Free Mistaken Identity by TC Matson

you the rest of the house.”
    After I abruptly stopped us earlier, Tanner seems more at ease, more relaxed. It’s gratifying that he hasn’t changed and bombarded me with a pent-up frustrated attitude. He even was understanding when he asked me to dinner tonight and I had to turn it down since Jess and I already had a girl’s night planned.
    “Where did you get all of it? The house, the cars. I mean seriously how can you afford all of it?” It’s a personal question, I know, but I’m intrigued. A bachelor with his head on his shoulders is hard to find.
    “Land was given to me,” he says matter-of-fact. “I began working hard when I was young, saving my pennies until I finally had enough to build a house the way I wanted it. I manage my money well.” It seems from the vibrant ways of living he doesn’t. He must make a killing at Weston. “You’re fond of Jess?”
    I’m assuming since I declined his invitation for dinner tonight, it struck wonder in him about her. “She’s my sister from another mother,” I laugh. “We’ve been friends since high school and inseparable ever since.” He glances at me with a sweet understanding smile and my heart tugs at me again. This man is destructive euphoria and I’m in major trouble.
     
    _________________________
     
    After a reluctant and delicate kiss from Tanner, I walk into my apartment just in time to hear Jess finalizing our pizza order. Of course she hounds me for all information, and without hesitation I deliver her what she wants. She listens intently and clutches her chest at the surprises of his life. I’m not one to kiss and tell, but with Jess I share every detail of our make-out session on the couch and by the time I get to the end, she’s panting.
    My phone chirps. I pause, dreading to look at it. I haven’t heard from Logan, and it seems routine that when I’m with Tanner, he texts me. Jess notices my hesitation and jerks it out of my hand before I can see what it says.
    “You must have done something right, Belle.” She’s coy handing me the phone.
     
    Tanner: Had a wonderful time with you today. Thank you.
     

Chapter 13
     
     
     
    I make it to my desk and begin my normal morning routine with no signs of Tanner. After the amazing weekend I had with him, I’m extremely anxious to be around him, not knowing how to act. Damn, I know better than getting involved with someone at work. It never ends well.
    Adam has sent me an email letting me know about a meeting at nine with a new employee that HR wants me to train. It sounds fairly easy, and my confidence level just hiked up since they trust me enough after only several months. My hard work has paid off.
     
    New employee Jeff has managed to creep me out throughout the meeting. I’ve never seen a psycho outside of what the movies portray one as, but he gets an award for it. His skin is pale, his hair is dark, and his eyes are even darker. I begin to go over information with him, and every time I look up he’s staring at me with an “I-want-to-eat-you” look. It’s making me very uncomfortable. If I had to describe a zombie, Jeff would be the perfect description. Psycho Zombie Jeff.
    My day has been dedicated to showing him around the office and helping him learn the ropes. I give him some documents to begin to type into reports and seize the moment to replenish myself with coffee. Walking down the hallway, Tanner suddenly appears sexier than ever in a black suit and blue tie. My heartbeat is in my ears, and I feel like my skin is on fire the closer we become. Somehow he’s sporting his cool and collected persona, like I have no effect on him.
    He gives me a boyish, sexy smile stopping right in front of me. “Hi.”
    “Hey.” My nerves make it to my voice.
    “I’ve thought about you all day.” He kisses my cheek. Instincts have me looking down the halls for some unexpected watcher, and he chuckles at me. “Can I take you to dinner this week?”
    “I would love