Page 28 of Tucker

He smiled at her. “I’m all ears now.”

“Good. Because there’s a cold front moving in.”

“Cold?” Tucker swiped a forearm across his brow. “It’s got to be ninety out there right now.”

Lisa nodded. “The humidity is killer, even here in the air-conditioning. Every time the door opens, steam rushes in.”

Kady explained, “We had an enhanced risk for severe weather warning, but I think as we near the weekend, it could get worse before it gets better.”

“That’s all we need,” Gray said, bending to look out the window again. “Damn, I can see sheets of rain coming across the lake.”

“Our cue to go.” Tucker took Kady’s hand and they said their farewells, making it into his SUV just as the rain reached them. He started the car to get the air going, then asked, “My place okay? I want to check on the dog.”

“That poor dog needs a name—and yes, your house is fine.” She noticed that he used both arms now to drive and didn’t seem to have any discomfort.

“I’ve been calling her Mama, because she’s such a good one.”

She glanced at him. “Do you have a good mama?”

“The best.” Thanks to the pounding rain, he drove slowly. “My dad is terrific too. You’d like them both.”

“Do they live nearby?”

“In Tennessee, actually. I get together with them several times a year, and we talk often on the phone.”

Subtlety wasn’t her forte, so she asked, “Will I ever meet them?”

His brows went up. “Since I don’t plan to let you go any time soon, I suspect so.”

Any time soon...meaning eventually he would? She didn’t like that idea and moved away from it with alacrity. “Any siblings?”

“No.” He grinned without shame. “I’m a spoiled only child.”

Kady scoffed. “You’re not spoiled.”

“You haven’t met my folks yet. They dote and intrude—and care—as much as your whole family combined.” He added, “It helps when I think about dealing with your family, especially your dad and uncles.” He flashed her a look. “They can be intimidating.”

Kady tilted her head. “Do they intimidate you?”

One shoulder lifted. “Not too much.” He gave her another glance. “Not enough to matter when I really want something.” He pulled into his driveway.

Kady whispered, “Me?”

“You.” He put the SUV in park. “And I was thinking tonight should be the night.”

CHAPTER FIVE

TUCKERCOULDN’THELPbut notice that Kady looked suddenly nervous. They’d dashed in through the rain—and gotten soaked because of it.

After giving Kady a towel, Tucker went back out again, this time with the dog, who stared out the door at the rain, gave him what appeared to be a scowl, then ran out. She did her business and came back in to vigorously shake.

Kady, being such a sweetheart, bent and used her now-damp towel to help dry the dog. “What do you think of the name Mama? Do you like it?”

The dog turned a circle, wagged her butt fast and hard, then pattered down the hall to return to her babies.

Kady stayed on her knees a moment more, stalling, he knew.

He offered her a hand. There was so much emotion in her eyes when she looked up. Largely adoration, which humbled him. But also uncertainty.

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