She mopped up the tears and headed back to her shop. She made herself catalogue her blessings—a wonderful business, a great family, her health.
Why wasn’t it enough?
Chapter 36
The students in Tanner’s class couldn’t focus, so he let them leave early. He didn’t know how to help them. He’d have to ask a college counselor how to talk to them about Ray’s death.
They’d better get used to it if they were going into journalism. People died all the time. Someone had to report it. Funny, no one had driven that home at Columbia University. Real-world lessons sucked.
His phone vibrated in his pocket as he walked into his office. He wanted to smash it against the concrete wall when he saw Sommerville’s number.
“Yes?”
“I wanted to see if you’ve made any progress now that I’ve shown my seriousness.”
There was no way Tanner was going to tell Sommerville that he and Meredith had made love. “Didn’t you get my texts? We’re exclusive.”
The amused chuckle made his hand clench. “I want more proof.”
“Like what?” Tanner ground his teeth. “Would a picture of us in my house suffice?”
“That would be a nice start.”
“Good. Now I don’t mean to be rude, but I need to go.”
“She’s getting to you, isn’t she?”
His toe smarted when he kicked the desk. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
“Yes, you do.”
“I don’t become emotionally involved on assignment—ever.”
“Hmm…I see. Has she been to bed with you yet?”
He tensed in the chair, forcing all emotion from his voice. “No.”
“Well, when she does, it’s the green light. She never goes to bed if she’s not in love. Hell, there was only one guy before me. Her inexperience wasn’t exactly welcome, but it did have its advantages. Pygmalion, you know.”
His muscles locked as he forced himself to calm down. “I’ll keep that in mind.” It was time to change the conversation before he lost his composure. He didn’t want to think about Meredith with her ex. “She took you to the cleaners, didn’t she? Whatever does she have on you, Rick?”
“You think you’re fucking smart, don’t you, McBride? Well, I have you by the balls. I can destroy your brother. And I can destroy you and Meredith too. I think I’ll arrange a nice long massage today to celebrate.”
“You’ll get your picture. Fuck off!” Tanner tossed the phone aside. “Shit.” He paced the small space, feeling claustrophobic.
He hated the idea of sending the guy a picture. Christ, he was getting in deeper every minute. Now that they’d had sex, his lies weighed on him heavier. He’d have to tell her. And soon.
He ran over the conversation again. Sommerville was playing with him like a lion with an antelope trapped under his paw.
He picked up the phone. “Peg, I need you to call the private detective you hired in New York.” His fist punched the air. “Check out the massage place Sommerville goes to today.”
When he hung up, he gripped the desk. God, they needed a break.
He picked up his bag, his feet suddenly more grounded. Sommerville was going to pay.
For what he’d done to him.
And for what he’d done to Meredith.
Chapter 37
Tanner insisted on picking Meredith up from the office. He wasn’t taking any chances with her, he’d told her. How nice.
Hugo greeted them when they arrived at Tanner’s house, barking up a storm.
“How’d you get out?” She rubbed Hugo behind his ears.
Tanner opened the front door, motioning for her to go in before him. “I put in a dog door today.”
She wrapped her arms around him as he shut out the cold. “Someone was busy.”
“I didn’t want to keep you waiting again,” he whispered in her ear, nuzzling her neck.
“I have the police and coroner’s report on Ray’s death,” she said, still holding him. “Plus, the report on Kenny’s dishonorable discharge. Grandpa handed them to me as I left the office today.”
“He’s a busy guy, your grandpa. Peggy was too. Guess who drives a 2009 F150 in Royal Red?”
Her hands tightened in his hair. “Please tell me his name starts with K.”
“And if I do?” His mouth cruised down her neck.
“I’d say you’re going to get lucky.”
He pulled her flush against his body. “Words every guy loves to hear.”
She pushed back from him, his black fleece soft under her palms. “But I want to read the reports first.” It seemed immature, but she was bouncing in place like a kid who was excited to visit the arcade.