Page 53 of Shameless With Him

I purposefully didn’t look over at the cookies that neither of them had made. Maybe I really did need to eat a salad.

Me:I’m on my way to Devin’s house to meet with the guys for some wings. Actually, I’m sitting in front of his place like a weirdo, texting you.

Zoey:You’re not a weirdo. But have fun. LOL

Me:You have fun, too. Don’t go too crazy with your potatoes.

Zoey:I don’t know if that’s supposed to be a euphemism or something.

I laughed so loudly, I even scared myself.

Me:No, I was just trying to sound smart, and now I’m an idiot. But have fun tonight, Zoey. I might text you later when I get home. Sound good?

Zoey:I hope you do.

I didn’t say bye, didn’t say anything else, I just let those words echo inside me.

I got out of the car and headed towards the front door. It opened, and Tucker stood there, grinning. “I thought you were going to sit in your car for an hour. Everything okay?”

Since my family knew what was going on with me, I assumed Tucker knew, too. Amelia wouldn’t have kept that secret.

“Wasn’t a headache or anything. I’m fine.”

“If you’re sure. I can always drive you home or anywhere really if you need it.”

“I think you work longer hours than I do,” I said, shaking my head.

“Maybe, but I can make time.”

“You know, you don’t have to suck up to me to marry my sister. First off, she’d marry you even if we didn’t like you. Second, you’re a good guy.”

“Thanks for that,” Tucker said dryly as he took the cookies from my hands. “Nice, I love this brand. Just don’t tell Thea or Erin that I cheat on them with these cookies.”

“I won’t if you won’t,” I said.

“And I was offering to give you rides or anything you need just because I like you. We’ve been friends for a while now. Even before Amelia and I got together.”

“Yeah, but still, you’ll forever be the guy that is marrying my sister.”

“And I really don’t mind that at all.” Tucker grinned, and I knew he meant it.

I loved my baby sister, but she was a lot to deal with sometimes. Not that I’d ever tell her that. Mostly because she could kick my ass. Migraines or not.

“Nice, you brought cookies,” Dimitri said as he took the box from Tucker. “Don’t tell Thea. Not that I want to keep secrets from my pregnant wife. But for my sanity, I’ll keep this secret.”

“Pregnancy going well, then?” I asked, looking at Tucker as his eyes danced with laughter.

“I’m so fucking scared and excited it’s ridiculous. However, Thea has passed the point of being happy and sweet and wonderful and has gotten to the point of wanting to murder me. I think it’s a prelude of what’s going to happen in the delivery room.”

“Hormones?” Devin asked as he came in, wings in hand.

“Do not say the H-word. She will rip off your balls.”

All four of us winced, slowly closing our stances and shuffling our feet. Devin cleared his throat. “Well, on that note, I’ve got wings, I’ve got sides, and I’ve got ranch.”

“What about blue cheese?” Tucker asked, and the three of us Carr brothers shuddered.

“Blasphemer,” Devin spat.

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