Be with Me (Return to Haven 2)

When she tried to stifle a yawn, Tanner felt guilty for hovering. That was something he’d have to work on so as not to freak her out, but it was damn hard not to want to be near her, to make sure she truly was okay.

“We can talk tomorrow,” he told her. “I don’t have to hang around.”

Melanie shook her head. “You’re fine. I mean, I’m tired, but the shower helped and I couldn’t fall asleep if I went to bed now. Too much on my mind.”

As busy as he was with work and the undercover evenings, Tanner had to remember she was the pregnant one and just as busy. In addition to her blog site, the social media accounts, most likely her emails exploding because of her popularity, she was also working the legal side of the airport renovations.

“How are the airport plans coming?” he asked.

Getting back on common ground and away from the attraction, the pregnancy, perhaps they could eradicate this damn uncomfortable tension.

She tipped her head and narrowed her eyes. “Not what I thought you were sticking around to talk about.”

Tanner smiled. “I pride myself on keeping people on their toes.”

Melanie gave a slight shrug and rested her cheek on the cushion. “They’re actually coming along pretty well. All of the permits are a go. Zach is talking with the architect to finalize the design.”

Speaking of busy, Zach Monroe was one hell of a construction worker, and in high demand. He and his brothers had opened a women’s only resort and spa only two years ago. So many around the town had laughed at the concept of three manly men opening something so feminine. But then everyone learned they were fulfilling their late sister’s dream.

Once word had gotten out, the place had exploded onto the map. Day-trippers from Savannah flocked in, ladies flew in for long weekends. Bella Vous was quite a sight. They’d branched out and had a small café run by Liam, the chef of the brothers.

Now Zach was putting some of his jobs aside to assist with the airport renovations and there wasn’t a better man for that job.

“I need to get in another flight soon,” Tanner commented. “I haven’t been in too long.”

“You’re too busy with work.”

He’d never thought being busy with work was a problem, but now that he had just added more to his life, he might need to reevaluate his schedule.

No, he hadn’t just added to his life. He’d made a family. A family that needed him to provide security and stability. Melanie still worried about her ex. She’d hinted before, but Tanner wasn’t going to let anything or anyone threaten his family.

“What is it you really wanted to talk about?” Melanie asked, unfolding her legs and stretching them out on the ottoman.

Damn. Those shapely legs and bare feet held his attention longer than they should’ve. Seeing her so relaxed, with a touch of heavy lids that reminded him of her face when he’d had her pinned against the door . . .

Tanner shifted his focus and leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees. “I don’t know, Mel. All I know is that I wanted to see you.”

When she didn’t say anything, he risked glancing her way again. She worried her bottom lip with her teeth for just a moment.

“You want honesty, that’s it,” he added.

“We agreed to one night,” she murmured.

Tanner held back his laughter. “We didn’t agree to any such thing. We were too busy breaking speed records getting back to my place and tearing each other’s clothes off.”

Her eyes widened. “I don’t think we should talk about that night.”

Irritated and more than turned on, Tanner came to his feet and made his way across the room. He sat on the edge of the ottoman right next to her feet.

“And why shouldn’t we discuss it?”

He had to give her credit, she kept her eyes on his, even though he silently challenged her by staring right back. He wanted to know what she was thinking, what she was feeling. Damn it. He wanted her, and he knew full well she was just as attracted.

“Because of the way you’re looking at me,” she whispered.

Tanner couldn’t suppress the smile. “And how is that?”

“Like you want me.”