Page 22 of Just One of the Groomsmen
At one point, Tucker thought all it would take to be happy was to make a ton of money. Ever since he could remember, way before the divorce, his parents had constantly fought about money. Which was why he’d sworn he wouldn’t settle down until he’d saved enough for a down payment on a house and had a decent chunk of change in a 401K.
He wanted something to live on for at least a year if life threw him a curve ball he couldn’t hit.
But he hadn’t saved nearly that amount, and now he’d undone what little progress he’d made on his financial goals.
His worries tightened his chest, along with the pressure to choose the right career and quickly.
One idea wouldn’t leave him alone, and he figured it’d only take a few weeks to get it out of his system, even if it didn’t end up being a solid lead. “I appreciate it, boys, but I’ve got somethin’ else in the works. I just wanna see if it’s gonna shake out before I go announcin’ it to everyone.”
He needed to figure out if it could be profitable before the town jumped in and told him why it wouldn’t be and what he should be doing with his life instead.
“Dude, we got your back,” Easton said. “Whatever you need, let us know.”
The pressure in his chest eased a fraction.
“Tucker Crawford?” Someone hugged him over the back of the seat before he could crane his neck and get a good look at her.
Delilah, one of their former classmates and his girlfriend for most of senior year.
The irritation twisting Addie’s features led him to believe her and Delilah’s relationship was about the same as it had been back then.
Shortly before graduation, Delilah demanded he choose, her or Addie. It’d been a no-brainer.
While she’d pitched a giant hissy and screeched he wasthe worstduring their dramatic hallway breakup, the kiss she dropped on his cheek now indicated he’d been forgiven.
Delilah’s gaze flicked across the table. “Oh, hey, Addison. I admire how you always just wear whatever. It must be so nice not to worry about makeup, too. I’m not sure I could do that—but you do know that you have grass in your hair, right?”
Tucker opened his mouth to happily take the blame, but Lexi beat him to the punch. “You know, sometimes I think it’s sad that no matter how much makeup people put on, it doesn’t make their soul any prettier. Then again, it’s always nice to spot those people right away.”
Delilah reared back and did that sassy head-wobble thing. “Who the hell are you?”
“She’s with me,” Shep said, aiming a wink at Lexi. “She’s my fiancée.”
Delilah heaved a sigh. “Looks like this group hasn’t changed a bit.”
“That’s what makes it so great,” Addie said. “Now if you’ll excuse us, we’re watching the game, and your overly coiffed hair’s getting in the way.”
Tucker wanted to catch Addie’s eye and make sure she was as okay as she put on—she’d always brushed off the slams on her lack of “girliness,” but sometimes he thought they got to her the tiniest bit.
She quickly returned her attention to the paper in front of her and Lexi, though, and they continued whatever they’d been discussing before the interruption.
He’d already liked Shep’s fiancée, but that exchange solidified it.
She was one of them now.
As he looked around the table, Tucker realized how much he needed these guys. This here, being back with his friends—his family, really—was worth the stress over quitting his job and heading toward the unknown.
So when Addie jumped up to rub her team winning in his face, going so far as to celebrate with a booty shake, he ignored the hint of heat in his veins.
First her legs, now her ass. But seriously, had it always been that curvy?
Today on the field, he’d been briefly introduced to her other curves, too. She definitely wasn’t on the scrawny side anymore.
Shut it down, Crawford.
If he didn’t control his stray thoughts where Addie was concerned, it’d complicate things. She’d said the great thing about them was their group hadn’t changed, and he agreed. He’d never risk screwing that up.
Chapter Six
