Page 61 of Clean Sweep
“We both know that hiring me was the smartest move you’ve ever made.”
He held up both hands. “Can’t fight the truth. Listen, we’ve got this from here on out. Mallory is obsessed with your folder and has been delegated full responsibility of the happenings for the next three days. You’ve detailed everything out perfectly and I’ll text you if I have any questions. Now, it’s time for you to let go of my family and have a good evening with Tanner.”
My mouth dropped open to protest, but I couldn’t.
Have a good evening with Tanner? How did he know?
“You don’t want me to help?” I asked, just to stave off the Tannerline of questioning. Maverick rolled his eyes.
“We’ve got this.”
“But I’ve planned this for months. The Big Cousins are here. You said . . .”
“Leslie,” he drawled.
I floundered for a moment. Maverick and I had worked together on this since late summer. In all that time, I’d meant to still be somewhat present throughout. I planned to check in, stop by, and make sure everything worked smoothly. My boys were with their dad for several days. The Mercedy reunion is what was supposed to fill my time while they were gone.
Maybe Ididgrapple with the quiet.
But, if Tanner didn’t have Celeste and didn’t seem particularly inclined to leave, then whynotleave the Mercedys and do something far more fun? Today had been an absolute dream with Tanner at my side. A quick flash of him and me at my fireplace for the night went through my mind, but I shuffled it away.
No.
That wasn’t . . .
I mean—
Wait. When had I started to daydream?
My question remained unanswered. A quick smirk on Maverick’s face meant he’d just tested me and I’d inadvertently told him everything without even saying a word.
“So, you and Tanner, huh?”
“It’s not . . . I . . .”
“Sure.” Mav held up both hands, as if to surrender. “You can say thatit’s not like thatoryou’re just friendsor whatever, but you and Tanner have some serious chemistry going on. Maybe you should lean into that a little bit, Les.”
I scowled. “Thank you for the dating advice, he-who-left-Bethany.”
Maverick laughed. “Fair jab. Low, but fair jab. All I’m saying is that Tanner is a great guy and the two of you seemed like you had fun today.” He pointed to the door. “Now get out of my house and let me take care of my family. Because, you know, I’m supposed to be able to do that. It’s sort of all my idea.”
LESS THAN TWENTY MINUTES—ANDso many hugs later—Tanner and I headed into the cold Christmas Eve night.
Darkness had already wrapped the earth. In the distance, I thought I heard carolers singing. The snow that had fallen all day continued gently. Every now and then, a car hissed by on the road nearby with a splash of slush. My breath fogged in front of me as I yanked my zipper up and shivered in the confines of my coat. Bitter cold. No garden meditation tonight.
“Seems strange that it’s Christmas, doesn’t it?” Tanner asked.
“Today was so busy that I hadn’t thought much about it,” I admitted. “Even if it is the perfect Christmas setting.”
The lodge had been gorgeously decorated with garlands, Christmas trees, and lights that illuminated the parking lot as we strolled through. Snow accumulated in a sheet on the parking lot and eaves of the lodge.
Tanner followed me to the truck, then opened the door. I smiled as I climbed in. “Thanks.”
He didn’t say anything, but a musing expression filled his face as he strolled around the other side. The truck cranked to life after he climbed in and a blast of cold air hit my face. I turned the vent away.
“So,” Tanner drawled. “Your place?”
A quiet invitation existed in that question. He’d given me the power. I could feign fatigue and I sensed he’d understand that it was true. But now he was giving me a chance to turn him away.
