Pinky Swear is such a fun read. You will fall in love with Tanner right from the start, he is such a cowboy and hero, handsome to boot! lol
PINKY SWEAR
By
Jewel Adams
A Pinky Swear between friends brings Andrea her best friend's baby and all the danger that comes with him. Can Andie keep the child safe from the man that brutally murdered his mother?
"Trouble as deep and as wide as a canyon," is exactly what Tanner sees in the woman that captures his attention at the airport. When all the trouble he sensed, follows him home, something tells him that nothing, including his heart, will ever be the same again.
ISBN: 978-1-935048-08-4 1-935048-08-2
Word Count: 26,301
CHAPTER 2
For the past half-hour, Tanner sat watching the play of emotions crossing the girl’s face. That she wasn’t aware of his scrutiny didn’t startle him. “Trouble as deep and as wide as a canyon.”
Yeah, that’s what he saw in her. Common sense said to stay away, and yet Tanner seemed to be having a hell of a time listening to the warnings.
She wasn't exactly a raving beauty. Tanner figured most men would walk past without really noticing her. He liked women that could mount a horse without a stool. She might reach his shoulder…on tiptoe. And her nose, like a young girl’s, small, or maybe it was just that those honey brown eyes were surrounded by brightest coppery lashes that matched her long hair. He owned a mare at his ranch with that color coat, all shiny and sleek. So thick, he wondered what it would feel like falling through his fingers.
Shifting uneasily in his seat, his booted feet crossed over each other as he stretched out his long legs. He tried to pull his intent gaze away from her, but found he didn’t really put much strain on himself to succeed.
His eyes followed the line of soft facial features. She looked like the type to let trapped flies out the screen door. Nicely proportioned, rather thin and too pale, probably worked inside and never went out in the sun. “Burns easily, I’d stake Jedadiah on it.”
Thinking of his stallion, he didn’t think she’d ever been on a horse; city bred was written all over her. “Definitely not your type, Tanner, besides she’s too young.”
He figured she couldn’t be much over twenty-four. At thirty-nine, Tanner made it a rule not to get involved with the young ones. They still carried stars in their eyes. The happily ever after kind and Tanner walked well passed that stage in his life.
But, when the baby started crying, Tanner found he couldn’t look away. He’d never seen a mother so skittish with a baby. Damn, what was it about her?
* * * *
Panicking over Bobby’s wailing, Andie gathered everything up and shoved it inside her purse.
It took her three tries before she found enough confidence to lift the crying baby into her arms.
“Hush sweet thing, if only you were older and could talk.”
The large, weathered hand that took hold of the diaper bag froze Andrea in motion and her mouth dropped open at the sound of his deep, rather sexy voice.
“He sounds hungry.”
His low voice reminded her of cascading water, misty fresh and powerful to the senses. But, the man’s cobalt blue eyes snapped her back to reality. “I hope…think so.”
He held out a baby bottle and all she did was stare at it as if she’d never seen one before. She gave herself a mental shake, realizing he probably didn’t miss much. All of a sudden, Andrea felt angry with Tina, herself and especially that bastard Angelo!
“You want me to feed him, miss?”
“What?” When his meaning finally penetrated, Andrea lifted the baby closer to her breast. “No, I can handle it, thank you.”
Thankfully, she found the strength to take the proffered bottle. Bobby’s eager acceptance let a relieved sigh escape her tight lips. She became lost to all but the amazing child in her possession.
“The way he’s gulping that down you better let him come up for air.”
She couldn’t take back the blank look she gave him, past her surprise at his continued presence. From the deep furrow forming on his brow she sensed he noticed her incompetence.
“He needs burping.”
Cheeks flaming, Andrea’s lips pressed tighter to keep her embarrass anger under control. For all the man’s well-meaning advice, he only reminded her of her own inadequacies with Bobby. If Tina were near, Andrea knew she’d give her friend a thorough telling off for placing her in this position.
And, who the hell is he? After everything else that happened, why should some overbearing cowboy upset her? God, he even wore one of those huge hats. She refused to admit that the black Stetson almost softened his authoritative good looks.
Getting the baby to her shoulder wasn’t exactly a graceful maneuver, but at least she didn’t drop him.
The woman handled the boy as if he’d break, raising Tanner’s dark brow in question. “He must take after his father, a good looking boy.”
“He’s the spitting image of…Robert.” Somehow, Andrea caught herself before saying Tina, but internally she felt as if someone just squeezed her heart.
Tanner cursed his own stubbornness for remaining in her company. Shit, she was obviously attached; yet the tears flooding her eyes held him in the seat like a vise. He wanted to take hold of her and make her tell him what troubled her. She’d think him a certified nut for sure.
“I’m sorry, Mrs.…?” Tanner deliberately emphasized her status and wondered over his own relief for the confusion it put on her face. His gaze automatically fell to her hand for a ring, almost sighing when there wasn’t even a line to indicate an absent presence.
Andrea’s throat constricted as she waited for his eyes to return, knowing what they’d found. “It’s Andie, Andrea…” Damn, what was the name? “Dunbar.”
The loud belch from Bobby broke their locked gazes.
“Good gracious, Bobby, that sounded bigger than you.”
Andrea didn’t realize she’d voiced her astonishment over the baby until the man’s deep-throated laughter burst out. Realizing his eyes were locked on her, and not the baby, told her who tickled his humor. She berated herself for being so obvious. But, Heavens… this was all so new to her.
Andrea didn’t have time to think on what the man might suspect. The most awful smell assaulted her nose.
“I think he let loose at both ends.”
Control seemed beyond her reach as the cowboy's meaning sunk in. Staring at the smiling Bobby, her hands automatically held him away from her lap. Dangling a baby in the air wasn’t something a mother probably did. Pulling him quickly back, she sort of kept his behind cupped in her hand and away from her clothes. “I better go change him.”
“Guess so.” Tanner tried hard not to laugh at her again. But when she walked first one way and then the other, in indecision, he pointed her in the right direction. “It’s that way.”
Andrea took three steps and stopped. Turning about, she moved slowly back to the gloating man, yes he was laughing at her. Snatching the diaper bag off his finger she hurried to leave him.
Shaking his head as she disappeared, his hand closed over the leather shoulder bag at his feet. “That boy better be from strong stock if he plans on surviving with her as his mother.”
Settling back in his seat he pulled his hat down low. A deep smile came slowly over his lips, knowing she’d soon return for her purse.
* * * *
Studying her handiwork with the diaper, she leaned down and rubbed noses with the gurgling baby. “Not bad for a beginner, hey Bobby.”
Snapping his jumper closed, she took stock of the bags contents. Three bottles and five diapers remained, plus two other changes of clothes. Would it be enough to get them to Salem? All kinds of new worries assaulted her. The plane left at nine; would there be any stores open? What did Bobby eat? “I didn’t know planes flew to Salem, Oregon, darn it!”
Seeing only the bottles, she hoped her guess that they held formula was right, but what kind? Bobby’s gurgling made her push away the thoughts of flying across the country
“Looks like I have a lot to learn in a very short time. Books! Now why didn’t I think of that sooner?”
Checking her watch, there were still another thirty minutes until the plane boarded. Gathering up Bobby and the diaper bag, she hoped the gift shop wouldn’t be too far from the gate.
Tanner told himself it must be his impatience to be rid of the scatterbrain girl that kept him watching the restroom door. When she emerged, why should he be surprised to see her looking around as if she were lost?
Tucking her purse under his arm he shot to his feet when she took off in the opposite direction. But, keeping track of her over the heads of the crowd wasn’t easy and he almost missed the tawny head ducking into the gift shop.
The selections pleased her. Andrea picked out two books and a magazine, feeling rather proud that she even thought of looking, under the circumstances. Andrea’s elation dissipated when she reached into the diaper bag for her wallet.
“Looking for something?”
The voice stiffened her back. Why did the cowboy latch on to her? Only the fact he was so obviously the wrong type to be one of Angelo’s thugs kept her suspicions from taking flight. Smiling at the clerk that stared from her to the man waiting behind her, Andrea knew she couldn’t ignore him any longer.
For such a tiny thing, Tanner decided she could deck a man with just a look.
“Mister?” Shifting her weight from foot to foot she never realized how tall he might be, nor how broad. Heavens, there wasn’t a wasted bit of flesh on the man. Pure steel loomed over her.
“It’s, Tanner.”
Andrea actually felt herself leaning forward as she waited for the rest. When nothing came she felt her cheeks burning as she straightened.
Feeling everyone’s eyes on her. “Mister Tanner.”
“Just, Tanner.”
“Just Tanner?” His knowing smile made her fingers itch to flick off his humor, but her hands were too full. Bringing her awareness back to why she stood there, suffering his scrutiny, she held out her hand. “May I have my purse?”
“Do you always go off without it?”
Damn him! She didn’t care how gorgeous his eyes were, they were once again filled with humor—at her expense.
Her lack of thanks equaled the apology he didn’t give her for laughing at her again as she grabbed her purse and stormed off.
The clerk’s call didn’t slow her angry retreat. Tanner figured he didn’t need to follow her, he held the strongest feeling they’d meet again, real soon.
Fingering the books she failed to buy, he could only shake his head. She certainly proved quite a puzzle, “I think she needs these, how much?”
As he paid the clerk, Tanner latched onto a hunch that all wasn’t as it seemed with the little lady.
Thinking she’d left to board the plane, he stopped dead in his tracks when he saw her standing by the newspaper racks outside the shop. The painful sob that tore from her small frame left him cold to his bones. If he'd thought her pale from lack of fresh air, her deathly pallor soon became frightening. Standing there watching her, the sudden sway of her body sent him into action.
The loss of Bobby from her arms sent her reeling to grab him back. The brutal picture of Tina’s murdered body, on the front of the tabloid, left her devastated to her very soul.
“You better let me hold him for awhile. Come one Andie, they are calling the plane.”
It became so easy to let him take control. The weight of responsibility now upon her overwhelmed any arguments. “She is really dead.”
Andrea never felt the arm holding her upright, nor the stiffening in the ample frame for her whispered anguish.
* * * *
“I’m telling you she wasn’t on the plane.”
The white knuckled fist crushed the beer can. “That old bitch wasn’t lying, it had to be that pest Andie!”
“Maybe it was her, but she didn’t keep her reservation and she hasn’t gone back to her apartment.”
Angelo came out of the leather chair. “Then you better find out where she went. Check the airport again.” A cold sneer came over the hard face. “She’s running with my kid. I want her for that!”
The crumpled beer can hit the door as it closed after the man. “Interfering little bitch!” Yeah, it must be Tina’s old friend, he knew only one girl that fit the description that old woman finally gave him. “You think she has the guts to save him from me… eh, Tina?”
CHAPTER 3
“Here, drink this.”
“I don’t drink…” Her voice sounded as shaky as she looked.
“Would you prefer passing out on me?”
“But…”
Thinking she was worried about the boy. “He’s sleeping, don’t worry.”
When the shaking in her hands quit protesting, Tanner’s hand clasped her own about the glass, refusing to release his hold until she downed the double whiskey. He started to feel relieved when the color began returning to her features, even if it came from the drink.
Fighting to catch her breath, “What was that?”
“Bourbon.”
“Oh, my, God.” Andie couldn’t believe it. How did all this happened to her? Tina was dead, she had Bobby, correction, he held the baby, but then she would probably have dropped him. The drink’s fire still burning through her system didn’t help calm her. She kept seeing, Angelo!
Trying to think past the violent image…he’d said it was whiskey! Andrea bit her lip over the new wave of worry. Maybe she should warn the cowboy. Sneaking a look at him and seeing the scowl creasing his brow, she groaned. No, he’d probably jump off the plane. Besides, she’d only been fourteen that first time she drank with…Tina.
Closing her eyes she could still picture Tina’s outrage when she finally came to. “One drink and wham, out like a light! What’s with you, Andie, can’t you do anything bad?”
Andrea tried not to feel the seductive warmth seeping into her legs and arms. She told herself adults didn’t pass out like she did as a kid. So, the drink shouldn’t affect her that way anymore. Just because she never tasted liquor, since that time with Tina, didn’t mean it would happen again, did it?
Tanner needed to lean towards her to hear her slurred words. “I can’t drink…pass out…one drink.”
At first he tried to brush off what he thought she meant, but when her head rolled and came to rest against his shoulder... “Damn! You can’t be real, lady.”
But the girl was beyond hearing.
“Would your wife like another?”
Grinning ruefully up at the hostess, correcting her assumption over the girl’s status seemed a waste of time. “I’ve got a feeling one may have been too many.”
He gave the hostess credit, she recovered faster than he did over the situation. “Can I help?”
Sighing in resignation. “Could you heat up the baby bottle, I’ve a feeling I’m going to need it.”
Staring down at the small dark eyes blinking in question at him. “This flight isn’t going to be long enough, is it, Bobby?”
There was something about a man with a baby that made women flock to them. Stroking the gold strands of hair that fell across his chest, he decided not to correct their assumptions that freed him of the baby for a while. “I guess I deserve all this for not listening to my own good sense.” Talking to her did seem foolish, but then it fit the whole scenario since he’d set eyes on her.
Reaching around her, Tanner pulled her ticket out of her purse looking again at the destination. His own departure was fast approaching and so did the time for decisions. “Hell I don’t have any to make!” Leaving the baby with her like this went beyond impossible. “But I’ll be damned if I will go to Salem for you.”
Imagining the fine state she’ll likely fly into over finding herself at his ranch set another spark to the flame of interest she lit. “A little fresh air couldn’t hurt you none.”
His gaze darkened, remembering the paleness that over-took her earlier. Whatever ailed her wasn’t going to heal anytime soon. Tanner wished she’d stayed alert long enough to tell him what she meant by, she’s really dead.
Pushing his concern away, he reminded himself she wasn’t his to worry over. Right now he faced enough problems. Hell, she’ll probably accuse him of kidnapping.
* * * *
For the past half-hour, Tanner sat watching the play of emotions crossing the girl’s face. That she wasn’t aware of his scrutiny didn’t startle him. “Trouble as deep and as wide as a canyon.”
Yeah, that’s what he saw in her. Common sense said to stay away, and yet Tanner seemed to be having a hell of a time listening to the warnings.
She wasn't exactly a raving beauty. Tanner figured most men would walk past without really noticing her. He liked women that could mount a horse without a stool. She might reach his shoulder…on tiptoe. And her nose, like a young girl’s, small, or maybe it was just that those honey brown eyes were surrounded by brightest coppery lashes that matched her long hair. He owned a mare at his ranch with that color coat, all shiny and sleek. So thick, he wondered what it would feel like falling through his fingers.
Shifting uneasily in his seat, his booted feet crossed over each other as he stretched out his long legs. He tried to pull his intent gaze away from her, but found he didn’t really put much strain on himself to succeed.
His eyes followed the line of soft facial features. She looked like the type to let trapped flies out the screen door. Nicely proportioned, rather thin and too pale, probably worked inside and never went out in the sun. “Burns easily, I’d stake Jedadiah on it.”
Thinking of his stallion, he didn’t think she’d ever been on a horse; city bred was written all over her. “Definitely not your type, Tanner, besides she’s too young.”
He figured she couldn’t be much over twenty-four. At thirty-nine, Tanner made it a rule not to get involved with the young ones. They still carried stars in their eyes. The happily ever after kind and Tanner walked well passed that stage in his life.
But, when the baby started crying, Tanner found he couldn’t look away. He’d never seen a mother so skittish with a baby. Damn, what was it about her?
* * * *
Panicking over Bobby’s wailing, Andie gathered everything up and shoved it inside her purse.
It took her three tries before she found enough confidence to lift the crying baby into her arms.
“Hush sweet thing, if only you were older and could talk.”
The large, weathered hand that took hold of the diaper bag froze Andrea in motion and her mouth dropped open at the sound of his deep, rather sexy voice.
“He sounds hungry.”
His low voice reminded her of cascading water, misty fresh and powerful to the senses. But, the man’s cobalt blue eyes snapped her back to reality. “I hope…think so.”
He held out a baby bottle and all she did was stare at it as if she’d never seen one before. She gave herself a mental shake, realizing he probably didn’t miss much. All of a sudden, Andrea felt angry with Tina, herself and especially that bastard Angelo!
“You want me to feed him, miss?”
“What?” When his meaning finally penetrated, Andrea lifted the baby closer to her breast. “No, I can handle it, thank you.”
Thankfully, she found the strength to take the proffered bottle. Bobby’s eager acceptance let a relieved sigh escape her tight lips. She became lost to all but the amazing child in her possession.
“The way he’s gulping that down you better let him come up for air.”
She couldn’t take back the blank look she gave him, past her surprise at his continued presence. From the deep furrow forming on his brow she sensed he noticed her incompetence.
“He needs burping.”
Cheeks flaming, Andrea’s lips pressed tighter to keep her embarrass anger under control. For all the man’s well-meaning advice, he only reminded her of her own inadequacies with Bobby. If Tina were near, Andrea knew she’d give her friend a thorough telling off for placing her in this position.
And, who the hell is he? After everything else that happened, why should some overbearing cowboy upset her? God, he even wore one of those huge hats. She refused to admit that the black Stetson almost softened his authoritative good looks.
Getting the baby to her shoulder wasn’t exactly a graceful maneuver, but at least she didn’t drop him.
The woman handled the boy as if he’d break, raising Tanner’s dark brow in question. “He must take after his father, a good looking boy.”
“He’s the spitting image of…Robert.” Somehow, Andrea caught herself before saying Tina, but internally she felt as if someone just squeezed her heart.
Tanner cursed his own stubbornness for remaining in her company. Shit, she was obviously attached; yet the tears flooding her eyes held him in the seat like a vise. He wanted to take hold of her and make her tell him what troubled her. She’d think him a certified nut for sure.
“I’m sorry, Mrs.…?” Tanner deliberately emphasized her status and wondered over his own relief for the confusion it put on her face. His gaze automatically fell to her hand for a ring, almost sighing when there wasn’t even a line to indicate an absent presence.
Andrea’s throat constricted as she waited for his eyes to return, knowing what they’d found. “It’s Andie, Andrea…” Damn, what was the name? “Dunbar.”
The loud belch from Bobby broke their locked gazes.
“Good gracious, Bobby, that sounded bigger than you.”
Andrea didn’t realize she’d voiced her astonishment over the baby until the man’s deep-throated laughter burst out. Realizing his eyes were locked on her, and not the baby, told her who tickled his humor. She berated herself for being so obvious. But, Heavens… this was all so new to her.
Andrea didn’t have time to think on what the man might suspect. The most awful smell assaulted her nose.
“I think he let loose at both ends.”
Control seemed beyond her reach as the cowboy's meaning sunk in. Staring at the smiling Bobby, her hands automatically held him away from her lap. Dangling a baby in the air wasn’t something a mother probably did. Pulling him quickly back, she sort of kept his behind cupped in her hand and away from her clothes. “I better go change him.”
“Guess so.” Tanner tried hard not to laugh at her again. But when she walked first one way and then the other, in indecision, he pointed her in the right direction. “It’s that way.”
Andrea took three steps and stopped. Turning about, she moved slowly back to the gloating man, yes he was laughing at her. Snatching the diaper bag off his finger she hurried to leave him.
Shaking his head as she disappeared, his hand closed over the leather shoulder bag at his feet. “That boy better be from strong stock if he plans on surviving with her as his mother.”
Settling back in his seat he pulled his hat down low. A deep smile came slowly over his lips, knowing she’d soon return for her purse.
* * * *
Studying her handiwork with the diaper, she leaned down and rubbed noses with the gurgling baby. “Not bad for a beginner, hey Bobby.”
Snapping his jumper closed, she took stock of the bags contents. Three bottles and five diapers remained, plus two other changes of clothes. Would it be enough to get them to Salem? All kinds of new worries assaulted her. The plane left at nine; would there be any stores open? What did Bobby eat? “I didn’t know planes flew to Salem, Oregon, darn it!”
Seeing only the bottles, she hoped her guess that they held formula was right, but what kind? Bobby’s gurgling made her push away the thoughts of flying across the country
“Looks like I have a lot to learn in a very short time. Books! Now why didn’t I think of that sooner?”
Checking her watch, there were still another thirty minutes until the plane boarded. Gathering up Bobby and the diaper bag, she hoped the gift shop wouldn’t be too far from the gate.
Tanner told himself it must be his impatience to be rid of the scatterbrain girl that kept him watching the restroom door. When she emerged, why should he be surprised to see her looking around as if she were lost?
Tucking her purse under his arm he shot to his feet when she took off in the opposite direction. But, keeping track of her over the heads of the crowd wasn’t easy and he almost missed the tawny head ducking into the gift shop.
The selections pleased her. Andrea picked out two books and a magazine, feeling rather proud that she even thought of looking, under the circumstances. Andrea’s elation dissipated when she reached into the diaper bag for her wallet.
“Looking for something?”
The voice stiffened her back. Why did the cowboy latch on to her? Only the fact he was so obviously the wrong type to be one of Angelo’s thugs kept her suspicions from taking flight. Smiling at the clerk that stared from her to the man waiting behind her, Andrea knew she couldn’t ignore him any longer.
For such a tiny thing, Tanner decided she could deck a man with just a look.
“Mister?” Shifting her weight from foot to foot she never realized how tall he might be, nor how broad. Heavens, there wasn’t a wasted bit of flesh on the man. Pure steel loomed over her.
“It’s, Tanner.”
Andrea actually felt herself leaning forward as she waited for the rest. When nothing came she felt her cheeks burning as she straightened.
Feeling everyone’s eyes on her. “Mister Tanner.”
“Just, Tanner.”
“Just Tanner?” His knowing smile made her fingers itch to flick off his humor, but her hands were too full. Bringing her awareness back to why she stood there, suffering his scrutiny, she held out her hand. “May I have my purse?”
“Do you always go off without it?”
Damn him! She didn’t care how gorgeous his eyes were, they were once again filled with humor—at her expense.
Her lack of thanks equaled the apology he didn’t give her for laughing at her again as she grabbed her purse and stormed off.
The clerk’s call didn’t slow her angry retreat. Tanner figured he didn’t need to follow her, he held the strongest feeling they’d meet again, real soon.
Fingering the books she failed to buy, he could only shake his head. She certainly proved quite a puzzle, “I think she needs these, how much?”
As he paid the clerk, Tanner latched onto a hunch that all wasn’t as it seemed with the little lady.
Thinking she’d left to board the plane, he stopped dead in his tracks when he saw her standing by the newspaper racks outside the shop. The painful sob that tore from her small frame left him cold to his bones. If he'd thought her pale from lack of fresh air, her deathly pallor soon became frightening. Standing there watching her, the sudden sway of her body sent him into action.
The loss of Bobby from her arms sent her reeling to grab him back. The brutal picture of Tina’s murdered body, on the front of the tabloid, left her devastated to her very soul.
“You better let me hold him for awhile. Come one Andie, they are calling the plane.”
It became so easy to let him take control. The weight of responsibility now upon her overwhelmed any arguments. “She is really dead.”
Andrea never felt the arm holding her upright, nor the stiffening in the ample frame for her whispered anguish.
* * * *
“I’m telling you she wasn’t on the plane.”
The white knuckled fist crushed the beer can. “That old bitch wasn’t lying, it had to be that pest Andie!”
“Maybe it was her, but she didn’t keep her reservation and she hasn’t gone back to her apartment.”
Angelo came out of the leather chair. “Then you better find out where she went. Check the airport again.” A cold sneer came over the hard face. “She’s running with my kid. I want her for that!”
The crumpled beer can hit the door as it closed after the man. “Interfering little bitch!” Yeah, it must be Tina’s old friend, he knew only one girl that fit the description that old woman finally gave him. “You think she has the guts to save him from me… eh, Tina?”
CHAPTER 3
“Here, drink this.”
“I don’t drink…” Her voice sounded as shaky as she looked.
“Would you prefer passing out on me?”
“But…”
Thinking she was worried about the boy. “He’s sleeping, don’t worry.”
When the shaking in her hands quit protesting, Tanner’s hand clasped her own about the glass, refusing to release his hold until she downed the double whiskey. He started to feel relieved when the color began returning to her features, even if it came from the drink.
Fighting to catch her breath, “What was that?”
“Bourbon.”
“Oh, my, God.” Andie couldn’t believe it. How did all this happened to her? Tina was dead, she had Bobby, correction, he held the baby, but then she would probably have dropped him. The drink’s fire still burning through her system didn’t help calm her. She kept seeing, Angelo!
Trying to think past the violent image…he’d said it was whiskey! Andrea bit her lip over the new wave of worry. Maybe she should warn the cowboy. Sneaking a look at him and seeing the scowl creasing his brow, she groaned. No, he’d probably jump off the plane. Besides, she’d only been fourteen that first time she drank with…Tina.
Closing her eyes she could still picture Tina’s outrage when she finally came to. “One drink and wham, out like a light! What’s with you, Andie, can’t you do anything bad?”
Andrea tried not to feel the seductive warmth seeping into her legs and arms. She told herself adults didn’t pass out like she did as a kid. So, the drink shouldn’t affect her that way anymore. Just because she never tasted liquor, since that time with Tina, didn’t mean it would happen again, did it?
Tanner needed to lean towards her to hear her slurred words. “I can’t drink…pass out…one drink.”
At first he tried to brush off what he thought she meant, but when her head rolled and came to rest against his shoulder... “Damn! You can’t be real, lady.”
But the girl was beyond hearing.
“Would your wife like another?”
Grinning ruefully up at the hostess, correcting her assumption over the girl’s status seemed a waste of time. “I’ve got a feeling one may have been too many.”
He gave the hostess credit, she recovered faster than he did over the situation. “Can I help?”
Sighing in resignation. “Could you heat up the baby bottle, I’ve a feeling I’m going to need it.”
Staring down at the small dark eyes blinking in question at him. “This flight isn’t going to be long enough, is it, Bobby?”
There was something about a man with a baby that made women flock to them. Stroking the gold strands of hair that fell across his chest, he decided not to correct their assumptions that freed him of the baby for a while. “I guess I deserve all this for not listening to my own good sense.” Talking to her did seem foolish, but then it fit the whole scenario since he’d set eyes on her.
Reaching around her, Tanner pulled her ticket out of her purse looking again at the destination. His own departure was fast approaching and so did the time for decisions. “Hell I don’t have any to make!” Leaving the baby with her like this went beyond impossible. “But I’ll be damned if I will go to Salem for you.”
Imagining the fine state she’ll likely fly into over finding herself at his ranch set another spark to the flame of interest she lit. “A little fresh air couldn’t hurt you none.”
His gaze darkened, remembering the paleness that over-took her earlier. Whatever ailed her wasn’t going to heal anytime soon. Tanner wished she’d stayed alert long enough to tell him what she meant by, she’s really dead.
Pushing his concern away, he reminded himself she wasn’t his to worry over. Right now he faced enough problems. Hell, she’ll probably accuse him of kidnapping.
* * * *
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