“I have several emails to answer because someone occupied my evening and I didn’t get to them.”
Tanner wasn’t the least bit sorry they’d spent the night watching an old movie and making love on the sofa. Every time he came home from work and she was waiting for him was like receiving the greatest gift over and over.
“The emails aren’t going anywhere,” he told her. “At least lie back down for an hour and then get up and work.”
Melanie handed the crackers back to him and nodded. “Will you wake me?”
“Of course.”
He gathered the boxes and the water and waited until she was settled in before heading to the kitchen. She’d still not said a word about Neville calling, and that grated on his trust level. He wholeheartedly trusted her, except in one area. She was going to try to protect him. T
hat much was evident. He’d finally gotten her to open up and feel again, whether she wanted to admit it or not, but he couldn’t break through her determination to shield him from her past.
There was no one Tanner feared. Not one person. Neville might be powerful, but that meant nothing in the long run. The guy was a grade-A asshole. People like that had skeletons in their closets, and if Neville tried to threaten what was Tanner’s, there would be hell to pay like Neville had never known.
If Melanie was insistent on protecting him, then he would just have to stay one step ahead of her, because she and this baby were absolutely everything. And nothing would wreck his family again.
Chapter Fifteen
Your comeback needs to be stronger than your
setback.
—Mel’s Motivational Blog
The crisp fall afternoon was perfect. Tanner had taken Melanie back to her house and she’d thrown on a simple sleeveless, knee-length dress in green, her favorite color, and she’d paired that with a cream cardigan and little peep-toe booties. She’d thrown on a gold strand with random clear beads, and hoop earrings. Her makeup remained simple, too. She had no idea what was going on, but the resort was a stunning Civil War–era home and the grounds were absolutely breathtaking.
When Melanie was changing, Jade had been getting ready as well and was equally confused. They’d both tried texting Olivia, but she’d been so vague, she just kept telling them there was a surprise.
Tanner headed up the long, curved drive toward Bella Vous. The old magnolia trees dotted all around the property demanded attention. Once he reached the top of the drive, the view of the pond and cypress trees was instantly relaxing. Melanie could easily see herself sitting in the shade beneath the trees at the water’s edge and getting more than enough inspiration for her blog.
Tanner pulled his truck in next to Cash’s and right behind them came Jade in her sporty car. Cash grabbed the door handle and opened for Melanie. When he reached his hand in, she placed hers in his and let him help her down.
“Go get your own damn girl,” Tanner growled as he killed the engine and got out.
Cash wrapped Melanie’s hand around the bend of his arm. “He really is territorial. Like a grouchy bear.”
“Any clue what’s going on?” Jade asked as she came around the back of Tanner’s truck.
Cash stilled against Melanie and she was positive the man stopped breathing as he stared at Jade, who was adjusting her body-hugging dress and smoothing it down her thighs so she totally missed the transfixed Cash.
Melanie shot a glance to Tanner, who was trying in vain not to smile. He silently replied with a wink. Poor Cash. He had it bad, but apparently Jade was either oblivious or she didn’t care. Melanie figured the latter.
It would take one very special man with patience and strength to fight through the defensive walls Jade had erected around herself.
Not that Cash wasn’t special, but could he do the job? Melanie wished someone would step into Jade’s life and help her get over the bitterness she let fester day after day. But Melanie wasn’t about to call her out on that. At least, not quite yet.
“We’re all in the dark here,” Tanner stated. “You ladies look nice, whatever is going on.”
Melanie elbowed Cash to get him out of his trance before drool started down his chin. He blinked and shook his head as he turned his attention toward the house.
“No clue what’s going on,” he stated. “Ready?” Melanie smiled and he simply raised his brows. Yeah, he’d totally been caught checking out her best friend, but Jade was a stunning woman, with all of that auburn hair waving down her back and that deep sapphire blue dress she wore. The woman would always turn heads, no matter if she was dressed up or in her running gear. Melanie wanted to hate her, but it was impossible not to love someone who was so loyal and kind.
They headed up the sidewalk that curved out around the lush landscaping and led them toward the wide porch with thick white columns. The oak door swung wide and Sophie Monroe stood there with a wide smile. She’d cut her dark hair since Melanie had last seen her. Now it lay in a classy cut just below her chin. She wore a pale pink dress with silver flats and as always was the epitome of charming.
“Hey, guys. So glad you could come.” She opened the door wider and gestured them inside. “Go on out back through the study. Everything is set up on the patio today.”
Sophie Monroe was just as cryptic as Jax and Livie. What in the world was going on?