What Might Have Been by Wendi Zwaduk Page A

outstretched hand to where she pointed, across the room. Macy laughed in the arms of a dark-haired, handsome man. Hell, every woman within a forty-foot radius drooled over the guy, with his brooding smile and grace on the dance floor. Tanner’s heart dropped to his toes. The guy looked familiar, but where did Tanner know him from?
    “Shit, Remi. She brought him.” Berto grabbed Remi’s hand. “Let’s mingle.”
    “Don’t say we didn’t warn you. She’s trouble and you were smart to ditch her in high school.”
    Tanner groaned as his friends left the table. Being with Faith didn’t satisfy anything. “Please leave. Let me enjoy the evening in peace.”
    “You don’t want me to go.” Faith smoothed her hands over his lapels and hovered inches from his face. “You still want me.”
    Before Macy, Faith would have elicited a response beneath his trousers. Now, no one held a candle to Macy—the woman who broke his heart. Tanner growled. “I’d rather fly solo and keep my pride intact.”
    “So you are still angry about what happened in college. That was ages ago.” Her voice came out in a tinny whine. “Let it drop already.”
    “You fucked the starting string of the football team while you claimed to be monogamous with me!” Tanner’s anger hit its peak and he stood, forcing her off his lap. Fury boiled in his blood. “Shit like that’s hard to forget.”
    “Please.” Faith rolled her eyes and folded her arms. “Macy’s pulling the same shit and I’ll bet you’re ready to crawl on your knees to get her back. Grow a set like Stafford and move on.”
    Stafford shrugged and stared at his folded hands. “Faith’s shit in the sack, but she’s got connections.”
    Tanner raked his fingers through his hair. The truth. Finally. He dug his fingers into her waist. “You know, Faith, there’s something I’ve been meaning to say to you.”
    “You still love me?” A coy smile built on her blood-red lips. She rubbed her ring finger. “I knew it. We’ll get married as soon as possible. I’m not squandering my chance this time.”
    “Marry you?” He shook his head. “Go to hell.” With his piece said, he turned on his heel and headed away from Faith, but she grabbed his arm with her claw-like fingers.
    “Why?” Tears splashed over her cheeks. “Why are you being mean to me? You love me. Listen to Staff. He said I have connections. Use them. Please!”
    “You’re only showing me attention because Macy’s here. You want the spotlight just like that dickhead, Will. If you can’t have it, you’ll steamroll whoever gets in the way.” He gulped air in order to calm down. “Well, I’ve had enough, so leave me the fuck alone.” I need to find Macy.
    “She won’t marry you.” Faith’s eyes narrowed to slits. Her lips formed a tight, narrow line.
    Tanner closed his eyes, biting back a response. No more wasting time with Faith when his relationship with Macy hung in the balance.
    “Who says I won’t marry him?”
    Tanner opened his eyes. “Macy?”
    When he turned, Macy stood next to him with her delicate hands folded and a broad smile dancing on her lips. A flush infused her cheeks.
    “I’d like a dance, Tanner.” Her bright-eyed gaze vacillated between him and Faith. “Are you interested?”
    “I happen to be available.”
    “Oh, God.” Stafford stood and pointed to the dance floor. “Get the hell out of here, Shibley. You’re not welcome here.”
    “I really don’t care what you think.” Macy laughed and clasped both hands over her mouth. When her giggles had subsided, she shook her head. “I always knew you were an ass. Now I have further confirmation. Thanks.”
    Stafford’s brows crinkled as his mouth fell open.
    “There will be no second chances with me.” Faith squeezed between Tanner and Macy and tapped her sandal-clad foot. “I won’t take you back when she dumps you like hot lead!”
    “I’ll manage,” Tanner replied and gave Macy a wink as he twined their