Be with Me (Return to Haven 2)

Not really. They were still getting to know each other as friends, they were barely above strangers trying to make this unexpected situation not so tense.

“I see the wheels turning in your mind.” Tanner offered her one of those signature grins that had the corners of his eyes creasing in that sexy way only men could get away with. “If you’re busy working, then that’s fine. But if you’re wondering why I’m asking or what this means between us, stop thinking. Let’s just have a fun day without overanalyzing.”

Something shifted inside her. He’d taken a day off work. The man who would sometimes just not show up to friends’ events or have to leave in the middle of one because of his work demands, was here asking her out for fun. Maybe he needed this break just as much as she did.

“Can you give me five minutes?” she asked. “I’ve almost got this blog post ready to go live. I just need to tweak a few more things. Oh, then I’ll need to change.”

“You look fine.”

Melanie stared down at her jeans and off-the-shoulder tee. “I’m a slob, Tanner.”

“Throw on a pair of shoes and you’ll be fine for what I have in mind.”

Melanie eyed him, but he only quirked a brow as if daring her to argue. Not too long ago she’d never be caught outside without a properly fitted dress and stilettos, with her hair in a perfectly coiffed updo and her makeup on point.

To say coming to Haven had given her a new sense of freedom was a vast understatement. She hadn’t even packed the items that the old Melanie would be seen with. Her new wardrobe consisted of comfort, her hair products were shampoo and a few rubber bands, and her makeup was lip gloss and some concealer.

Tanner continued to stare, waiting for her to answer him. She’d have to give a little, to learn to trust at some point. Why not start with the man who had fathered her child?

When was the last time she’d fully trusted a man? She had barely trusted her father, she’d never trusted Neville. Melanie supposed she could add Jax to the short list of men she could rely on, because he’d been so loyal and faithful to Livie. Plus, he was an amazing father. The man hadn’t thought twice about giving up his career in the air force and coming home for good when his wife left him just after Piper was born.

But putting all her trust in Tanner . . . she wasn’t so sure that would ever happen. Oh, she’d trusted him briefly one night. If she hadn’t been confident he wouldn’t hurt her, she never would’ve slept with him. There were different levels of hurt, though. Melanie was pretty confident Tanner would never lay a hand on her.

Melanie turned from him and sank back into her chair. She couldn’t start reliving that night. Not while he was in the same room as her, not while they were unchaperoned and her hormones were bouncing all over the place.

The planner in her wanted to put a label on whatever was happening. She wanted to look into the future and see exactly how this was all going to play out. There was no other way to keep her heart secured and her piece of mind in place.

After some minor adjusting, Melanie published her blog and shut down her laptop. Once Livie had moved out, Melanie set up a little makeshift office in the extra bedroom. With the desk tucked into the curved wall and looking out the windows, she often found herself sitting here daydreaming.

“Grab those shoes and let’s go.”

Melanie headed out of the room and into the bedroom she’d been using. She’d taken the smallest one at the end of the hall. Now that she was in he

re and Tanner stood in the doorway, the room seemed even tinier than ever.

“We’re not going for a run or anything, are we?”

Tanner shook his head and pointed to her flats in the corner. “Throw those on.”

Melanie glanced from the striped shoes back to him. “Those don’t go with this at all. I need something more casual.”

“We’re not going where anyone will see you. Your shoes don’t matter.”

They mattered to her. That was one thing that hadn’t been exorcised from her old life. She still wanted to look nice, but now she wanted to look nice for herself and no one else.

She pulled out a pair of red Converse and put them on. Her super casual look would have to do.

“I’m ready,” she told him as she came to her feet and adjusted her tee. “So, can you tell me where we’re going?”

“I could, but I’m not going to.”

Melanie started for the doorway, but Tanner didn’t budge. She wasn’t backing down or shying away. She met his dark eyes.

“So you’re taking me somewhere that we’ll be alone and you won’t tell me.” Melanie tipped her head and pursed her lips. “Sounds suspicious.”

Tanner reached out and tucked her hair behind her ear. “I assure you, you’ll be safe with me. Always, Mel.”

Chills raced over her skin at his declaration. She wanted to believe him. There was nothing more in this world she wanted than to believe that she’d find a worthy man to trust.