Page 24 of Trusting Tanner
“Because if this were a date, I could give you a kiss good night. And believe me, you want a taste of this.” He swirled his finger around his lips. “But I should warn you, one taste won’t be enough. They’re like potato chips.”
“Did you just compare your lips to potato chips?” She had to have misheard him. But the upward curve of his mouth told her she hadn’t. She laughed. “You really ought to seek some professional help for your lack of self-confidence.”
He shrugged. “If I do, will you go out with me then?”
“No.” This time, though, her smile couldn’t be contained. The thought of kissing him had adrenaline pumping through her body faster than she could handle, and her heart tripped over itself trying to keep up with the emotions warring inside of her. “Friends can hug.” She wanted to kick herself for saying something so idiotic.
“I can work with a hug.” He stepped forward and put his hands on her waist, lingering there for a moment—until she was certain his handprints were permanently imbedded on her—before snaking his hands around to her back. Then he yanked her close, their bodies practically melding into one.
She wrapped her arms around his neck and rose up on her tiptoes so she could reach him better, and she inhaled the scent of his cologne. She had no idea what kind he wore, but she wanted to bathe in it, it smelled so amazing. His body was all warm strength and taut muscle. She squeezed him a little harder, and he responded with a groan so sinful it would make the devil blush.
Tanner’s hands lowered, and she held her breath, but he didn’t touch her ass like she was anticipating. He did drag his hands up, though, and she trembled involuntarily, which had him flattening his palms on her lower back and drawing her closer. How that was even possible she had no idea, but he’d done the impossible and not even a breeze could pass between them.
Then he dipped his head and buried his face into her neck. She tensed, waiting for the feel of his lips puckering against her skin, but it never came. The devastating wave of disappointment did, though, and she thanked heaven above that he was holding her; otherwise, she would’ve slumped to the ground in a pile of unquenched need. Which was, in all honesty, beyond dumb because she’d been the one to insist on friendship and no kissing. She couldn’t get upset with him for doing exactly as she’d asked.
He trailed his lips across her neck in a way that was clearly not a kiss. Another shudder wracked her body, and he flexed his hands against her back, emitting another low groan. “You’re absolutely sure this isn’t a date?” he whispered, his warm breath tickling her already sensitive neck. “It’s not too late to change your mind.”
She reluctantly pulled away from his embrace, shaking her head. She never knew a simple hug could leave her teetering on the edge of pure, physical bliss.
He tucked his hands into his pockets and backed up, a confident, knowing smile lighting up his face. “Good night, Jules.”
“Good night, Tanner.” She turned and walked into her res hall before she changed her mind. She made her way up to her room, and there was a bounce in her step that hadn’t been there earlier.
Chapter Eight
Juliana practically raced across campus toward her first class of the day, a class she had with Tanner. She hadn’t seen him since Friday night, but they’d texted all weekend, and she couldn’t wait to see him again. Of course, if Devon picked up his pace, she could get to her class sooner, but he was dragging himself along slower than usual for a Monday morning. He yawned loudly. “Too much partying this weekend?” she teased.
“No, smart-ass. I just haven’t been sleeping well.”
“Is that why you ditched me Saturday? So you could get your beauty sleep?” she teased.
He fell into step beside her. “You have no room to talk. You ditched me Friday so you could go out with Collins.”
“I didn’t go out with Tanner. We hung out.” She would never win any debates with those pathetic arguments. She shook her head and braced herself for Devon’s reaction. “As friends,” she added, like it made any difference whatsoever.
“Mm-hmm. Call it whatever you want, but you’re into him, and he’s definitely into you.”
The hairs on the back of her neck stood on edge. There was something in his tone that gave her pause. How could he possibly know how Tanner felt or didn’t feel about her? They’d literally hung out twice, and Devon wasn’t with them either time.
“I’m glad you’re starting to date again.”
She opened her mouth to remind him she wasn’t dating, but he held up his hand to silence her, and she snapped her jaw shut.
“And if Tanner’s the one, fine. But he’s…”
“He’s what?” Her stomach rolled with unease.
“He’s not like other guys.”
She gave him a dirty look. “Whatever it is you’re trying to say, just say it.” Her patience was wearing thin, and they were almost to class.
“I was asking around about him this weekend.”
“Devon!” She groaned.
“Don’t get your panties in a twist. I only talked to a couple of the brothers who know him, and I didn’t say anything about you. So relax.”
Tingles coursed through her body, and not the good kind. She had a sinking feeling whatever he was about to say wasn’t going to be good.
