Page 32 of Tucker

Coming back up to his forearms, he took in her sated gaze, that lush, soft mouth. “You’re okay?”

Somewhat shy, she nodded.

A sudden, frantic barking came from the hallway, and Kady choked out a laugh. “I think we scared her.”

Tucker couldn’t smile yet, could barely form words. He turned his head toward the door. “It’s all right,” he called out. “Promise.”

There was a pause, as if the dog had stopped to listen.

“It’s all right, Mama.”

She barked one more time, somehow managing to sound very put out, then all went silent.

Limp beneath him, Kady whispered, “You were wrong, you know.”

Tucker stayed still, his body no longer connected to hers. He’d have to rid himself of the condom soon, but he didn’t want to move yet.

He drank in a deep breath and smoothed back her hair. “How’s that?”

Shifting, she put her arms around his neck and sighed again. “That was the most romantic thing ever.”

Tucker grinned, a deep sense of satisfaction filling him. “Yeah?”

“Oh, Sheriff.” She pressed a soft kiss to his mouth. “You surpassed my wildest dreams.”

* * *

TUCKERCOULDN’TKEEPhis eyes off her. Now that they’d all finished their burgers, potato salad and corn on the cob, she stood across the yard with a few of her female cousins, smiling at something Amber said.

She glowed. From her blond hair to the tips of her toes in casual sandals, she appeared happy, carefree...and replete.

Of course, they’d had sex before coming here today, and he was feeling pretty replete himself. It was a hell of a pleasant surprise to discover that Kady’s sex drive matched his own. She was confident enough that inhibitions had quickly fallen away over the past few days, and now they took every opportunity to be together. She’d spent the night twice and waking with her, sharing morning coffee, was a unique pleasure. In fact, now that he’d had those special times with her, he couldn’t imagine ever giving them up.

He wanted her with him, always, but he didn’t want to rush her.

Sawyer put the last burger on a platter, not even looking at him when he asked, “Have you told her that you love her?”

That drew his attention away from Kady. “What?”

“Love,” Sawyer repeated, as if it wasn’t a very personal, intrusive topic. “Anyone can see that you do, so have you told her?”

Tucker frowned at his near-empty can of cola. Talking to them about dating Kady was one thing, but this was another. He wouldn’t discuss his feelings for her with her family before he’d discussed it with her.

The gathering was almost at an end, so he’d be able to do that soon.

A thwack to his back took him off guard, sending him stumbling forward. He glared over his shoulder at Morgan. Despite being in his sixties, the man was still a brick wall and didn’t seem to know it.

Morgan laughed. “He hasn’t told her, I can tell.”

“I think you’re right.” Jordan lifted his drink as if in a toast. “I’ve seen that look before.”

Gabe, quieter than the others since this was his daughter they discussed, shook his head. “Do it, and soon.”

Tucker could barely believe their gall. “You’re demanding that I tell her?” He almost laughed. They had some serious misunderstandings about him if they thought they could direct his personal relationship.

But Gabe shook his head. “Trying to save you some misery, actually.” He leaned against a tree, his arms folded over his chest. “I’ve been where you’re at, and let me tell you, denial sucks. Better to lay it on the line and see how it goes. If my daughter loves you back—”

“She does,” Jordan said with confidence.

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