Page 48 of Payoff Pitch
Just then, a huge bolt of thunder strikes, startling both of us into breaking the kiss.
Tanner briefly closes his eyes and breathlessly says, “Shit. We can’t do this.”
I breathe back, “We can. I want you.”
He grabs my face. “I want you too, Bailey. I truly do. But I can’t do this to you. I can’t do it to Harper either. She loves you. This isn’t right.”
I’m silent. I won’t beg him. If he doesn’t want me, I certainly won’t force it.
I silently nod as I lift my body off his and turn my face toward the house before he sees the tears brewing in my eyes.
He stands and holds me in his arms while I bury my head in his chest and hold back the sobs. Rubbing my hair gently, he says, “I promise, this is for the best.” He pulls back. “Let’s get you into a hot shower before you get sick.”
I momentarily hold out hope that he’ll get into that shower with me, but he doesn’t. He merely drops me at the door of the guestroom and wishes me a good night.
CHAPTER TEN
TANNER
It’s been an awkward week since that night in the batting cage. She lived with us those first few days but wouldn’t make eye contact with me and barely said two words to me. She left her room just in time for me to head out and went back to her room as soon as I arrived home. That’s never been the case before that night. She never acted like she was on the clock. She would always arrive early and always stick around when I’d get home for dinner or to finish a movie. I hate this strain in our relationship.
I haven’t seen her for the past few days. Harper was with Fallon, and Bailey had a road trip. But I’ll see her tonight at theSports Illustratedreveal party.
Even though it’s my night with Harper, I need to be at this party. Fallon is taking her for the evening. She should be here shortly to pick her up on her way home from work.
I’m attempting to tie the bowtie on my tuxedo when Harper walks into my room and gives me a huge smile. “Wow, Daddy, you look like a movie star.”
I smile at my princess. “Thanks, bug. I can’t get this tie done right though. Any chance you know how to do it?”
She shrugs. “I can try.”
She makes several attempts but fails adorably.
We eventually hear the front door open and close. Fallon’s voice carries through the house. “Hello? Anyone here?”
Harper yells, “In Daddy’s room, Mommy.”
We hear her make her way up the steps and then she walks in. Her eyes take in my outfit, and she lets out a whistle. “Damn, Tanner, you look good.Reallygood.”
“Mommy, that’s ten dollars.”
“Damnis a bad word? Since when?”
“Daddy says it’s a lazy word.”
Fallon smiles. “Hmm. I don’t want to be lazy.” She wiggles her eyebrows. “Hot diggity dog, you look good, Tanner. Is that better?”
Harper giggles. “Yes.”
Fallon takes notice of my tie situation. “Do you need some help?”
“Please. Harper, take note. Your mommy is a pro at this.”
Fallon walks over and expertly works the tie, as she’s done many times for me in the past. I smile down at her. “This reminds me of that time I had to stop at your office in New York on my way to the big ESPN event in Connecticut.” I look at Harper. “I was going to the biggest sports awards ceremony in the country each year. Mommy was the only one who could make my tie look good. I had the car service stop at her office on the way just to fix my tie for me. It was before you were born.”
Harper shakes her head in amusement. “That’s so silly. Why didn’t Mommy go with you? She loves sports too.”
I pinch my eyebrows together. I don’t remember why.