Page 22 of Loved By Tandy

I point at him, ready to deliver a lecture.

He wraps his hand around my index finger. “Save it. I wasn’t implying anything. But you didn’t plan for a second guest. I’m trying to be considerate.”

“You can use my office. The sheets on that bed are clean. It’s only a twin bed though. And the room is crowded because of my desk, computer, and the bookshelves.”

His eyes twinkle. “I’ll stay.”

I pat his chest. “Good. Now I won’t worry about you.”

Colt clears his throat. “I think I’m going to head to bed. Can I help you clean up first?”

“Oh no. I’ve got this. Make yourself at home, Colt. Seriously.”

“Appreciate it.” He nods. “And it was great meeting you, Mr. Gallagher.”

“Call me Matthew. And it’s been a pleasure meeting you too. I’m glad you’ll be staying here to look after Tandy.” Matthew shakes Colt’s hand.

“Me too.” Colt cuts a side glance at me. “But I’m not sure she needs looking after.”

“Sweet dreams. Let me know if you need anything.” I gather up our glasses and go into the kitchen.

Matthew follows me. “I’ll get the dishes washed up while you put the food away.”

“That works. I’ll be back in a few. I’m going to run back to my room for a moment.” I check on the cats, then make sure I don’t have crumbs on my face. And I freshen my lipstick. But only because I don’t want to look washed out.

No other reason.

Business associates don’t usually spend the evening cleaning up the kitchen, so maybe it would be better to think of Matthew as a friend. He’s starting to feel like one.

But calling him a friend feels like a slippery slope. He’s charming in all the ways I find attractive. Even after all these years.

It would be too easy to slide back into his arms. But I made a promise to myself. And it would be a shame to break it after this long.

CHAPTER 10

MATTHEW

Pounding rain starts as I load the last few dishes. Tandy is peeking out the back door.

“It’s really coming down.” I ease up behind her, stopping short of touching her.

She glances back over her shoulder. “I’m going to watch from the patio.”

“It’s covered, I hope.” I follow her out.

An eye roll is her response, which makes me laugh.

“Admit it. You think I’m funny.” I nudge her, then lean on the post beside her.

She whips around to look at me and ends up bumping into me. This throws her off balance, and she grabs my arm to maintain her footing. “I admit nothing.”

I rest a hand on her shoulder. “Thanks for letting me stay. It’s starting to hail now.”

“Who have you told?”

“About the hail? Just you. About staying over at your place? No one. I was doing the dishes. I mean, Colt knows, but why would he tell anyone?”

She gives a frustrated huff. “That’s not what I meant, and you know it.”

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