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Merritt went on to explain how rough things had been for the Brooks since Tim’s death. Their business was struggling. I bit my tongue, though I wanted to tell her how she hadn’t helped matters much when she and Chase left for California. She was reaching out for help. My help. She wanted me to help Beverly in the office since I had experience running my dad’s bakery. Part of me knew Tanner most likely had something to do with this, but I couldn’t say no if Beverly really needed my help.
I told her I’d do it.
Mallory was smiling when I ended the call. “I’ll give it to him. Tanner’s a smart little shit.”
“He wouldn’t use his mother’s strife to his advantage. That just doesn’t seem like something he’d do.”
“Maybe not, but either way—he’s going to win you over like he always does. You might as well call him now and make up with him.”
I shot her a look but said nothing. I hadn’t told her that Tanner was the one who walked away from me this time. Technically, I’d pushed him away, but still … he’d put his foot down and wasn’t budging. Now, I’d have to face him every day. Could my heart handle this?
Twenty-one
Charlotte
Merritt and Tanner got out of the car and walked toward the shop. Beverly sat beside me at the counter, so I tried my best to remain outwardly calm. On the inside, I was anything but. My heart had dropped into my stomach that was sloshing around like a turbulent sea. I’d barely gotten any sleep last night, knowing I’d see Tanner for the first time in over a month. Would he ignore me? Would he be happy to see me? I sucked in a breath as he stepped through the door.
Merritt spoke first. “Morning, ladies.”
“Good morning!” Oh, God. That was too cheerful. It’s seven o’clock in the morning. Tone it down, Thompson.
“Your hair looks great curled like that.” Merritt hit Tanner in the arm. “Doesn’t her hair look nice?”
Tanner barely looked at me as he grabbed a water bottle out of the mini -fridge. “Her hair always looks nice.”
Beverly’s and Merritt’s eyes were on us, and I could feel my cheeks turning pink. I didn’t know where to look. I didn’t know what to do with my hands.
“Have a great day, guys!” Merritt walked out of the front office and into the garage, Tanner close behind. As he turned away from me, I noticed a bandage on his arm sticking out of his sleeve. What happened?
“Well, that wasn’t too bad, was it?” Beverly asked, a knowing smile on her face.
I let out the breath I’d been holding. “I suppose it could’ve been worse.”
Tanner
My ears strained to hear what she was saying. It was almost closing time, and Charlotte was talking to Merritt on the other side of the garage. We hadn’t spoken all day. Not since the awkward encounter when I’d arrived this morning. That was fucking painful.
“’Bye, little bro.” Merritt walked out the door, leaving me and Charlotte alone in the garage.
Charlotte had to walk past me to leave. My heart pounded faster with every step she took. Should I pretend like I don’t see her? Should I say something?
“What happened to your arm?”
I stood and rolled my sleeve higher to show her what I’d done. TJ’s tattoo artist was talented. I told him I wanted a tattoo of my father’s tombstone. He added clustered roses on either side to complete it. I loved it.
Charlotte’s eyes widened. “Oh my God! You got a tattoo?” She stepped closer, and my entire body hummed with excitement. I wanted to reach out and run my fingers through her hair. To gently caress her cheek. My gaze involuntarily dropped to her lips. How I missed kissing those perfectly puckered lips. Sweat beaded along the back of my neck.
“It’s beautiful,” she murmured.
“You’re beautiful.”
She took a step back as the pink of her cheeks deepened. “You don’t mind me being here?”
“My mom needs the help. I appreciate you doing this for her.”
“She’s not the only one I’m doing it for.”
I set my hand free, reaching out to twirl a golden strand of her hair. “Thank you.”
