Page 55 of Trusting Tanner
“Oh.” He released her and stood.
“I think it’s best if I don’t live with Rebecca any longer, and Devon offered to take me…” She stood and glanced up at him.
He wasn’t thrilled with the idea of her spending the weekend in empty apartments with another guy, especially not Devon. “I would’ve gone apartment hunting with you, you know.” Jealousy knotted in his chest. He crossed his arms.
“Like I said, Devon offered. I didn’t ask him. And if he hadn’t suggested it, I probably wouldn’t be going at all.”
That didn’t make it any better. He clenched his teeth so hard, his jaw ached.
“Please don’t be mad.” Jules slipped her arms around his waist. “I’ll be at the Alpha party Saturday night, though. I can see you there, right?”
See him there? Christ, she made it sound like they would bump into each other and casually hang out, which was the opposite of what he had in mind. He took a calming breath.One day at a time.“If you’re going to be there, I’ll be there.”
…
The week passed quickly. Tanner spent every moment he could with Juliana, and Rebecca seemed to have given up on whatever game she was playing. Things were going well, and he was slowly earning Juliana’s trust. Tanner took another pull of his beer.
He glanced around the party, hoping to find Juliana. She’d texted to say she’d be here, but she hadn’t shown up yet. Worry nagged at him. Had she changed her mind? He knew she wasn’t the party-scene type, but if she’d decided not to come, why hadn’t she told him? From across the room, he caught sight of Devon. And that meant Jules wouldn’t be too far away. Draining his beer, he set the bottle on top of the TV stand and pushed his way through the crowd.
“Tanner!” Rebecca intercepted him and took hold of his arm. She leaned in like she was going to kiss him, and he pushed her away.
“What the hell?” He gave her the dirtiest look he could manage. Her face was beet red, and her eyes were glassy. “You’re drunk.” And if he had to guess, she was probably high on something, too.
“Duh. Isn’t that the point of these parties?”
“Whatever. Go have fun somewhere else.” He began to walk away when she grabbed his hand. He immediately yanked away from her.
“I am feeling a little sick.” She pouted and put her hand on her belly. “Maybe I need to go sleep it off.”
“Yeah, you should do that.” He managed to take another three steps before she blocked his path with her body.
“Why don’t you take me upstairs and tuck me in? Make sure I get there safely.” She ran her index finger down his chest, flicking the button of his jeans. “I’d make it worth your while.”
“Stop it,” he said forcefully and shoved her hand away. It was then he noticed Devon was watching, eyes narrowed. And then Juliana walked up and gave Devon a hug.Fan-fucking-tastic.“Seriously, Rebecca, go find someone who cares, because I’m not that guy.”
He firmly but gently moved her out of his way and crossed the room. Coming up behind Juliana, he wrapped his arms around her stomach and nuzzled her neck. “Rebecca’s trying to start trouble again,” he whispered.
She twisted around, her mouth landing on his. He groaned when her tongue grazed his, and he dragged his hands down her back, yanking her close.
“C’mon, guys. I don’t want to see that,” Devon said.
“Mmm, I missed you,” she muttered before she released him and turned back around. She laced her fingers with his and held his hands against her stomach. “Sorry, Dev.”
Tanner rested his chin on Juliana’s shoulder. “How’d the apartment search go?”
“Good. Found some promising places, put in a few applications.” She grabbed Devon’s beer from him and took a drink.
He swiped it away from her, laughing. “Get your own.”
“I’ll go get you a drink.” Tanner kissed her cheek then left to grab some beers. When he returned, Spencer, Brittany, Lucas, and Mariah were standing with Jules and Devon. She was laughing, happier than he’d ever seen her. He handed her a beer.
“Thanks.” She nudged his hip with hers, giving him a suggestive wink.
He spent the next few hours with his friends, keeping Juliana close to him. He’d stopped drinking because he was going to have to drive home, but by his count, she was on her third or fourth. Not that he cared. She was having fun, and he would make sure nothing happened to her.
“Jules!” Rebecca screeched, running up and throwing her arms around Juliana’s neck. Three other girls who looked vaguely familiar trailed behind Rebecca like they were her posse. “I told you I’d finally get you to go to a party with me.” She giggled. “So, let’s find you a guy.”
“Whoa,” Brittany said, voicing the disbelief coursing through Tanner.
