Page 2 of Curve Ahead: Fake Boyfriend

TUCKER

I watch her place the items on the conveyer belt along with mine and make a point to get in front of the keypad. No way am I letting her pay for the few groceries I stopped in to pick up. What I will do is encourage her to give me more of her time. It took me a minute to get the full picture of why she pulled me to her, but once she did, scumbag ex or not, I couldn’t keep my eyes off her.

“I said I was paying.”

As I punch in the numbers, I glance to her stubborn expression on that beautiful face. “Not a chance, Gracie.”

It’s obvious she isn’t happy about the decision, but she lets it drop as I load the groceries into the basket and walk out of the store. “Lead the way.”

She makes a beeline across the lot, stepping to the back door of a truck. “You really didn’t need to sympathy buy the desperate girl’s groceries.”

“That’s good considering I didn’t see any desperate girls in the market.” Only a gorgeous one who I probably would’ve said yes to no matter the question. “How about it? Need a date for the hellish wedding?”

She lets out a jokingly laugh then it cuts off when she notes my seriousness. “Really?”

“Yeah. If you want to attend, I’m up for it.” I lean in closer, “But you might want to know my name isn’t Luke first.”

A smile stretches across her gorgeous mouth. “But I bet I’m close.”

“Not at all,” I laugh. “I’m Tucker.”

“Hey, I had three letters correct.” Her laugh fills my ears, and I want nothing more than to hear it again.

“How about we go get that stiff drink? Or maybe a coffee? You know, so you can take a crack at my last name.”

She gives me a weary glance. “Look, I really appreciate what you did, but no need to knight-in-shining-armor me anymore. I’m good. Ice cream and pizza really are good company.”

“So am I,” I respond as she places a few bags on the back seat of her truck.

“I’m sure you are.” She closes the door, her smile reaching her eyes.

“Here.” I jot down my number on the back of the receipt and pass it to her. “It was great shopping with you, Gracie. Let’s do it again. Soon.” I turn to walk away, then stop and ask, “When and where is the wedding?”

“Why?”

“Because I need to send Dax a gift to say thanks for being a dickhead so I could have a chance to show you how you should be treated—if you’ll allow me the opportunity.”

Her shocked expression is a welcome sight, but what I really want to see is her number on my screen, her smiling face across from me, and her naked body under me while I explore each of her delectable curves. Damn. I really need to get a grip. But I’m unsure how to go about that task since this is a new territory for me. I’ve casually dated, but no one’s ever sparked my attention more than this beautiful woman. And damn, I fear no one else ever will.

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