember those?”
“Uh, yeah. I had a good-sized collection,” I admitted.
“Jax and I had the racetrack too, but we spent more time digging our own roads and making tunnels for those mini cars by the creek ’cause it was—”
“Good dirt,” we said in unison.
We laughed, though it wasn’t all that funny. My laugh used to sound rusty—too deep and scratchy. Not lately, though.
“So we’re back to good dirt, huh?” Tanner waggled his brows in an attempt at lascivious suggestion that came off as boyish and…well, adorable.
I tugged at the brim of his hat. “All right. If we’re going to gossip, I got something.”
“Oh, do tell.”
“I think your ex is worried we’ve got something going on.”
Tanner’s mouth formed a perfect O. “Rich? That’s—why would you think he’d give us a second thought?”
“He gave me the third degree at Thanksgiving.”
“That was over a week ago. Why didn’t you say something sooner?”
Good question. My brow creased as I stooped to gather the empty boxes and stash them in the plastic bin marked Outside Holiday Lights. “I dunno. I couldn’t decide if it mattered or not. I get the impression he still has feelings for you.”
He sighed in exasperation, casting a weary glance at the landscape where twilight had shrouded the early evening sky in streaks of light blue and indigo.
The surrounding bungalows and their yards were lit with thousands of lights. Some white, some multi-colored. Some had blow-up figures or more sophisticated decorations featuring life-sized reindeer, a sled, and woodland creatures dressed in winter finery. The holidays had hit the ranch seemingly overnight. It made sense that I’d be the last tenant to join the party and even more sense that I’d ruin the upbeat mood by bringing up my temporary lover’s ex.
Way to fucking go, Axel.
I picked up two empty bins and Tanner grabbed the other. We took them to the storage shed, stacked them neatly, and opened the side door into the kitchen.
Tanner pulled a glass from the open shelf and filled it with water, then finally broke the silence. “We dated for two and a half years, and broke up last year. Rich wanted a bigger commitment. Not a marriage proposal, but a hint that it was where we were heading.”
I held my hands up like dual stop signs. “I’m sorry I brought it up. You don’t have to—”
“I wasn’t ready to get married,” he continued, ignoring me. “Not even close. I was busy with the ranch. We were growing too fast, and I had to stay focused. I didn’t want the distraction of a husband and unfortunately, I told Rich so…probably in those exact words. It didn’t go over well. We went our separate ways, but he works for the ranch and he’s an important part of our team, so…it’s been awkward.”
“And everyone knows.”
“And some are confused ’cause they thought we were a great couple,” he added.
“Everyone but you?”
Tanner pursed his lips. “Yeah. It wasn’t hard to walk away. I think if you really love someone, that kind of thing oughtta hurt.”
“Hmm.”
“I was extremely aware that our breakup was a hot topic, which sucked. It took months for the story to fade, and just as it finally did, Rich called me out of the blue. We had dinner and…”
“Don’t stop now,” I urged with a humorless half laugh.
“He asked if I might be interested in a sex-only relationship.”
I widened my eyes. “No shit?”
“Mmhmm, that was roughly when I met you.” He drained his glass, wiped his mouth with his hand, and set it on the counter. “And all I could think about was the new vet.”
“Me.”
“You.” Tanner snorted. “So there you have it. If he seems curious about you or us, he probably is. I don’t know what to say. I like Rich. I wouldn’t hurt him for the world. He’s a great guy, and I wish him all the best things in life. I just don’t want to be his person.”