Page 71 of Never Say Never

He presses his lips to mine. “My naughty fucking girl.”

Then he’s scrolling through Netflix with my head on his chest until he findsWedding Crashersand hits play.

It feels like it did when we were kids, except so much better. I swallow a moan when his hand makes the first run through myhair, and all I can feel is my heartbeat behind my chest, the way my skin erupts in shivers.

Tucker plays with my hair in silence as I listen to the steady beat of his heart, my hand drawing circles on his abs. Tears pool in my eyes, and I swipe them away, grateful that he can’t see my face.

“I’m going to do a shitty job of pretending you’re not my girlfriend tonight, you know,” he murmurs as his hands brush my shoulder. “Apparently, it’s obvious how much I like you. That’s what the guys tell me anyways.”

I prop my chin on my hand, glancing up at him. “We could always just tell them.”

“We could, but I think we should we wait until after our birthday. It’s been such a good morning; I don’t want to ruin our day with a big fight.”

Tucker is right. I don’t want to ruin our day together either. I sit up, straddling his waist, and then I pull his RPU shirt over my head. I kiss him until we’re both breathless before taking off his pajama pants, lining myself up with his already weeping cock and lowering myself onto him. Then I show him with my actions and not my words how madly in love with him I am.

As we walkthe stone pathway to my parents’ front door, I’m wondering if I am ready to be here, my anxiety already spiraling. Do I have it in me to be cordial to Tuck’s dad? Will his parents suspect that we’re together? And when we finally do tell them, how will they react?

“You’re nervous,” Tucker says, looking concerned.

“I’m not nervous.” I quip back.

“Daisy.” He frowns. “I’ve known you all my life. I know when you’re nervous.”

“It’s nothing. I’m fine,” I say, tucking my hair behind my ear.

I take a deep breath. It’s just Sunday dinner, we’ve been doing this for over 26 years. Well, sort of. I’ve never been Tucker’s girlfriend before, and I am a freaking stressed. I am also wondering how I’m going to look my Uncle Mark in the eye. I’m still so angry with him.

Tucker’s warm hand settles on the base of my spine. And just that little bit of contact is enough to settle my nerves.

“They don’t know that we’re together now, but we’re going to have to tell them soon.”

“I know, just not tonight,” I remind him. “Let’s try to enjoy our birthday.”

My heart is racing by the time we walk into the kitchen. The moment I see Tucker’s dad, my back stiffens. He is standing at the kitchen island pouring himself a glass of wine. His stance is cocky, as it always is. I used to think it was confidence, now all I see is arrogance.

“Happy Birthday, sweetheart,” my mom says, putting her arm around my shoulder and squeezing me tight. “And you two, Tuck.” She pulls Tuck into her other side.

My uncle’s dress shoes tap against the tile floor as he walks toward us, and I have to force a polite smile onto my face when he stands in front of me. Typically, I would give him a big hug when I see him, but after everything Tucker has told me, I’m finding it difficult to even say hello.

“Happy birthday, Daisy. I can’t believe it’s been 27 years since the day you and my son were born.” My body stiffens when his arms reach for me, and with an uneasy smile, I reluctantly step into his arms. I know how bizarre it must look to everyone else in the room when I greet my uncle so cooly, but it’s the best I’m able to do.

Thankfully, the awkward moment passes quickly as my dad and my Aunt Daisy are waiting to give me a birthday hug, followed by Addy and Jonathan.

“Let’s get you a glass of wine,” Tuck says with his warm hand pressed softly into the small of my back, sensing the tension.

“Good idea,” my mom says with a giant smile, clearly excited to see Tucker and I together as a couple for the first time.

Tucker hands me a glass of Riesling and I follow his sister to the living room to sit near the fireplace. I tuck my foot underneath me and curl up on the couch with my wine, enjoying the fire.

“Everything okay?” Addy asks, sitting next to me. Clearly, I’m doing a shitty job of hiding my emotions.

“Yeah, I’m fine. How is everything with you?”

She shifts in her seat, turning toward me. “Are you sure everything is okay? Something seems off with you. My brother is acting strange too.”

“I promise you, I’m fine. I’m just tired. I went out for my birthday, and I guess I didn’t get enough sleep.”

“Did you at least have a good night?”

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