Page 38 of Tanner

Tanner frowned at her. “How?”

“Just before your attack began that pan on the floor over there flew into the air and dropped.”

Travis glanced at Tanner. “You had another episode?”

“Yes,” he said quietly.

“And then what happened?” Travis said.

“That is none of your business,” Tanner said and walked out of the kitchen, leaving her to deal with these two.

Just like him to run when things became a problem. And she was most definitely a problem for him.

Desiree glanced at Travis and then back to Emily. “Strange things are going on. Are you certain you don’t need help cleaning up?”

That was the last thing Emily wanted. Right now, she just needed everyone to leave, so she could think about what had transpired between her and Tanner and her feelings.

Tears welled in her eyes.

“Are you all right?” Desiree asked.

“I’m fine. Please check on Tanner. Make certain he’s all right. Make certain he is not having another episode. Sometimes they come back to back.”

Why wouldn’t these people get out of her kitchen? She just wanted to be alone.

Travis stepped up to her. “Emily, if you helped him through his flashback, that’s something none of us have been able to do.”

Taking a deep breath, she glanced up at Tanner’s brother. “My husband used to suffer from PTSD, so I know what helped him. But, please, this brought up old memories for me. I just need a few minutes alone.”

Standing there staring at the mess in the beautiful kitchen, she watched them leave and then the tears fell in earnest. Putting her face in her hands, she cried.

Tanner and John were nothing alike. And yet, here she was falling in love with the soldier who suffered from a mind-shattering illness just like John. She didn’t want to fall in love again.

When she left Colorado, she wanted a new beginning, but she had not wanted a man in her life right now. And she certainly didn’t want another soldier. But here she was, and as much as she didn’t want to, she could feel herself falling in love with Tanner.

Damn him. All she wanted to do was cook, and yet, her heart was becoming attached.

And he didn’t want her. That hurt more than anything.