Page 22 of Trusting Tanner
“Burlesque?”
“Seen that one, too.”
“Chicago?”
“Yep.” He laughed. “I’m starting to wonder if you’ve seen any movies that don’t have singing or dancing as the main plot.”
“I happen to like them.” She shrugged. Zach used to tease her all the time about her taste in movies, calling her idealistic and naïve.
“What’s your all-time favorite? The one movie you could watch over and over again without getting sick of it?”
“Dirty Dancing,” she answered without hesitation.
“Now that one I’ve never seen.”
“Shut up!” She attempted to nudge him but lost her footing. Her heart dropped, and her stomach lodged in her throat. She squeezed her eyes shut, bracing for the impact of her ass meeting the hard floor, but Tanner’s arm shot out around her waist, stopping her fall.
Instinctively, she wrapped one arm around his back while her other arm went to his chest, tightly gripping the front of his vest. She was now very firmly pressed against him, and his costume did nothing to mask the feel of his hard body. And God, he was hard. Everywhere. She risked glancing up at him, afraid she might see the same embarrassment she’d seen in Zach’s expression too many times. What she saw knocked the breath from her lungs. He was devouring her with his eyes, his gaze heated and hungry, his lips plump and wet, as if he’d recently licked them in preparation. Holy hell in a hand basket. She attempted to back up, to put some much-needed distance between them, forgetting there were wheels strapped to her feet, and she started to flail again.
Tanner’s hands settled on her lower back, and his hold on her tightened. “Easy there, honey. We wouldn’t want you showing off your ass to everyone, now would we?”
Her throat went dry, and she swore cotton balls had suddenly sprouted in her mouth. “No,” she croaked. “Um, I could really use something to drink, though.”
The corner of his mouth lifted. And then, as easily and quickly as he’d wrapped her in his arms, he released her. Her legs were shaky as she focused on staying upright until they were off the rink. Tanner waved to a group of people, and then led her toward them.
“Jules!” Mariah squealed with excitement and stood, giving her a hug. Her breath smelled faintly of alcohol. “I didn’t know you were going to be here.”
She smiled. “Likewise. I thought you and Lucas were going to the frat party?” At least, that’s what Devon had said in his effort to convince Juliana to go, too.
“We were there for a little while but wanted to check this out. We’ll probably go back before the night is over.” Mariah returned to where she was sitting—in Lucas’s lap.
They were a cute couple, and a pang of jealousy landed in her gut. Was it too much to want a healthy, normal relationship with a guy who could keep his dick in his pants and not say mean, horrible things? Of course, if she could keep a man happy and satisfied, maybe she’d be able to have what Lucas and Mariah had.
“Dude, nice outfit.” Lucas laughed and gave Tanner a fist bump.
“Hey, Tanner, who’s your friend?” a guy sitting next to Lucas asked.
“Juliana,” he said, moving closer to her, “you obviously already know Mariah.”
“And me.” Lucas tossed a wink in her direction.
“Right. Jules, that’s Spencer.” Tanner nodded toward the guy who’d spoken, then to the other two people seated at the table. “And that’s Brittany and Kyle.”
“Hi.” She gave a small wave.
“Damn, Tanner. Where you been hiding her?” Spencer’s gaze lingered on her chest.
She crossed her arms and shifted uncomfortably.
“Don’t be a dick.” Mariah reached over and slapped Spencer’s arm.
“Yeah, seriously, Spence. If you want to perv on a girl, go find one who isn’t here with someone else.” Brittany shook her head.
Juliana liked her immediately. Tanner grabbed a chair from the nearby empty table and set it behind her. She sat and crossed her legs, tugging at the hem of her dress so she was as covered as possible. She wouldn’t put it past pervy Spencer to try to sneak a peek. Tanner took a second chair, flipped it around, and straddled it, folding his arms on the back.
“Is the party lame?” Tanner asked.
“It was still early,” Lucas said. “I’m sure it’ll pick up soon. Usually does.”
