Still The One - Carrie Elks Page 0,19

baby Laverty number four deserved at least one gift.

“Thanks,” Van said, smiling as she stood and waved goodbye to Regan. “I’m looking forward to it.”

“Do you have anything else?” Tanner asked, looking up from the glossy realty brochures Johnny Fairfax had spread over his desk.

“That’s all the houses we have for sale at the moment. Hartson’s Creek is a sought after place to live, especially since your brother put it on the map.” Johnny gave him a pointed look. “Houses are being snapped up as soon as they are listed.” He ran a tongue over his dry lips. “Have you thought about building a home instead?”

Tanner shook his head. “Nope.” It would take too long and he’d end up strangling his father, and possibly Aunt Gina and Becca, too. He was used to his own space in New York, and as much as he loved his family, he preferred them alive and at arm’s length.

“You should think about it. That way you’ll get the right location with the exact specification of house you’re looking for. I’ll get Regan to find some details of land we have for sale.” Johnny began to fold up the glossy brochures, piling them one on top of the other. “Regan!” he called out, his booming voice bouncing off the walls. “Can you come in here?”

Who needed intercoms when you could shout loud enough to burst eardrums? Tanner winced at the way the sound reverberated around the room. It seemed to work, though, because the next moment Regan Laverty was pushing the door open and nervously stepping in, her bump so big it entered about a minute before she did.

“Oh hey, Tanner. How are you?” she asked, smiling. “I have a check for you actually. Savannah Butler just brought it in. She’s paid the arrears and is setting up online payment for the future. Isn’t that great?”

“That’s wonderful news.” Johnny clapped his hands together. “Well done, Regan.”

She glowed at his praise. “I told you we’d get it,” she said, nodding.

Tanner glanced at the open door. The main office was empty. Had Van been here when he was going through houses with Johnny? He was disappointed he hadn’t bumped into her again. After her abrupt departure from their run, he’d been feeling restless. As though his muscles didn’t want to slow down long enough for him to think. He’d run almost sixteen miles that day, and he’d been aching ever since. And trying not to think about the way she’d touched him. Her fingers had been soft and gentle, yet they’d sent a shot of pleasure through his body. He wanted her, the same way he always had. He just needed to find a way for her to reciprocate that feeling.

Maybe he’d join her on her run again sometime. The thought of it made him grin. Bumping into her was his favorite way to pass the time. It was pretty much what got him up in the morning.

“Well now, Regan, can you rummage through the land files and see what we’ve got that might suit Mr. Hartson?” He turned to Tanner. “What are we talking about, six bedrooms? Or maybe eight. I know your brother built eight. How much acreage are you looking for? You’ll want it set back from the road, right?”

“Oh you should definitely have it set back.” Regan nodded. “Maybe have some gates. I love those iron ones that Gray and Maddie have.”

“In that case, Regan, let’s look at land of two acres or more. What have we got?”

Tanner watched as Regan waddled over to the gunmetal filing cabinet in the corner of Johnny’s room. She braced her hands on the top before slowly lowering herself to her knees.

Tanner stood. “Don’t you have the details online?” he asked, walking over to where Regan was inhaling sharply. Gently, he touched her arm. “Let me help you up, you can’t stay down there.”

“Our land files aren’t online yet,” she huffed out. “Most of our clients want the paper copies. Plus the owners don’t always like people knowing their business, if you know what I mean.” She let Tanner carefully help her stand, then blew out another mouthful of air. “You’d think it would get easier by the fourth time,” she joked. “But I swear this one’s as heavy as a bowling ball.”

Shooting Johnny a glance, Tanner knelt in front of the cabinet and pulled out the files that Regan pointed at. “You should sit down,” he told her, inclining his head at the chair he’d vacated.