Total pages in book: 127
Estimated words: 120708 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 604(@200wpm)___ 483(@250wpm)___ 402(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 120708 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 604(@200wpm)___ 483(@250wpm)___ 402(@300wpm)
Her cheeks flushed. “Well, Stella told me to dress up since we were going to dinner afterwards at the country club. Apparently, Brock’s treat,” she said in a teasing voice.
I smiled and then noticed her eyes giving me a once-over. I was in dress slacks, a button-up shirt, tie, and, of course, I carried a black cowboy hat in my hand. “You sure do shine up nice, cowboy. I don’t think I’ve ever seen you in anything other than jeans and boots, except for the tux at Kaylee and Ty’s wedding.”
This time I laughed. “Well, it makes my mom happy, and she doesn’t ask us to do it too often.”
Her eyes met mine. I could see the confusion in them. The uncertainty of something. Me? What had happened between us? Her feelings toward me? I had so many questions, and the urge to haul her into my arms and kiss her was almost overwhelming. And what in the hell did she need rope and matches for?
I cleared my throat. “I wanted to apologize for the way things were left the other day. I didn’t mean to make you upset, and I hope you know I didn’t mean the things I said. I would never disrespect you, Timberlynn. I need you to know that. I was angry because you were pushing me away.”
She nodded. “I know you didn’t mean it.”
I looked down at the floor, trying to figure out what to say to make her understand that she could trust me. I decided to simply be honest. After all, that was the advice Mom and Dad had both given me when I talked to them this morning about what had happened in Dad’s office between me and Timberlynn. They suggested I talk to Timberlynn and be honest with my feelings, so that was what I was going to do. And be patient. There was that word again. After everything she had told me about her father, I could now see why she had such trust issues. But it still bugged the shit out of me that she thought I was simply a player. My father had said it right when he cautioned that I was going to have to work to earn Timberlynn’s trust.
“I don’t want to lose your friendship, Timberlynn.”
Her mouth turned up at the corners slightly. “I don’t want to lose that either.”
“Good. I also want you to know that I want to be more than friends with you, and if that’s not something you’re able to do, or not wanting to do, then I guess it’s best if you just tell me now. But I did want you to know that I care about you, deeply. I have feelings for you that are stronger than…friendship.”
Her cheeks turned pink.
“But if this isn’t something you’re ready for now, but could possibly be in the future, then I’ll wait.”
“You’ll…wait?” she softly whispered.
I shrugged. “If that’s what you need me to do.”
Her eyes widened and she stared at me for a few moments. She went to speak, but then closed her mouth.
“We’re going to be late, Tanner!” my father called out.
“You’re driving with Ty and Kaylee?” I asked.
“Um, yes. Kaylee texted they’re on their way.”
I gave her another once-over, then winked. “I’ll let you finish getting ready to meet them.”
Her eyes searched my face before she finally smiled and said, “I’ll see you there, then.”
The corner of my mouth twitched before I gave her a nod. I turned and walked away, only to stop when she called out my name.
“Tanner?”
Turning around, I watched as she took a few steps closer to me. “Do you think we can talk later? Alone.”
With a smile, I nodded again. “Sure. Tell me when and where, and I’ll be there.”
“After dinner, the barn loft? Maybe give me time to change clothes and I’ll meet you there?”
My chest felt heavy, and she must have seen the worry on my face, remembering how we’d attempted to talk a couple of days ago and it had turned out disastrously.
“I promise not to get any texts that will alter my mood. And if anyone interrupts us, I won’t flake out on you.”
“Is that your Christmas promise?” I asked, a teasing tone in my voice.
Timberlynn giggled. “Yes! That is my Christmas promise to you.”
“Then, it’s a date.”
Her face lit up as she smiled. “Great.”
“See you at the church, Timber.”
“See you there.”
Nearly an hour later, we were all sitting in church waiting for the Christmas Eve service to start. My mother glanced around nervously.
“You know how Ty is, Mama. He’ll be here,” I said as I squeezed her arm.
“He’ll be here alright, and walking in after the service starts.” She crossed her arms over her chest and turned to look forward. My father was busying himself talking to Brock and holding a sleeping Morgan in his arms.