Tackling Tobias (Big Sky Universe)

“Know who you are?”

“Well, I played in the NFL with the Bears.”

“Oh. Wow. That’s cool.”

“You’re not mad that I didn’t tell you before?”

“Nope. Now it explains why the kid was gushing at the store and why the guys are looking at you.” I should be mad. I’ve been living in his home for a week. John and Louisa didn’t tell me either, but I suppose they just respect his privacy. Besides, I have my own secrets, which he has been kind enough not to force out of me.

He reaches across the table, interlaces our fingers, and holds my hand until the waitress returns. We both pick a cheeseburger and fries since that’s something quick and hearty enough.

I ignore that lapse in his emotions. I know he’s holding back. Every time I meet his eyes, I find they’re focused on me with such deep longing. “Here’s your meal.”

“Can I get a pop?” I ask the waitress. “Pepsi, if possible.”

“Sure. And for you?”

“I’ll have the same.” He doesn’t take his eyes off me as he answers.

“I’ll be right back.” I nod, mouthing a thank you. She smiles and winks. It’s clear Tobias is either putting on a show for those around us, or he is really enthralled with me. I’m hoping it’s the latter.

“So how much do you have to do today?”

“I need to finish the inventory for the end of the year and get all my numbers in.”

“Do you need help with any of that? I’ve got time between cooking and cleaning, and frankly I’m kind of tired of doing laundry.”

“You did laundry today?”

“Yes. I hope you don’t mind. I left the baskets outside your room.”

“You didn’t have to, but I appreciate it. Although I don’t want you carrying it up and down the stairs. You can leave it at the bottom, and I’ll take them up.”

“I’m a big, strong girl.”

“Hardly, but I’m more worried about you falling and no one around to catch you.”

“I’m normally not that clumsy.” He cocks his brow, and I resist the urge to laugh. “Shut it.”

He throws his hands and his lips upturn just a bit. “I didn’t say anything.”

“Your expression says it all.” I do my best to glare at him even though I’m not angry in the slightest.

"Sorry, babe. I can't help it. You nearly gave me a heart attack when you slipped outside this morning, and then outside the truck. Let's not get into all the lovely accidents the day we met."

"I might add they were mostly your fault, as I remember."

"Touché," he says, smiling handsomely.

"So how long did you play?"

"Seven years."

"What happened? Injury?"

"No. My dad died, and I came home to take over the family ranch."

"Oh wow. I'm sorry."

"It's been four years since then, but I don't miss it. The game's fun, but I had no intention of playing ten years anyway. I knew eventually I'd take over for my father. I just never expected to lose him so soon. The things my parents are missing out on breaks my heart." I try to hold back the tears, but they welled up in my eyes too fast to stop them. "Shit. There I go again. Baby, please don't cry."

"Sorry. It's a shame that they're gone, but I'm sure they were proud of you."

"They were. My sister reminds me of that all of the time."

"Oh yeah. John did say you were visiting family back in Chicago."

"Yes, my sister lives with her filthy rich husband Landon Black."

"Landon Black?"

"So you know him?" He narrows his eyes at me.

"I do, but we've only met a couple of times. That means I've met your sister. Lara, isn't it?"

"Yes. Did you normally hang with those snobs?" he asks with a smile.

"Hardly. Although, I did love meeting Lara. She's a sweetheart, and she busted out pictures of her babies. They're adorable."

"They're great boys. They're actually expecting their third child now."

"I'm sure she's hoping she gets her little princess."

"Landon's already a protective dad. I don't know how he's going to handle a little girl. She'll be in a gilded cage until she's thirty."

"He's a good dad?"

"Yep. He'd do anything for them and if he could convince my sister, she'd pretty much stay pregnant."

"They sound like they're a fantastic couple."

"They are, but enough about them. What are you going to do today?"

"I don't know. I'm at my boss's leisure."

"Good. He plans to put your time to good use."

Tobias waves to the waitress for the check. "We need to get a move on. I have to finish all that paperwork tonight, and then I'd like to stay up and watch the countdown with you." My heart jumps into my throat as I think about the alone time with him. Will he kiss me at midnight? I know he will, but I want more than a kiss. I want to be naked and be feeling him deep inside of me while we ring in the new year.