I take hold of her elbow and encourage her to keep moving, conscious of the paps that may still be lingering. "Damn straight I'm falling for her. Like you said, she's fucking amazing."
We reach the car and as I bundle Ana in the back, her face softens and she smiles at me. "I'm so happy for you, big brother. You've spent your life looking out for me and making sure I'm okay. It's time for you to be okay."
At that moment, Juliette comes running towards the car. "We need to hurry because they're following!" She's a little breathless and her face is flushed, and she is as beautiful as ever.
Hell, who am I kidding? I'd still think she was beautiful even if she limped my way, dirty as hell and scowling at me.
Yeah, I'd say I've well and truly fallen
Chapter Eleven
JULIETTE
How could I have been so wrong about him? As I think about the way Tanner looked after his sister this afternoon, and reflect on everything I've learnt about him since we met, I know for sure that I judged him incorrectly.
After he dropped Anastasia at her home and made sure she was okay, he dropped his friend at his house and then drove me home. He stayed with me for a little while, but was so distracted that I suggested he go and deal with whatever it was. After he admitted his thoughts were still with Anastasia, we agreed he should go and spend some more time with her.
That was a few hours ago and I've spent the time since catching up on work. And thinking about Tanner. I can't get him out of my mind.
"Shit," I mutter and close my laptop. I pad into my kitchen and pour myself a glass of water. After I drain the glass, I start cleaning my kitchen. Cleaning is one of the only things that helps take my mind off everything. Either that, or it helps me work through my problems.
Just as I'm wiping the last of the counters, there's a knock on my front door. When I answer it, Tanner's standing in front of me with his hands resting on the door frame above his head.
His eyes find mine and hold them. Intensity swirls in the air around us, and I hold my breath for a moment. "We need to talk," he states, and without waiting for my response, he drops his arms and enters my house.
Closing the door, I follow him into my lounge room, where he's standing watching me. "Are you okay?" I ask, feeling apprehensive. He seems agitated or something I can't quite put my finger on.
Closing the distance between us, he growls, "I want you."
That growl goes straight to my core and I feel a little unsteady on my feet. "As in, you want sex?"
"As in, I want you in my life. I know we were just seeing where this was heading, but I want to do that knowing you're mine, and mine only. I'm all in on this, Juliette, and I don't even want to entertain the thought that you might be seeing another man while you're seeing me." His eyes are flashing his need, the same need I'm feeling.
"Tanner, I think you've got the wrong idea about me. I'm not seeing anyone else and I don't ever do that."
"Tell me you want me as much as I want you," he demands, and I wonder where this is all coming from.
"I do want you. I want to explore what a relationship with you would be like, and I can assure you I won't be doing that while dating someone else."
His eyes search mine for a few moments before he finally exhales. "Thank fuck."
I curl my hand around his waist and pull myself closer to him. "Where is this coming from?" I ask softly.
He takes a moment before he replies, and when he speaks, his voice is full of determination, like he's put a lot of thought into this. "When I met you, I wasn't looking for anyone. For the first time in my life, I was bored with dating and thinking about taking some time for myself. Then I met you, and from that first day, you intrigued me. I didn't know what to make of you, but I sure as hell knew I wanted to see you again. Since then, I've seen the real you, and I like what I see." He places his hand over my heart. "I like what's in here—the parts of you that I don't think you show many people. One minute you're fierce and kicking my ass, and then the next you're trying like fuck to hide your embarrassment over your sister telling me how much you like me, and then the next you're putting on your protective gear and going to battle for others. I want to know everything that's in your heart; I want to prove to you that I'm the man you can let your walls down for."
Tears threaten as I take his words in. Goosebumps flood my skin as need and want coil through me. I want this man. I want him like I've never wanted anyone. He sees me, really sees me, and doesn't judge any of my pieces. He makes me feel safe and desired.