Page 73 of Tempt Me

“Aw, don’t be sad,” Siobhan says, hugging me when I feel overwhelmed by an unfair world. “Tack doesn’t love his dog more than you.”

Though I laugh at her teasing, my tears linger. That sad little boy is still living inside Tack, even though he hides his pain well. I never would have known how he suffered if Aunt Fred hadn’t clued me in on Tack’s past.

My tears are over by the time we walk to the main farmhouse to meet with Aunt Fred and Elvis. We end up in an office off the main living room while the foster boys file upstairs for their showers before a final hour of TV time. I imagine Tack once being like those boys. He notices the smile on my face and seems unsure about my happiness.

“I was just picturing your friends and you as little guys getting cleaned up for the night.”

Tack instantly smiles and glances at the people who offered him a home. His grin fades when he realizes we’re in this office for a specific reason.

“Turn your frown upside down, kiddo,” Elvis tells Tack. “We’ve got good news.”

Despite Elvis’s words, Tack wraps me in his arms as if we’re under attack.

“Zoot’s been shaking down his contacts all over town,” Elvis explains as he stands behind Aunt Fred and massages her shoulders.

I feel like the men are having a contest over who is most affectionate with his woman. I’m a little nervous we’ll end up dry-humping to make a point soon.

“Zoot found out the mugger worked a lot of security jobs despite his criminal record,” Elvis continues. “It was off-the-books stuff. Mostly underground gambling. Zoot got the names of each place the mugger worked at and who paid him. Many of them are shell companies meant to hide their real owners.”

Aunt Fred glances up at Elvis who is now massaging her scalp. Tack fortunately doesn’t feel the need to amp-up his affection toward me. Of course, I’m already trapped against his chest and unable to move.

“When Zoot and our lawyers gave the list of companies to the feds,” Aunt Fred adds, “he sensed they recognized a name. If they can link one of those companies to the men on the list you gave them, this thing might be over soon.”

“Hunter plans to live at the farm during the week,” Tack announces while smothering me in his embrace. “I’ll stay at her mom’s estate on the weekends.”

Aunt Fred smiles at his aggressive tone. “Do you think that’s a good idea?”

I instantly realize how she’s teasing him. Tack takes longer to catch on. First, he tenses in my arms. Then, he goes still, figures out what she’s doing, and unclenches his body.

“Yes, I do.”

“Well, alright then,” Elvis replies. “Everyone likes Hunter. Having her here is good.”

Tack mutters, “Is it?”

Leveling his amused gaze at Tack, Elvis insists, “Yes, it is, kiddo.”

Tack realizes he’s challenging everyone for no reason. The look on his face is so unguarded and pained as he struggles to trust us.

“I won’t be returning to my condo,” I announce despite this information being obvious. “It creeps me out and is too small for Tack.”

“It’s bigger than my room,” he mutters, poking at me now.

“Yes, but when we exit the condo, we’re surrounded by strangers. When we leave your room, we’re surrounded by your family. I need to feel safe.”

Tack’s blond lashes flutter as he blinks wildly. I feel him struggling. He doesn’t even know why he’s upset.

Exhaling deeply, he asks Elvis and Aunt Fred, “How soon do you think the feds will let us know about their leads?”

“Depends on how airtight their case is against the asshole,” Elvis replies. “Unlike the local cops, who jump the gun, the feds will hold that shit close to the vest until everything is ready. Could be days or weeks.”

“Might be as soon as tomorrow,” Aunt Fred adds. “But keep in mind how the media is still very interested in this ordeal. Hunter will need to keep a low profile for a while. I don’t want you to assume everything will go back to normal once the bastard is arrested.”

Tack’s tension deflates immediately. He’s afraid of change. Everything shifted so suddenly, and he’s afraid our relationship will shift again.

The last few days have been surreal for me, too. When I don’t let myself think about the death and chaos on the road, I’m happier than I’ve been in a long time. I stay busy all day. I love being able to reach out and touch Tack whenever I want. Life is good.

Yet, in the back of my mind, I’m always afraid someone is in the woods watching us. What if I draw danger to the farm and the people who’ve welcomed me into their community?

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