Page 119 of Let Me Be the One
Lang followed him. “We’ll have it ready in a sec.”
Once they were out of the room, Callie gave him a wan smile. “See?” she whispered quietly. “You’re completely amazing.”
Tanner snorted. He got her settled, said, “Don’t budge,” and went down the hall to get aspirin and a couple of hand towels. From there, he detoured to thekitchen and saw the brothers side by side in front of the sink. Such an incongruous sight, the two of them working industriously to behelpful. It boggled his mind. “Six scoops,” he told Lang. “She likes to taste her coffee, but doesn’t want it too strong.”
Dirk looked nonplussed for a moment, then he frowned in concentration as he carefully removed a scoop from the basket to put back in the can. He closed the lid on the maker, pushed a button and said with satisfaction, “It’ll be ready soon.”
Tanner was seeing a whole new side to the brothers, thanks to Callie. It was an odd realization and he wasn’t quite sure what to do with it yet.
He handed Dirk the tray. “Get her a couple of cookies, too.” He nodded to the pantry. “Napkins are on the table. I’ll put her cup together in a minute. She likes it a particular way.”
Lang asked, “Have her critters been fed?”
Tanner hadn’t given a thought to the goats or chickens. That was a first for him, too. “No, they haven’t. They need to be let out of their shelters, fresh water, feed—”
Slapping him on the shoulder, Lang said, “No worries, man. We got it.”
Well hell. The reprobates were actually enjoying being helpful. Hating the brothers was a lot easier than thanking them, but he did it anyway. “Appreciate it.” As they started out the back door, he added, “When that’s done, we need to talk.”
“Damn right we do,” Dirk agreed.
“Past time,” Lang said. “So don’t go anywhere.”
No, he wouldn’t be leaving Callie today, no matter what he had to rearrange. Someone had put a rockthrough her window, and he suspected the snake had been planted.
Until he figured it out, he’d stay by her side.
That idea suited him just fine.
* * *
CALLIE WAS SOproud of Tanner, she almost couldn’t stand it. Amazing was too mild of a word. He was unlike anyone she’d ever known, pivoting easily whenever necessary, holding his temper in check while keeping up his guard.
Being gracious when it was warranted.
He was one of a kind and she wanted him. Today, tomorrow, forever. Yes, it was fast—and she didn’t care.
Now that she’d taken the pressure off her leg, the pain receded to a low but continual ache, still there but not nearly so sharp. Aspirin and ice helped, as did coffee. It was almost comical, sitting in her small, newly updated living room, Tanner on the cushion beside her, Blu stationed in front of her, and Dirk and Lang on chairs facing her.
It was so quiet she could hear herself chewing a cookie. She slanted a look at Tanner, who appeared in deep thought. “So.”
All three men tilted forward, as if ready to jump at her bidding. Even Blu looked back at her, his head tilted.
She snickered. “Do you think you could all relax?”
Tanner countered with, “Feeling better?”
“Yes, I am. Thank you.” She turned to the brothers. “All of you.”
Lang actually flushed, but Dirk nodded. “Welcome. What the hell was that about, anyway?” Before she could reply, he sat forward, his forearms on his kneesand said, “I don’t like that guy. You shouldn’t let him come around.”
Callie touched Tanner’s thigh. Honestly, he was so wired, she thought he might jump to her defense even when she didn’t need it.
“First, I didn’t let him. Sutter and I are through, but he seems to have a problem remembering that.”
“Let Tanner remind him once and the bastard won’t forget again.”
“It’s not Tanner’s problem.”
