Page 44 of Out of Bounds
Despite everything that’s blowing up in my life, I’ve thought about the way it felt to be close to Tanner during the storm last week. I’ve done more than think about the way he makes everything lighter, somehow. I’ve clung to that feeling of fullness and brightness he gives me when we’re together, even while he’s covered in animal crap.
But each time my mind starts to blur the lines of friendship andmore, I shut it off. Because come on, he’s Tanner Pace. A star. A player.
I’mme. No money of my own. Colton’s kid sister. Single mom. Nothing more to offer than a strong will and stoic humor.
But the way Tanner’s hand felt over mine, the way we moved, slow and steady, smooth, it made everything south of my waistline run a red light.
He’s a man I know I can’t want. I shouldn’t want. But being around him is increasingly a safe space. A rock steady, six-foot-three bearded giant, who’s as handsome as he is funny, and as tough as he is kind. Completely unexpected and yet someone whose presence I’m coming to depend on because he’s the one person I’m a little bit like my old self around, and I miss her. Who I was before everything got so messed up.
He’s become a friend. A good friend. The only one who doesn’t seem afraid of me and all my baggage.
It’s unsurprising really, since my brother is generally a very good judge of character and he likes Pace. It’s why Colton beats himself up so much about introducing me to Auston. He called it wrong, but we all did. No one more than me.
Tanner and I strap into his sister’s car and I knock the car into reverse, rolling us back from the white fence and turning onto the dirt road.
“Alright, girly, today I want to see your emergency stop.”
“Okaaaay.”
He casually points to the road ahead. “Head on out like usual and when the moment comes, you’re going to slam the anchors on. It’s easy in an automatic, mostly about spotting the hazard in good time and coming to a stop as quickly but smoothly as you can.”
“Quick and smooth?” I repeat, raising one brow.
“Like silk, baby,” he says, sliding down into his seat, settling in for the ride.
“How in hell do I achieve silk?”
He looks my way and even though I’m focused on the road, I know he’s smirking as he asks, “Haven’t you ever seen me play ball?”
“Tanner Pace, don’t you bring your cavalier attitude into my ride.”
He chuckles. I like that I can make him laugh the way he does me. It’s become something of a goal of mine.
“Brake hard, then ease your foot off the pedal at the last second,” he explains.
“You should know that I failed one of my tests because I almost put the examiner through the windshield. Are you sure you want to do this?”
He reaches back behind his seat and pulls out his football helmet, planting it on his head. “I’m all set.”
Now I’m laughing so hard I can barely drive. “I didn’t even see you put that in the car. So, are you going to tell me when to make the stop, like they do in the exam?”
He shakes his helmet-covered head. “Brake when you see a hazard, Annie Quinn.”
“A hazard? On all this open space? We’ll never stop.”
“Mmmhmm. The cows and hens might have a different view. Drive, pretty lady.”
I try not to read into him calling me pretty. The man drove to the ranch in a blacked-out car to avoid being seen with me. But the skin of my neck heats with the compliment, no matter if it was unintended.
And speaking of footballers who don’t want to be seen with me…
“How’s my brother doing, Tanner? Not only about this whole Auston mess but this season?”
He stares at me for long seconds, until he replies. “He’s doing well, so far as I can tell. A lot better than last season, honestly. He seems to be in a better place. I’m sure having Sas now is helping, his game is tight.”
I nod. “I was worried about him last season. The game is his life and he couldn’t get his head in it.”
“Actually, I think he’s realized that the game isn’t everything. It’s a big life lesson. One I’m only coming to now and I’m in my thirteenth year.”
