Page 24 of Tucker

Tucker went to start the laundry, but as he did so, he said, “Tell me why you’re a virgin.”

She almost tripped over her feet. He said that so casually that he’d taken her off guard.

Turning, his uninjured arm braced on the now-churning washer, he lifted a brow.

“I, ah...” She frowned at him for putting her on the spot, then lifted her chin. “I already told you that I wasn’t that interested in dating or anything. But then when I was turning twenty, you became the sheriff.”

“That was almost five years ago.”

“I know how long it’s been—because I spent all that time trying to get your attention.” She added in a grumble, “As did my sisters and every other female in Buckhorn.”

Like a physical stroke, his gaze moved over her, weakening her knees. “You had my attention on day one, but like you said, you were only twenty.”

“And since then?”

He rubbed the back of his neck. “Should I admit I was an ass?”

Kady wasn’t at all sure what he meant. “Sure, go for it.”

He gave a rough laugh. “I told you once already that I thought you were a flirt.”

“I remember.”

“Truth is, I wanted you all along but I convinced you—and myself—that I didn’t because I didn’t know you were that interested in me. I thought I was one of many—when I wanted to be a lot more.”

“Do you remember I called you obtuse?” She smiled sweetly.

Tucker laughed, then held up a hand. “I agree, I might’ve been a little obtuse.”

“A lot obtuse,” she argued, but then added softly, insistently, “I’ve only ever wanted you.”

A smile curved his mouth. “I like how you do that.”

Now her brows went up. “Do what?”

“Show your determination.” He pushed away from the machine and started toward her. “Your shoulders square up and your chin lifts, and you get a very stubborn look in your eyes.”

“Well.” She wasn’t sure what to say to all that. “I had already explained—”

“Why me?”

She scowled in indignation on his behalf. “Is that a joke?”

“Tell me.”

Without giving it a lot of thought, she blurted, “Because I...” But the words caught in her throat. Wondering if she dared tell him that she loved him, she chewed her lower lip.No, not yet.So she said instead, “Why not you?”

His mouth quirked again. “Can’t come up with any reasons, huh? Well, I can name a few.”

“You think you know my mind?”

“No. Not even close.” His smile widened and his gaze warmed. “I meant that I could name some reasons for why I want you.”

Her mouth went dry. “Is one of those reasons because I’ve made it clear it’d be easy?”

Both brows shot up. “Withyourfamily?”

He had a point. Nothing with her family was easy. “Okay.” She crossed her arms and cocked out a hip. That they were having this conversation in the basement didn’t escape her notice. Did he feel safer here without a bed nearby? “I’m listening.”

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