Page 21 of Dare to Fall
“Of course,” I say, because how does anyone tell a sweet elderly woman like Winnie no to anything?
She holds up a ring of keys. “Reid was going to take Tucker’s truck out to him, but he’s tied up today. Could you drop it off? I’m sure he’ll give you a ride back into town.”
My first instinct is to take the keys and toss them in the river. Or maybe use them to bribe that stupid fox to give me back myphone. Maybe he’s got a penchant for shiny objects and would consider a trade.
“I know it’s a big ask, but Tucker’s stranded out there without his truck. You know him, right?” she asks, her tone teasing.
“Yeah, I know him.” Winnie knows I spent the night out there with him. But I leave out the part about us being best friends once upon a time. I also leave out the part how he rammed his cock into me last night, nearly knocking Bertha on her side in the process—best sex of my entire fucking life.
I’m going to miss that.
“Men can be stubborn creatures,” Winnie says, placing the keys in my hand and covering my open palm with her own. “Sometimes, they just need a little time to cool off before they can be more rational.”
Winnie’s words hit me like a friendly slap, and suddenly I know what I need to do.
“Thanks, Winnie,” I say, hurrying toward the sliding doors.
“Do you need a map?”
“I know the way,” I call back.
By the time I pull into Tucker’s driveway, I’ve made up mind. I’m going to ask him to come to California with me. I know they could use someone as experienced as he is. And maybe, just maybe, the two of us could spend a summer rafting through the Grand Canyon together next year. Or we could come back here for the season. Either way, we’ll be together like we were always meant to be.
I’m bursting with excitement that I nearly forget to put his truck in park when I see him round the side of Bertha.
I cut the ignition and run to him, so eager to tell him all about this new plan that I nearly burst with excitement on the spot.
He stands there, expression unreadable. I can’t tell if he’s surprised, pissed off, or indifferent. But I don’t let it discourage me as I stop right in front of him. “Tucker, I have?—”
His mouth crashes to mine.
Definitely not indifferent.
His hand slides up my neck in that rough, possessive way that leaves my knees weak and my nipples aching. I part my lips to his demanding tongue and sink into this earth-shattering kiss. It’s more than just a lustful making out session. Emotions infuse every meeting of our lips and swiping of our tongues. Want, need, and desire, yes. But also longing, love, and a promise of…forever.
Oh fuck.
I’m in love with Tucker Black.
How did I not see that coming?
His hand skims up the inside of my shirt, cupping my boob over my lace bra, and I melt. So what? I’m in love with Tucker Black. Of course I am. We can talk later. Right now, I’m going to let the man I love cherish my body in every way he desires.
Tucker scoops me up, his arms under my ass, and carries me into the RV. He drops me on the bed, that heated look in his eyes making me wetter than ever. Holy fuck, how did I ever doubt the way I felt about this man? All these years I’ve wasted lying to myself feel so pointless now. It seems only right that we should make up for all this lost time.
I consider once more telling him about California and all the other plans I have for us, but then the sexy, bearded mountain man strips out of his clothes. His massive cock stands at attention, promising to destroy me in all the best ways.
Over and over again.
Something tells me there won’t be any talking until morning. Our mouths will be far too busy exploring each other—all night long.
Chapter Twelve
Tucker
For the first time this weekend, the blue sky overhead is clear and the sun is blinding. But despite the many times I’ve made this drive, it’s never been more gorgeous than it is today. The coffee is fresh, the cinnamon rolls from Ivy’s bakery are sweeter than ever, and I have the woman I love riding shotgun next to me.
Thisis what happiness looks like.
