Page 30 of Never Say Never

His hands are incredibly sexy, and even though I want nothing more than to go inside with Tucker and finish what we started in his dad’s office, I know I need to take a minute and really think about what I’m getting myself into. But it still really sucks.

I’m sure Tucker sees right through me. He’s known me forever. I’ve seen him in braces, and he knows what I looked like when I went through that awkward stage and cut my hair short and died it pink. So, I am well aware that I’m probably not fooling him.

“Thanks for the ride. Good luck on your road trip.”

“Thanks. I’m going to need it. I’ll call you when I get back.”

Call me?The thought of Tucker wanting to check in and reconnect after returning home makes my stomach feel all fluttery. But then I remember that he’s not going to be calling me because he misses me. He’ll be calling because of the pact. Because he wants sex.

“It’s fine, Tuck. Don’t worry about it. I’m sure you’re going to be busy with semi-finals coming up.”

“Yeah, I probably will be. It’s going to be intense. My schedule for the next month is going to be insane.”

“I’m sure it will be,” I manage to squeak out around the utter disappointment that I feel bubbling to the surface. I let myself get swept up in what happened between us at his parents’ place tonight. Tucker made it very clear that this pact he proposed had nothing to do with a relationship or with actual feelings, but here I am already letting myself think that he cares about me. When will I learn? It feels like I’ve been brought right back to the day he pushed me away a decade ago. “I better go. Thanks again.”

I reach for the door handle, but before I can push it open, I feel Tuck’s warm hand on my wrist. “Daisy, wait.”

I shift a little in my seat to face him, ready for him to tell me that he regrets the kiss in his dad’s office, and it can’t happen again. Just like the last time. “What is it?”

“Can I tell you something?”

I nod.

“I know you and I haven’t been super close for a while, not like we used to be. And I know I haven’t always been that nice to you. But I… want that to change. I miss the way things were.”

He gives me a half-smile, making it so difficult to be upset with him. I wish it was easier to ignore these stupid feelings I have for him, but when he says stuff like that and looks at me the way he is, I’m powerless. I always have been. Maybe one day I’ll be able to look at him without my skin erupting in goosebumps. It’s a curse to love someone as much as I love Tucker and not be able to have him.

“I miss the way things used to be too.”

I’m not sure why, but suddenly the energy in the truck changes. The air all around us grows thick, and Tucker’s gaze has been glued to mine for what feels like minutes.

“Tucker, you’re staring.” The words come out breathlessly and the way they sound surprise even me. Slowly, he leans across the console, so close that his face is inches from mine.

“Daisy. Close your eyes.”

“Why… what are you—”

“Close your eyes, Daisy-Cakes.” His voice is low and smooth.

My eyes flutter closed and then I feel his hand slide into my hair. His fingertips grip the back of my head, and a chill runs up my spine.

“I’m going to kiss you again if you’re okay with that.” His voice is confident, bordering on cocky as his breath breezes over my lips.

“Kiss me,” I whisper without opening my eyes. I lean over the console, a little closer to getting what I want, and that’s all it takes for his mouth to find mine as a wave of lust crashes over me.

Eventually, Tucker pulls away, his hand still tangled in my hair. “And Dais,” he says as my eyes slowly open. “Next time I won’t be able to stop myself from doing a lot more.

My chest heaves at the thought of being naked with Tucker, his hands on my skin, easing the ache between my thighs. Feeling the growing tension between us, I force myself to open my car door before he has my clothes off and I’m riding him in the driver’s seat. I say goodbye then slip out of the truck and up the walk to my apartment.

I’m still turned on when I climb into bed, and dig out my favorite toy from my nightstand to ease the sexual frustration that Tucker left me with.

ELEVEN

YOU’RE AN EIGHT AT BEST

Tucker

Our three-week road trip wrapped up with a game last night against the Cougars. We ended up winning two out of our three games— not bad for a road trip —although I still can’t seem to wrap my head around the one loss. We didn’t play our best. We looked tired and made rookie mistakes. But right now, I need to focus on the last game of the season.

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