Happy Is the Bride Page 12

  A burst of cool air hit her in the face as she took a step inside, looking around her. It was beautiful, and Erin couldn’t help but lose herself in admiration. “Wow.”

  “Old buildings like this were built well. Thick walls. Stone foundation. High ceilings. It all works to keep the heat out.”

  “It’s perfect.” She turned to see him smiling at her and asked, “What?”

  “Just nice to see a city girl can appreciate something in the country.”

  Looking at Tanner, Erin knew she could appreciate more than just the chapel during her excursion away from the city.

  Chapter Four

  The lovely wedding planner walked through the chapel, oohing and aahing over every little thing from the architectural details to the seating capacity while jotting down notes on her cell phone. Of course, that was only when she wasn’t taking pictures from every angle.

  Tanner made his own to-do list.

  First on the list was to remember not to touch her again. It was far too tempting. And he definitely had to stop looking at her butt.

  In no specific order he added the rest of his list.

  Stop laughing at her jokes. Stop being so affected by her smile. In short, stop enjoying being in her company altogether.

  She was a city girl and he wasn’t interested in a relationship with one of those again.

  She was also his boss’s wedding planner. An employee of Cutwright Ranch, if he wanted to stretch the facts a bit. That made a one-night stand with this woman out of the question. He would no more offend his boss than he would want to do that to this woman, who seemed nice, if a bit sheltered and clumsy.

  But again, she was a city girl. They tended not to navigate the country too well. And there was no reason why they should have to. He was certain her impractical shoes worked just fine in what he imagined was her cushy, air-conditioned Austin office, where she conducted meetings with beautiful people in similarly beautiful outfits on a regular basis.

  No need for her to be able to get in and out of a King Cab pickup in Austin. The backseat of a taxicab would be easy enough for her to navigate.

  Even with the growing list of cons in his head, he jumped to listen when she turned to him and opened that rose-colored mouth of hers.

  “I think I have everything I need.”

  Good. It was too quiet with just the two of them here. “All right. I’ll bring you over to the barn.”

  “The barn? I thought we were going to see the hall being used for the reception and the rehearsal dinner.”

  Against his own self-imposed rule, he couldn’t help his smile. “Well, I hate to break it to you, but—”

  “The reception is going to be in the barn.” She looked accepting, if a little worried about that.

  “You got it.” His smile broadened.

  Okay, maybe it was all right that she amused him. Making fun of the silly things the folks from the city said was a long-standing tradition in private among the ranchers, particularly at Meg’s dude ranch, where the crew encountered more than their fair share.

  But Tanner wasn’t enjoying making fun of Erin. He was just plain enjoying her.

  He sighed.

  Good thing this wedding was going to come and go fast, like a summer storm. And like those storms that rolled through, wreaked havoc, and then disappeared as quickly as they’d come, she was probably going to leave him with nothing but a mess and memories.

  He needed a distraction. Getting to the barn would help. At least there would be other people around the dude ranch. Maybe he’d bring her to the front office first. Introduce her to Harrie there.

  It was not only a good idea, it would probably help Erin out, too. She’d need to know who was really in charge of that place for her planning. Meg might own and operate the dude ranch, but Tanner knew the business would fall apart without Harrie in that front office keeping things running smoothly.

  But before he could get there, he had to get Erin back to where he’d parked and get her inside the truck. Maybe he should just drive it over to the chapel. He hadn’t parked all that far away, but still those fifteen feet seemed more like a quarter mile to him while Erin was gripping tight on to his arm.

  His hard-on sure liked it. His mind, totally torn between wanting her to never let go and wishing she’d disappear completely from his sight, not so much.

  “You need me to pull the truck closer for you?” he asked, specifically not offering her his arm again.

  She shook her head. “No, I think I can make it back.”

  His efforts to avoid contact were for naught as she grabbed on to him anyway.

  Oh well.

  He was a strong man. He’d survived way worse than having a pretty girl holding on to him. He’d live through this...

  They’d barely taken one step toward the truck when she froze, nearly yanking his arm out of the socket as he continued forward and she stopped dead in her tracks.

  Frowning, he turned to see what was wrong, figuring it was shoe-related. Probably her heel stuck in the dirt, or maybe she’d lost the damn thing entirely, like Cinderella at the ball, even though Tanner was certainly no Prince Charming.

  What he saw was Erin, wide-eyed and pale, staring at something on the ground.

  “What’s wrong?” Even as he asked the question, he saw what she had. A snake in the grass. That explained her reaction. “Don’t worry about him. It’s just a rat snake.”

  “Rat snake?” She didn’t look relieved as she repeated his words.

  “Yeah, they’re pretty common around here. They’re harmless. Don’t worry. They’re actually good to have. They keep the rodent population down.”

  She opened her mouth and just shook her head, paralyzed in place and not looking like she was going to move anytime soon.

  He began to fear she’d hyperventilate, and it was becoming apparent she wasn’t about to walk past the snake in their path. He was starting to think she wouldn’t be any happier about walking through the grass either.

  His .22 was in the truck. He could kill the snake, but he’d rather not because they really were harmless and beneficial.

  With a sigh of resignation, he did the last thing he wanted to do. He scooped her up in his arms and carried her toward the truck.

  He didn’t let himself notice how damn good she smelled. Or how her hair felt when the breeze blew it against his face. Or how cute the squeak she made was when he’d picked her up.

  Tanner definitely didn’t notice how blue her eyes were this close. Or how warm her body was against his. And he really, really didn’t imagine tossing her onto a big bed and having his way with her. Nope. Didn’t do it.

  He’d go back to the ranch and tell Brady his job was done. He’d shown her around, and if there were any more tour guide duties, Randy would have to take over.

  The thought of that rubbed Tanner so wrong it made his skin itch and he knew there was no way in hell he’d turn more time with Erin over to Randy or anyone else.

  He might not want this city girl for himself, but he’d be damned if anyone else got the pleasure either.

  Finally, he reached the truck. He went to set her down so he could open the door and help her inside and she clung tighter, staring at the ground below with fear in her eyes.

  He made a show of kicking the grass with his boots. “It’s clear. Promise.”

  She finally nodded and released her hold on him when he set her feet on the ground. Sad but true, he missed the contact the minute it was gone.

  “Thank you for saving me.”

  He hadn’t saved her from anything because there had never been any danger, but he was too busy worrying about saving himself from her at the moment that he said, “No problem.”

  Not want her? Yeah right. Even Tanner didn’t believe his own bullshit.

  Crap. It was going to be a long three weeks until the wedding.

  Chapter Five

  Standing against the wall, arms folded, amused look firmly in place, Tanner Black had to be the m
ost infuriating man on earth.

  So why did she keep trying to imagine what he’d look like without his shirt on, drenched in sweat?

  Erin shoved that image out of her mind and turned to him. “You can stop now.”

  “Stop what?” He cocked one brow.

  “Waiting for me to complain about the barn.” She might have reacted like a typical city dweller when she nearly passed out at the prospect of having to turn the barn of a working dude ranch into the wedding venue for one of the richest families in Travis County on three weeks’ notice, but she’d gotten over that as soon as she saw it.

  Someone had already taken what had once been a utilitarian building, probably filled with all the ranch horrors she’d feared, and converted the large open and airy structure into a building perfect for large functions. It was clean and updated in the places it needed to be, while retaining the old charm and hallmarks of the past and its history.

  Boy, had she lucked out because the clock was ticking and finding another available venue at this late date would have been difficult. Not impossible—she’d have found something somewhere—but nothing this charming.

  Meanwhile, her current challenge was still leveling an amused gaze in her direction. “Oh, I wasn’t expecting you to complain. I knew once you saw the place you’d be fine. That’s what makes this so enjoyable for me.”

  “I don’t understand.”

  “Seeing you make a snap judgment based on nothing more than a single word and then getting to watch your assumption be completely turned upside down by the reality is very satisfying.”

  Erin’s retort was cut short by the vibrating of her phone. She glanced down at the readout and saw a name that had her groaning.

  “Disgruntled client?” he asked.

  Erin frowned. “No. All my clients are very happy, thank you.”

  “Ah, then a boyfriend you’re on the outs with.” Tanner nodded knowingly.

  “Nope. Don’t have any of those either.”

  As the phone stopped vibrating and the missed call message appeared on her screen, he pushed himself off the far wall and ambled toward her. “You don’t have which part? A boyfriend or one you’re on the outs with?”

  “Either. I work too hard to have any time for dating right now.” Which was exactly why she was dodging her sister’s calls.

  Erin knew what Ashley wanted. An answer she didn’t have.

  Tanner had reached the spot where she stood. Even the slowest swagger covered ground when a man’s legs were that long. Not to mention muscular.

  “So why the long face and ignoring the phone call?”

  “Why are you so interested?” she asked, genuinely curious. This man had done nothing but act like she was an amusing annoyance all afternoon and now he was interested in her personal life?

  Her question elicited a laugh from the cowboy. “Hell if I know. I’ve asked myself that same question more than a few times today.”

  Not much of an excuse, but instinct told her it was the truth so she decided to answer him. “It’s my sister. She’s getting married this weekend. And months ago I told her I was bringing a date.”

  “And?”

  “Now she wants his name for the calligrapher to put on the place cards.”

  “And you don’t have a date.” He guessed her problem in one try, which only pissed her off.

  Hating to admit it, she had no recourse but to ’fess up to the truth. “No, I don’t. Okay?”

  He lifted one shoulder. “So just tell her that. What’s the big deal? Not everything works out. Plans fall through.”

  “Not for her.” Everything worked out perfectly for Ashley.

  Ten years Erin’s junior, Ashley had done everything she’d set out to do. She’d laid out her life plan while still in high school and damned if she hadn’t accomplished each and everything on her list.

  College. Grad school. Husband. Good job in corporate America. All before she turned thirty.

  Tanner rolled his eyes. “Women.”

  “What does that mean?”

  “You make simple things hard.”

  “How’s that?” She planted her hands on her hips and waited for an explanation.

  “From what I see, you could just tell her you don’t have a date and be done with it, but since you don’t want to do that, why not just invite someone to go with you? See? Men are good at solving problems. We’re more logical. Less emotional.” His grin told her he was baiting her with that last comment.

  Determined not to rise to his verbal sparring, she still couldn’t help saying, “Easy? How in the world is your solution easy?”

  “Don’t you have any friends?”

  “Yes, of course I have friends.”

  “Then just ask one of them.” He made it sound so simple, she almost believed he could be right.

  Erin racked her brain for someone.

  The truth was, she spent most of her waking hours with her assistant.

  The more Erin thought, the more she realized she’d let many of her friendships slip over the years. Even the group of girlfriends she’d go on getaway weekends with, she rarely saw anymore. Erin worked weekends now, and even if she did make time to go away midweek, they had families and normal Monday-through-Friday jobs.

  Yes, she’d still make time for a call or maybe lunch on their birthdays, but otherwise she’d really drifted away.

  None of that mattered right now anyway because all those friends were women. For her current situation she needed a man.

  The few men she saw on a regular basis were also work-related acquaintances. Florists. Musicians. Catering hall staff and management.

  Besides the fact that she shouldn’t muddy the waters between business and personal life, she couldn’t waltz into her sister’s wedding with her gay floral designer or the married drummer from the band.

  Erin sighed. Where did a girl find a real man? One big and strong and handsome, who’d look impressive walking into the reception on her arm?

  She dared to look at Tanner, who stood by silently waiting for her with an amused smirk. “You wouldn’t happen to be single and available this Sunday afternoon, would you?”

  “Actually, I am. Both.”

  She’d been joking, but seriously, could this work? She shook her head, dismissing the idea. “You wouldn’t want to go with me.”

  He lifted a shoulder. “Sure. Why not?”

  Now that he’d said what amounted to yes, Erin questioned the wisdom of asking him. “But you said you don’t even like the city or city people. The wedding’s in Austin.”

  “Just because I don’t choose to live there or date someone from there doesn’t mean I refuse to ever step foot there. Hell, I go to Rodeo Austin every year, but that’s set out a ways from the city limits. Now, if you’d invited me into the middle of the city during that damn music festival they have when the place is packed full of tourists and weirdos, I’d have to say no. Hell no, over my dead body, to be exact.”

  Still considering whether this was the craziest thing she’d ever done, Erin looked him up and down. “Do you have anything to wear?”

  “You mean this won’t do?” He leveled a look of disappointment at her. “Damn, you’re a snob. Just because I work all day in torn jeans and old boots doesn’t mean I don’t own other clothes.”

  Overlooking the snob comment, she asked, “So that’s a yes? You have a suit? Or at least clean jeans and a sports jacket?”

  It wasn’t a black tie event, thank goodness. Given it was a Sunday afternoon, he could get away with more casual attire, just not as casual as he was now, or the way she suspected he preferred to be dressed.

  “I’ve got something that won’t embarrass you, don’t you worry.” He laughed and shook his head.

  “What’s so funny?”

  “Me, that’s what. Here I am trying to convince you to take me when you asked me in the first place. You do realize I’d be the one doing you a favor by going, right?”

  Gruff as he was, he was also
correct. He would be doing her a favor by going as her last-minute date, but given what little she knew of the man, she had a feeling she’d be better off dealing with her sister’s gloating and going alone.

  That would be preferable to taking someone who could embarrass her.

  Tanner was as handsome as he was cocky. He’d probably clean up nicely in the right clothes, but when it came right down to it, he was first and foremost a cowboy. He worked in the dirt and crap all day—literally.

  How had she ever thought she could clean him up and pass him off as her actual date in front of all the white-collar city dwellers her sister would have at this wedding?

  Erin shook her head. “Maybe this is a bad idea. You don’t have to—”

  “Oh my God! You really don’t trust me not to embarrass you.” He opened his eyes wide at the realization before scowling. “Typical. Looks like I was one hundred percent right about you city folk.”

  “Stop. No.” In spite of her protest, Erin had to admit, at least to herself, that he was right. She was being a snob. Ashamed by her own prejudices, she said, “I’m sorry. You’re right. I was being ignorant and closed-minded.”

  When she finally brought herself to raise her gaze to his face, she didn’t see what she’d expected. He wasn’t angry. He appeared almost intrigued. “Thank you for admitting that. I appreciate your honesty.”

  Something in her shifted. Maybe it was his easy acceptance and forgiveness of her faults. She didn’t know. Whatever it was, she didn’t want to be the person he had assumed she was. She wanted to be better.

  Never one to throw caution to the wind in the past, she decided to do just that now, with him. “Prove me wrong.”

  Tanner cocked a brow high. “Excuse me?”

  “Be my date to the wedding on Sunday and prove me wrong. I want you to.”

  “Why?” he laughed.

  “Hell if I know.” She turned his own words back on him.

  In reality, she did know why. Her comfort zone had become a prison of her own making. It was time to blow the walls off this box she’d gotten so used to living in.

  A date with Tanner Black was about as far outside that box as she could get.