Page 39 of Steeped In Problems

Tanner followed her gaze. Mark, with too much gel in his hair and an expensive suit. A date on his arm—long brown hair, bored expression, a flashy dress.

The guy scanned the room, spotted them, and zeroed in like a missile.

Kristy’s grip on Tanner’s hand went white-knuckle. Tanner’s pulse picked up, but he kept his face flat. He straightened in his chair and kept his hand wrapped tight around hers.

“Well, well,” Mark said, drawing out the words like a bad actor. “Didn’t expect to see you here, Kristy, on a date...with him.”

Kristy didn’t let go of Tanner’s hand when she finally spoke. “We were just finishing up. You can have the place all to yourself.”

Tanner looked up and met the other man’s eyes. “Need something?”

Mark smiled, but it didn’t reach his eyes. “No, I’m good. Though I have to admit, it’s not really professional to mix business with pleasure. You’re just looking for a lawsuit, aren’t you, buddy.”

“Tanner Blaze,” he corrected with a glare. “And our relationship is none of your business. Why don’t you focus on your own date.”

“Yeah, baby, I don’t know why you decided to bring me to this dump at the last minute. You texted me earlier today youwere taking me into the city.” She gestured up and down at her dress. “My outfit is wasted around here.”

Mark ignored his date’s complaining and looked at Tanner. “Hope you know what you’re getting into, pal. Kristy’s a lot to handle.”

Tanner smiled, slow and sure. “Yeah. That’s the point.”

Mark’s smirk faded. “Well, good luck with that. If you need any pointers, let me know.”

“I don’t need any advice from you,” Tanner stated firmly.

After a few seconds, Mark drifted back to the bar and pulled out his phone. His date followed behind with a pout on her face.

Tanner let out a breath. “You all right?”

Kristy nodded, but her jaw was tight.

He brushed her knuckles with his thumb. “You want to leave?”

She looked at him, really looked, and nodded.

The check came. He grabbed it before Kristy could see, pulled out his card, and handed it over without looking at the total.

“Chivalry again?” she teased.

He shrugged. “Got to keep up appearances, don’t I?”

They got up and left the last of the tiramisu behind. As they walked out, Tanner kept his hand on her back, not for show, but because he wanted to. He didn’t let go until they reached his truck.

She let out a sigh. “I hate that he does that. Acts like he’s still entitled to a piece of my life.”

Tanner shook his head. “He’s not.”

She looked at him, eyes shining. “Thanks for not letting him get to you.”

He grunted. “He’s not worth it.”

She smiled, small but real. “You did good, Blaze. Oscar-worthy.”

She got in first, pulling her skirt smooth. He started the engine, then just sat for a second, not sure how to say what he was thinking.

She solved it for him. “You did good, Blaze. I almost believed it myself.”

He found comfort in that. He admired her far more than was sensible or advisable, and the depth of his feelings surprised him.

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