“Snow? There’s already a ton.” I frown.
“There’s a storm heading this way. It’s expected to hit this evening.”
I toss the sheets off and wince as I get to my feet. “I’ll take some pain meds and I’ll be fine,” I reassure when I notice him watching me with concern.
We turn to the door when it creaks as someone in uniform strides in. The state trooper grins while looking at Tanner. He clears his throat and holds his hand out toward me. “Bo Jenkins, ma’am. The best friend.”
Tanner nudges him when he keeps my hand in his. Bo squeezes it before he drops my hand in a leisurely pace. “He never mentioned you until earlier today.” Bo raises a brow at Tanner. “Bit of a coincidence, huh?”
Growling, Tanner says, “Don’t you have people to arrest or something?”
Bo grins. “No. I’m off shift until tomorrow. I’m going to go home to my gorgeous wife when I’ve finished annoying you.”
I can’t help myself and laugh. It feels good and I realize that it’s been a while since I really laughed with pure happiness.
Tanner grins and wrapping an arm around my waist, steps into my side. His lips brush against the top of my head.
“Um,” Bo clears his throat, “when I arrived there was, um, someone listening at the door.” He holds Tanner’s gaze.
“You know who it was?” I place my hand on his chest and meet his troubled gaze.
“Yeah, I think so.” He rubs a hand over his head. “Emma…the woman I’m engaged to is a nurse here.”
“Figured you should know,” Bo says. “Anyway, I’ve met the woman who has my friend screwed up, so I’m going to go home and screw…” he blushes, “See my wife.”
I chuckle even though I feel a sense of dread.
Bo disappears as I turn fully into Tanner. “Do you need to go and find her so you can talk to her?”
“I should but, right now, I want to get you back to the ranch.”
“Are you avoiding the conversation with her?”
He winces. “Partly, but I also don’t want to tell her what I have to tell her while she’s at work. That wouldn’t be fair.” He brushes the hair away from my face with his tender fingers.
“I know. I just wish you were mine,” I admit, and slip my arms into my jacket.
“Charlotte, I am yours. Just like you’re mine.”
I smile sadly. “Not yet.”
64
Tanner
By the time I get Charlotte into my truck, there are thick flakes slowly falling. The weather bothers me because it can be like this one minute and the next you can’t see a foot in front of you. I also need a clear mind to drive us back and all I hear in my head is Charlotte’s, ‘Not yet’.
I could have had it all over and finished with Emma if I hadn’t wanted to do the right thing by the woman I’ve known since school. Charlotte’s hand on my face, makes me realize that I need to be free to be with her.
Quickly glancing at the sky, I kiss Charlotte on the cheek. “I’m going to find Emma.”
Charlotte looks concerned but nods. “Are you sure?”
“I never intended staying engaged to her, but she begged me to help her save face. So I did. I’m too damn nice sometimes. If you hadn’t shown up, I’d have come looking for you. That was the conclusion I was slowly getting to.” I briefly kiss her waiting lips and pass her the keys. “Slide over and turn the truck on otherwise you’ll be cold.”
She smiles and does as I suggest.
Not looking forward to this, I sigh and head back inside. I have no clue as to where I’ll find Emma so I head for the information desk. At least it will be quicker than searching the place.