Read Online What Might Have Been by Wendi Zwaduk - Free Book Online Page B

in the nude.” She grabbed a T-shirt from her suitcase and yanked it over her head.
    “You have a beautiful body. I’d rather see you bare all the time.” Tanner rummaged through his pile of clothing on the floor. “You aren’t you married. Why?” He slid his jeans over his hips—sans boxer shorts. She fought the urge to drool.
      “Once again, you change the conversation on a dime.” She fisted the hem of her shirt to keep from reaching for him. “No, I’m not married, but you’d know that if you saw my website.” No one had ever asked, and anyway relationships cramped her secluded style. “I don’t even have a cat, and I like cats.”
    “You can have as many kitties as you’d like.” He strode across the room and swept her into his arms. “Macy, you flow through my veins.” He tipped her chin to gaze into her eyes. “I want you to live with me in the house of your dreams, like we talked about last night, with kitties, dogs…whatever you want.”
    All her dreams, her deepest desires, glowed in his eyes. Still, too much remained unclear. “What about Faith?”
    “She’s my ex and nothing more.”
    Macy wriggled from his arms and shoved her hands into her hair. “Tanner, things are moving pretty damn fast. I’m not a relationship girl—”
    “So? You said that last night, and I still don’t believe it.”
    “Just because you say sweet lines and turn me on like no other man, doesn’t mean we have enough to start a life together.” Her breath caught in her throat. Fear paralysed her. “You don’t know me.”
    “That’s why I want you to live with me. To show you we can do whatever we want. I’ll run CI while you write all those sexy stories in your head and use me for research.” He cocked his head. “I know you well enough to know you’re the woman for me.”
    “Tanner.” She didn’t know whether to be happy or throw up. To give in to her innermost feelings or walk away.
    “I love you, Macy.”
    The air rushed out of her lungs. He’d used the L word—again. Last night hadn’t been a misunderstanding. Her stomach churned. “You can’t. It’s not possible.” I want it to be true.
    “You’re scared to admit it, but I think you love me, too.” Inch by inch, he crept towards her. The gaze in his eyes softened, pinning her to the spot. “When I saw you last night, it was like all the pieces of my life clicked into place and I saw my future.”
    “Are you sure you don’t write romance?” It was all she could think to say to derail the lusty, loving words coming from his mouth.
    “Huh?”
    “That’s more beautiful than anything I’ve ever written.” And damned dangerous if it’s true.
    “Does that mean you’ll give me a chance? I’ve dreamt of this moment for so long.”
    “I’m no good for you. I can’t stick around.” Feelings of inadequacy and failure invaded her senses. With Will, she’d devoted too much time to her writing and his jealousy had torn the relationship apart. Other men had wanted her fame for themselves. Some had just wanted money. What would be the case with Tanner?
    “You are very good for me—supple, sexy and addictive.” Tanner cupped her cheek in one hand, enveloping her in his sheer size. His scent bombarded her.
    “You’ve changed in so many ways. I want to fall into your arms and never let go, but I’ve got a life. I’m supposed to be in New York Monday morning to sign the contracts for my latest book and to start the publicity tour for Kendall .” She yearned to crawl into his safe embrace, to lose herself in his kiss. But she couldn’t.
    “Then do it, sweetheart. Take all the time you like. I’ll wait on you.” He rested his forehead on hers, rubbing his nose along the bridge of her nose. “I love you.”
    “Don’t talk that way.” She toyed with the whorl of hair between his pecs and blinked back tears. “You think you love me, but when you spend time alone with me, you’ll realise I’m not woman enough for