Page 91 of Payoff Pitch
I can’t help but smile. “Me too.”
He grabs my hand and kisses it. “Who am I kidding? Everything you do gets me riled up. This desperate need to be close to you at all times isn’t waning. It’s only growing.”
I don’t know how to respond to that. I feel the exact same way, but he’s always been clear about what we are. Is he changing his mind?
Before I can overanalyze his words, we arrive at Fallon’s beautifully decorated home. I haven’t seen it with Christmas lights. It’s stunning.
Tanner knocks on the front door. I’m surprised he doesn’t just walk in like she does at his house.
“Don’t you have a key? I even have a key to this house.”
He scrunches his face. “I don’t like to just walk in. It feels invasive even though I’m happy Fallon does it at my house…except when I’m in bed with you.”
I smile just as the front door opens. Harper runs out and jumps into my arms. “Bailey’s here!”
I squeeze her tight. “Merry Christmas, angel.”
Tanner grumbles, “What about me?”
I joke, “Merry Christmas to you too, Mr. Montgomery.”
He narrows his eyes at me. Harper and I both giggle, and she wiggles her way down from my arms and into his. “Merry Christmas, Daddy.”
“You too. Are you all packed for our trip?”
She nods enthusiastically. “Yes. Mommy said the cabin you rented has an outdoor hot tub. Is that true?”
“It sure is. It’s cold out, so you have to run really fast to get in and out of it. Can you do that?”
“Yes! I’m superfast.”
He nods. “I agree. The hot tub overlooks the Rocky Mountains. It will be beautiful.” He winks at me. “Think of all the fun we can have in that hot tub.”
My heart starts beating faster. This man.
I notice the candy necklace around Harper’s neck. “Ohh, is this fancy jewelry new?”
She smiles. “Yes. My grandparents got it for me.”
“I love it. They know you well.”
The door widens and Fallon’s beautiful, grinning faceappears. “Merry Christmas. Come inside.” She shivers. “It’s freezing cold out here.”
I walk in and hug her. “Wow. You look gorgeous.” I’ve never seen Fallon in anything but scrubs and leggings. She’s in flattering jeans, a tight sweater, and boots, with her hair blown out and makeup on tonight. She’s an undeniably stunning woman.
She rubs my arm. “You’re beautiful, as always.”
I hand her two bottles of wine. “Thank you for having me.”
She takes them. “We’re thrilled to have you. Harper is excited to introduce you to her grandparents. And I’ll open the wine for you and me.”
Harper grabs my hand. “Come on, Bails. They’re dying to meet you.”
I let her drag me through the house into the living room. There’s so much Christmas cheer in this house. It’s such a contrast to what I grew up with. My father did his best, but he was basically on an island doing everything with limited resources. Fallon’s tree is enormous and looks like it was professionally decorated. In fact, all of her holiday decorations look like a professional did it.
I squeeze Harper’s hand. “Wow. This is beautiful. You’re a lucky little lady that your mommy did all this for you.”
An older woman, likely in her sixties, very much resembling Fallon, waves her hand dismissively. “Nonsense. Joel and I did it all for her.” She holds out her hand. “I’m Doris. This is my husband, Joel. Harper never stops talking about you. It’s a pleasure to finally meet you. I’m sorry it’s taken so long. We’ve had a bit of a rough fall season.”