Page 90 of Keeper
I raised an eyebrow at him. “Do you always hand your credit card over to girls you’re seeing?”
“No, actually. Never.”
“Good, because you know you could get yourself into a lot of trouble if you put this in most girls’ hands, right?”
“Oh, I know,” he answered, smiling. “But you’renotmost girls. That’s why I don’t mind giving it to you.”
“You’re sweet, Tanner.” I bent down and gave him a kiss. But before he could celebrate winning me over, I returned his credit card by slapping it against his hard abs. “But I wouldn’t feel right running around and spending your money if you weren’t there. The only way I’d consider it is if you came with me.”
“Deal”—he said, pulling me closer—“but only if you tell me you’ll stay.”
“I’ll stay,” I whispered. “Of course I’ll stay.”
“With me?” he asked, his hopes sky high. “Or … at the hotel?”
Hispreference was clear, but I knew which option I should pick.
“I’d love to stay withyou,” I said, stroking my hand against his stubbled cheek. “But if the whole idea is that we’re waiting until the time is right? I think it’d probably be best if I stayed at the hotel. Would that be okay with you?”
He bobbed his head. “I understand,” he said, and he kissed me softly. When we pulled apart, his sleepy eyes crinkled upward and he smiled as if everything was right with the world. “I’m just glad you’re staying.”
I held up a finger in warning. “But I have to go back when school starts, okay? One week from today, Tanner.”
He nodded with understanding. “Got it. One week.”
I stood. “You get your rest. I’m taking Cujo out for a short walk.”
“See you soon,” he said, quietly adding, “babe.”
My tingling heart leaped into my throat.
“Bye, babe,” I said as I tip-toed towards the door.
31
Tanner
Recharged after a quick nap, I emerged from my bedroom an hour later to find Ainsley on the couch with Cujo cuddled up in her lap. She held her phone in one hand and pet Cujo with the other.
“Hey there,” I said. I sat next to her and slung my arm around her shoulder.
“Hi, sleepy! How was your nap?” she asked, leaning her weight into me.
“Great. How was your walk?”
“Oh, fine. Although a group of girls ran up to Cujo and tried to pet him, and hedefinitelygrowled at them. So IguessI see what you mean about him being mean to strangers.”
I laughed. “I told you he’s a batshit little psycho! Seriously, Ainz, henevertakes to people right away like he did with you. It’s the weirdest thing. He must see something in you.”
She stroked his chin. “Aww, is that true, little guy? You trust me?” She turned to me, her phone still glowing in her other hand. “Anyway, I’ve been doing some research while you slept.”
“Research for?”
“Places we can go shopping.”
“Oh yeah? What’d you find?”
“Well, the Dallas Galleria looks like it’d be perfect.”
