Page 40 of Tucker
“Eventhough I annoy the shit out of you?”
Hislips tilt up. “Yeah, you do, but in the best ways. And I don’t regret whathappened between us, no matter how bad a person that makes me.”
“Youaren’t a bad person. You’re one of the best guys I’ve ever met.”
“Atthe ripe old age of twenty-three,” he scoffs, scooting down and lifting hislegs onto the couch.
“Agedoesn’t mean anything. I’ve had enough experience to spot a bad guy when I seeone.”
Hereaches up and pulls me down to lie beside him, tucking me against his body.“Can we just lie like this for a while?”
“Yeah,I’d like that.”
Tellinghis traumatic story must’ve exhausted him because he’s asleep in seconds, but Ilie awake for another hour pondering all I’ve just learned. I’m also soaking inthe feel of him, his arms around me, his breath in my ear, the smell of sawdustand soap. Because I know this is my last chance to do so.
Forhis sake, I need to leave, and soon. Because after the explosive sex we hadthere’s no way it won’t happen again, and I don’t want to add to his guilt.
Iwake alone the next morning to the sound of wood being chopped outside. Thetemperature has shot up overnight and water drips from everything as theremainder of the ice and snow melts.
Sadnesssettles over me as I gaze through the window at Tucker swinging an ax. It’strue I was originally attracted to him for the same reason any woman would be.He’s freaking hot. But I see so much more in him now. He’s sweet andprotective, kind and smart. He may think he can’t love again after Kathi, but Iknow better. The way he loves is intense and eternal. What I’d give to havethat directed at me, but it just isn’t meant to be.
Myphone beeps with a text from Derek.
Poweris back on here. What about there?
Anoise in the driveway makes me look up from the phone to see two power truckspulling in the drive.
Nopower here yet, but the trucks just showed up. So probably soon.
Doyou want to stay with us until it’s on?
Iguess now is as good a time as any to tell him.
Actually,I’d like to move back in for a few weeks while I look for an apartment.
Secondslater, my phone rings.
“Whathappened?” Derek demands, barking into my ear.
“What?Nothing happened. I just…want my own place. We’ve been through this.”
Myfingers wrap around the string to the blind while I lie through my teeth aboutwhy I need to leave.
“Quitbullshitting me, Leah. You could apartment hunt from there. You’re alwayswelcome to stay with us. I want you to live with us. But I want to know why youwant to leave after you were so determined to stay. Did Tucker do something?”
“No!He’s been good to me. Made sure the house was warm and we had food andeverything. I just…it’s time for me to go. Can you just help me move backwithout drilling me with questions?”
There’sa long pause and I hear Ayda and Derek conversing in the background. “I’m on myway.”
Iwasn’t expecting him that quick, but it’s probably for the best. “Thanks, Derek.Love you.”
“Loveyou too, critter.”
Idebate going out to talk to Tucker, but I just can’t do it. Instead, I goupstairs and pack up my things. Just as I’m closing my suitcase, Tucker appearsin the doorway.
“You’releaving.” It’s not a question. I swallow a knot in my throat at the defeatedtone of his voice.
Heholds up his palm as I approach him. “Tucker—
