Page 30 of Loved By Tandy

“Shh. Don’t anger her. The heat will set in early and last all year.” I wink.

We circle the block, and Tandy waves at neighbors as we stroll along. When we’re away from eavesdroppers, she laughs. “Did you see the way people are looking at us? After this morning, we’ll be the talk of the town. People need to find hobbies if who I walk with is their only excitement.”

“Maybe we should give them something to talk about.” I keep my voice even and don’t glance at Tandy as I make the suggestion.

She’s quiet for a couple of heart beats. “What did you have in mind?”

I grin at the mischievous twinkle in her eye, then stop and step closer. Excited at the possibility she’ll actually kiss me, I lean in. “I was thinking a little mouth to mouth would entertain the neighbors.”

“You mean like you pretending to collapse, and I have tosaveyou?”

“If that’s what it takes to get you to kiss me, then yes.” I hold her gaze and my breath.

I probably should’ve had coffee before coming here because my decision-making isn’t the best right now. Asking Tandy for a kiss is going to send her running. She’s been more than clear about only being friends.

She blinks, still quiet, which is unusual.

“I’m sorry. Forget I said anything. I just—it’s been…” I start walking but glance back when I realize she is glued to her spot. “Will you forgi?—”

The tip of my tennis shoe catches on a seam in the sidewalk, and I fall, grasping at air as I go down. I squeeze my eyes closed, anticipating the pain. But I at least have the presence of mind to tilt toward the grass, so my landing is a bit softer, and the risk of breaking a hip isn’t quite so bad.

I land face-first in the dirt.

“Matthew!” Tandy drops to her knees and leans over me.

I roll to my back and open one eye. “Honest to God, I did not mean to trip.”

Clenching her jaw, she wags her finger in my face but doesn’t say anything.

After a second, I push up on my elbows.

“Are you okay? You scared me. We are way too old for falls. It’s dangerous.”

“I didn’t mean to fall, Tandy.” I shift, hoping my muscles won’t complain too much when I stand.

She rests a hand on my shoulder. “Stay put a minute.” Then Tandy brushes at hairs on my forehead. “Are you really okay?”

“I won’t know for sure until I get up, but I think I’m fine. Might have a bruise. But I’m fine.”

She works herself back into an upright position, then holds out her hand to me. “Please be careful. I’ve gotten used to having you around. I’d like it to stay that way.”

“Yes, ma’am.” I clasp her hand and get to my feet. Still holding her hand, I take a few steps. “All good.”

She doesn’t let go of my hand as we head back to her place. “All good? Really? I think that limp says otherwise.”

“I’ll be okay in a bit. My body is working out the kinks.”

She squeezes my hand. “If anyone was watching, I think we gave them something to talk about.” Her fingers slide out of mine, and Tandy laughs as she walks to her front door. “You want coffee before we head to the ranch? Should I call Hank so that he can make sure you’re okay?”

“I don’t need to be checked out. But I desperately need coffee.” When I get to the front door, she cups my cheek.

I inhale, hoping maybe a kiss isn’t far into the future. “Tandy.”

She inches closer until her nose is nearly touching mine. “Do noteverscare me like that again.” In a flash, she pulls away and marches into the kitchen.

This is a much different reaction to when I landed underneath her weeks ago. Things between us have definitely changed for the better.

I rubmy hip as I walk toward Colt.

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