Be with Me (Return to Haven 2)

“You’re not interrupting.” Tanner would call Cash later and get the lowdown on the issues at the gym. “Cash is leaving.”

Cash kept his eyes on Tanner and that damn mocking grin on his face. “Yes, I was just leaving.”

Melanie frowned as she glanced to Cash. “I hope not because I’m here.”

“Tanner said he was waiting on someone,” Cash stated. Tanner flipped him the one-finger salute behind Melanie’s back. “I can text him.”

Cash leaned in and gave Melanie a kiss on her cheek. “See you both later.”

Once he was gone, Tanner clicked the deadbolt back into place and turned his attention to Melanie . . . who wasn’t smiling, wasn’t even looking his way. She twisted the strap on the purse she had on her shoulder. Her other hand clutched the closure of her oversized cardigan. The Georgia weather had turned a bit chilly in the evenings, but that was to be expected in November.

But he didn’t think the crisp fall air had anything to do with the way she held her sweater so tight against her chest.

Tanner made his career out of reading people and comprehending what they weren’t saying. Something had Melanie terrified. Perhaps it was being back in his house, in the exact spot where they’d torn at each other’s clothes.

But if she was that tense, why was she here? He hadn’t seen her like this before. This Melanie was a far cry from the confident, brazen woman at the bar and the woman he’d come to know over the past several months. He’d never seen her anything but confident.

“You didn’t have to come if you’re that nervous.”

The last thing he wanted was for her to be uncomfortable or feel pressured. He wanted her to see how this chemistry shouldn’t be ignored, but he’d shut down everything if she thought for a second that he’d force her.

Melanie barely moved, other than her eyes, which finally met his. “Can we talk?”

Oh, hell. Those three words never preceded anything good. But what could she have to say that was so upsetting? She wasn’t calling things off between them, it wasn’t like they had a relationship.

Worst-case scenario, she’d decided not to sleep with him. And that would be tragic because they’d nearly set his front door ablaze when they’d finally given in to the inevitable. He’d discovered just how passionate sweet, quiet Melanie truly was.

If nothing else, maybe they’d just be friends. He was cool with that, too, because as sexy and sultry as Melanie was, she also intrigued him. Tanner found that he wanted to learn more about her and what brought her here . . . other than her friends.

Never before had he thought of just getting to know a woman for no apparent reason. Everything about Melanie fascinated him, though. She wasn’t like any woman he’d ever met before.

On the flip side, if this didn’t end in a friendship, their social gatherings would nosedive straight into awkward, and that was the last thing he wanted for his friends.

Deciding the entryway wasn’t the best place to get into what was obviously going to be a serious conversation, Tanner gestured toward the living room. He wasn’t used to playing host, but he wanted to do something to calm Melanie’s obvious nerves. It was apparent she’d rather be anywhere else, so he was eager to uncover just what had her so jittery. Odd that that word slipped into his mind when it was the same one he’d used earlier, but it described her. She was definitely on edge about something.

“Come on in.”

She gripped that purse tighter and licked her lips. “You need to know something first.”

Tanner’s heart kicked up. Something had seriously spooked her. Was it her ex? Had he threatened her? Tanner had no qualms about confronting bastard abusers.

Melanie’s demeanor with Cash only moments ago had been completely different than now. So perhaps the issue was in fact with Tanner. His gut tightened. He sure as hell didn’t want her afraid to be alone with him.

Aside from their narrow circle of friends, the town was too small to dodge each other completely. The last thing he wanted was to avoid the one woman who’d piqued his interest in months.

“What is it?” he asked.

Melanie met his eyes. Without blinking, she said, “I’m not here for sex.”

Well, she was blunt if nothing else. Must be that attorney in her that didn’t want to mess with the small talk or dance around the topic. He might not like what she had to say, but he appreciated her honesty, and she’d come here for a reason. He was more interested in what she did want.

“You look like you’re ready to shatter.” He took a step forward until he stood directly in front of her, but he used every ounce of control not to reach for her. “Is someone bothering you, Mel?”

“What? Oh, no. Nothing like that.” She pulled in a shaky breath, then shook her head and glanced away. “This is harder than I thought.”

Unable to ignore her obvious turmoil a moment longer, Tanner reached out and pushed a strand of honey-blond hair away from her cheek. He feathered his fingers along her creamy skin. Call it masochism, but he couldn’t resist. Maybe if she realized he actually did care, she’d relax.

Bright eyes flared, desire stared back at him for the briefest of moments before she blinked it away and took a step back.