Page 83 of Why Not Forever?

I roll my eyes, but I’m smiling as well. “That’s not necessary. Besides, they’ll probably be in Spencer’s office, which is next to mine, and gross.”

“Come dance with me then.” He’s already tugging me toward the dance floor.

“You know I’m no good at dancing.”

“That’s because you keep trying to lead. Let me lead, and you’ll be fine.”

I can feel a metaphor in that statement, but I don’t remark on it. He turns me on the dance floor, one arm coming around my waist, the other clasping my hand.

“You missed the last dance lesson,” I remind him. “I haven’t had a lot of practice at following.”

We begin to dance, and I realize I’m already better than I used to be. We’ve only done one lesson with Sam, but I’m excited to tell her I’m already improving.

“Confession time,” Tanner says, drawing my attention. “There was a time when I was insanely jealous.”

I sigh, thinking of what Emily has just been saying. “Of Spencer?”

“No. I’ve never been jealous of Spencer. Well. Maybe for about ten seconds the first time I saw you together, but not after that.”

My brows draw down. “Why not after that?”

“You were standing side-by-side, watching something. I can’t remember what. I was kind of focused on you. Anyway, you were standing with this guy who, I can admit, is hot.”

I snort. “I’m telling him you said that.”

Tanner shrugs. “Go ahead. I saw you together and figured I wouldn’t ever have a chance with you. Then he nudged you with his elbow and you folded your arms over your chest and rolled your eyes.”

“And?”

“That’s it. You didn’t look at each other. You didn’t touch in any other way. If you’d been together or if one of you had been into the other, you would have turned toward each other. But the way you were standing, you were a united front, but more like me and Wyatt. I wasn’t jealous after that.”

I blink up at him as I realize just how well he sees me. We dance for a bit longer until something occurs to me.

“If you weren’t jealous of Spencer, who were you jealous of?”

He scowls. “Emily.”

I bite my cheek. “So youdoknow her name.”

“Yes, I know her name. I hated how she had you when I wanted you.” He looks a bit sheepish now. “I admit, I’ve had a crush on you for a long time. We didn’t go about this relationship in a conventional way, but I’m glad we’re here now, Vic.”

I kiss him as we continue to dance. “Me, too.”

Chapter 30

Tanner

Overthenextfewweeks, Richard keeps his word, and we get started on the paperwork that will make me the CEO of Sterling Properties. It means I’m working more than I want to, my sixty-hour work weeks turning into almost eighty. Which means the personal project I’d been working on gets pushed to the side. I talk to Wyatt about it, and he tells me it’s fine and we’ll get back to it early in the new year.

Christmas approaches quickly and I go out shopping with my brother, finding presents for all our nieces and nephews who are still young enough. When we’re done, we’re walking around the mall and Wyatt asks, “What are you getting Vic for Christmas?”

I sigh. “I have no idea. She got my present like three weeks ago.”

Wyatt snorts. “That sounds like her. She probably finished her Christmas shopping before December first. Who did she get for Secret Santa? Did she ask for help?”

“No. She won’t tell me. And you’re right. She even got something for Spencer and Lis’ baby and Adalie and Nate’s baby, neither of which will be born until after Christmas. She’s been done for the last week.”

We get coffees at Starbucks and sit down with them. I don’t get to just hang out with my brother often. I’ve been thinking a lot lately about what I want in my life and less time working is starting to rank higher on that list.

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