One More Time

“I’d be a lot better if you would let me take you out,” he said, scooting his chair closer to me. “We’ve been playing this little game for years now, Em’. Don’t you think it’s time we do something about it?”

I looked at Janie who was openly glaring at Tanner. She glanced at me with wide eyes and then shook her head, silently telling me to get rid of him before she kicked his ass. If there was anyone who could get under Janie’s skin, it was Tanner Gregory.

“Listen,” I said softly. “Tanner, we’ve been friends for years, and you know I care about you.”

Tanner’s smile was wide and bright. He looked so hopeful that it almost made me lose my resolve. All I had to do was remember his annoying persistence, and my resolve came flooding back, stronger than ever.

“But,” I continued. “I just don’t see you that way. I’m sorry, Tanner.”

“Emily Ward,” he sighed. “What am I going to do with you?”

“You could accept her answer and move the hell on,” Janie said, louder this time.

Tanner glanced at her and then looked back at me. His eyes stared into mine, overwhelming me with their intensity. This was just one thing I hated about Tanner. He had a way of making me feel painted into a corner; like no matter what I did, he would find a way to get me.

“You know we’re perfect for each other,” he said softly. “Absolutely perfect.”

“Tanner,” I began but he cut me off with a look.

“Don’t worry,” he said, smiling slyly. “I can wait a little longer.”

With that, Tanner pushed away from the table and walked over to the bar. He leaned against it and flagged down the bartender. I shuddered and shook my head with disgust.

“You really need to put that asshole in his place,” Janie said darkly.

“He’s not an asshole,” I said. “He’s just—”

“Desperate? Creepy? One step away from becoming a serial killer?”

I laughed. “Stop it. Tanner is sweet in his own way. He just doesn’t know when to give up, that’s all.”

“It’s been a decade,” Janie said bluntly. “A full decade and he still won’t leave you alone. He’s basically your stalker, Emily.”

“He is not,” I said. “Don’t be so dramatic.”

“Whatever,” Janie said, holding her hands up. “But don’t come crying to me when he shows up in your bedroom later tonight.”

“Stop it,” I said again.

Janie just laughed and glanced behind her. Tanner was still standing at the bar. When she looked back at me, her eyes were dark with concern.

“You’re really worried about him, aren’t you?” I asked.

“Can you blame me?” Janie asked. “It’s enough already.”

“I know.” I sighed. “I wish he would give up too.”

“Maybe one day,” Janie said. “After he has you kidnapped in his basement for twenty years.”

“You’re not funny.” I glared at her.

“Oh, you know

I’m not serious.” Janie rolled her eyes and leaned over the table. “I know Tanner’s harmless, but that doesn’t mean I don’t want to punch him in the nuts every single day.”

“What if it were you he was hitting on?” I asked, raising my eyebrows.

“Then I would punch him in the nuts.”