Sleepless Nights:The Donovans of the Delta 2(14)
“The first time you took my virtue, we didn’t have an audience.”
She felt his arms slacken, saw the indecision flit briefly across his face. It was a small moment of triumph, a reminder that their past could not be forgotten—nor forgiven.
She pressed her advantage. “I have work to do. You’ll have to find another companion for your buggy, and whatever else you have in mind. Why don’t you ask Evelyn Jo?”
“Jealous, Amanda?”
His mischievous grin reminded her of the time he’d let a bullfrog loose in the auditorium during Parents’ Day.
“Certainly not. I’m glad you’ve found another recipient for your wicked charms.”
“Do you find me charming?”
She found him so charming that she was in danger of making a complete fool of herself right in her own display window. Somehow the game she was playing didn’t seem to be working right. Seeing Tanner was supposed to disenchant her, not confuse her, and certainly not seduce her. It was time to end the game.
“You lost your charm long ago, Tanner, when you chose a pigskin over me. I much prefer the steady attraction of a man like Claude to that will-o’-the-wisp behavior you call charm.”
Tanner’s eyes blazed as he reached out and scooped her up into his arms. He held her so hard against his chest, she could barely breathe.
“Claude isn’t here for you to run to, Amanda. It’s just you and me.”
“Put me down!”
There was no humor in his smile. “Afraid?”
“Not of the devil. And certainly not of you.”
“You should be.”
The window shook as he stepped down, clutching Amanda tightly against his chest.
“You pirate. Where are you going?”
“On a picnic. You’ll love it.”
“I have a shop to run.”
Tanner turned to Maxine. “Can you handle the shop by yourself today?”
“Don’t you dare say yes,” Amanda warned.
Maxine fluffed up her blond hair and grinned. “I can handle this shop even if a herd of buffalo come stampeding in here. You two go on and have fun.”
“Fun!” Amanda’s angry retort was lost in the tinkling of the shop’s bell as Tanner opened the door.
He turned back to Maxine. “Thanks, doll. I owe you.”
“You can send me an outrageously expensive wedding gift.”
“I’ll do more than that. I’ll pay for the honeymoon.”
“Well, hot damn.”
“It’s a conspiracy,” Amanda muttered as Tanner strode boldly onto the street.
The townspeople, who had waited around for the finale, clapped and cheered, then scattered to go on about their Christmas errands.
“The whole town must be in on this.”
“Haven’t you read the papers? I’m their favorite native son. They love me.”
“Well, I don’t.”
“Good. That means nobody will be hurt this time.”
They glared at each other. Amanda was shocked at what she saw in his eyes. Remnants of pain. She recognized it because she’d seen it in her own eyes too often not to know. A tiny glow of hope flickered to life inside her. Was it possible that after eleven years a part of Tanner still loved her as she did him? After everything they’d done to each other, could they have a second chance?
The warm December breeze lifted a strand of her hair and brushed it gently against his cheek. She saw the softening of his expression. It almost resembled love.
Her hand trembled as she reached up to touch his familiar square jaw. The moment took on a brilliant clarity. Each note of the Christmas music drifting from the stores was joyful and hauntingly sweet. The chatter of the Christmas shoppers added a gay counterpoint to the music. Even the timid rattle of leaves in the old oak beside her shop and the scolding of a gray city squirrel added to the beautiful melody that was playing around her. Lard Pritchard’s whistle marked the time.
Her fingertips brushed his face, hesitantly, tenderly. He leaned close to her, so close that their breath mingled. She could almost taste his lips. Her tongue drew a tiny circle around her mouth.
Tanner closed his eyes and let out a harsh breath. Pulling back, he stared into her face.
“How am I doing, Amanda? Is this the kind of courtship you like? Is this what it takes to get you into my bed?”
The hand that had been caressing his face drew back and slapped him. “You frivolous playboy. You’ll never get me into your bed. Never!”
“If that little love pat is all the fight you’re going to put up, I’ve got this touchdown as good as made.” He walked with confidence and arrogance as he crossed the sidewalk and placed her in the surrey.
“You never could get your mind off football for long, could you, Tanner?” She gave the enormous, foil-wrapped box a vicious kick. “If you think I’m here against my will, you’re sadly mistaken. I’m going on this damned buggy ride so I can verify all the reasons I jilted you in the first place. Every minute I spend with you confirms the wisdom of marrying Claude.”