Page 80 of Tanner
Tanner’s gaze followed where she pointed and smiled. “Technically, he’s a wolfdog. More wolf, but we really don’t know how much.”
How could he take the appearance of this monster with such calm?
“His name is Dodger,” he said.
That name tugged at her memory. Kenzie had mentioned the name a few times, but she couldn’t make sense of it now. How could anyone attach it to this clearly dangerous animal right in front of her? The stories she remembered painted a much gentler picture. Thiswolf or wolfdog showed zero signs of being tame. Wildness and unpredictability rolled off him in waves.
“Is he dangerous? And why is he looking at me like that?”
“He’s probably deciding on whether to eat you now or later, kinda like me.” Dodger bounded away from the cabin and disappeared into the woods on the far side. Shifting her around from his back where she’d ducked to hide, Tanner scooped her up into his arms and carried her toward the cabin. She tucked her face against his warm chest.
“I know Dodger scared you,” Tanner said, “but believe me, I’ll sleep better tonight knowing he’s around.”
“Is he a pet? He didn’t look like a pet.”
“I don’t know what Dodger is. He’s like the guardian angel of the ranch. He always seems to turn up, usually when someone’s in trouble. I can’t explain it. It’s like he shows up when he’s needed and then he’s gone. Believe me, he’s a mystery, but it’s a good one.”
She’d have to be satisfied with that explanation. “I won’t worry about him eating me if you say it’s okay. But didn’t you have an option on eating me as well?”
Tanner kicked the cabin door open. “That’s not an option, babygirl, it’s an already done deal,” he said as he carried her inside with a grin on his face.
The next morning, Junie woke slowly, curled tight against Tanner’s side with one leg thrown over his thick thighs. He stayed fast asleep, his chest rising and falling in deep, even breaths. He looked so peaceful, softer than she usually saw him, and she lay there for a long moment, just drinking him in. This strong, protective man hadn’t just built her a house. He’d built her a home. Her heart swelled until it felt too big for her chest.
She slipped out of bed barefoot, wearing nothing but one of his large T-shirts that fell to her thighs, and padded into the kitchen. She’d beendying to try out this beautiful kitchen he had made for her. The pantry and fridge were stocked with everything she could need, right where she wanted them. Soon, the comforting scents of honey, cinnamon, and warm sugar filled the air as she mixed and fried a batch of homemade donuts.
Reaching into the drawer, she pulled out a dusting bag, a little cheesecloth pouch that reminded her of the ones she used at the bakery. After she filled it with spiced powdered sugar, she gave it a gentle shake and sent a fine cloud of sweet goodness drifting over the warm donuts.
“Perfect,” she cooed softly, a smile tugging at her lips. “You are going to make Tanner so happy this morning. Just look at you.”
She loved this part. The quiet rhythm of baking always calmed the busy thoughts in her head. With a practiced flick of her wrist, she dusted each pastry again, then turned them to coat the other side. The faint cinnamon sweetness blended so well with the warm vanilla already drifting through the kitchen.
“Morning, Cupcake.”
Tanner’s sleep-roughened baritone rolled over her like warm honey and sent a shiver straight between her thighs. She jumped, nearly dropping the dusting bag. She hadn’t even heard him come in. He leaned against the doorway, arms crossed over his bare chest, watching her with that quiet, intense look that always made her feel completely seen.
“You scared me!” she squeaked. “How long have you been standing there?”
“Long enough to see you talking to your donuts again.” He gave her an easy smile. “It’s cute as fuck.”
She narrowed her eyes, cheeks warming. “It’s not talking to the donuts. I’m encouraging them. And it’s a very important step.”
Tanner pushed off the doorframe and crossed the kitchen with slow, predatory strides. She couldn’t help staring at the way his muscles shifted under his skin. That body of his did wicked things to her.
He stopped right behind her, close enough that she could feel his heat wrap around her. One big hand reached around and gently swiped a streak of powdered sugar from her cheek.
“Whatever you say, little baker.”
That light touch made her shiver again. Before she could think of a reply, the shiver traveled down to her dusting hand. A cloud of sugar puffed everywhere.
Tanner chuckled against her back. “Careful there, Cupcake. You keep shaking that thing so hard, you’re gonna give me ideas about some other things you could be doing with that hand before breakfast.”
Her eyes widened. Heat flooded her face. His teasing had gone far enough.
She spun around and hurled the dusting bag straight at him.
Pouf.
A white cloud exploded across his face, coating his dark stubble, his eyelashes, and the front of his black t-shirt. The kitchen was completely silent for one heartbeat.
