“Are you worried we won’t have dinner together if I find a boyfriend?”
“It’s a lot more than dinner, Tancy.” He looked at his plate. “I don’t know how it happened, but you’ve become my closest friend.”
“Really?”
“We spend most of our free time together.” He shook his head. “You have noticed that, right?”
“It was a pandemic; we didn’t have much choice. Forced proximity and world events shoved us together.”
“That might’ve been true initially, but not now.” He took a bite of the brisket. “No matter what you tell yourself, we like one another and choose to spend most of our free time together.”
“That’s because I excel at dealing with a living, breathing brick wall.”
“And I don’t seem to mind living inside a constant tornado, so there you go.” He watched her dissolve into a fit of giggles and decided there was no better sound in the world. The laughter was a tremendous shaking tremor. “And clearly, I’m entertaining as hell. Which is a bonus that shouldn’t be ignored.”
She wiped her eyes. “I can’t disagree.”
“Damn straight.” He dug into his meal and thought about all the things Tancy had said and the things she hadn’t. “I’m sorry that I hurt your feelings.” Leaning forward, he waited until she looked up. “There isn’t a man alive that wouldn’t kill to have a chance with you.”
“That is untrue.” She picked up her glass and looked across the yard. “Men say they want strong, smart women until they encounter one.” Taking several sips of wine, she let out a sigh. “Let’s face it, my tenacity and super juicy curves aren’t for everyone.”
He smiled wickedly. “Those hips of yours are the reason why a man would run home from work early and live happily in a house filled with plastic toys and sippy cups.”
“Really?”
“Absolutely. And you don’t need to waste your time on a man intimidated by your intelligence and ferocity. If someone thinks you’re too much, tell them to go find less and leave you the hell alone.”
“Damn, Teague.” She squeezed his hand. “That is some fine testimony.”
“Just telling the truth.” He returned to his meal and was thankful that she wasn’t aware of how many men would love to have a shot. “I almost forgot to ask; do you want to drive to Haven together? I was planning to leave Friday morning for the wedding festivities.”
“I suppose that’s a good idea.”
“Great,” he said quietly. “I’m staying at the bed and breakfast.”
“So am I.” She gave him another scoop of macaroni salad. “Why aren’t you staying at the family manse? I hear it’s filled with some rabble-rousing ghosts, which could be a lot of fun.”
“I didn’t put my request in early enough and would have to share a room with my brother.” He shuddered. “That’s something I’ve avoided since we were teens since he snores like a freight train.”
“Alright, the B&B it is.” She smiled widely. “I’m looking forward to seeing Lucy and Linc tie the knot and can’t wait to dance with all your gorgeous cousins in attendance.”
Silently groaning, Teague promised himself to do everything he could to keep Tancy away from his relatives. Even if it involved twirling her around the dance floor the whole evening.
SEVEN
Talk about an unfortunate development. Tancy pushed her glasses up, closed the email, and knew there was only one choice. God willing, it wouldn’t end in disaster. Silently calculating the risks of doing nothing, she picked up the phone and called her client. “Laura, it’s time to pack a bag for you and the girls. The order was denied, and I’d like to stash you out of sight until the custody hearing.” She tapped her pen on her desk and listened to her client’s concerns, knowing that what she suggested wasn’t easy. “Let’s not gamble and see how far he’s willing to go.” After a few more questions, Laura acquiesced. “I will be at your back door in an hour.” Once she received agreement, she ended the call and thought through several scenarios.
One option was calling Teague and having him stand guard while she helped her client and children leave the family home. Not the worst choice, but a little too obvious. The moment the disgruntled ex caught sight of Teague in all his badass glory, he would be primed for a confrontation. A situation she didn’t want him to be forced into.
Subterfuge and sleight of hand would be much better. All she needed was an appropriate distraction. Tapping her finger against her chin, she caught sight of Dax and Scott strolling out of the barbershop. “Perfect,” she muttered.
She hightailed it out of the office and dashed across the street. “Hey, guys.”
Dax stopped in the middle of the sidewalk. “What’s up, Tasmo?”
Rolling her eyes at the old nickname, she drew in a breath. “I am nothing like the Tasmanian Devil, nor have I ever been.”
“As far as nicknames go, it’s not bad.” Scott gave her a slow once over. “How did you get it anyway?”