Chapter Twenty-Seven
He finished buttoning his shirt just as a soft knock sounded on his sliding back door. Glancing up, he found Oakley, dressed in a blouse and slacks, apparently more than ready to go.
After spending the morning lazing around in her bed, he’d decided she deserved a day of celebration. They both did. So, he had offered to take her out to lunch and she didn’t hesitate in accepting.
Opening the door, he let her in. “Give me another minute.”
“Sure.” She walked over to the couch and sat down, her gaze locked on him.
He returned to the kitchen counter, picked up the small handgun, and slid it in the holster at his ankle.
Glancing up, he found Oakley studying him with interest. Not fear or uncertainty, just a subtle wariness that pulled at his heartstrings.
Upon striding over, he lowered himself to the couch beside her. Automatically, he took her hand, wrapping it between his larger ones. “You need to understand something.” He sucked in a breath and put everything on the line. “I’m not going to quit my job, not until I’m unable to keep up physically. It’s who I am. What I want to do.”
She nodded. “I know. You’re a warrior through and through.”
“But?” He pressed, needing to air out this detail fully.
“I can’t help but worry. I hate the thought of you getting hurt or…worse.” She glanced down.
He used one finger on her chin to tilt her head back up. “I’ve been through hell and back, took chances that were certain death because it didn’t matter one way or the other as long as the mission proved successful. Now, things have changed. I have something to live for, someone to come home to. So, know that nothing in my power will prevent me from returning home to you.”
“What if…?”
He shook his head. “Life is full of ‘what ifs.’ They get you nowhere and only drive you insane. I believe we have X amount of time on this earth. When it’s our time, it’s time. Nothing will change that.”
Her head bobbed. “Like getting struck by lightning or having a car crash into your house.”
“Exactly. Yes, there’s inherent danger in what I do, but I know what I’m doing and my limitations. We take every precaution possible.”
Her eyebrows furrowed. “You and the rest of the team are the best, I have no doubt. I guess I just love you so much I can’t imagine life without you.”
“Then don’t.” He met her lips in a chaste kiss. “Because I’ll always come back to you.” Tanner waited a moment, his mind whirling with concern. “Not every woman can handle me or my life. There’s no shame in that.”
Oakley smacked him lightly on the arm. “Let me tell you something. I’ll have you know I’m strong—dang strong. When I said I’m your other half on the day we met, I meant it.” Her lips eased into a smile. “I promise I can handle you and anything else that comes along. Happily and with no regrets.”
“Sure?”
“Absolutely.”
“Good. Because I’m not ready to give you up any time soon.” He watched the emotions cross her face until she finally bit her lower lip thoughtfully.
“Can I ask something?”
“Sure.” His gut clenched in preparation.
“I know you’re very proud and rightfully so. But I know you have nightmares. Maybe even flashbacks related to what happened in your past. I have no right to ask you this, but I can’t help but believe you could be happier if you just talked about them to someone.”
Relief ebbed his tension. He smiled slightly. “Didn’t I tell you? When I returned, I called up your old boss. Talked to him about a few things.”
“You did?” Surprise and hope flared in her pretty green eyes, sending a wave of desire straight to his groin.
“Yep. While I might not have appreciated the way things came down, I did take notice.” Sitting in a ditch with your life precariously close to ending brought a few important facts to light.
“I’m so proud of you.” She wrapped an arm around his neck and hugged him tight. Settling back, she smiled up at him. “I know how much it helped me. That’s why I pushed. You deserve to be happy.”
“I am, minx. Trust me. I am.” He punctuated the admission with a kiss of promise, feeling and love.