Commotion behind him cut off all his thoughts. Melanie had to be pushed to the back of his mind. He couldn’t keep wondering about her, about the baby, not when he was working or trying to focus. Not when he was trying to hold his emotions together.
Needing to think of a quick distraction, Tanner quickly stepped on his opposite shoelace and untied it. When the group of guys came around the corner, Tanner propped his foot on the bench and proceeded to tie his shoe. Anything to delay leaving the locker room.
Unfortunately, the trio spoke too low, and when they went around the other side of the lockers, all Tanner could hear was the sound of a locker opening, a zipper on a bag, and some whispering.
Shit. There was something going on and he had no way to prove it. His instincts rarely failed him and he was convinced Cash had been given accurate information from the other gym member.
Tanner was a patient man, though. He had to be in his line of work. It sucked at times. The waiting game was never one he enjoyed playing, but it was necessary to ensure the proper channels were all clicked off.
Not wanting to draw attention to himself, Tanner zipped his own bag and headed out the door. In the main gym area, he saw no sign of Jade or Cash. He didn’t want to approach Cash right now anyway. He needed to talk to him in private and not where those guys could see.
Since videos in the locker room were out of the question, he’d have to speak with his captain about placing an undercover here in the evenings.
As soon as Tanner got into his truck, he shot off a quick text to Cash that there was something suspicious going on and he’d get back to him on the next steps to take. He didn’t want Cash doing anything that could potentially scare these guys away.
Tanner drove through the main part of town, passing the quaint shops that had been around for decades. With the holidays approaching, they’d gone all out with the fodder, pumpkins, mums. Most businesses had fall wreaths on the doors. He loved protecting a town that took pride in its appearance. The buildings might be old, but the owners kept them up with fresh paint, plants, clean sidewalks in front of their doors.
Macy Monroe, third-generation owner of Knobs and Knockers Hardware, had been a good friend of his since school. She always had a great seasonal display in front of her store. They’d actually dated a couple times, but she’d always been more like a sister than anything.
Tanner headed toward the other side of town, where he lived. His eyes were drawn to the old Civil War–era home on the hill. Bella Vous. The women’s only resort and spa had been the biggest thing to happen to Haven, Georgia, since the once dry town passed a liquor law ten years ago.
What had been most impressive about this women’s resort was the fact that three brothers opened the place in honor of their late sister. The Monroe boys had all been hellions in their own way. They’d been just a few years older than Tanner in school, but he remembered them. The three boys and one girl had all been adopted by the Monroes. The crew hadn’t been related at all and had filtered into Haven at different points in their lives.
One of the guys, Liam, was married to Macy. Liam hadn’t been too keen on the friendship between Tanner and Macy at first, but Liam had quickly come around and saw that Tanner posed no threat to their relationship.
Hell, Tanner
would never break up a relationship. He didn’t have the time or the mental energy to date anyway.
When Melanie had mentioned him going on about his life, or whatever lingo she’d used, he’d been pissed. Did she honestly think he wasn’t going to stick around for her? Did she believe he was that much of a prick that he’d get her pregnant and just move on? Like he’d just go out on dates with other women. What fool had she been married to, and why did she ever accept anything less than the best?
Maybe it was time someone showed her that she was worth so much more than the shit she’d endured. Not that he was looking to take this into a full-fledged relationship, but Tanner wasn’t going anywhere . . . and neither was Melanie. She was about to discover how a real man treated a lady.
Chapter Five
Be fearless in the pursuit of what sets your soul
on fire.
—Mel’s Motivational Blog
The crisp fall evening couldn’t be more perfect for a cookout and bonfire. There was just enough chill in the air to make the fire cozy and comfortable.
Livie sat on Jax’s lap while his daughter, Piper, put another marshmallow on her roasting stick. Melanie couldn’t help but wonder if she’d have a girl. Would her daughter have blond hair like hers or dark like Tanner’s? Would she have those dark eyes framed by inky lashes like her father?
Or maybe she’d have a boy and he’d be strong and a protector like Tanner. Either way, Melanie’s excitement grew more and more each day.
“Sorry I’m late.”
Melanie glanced over her shoulder as Cash walked down the stone path in Jax’s backyard.
“There’s plenty of food left,” Livie stated as she hopped off Jax’s lap. “Let me get you something.”
Cash waved a hand as he headed toward the picnic table loaded with food. “Sit. I don’t expect you to serve me.”
Livie played the hostess perfectly. This small-town life was quite different from the hustle and bustle of her life back in Atlanta. Being engaged, with a ready-made family, looked good on her. Melanie couldn’t be happier for her friend.
“Jade,” Cash murmured with a nod.