Читать книгу Once a Family - Tara Quinn Taylor - Страница 3

A war was raging inside Tanner

A war between guardian and man. His entire adult life had belonged to the guardian. Tonight, the man was fighting for life. He wanted these few minutes with Sedona. Wanted to relax and enjoy the peace she seemed to bring into every room she entered. Into every space she occupied—even outdoors.

He matched his pace to her more sedate one, listening to the waves. “So why are you telling me this?” he asked. She’d said she liked him.

“Honestly?” She kicked at the sand, sending it shooting in front of them. “I’m not sure.”

“Guess.”

“I like you.” She repeated what she’d said earlier, but with a deeper note in her voice.

“And that’s a problem?”

“It is if it gets in the way of my professional judgment.”

“So don’t let it.”

“I’m trying not to. But…”

Another surge of emotion hit him at that but and he waited for it to dissipate before saying, “What are you afraid of?”

She shrugged again. Her shoulders, accentuated by the thin cotton straps of her dress, seemed so feminine to him. So…in need of protection. “I guess I’m afraid you’ll like me, too.”

He bent his head. The move wasn’t premeditated. He touched his lips to Sedona’s and just…felt.