by Rhea Rhea
Before I forget the reason I told Brenna we left in my truck, we need to find some boxes and duct tape. We’ve been gone for about an hour already we need to hurry up, if I don’t want to set off any alarms in Brenna’s head. Finally, after multiple stops we find some at a grocery store. We load them into the truck before going back in to see if they sell tape, and thankfully, they do.
Almost two hours later, we get back to Brenna’s apartment. Before getting out of the truck, I hand Spencer the ring box asking him to hang onto it so Brenna doesn’t see it and start asking questions. Walking through the door, I see Brenna up on the counter handing plates down to Lexi. Going up behind her, I hook an arm around her waist and swing her off the counter and into my arms.
“What took you so long?”
“It took us forever to find boxes.” Needing a distraction, I kiss her and end up distracting the both of us.
“Get a room,” Lexi and Spencer say together, drawing laughter from all of us.
Putting Brenna down, I tell her not to pack away things we’ll need tonight and that we will load my truck tomorrow. No use in hurrying. That’s the benefit of being your own boss. I hear no objections from Spencer on spending another night here either.
We spend the rest of the night packing. Since all the furniture stays, except the bedroom, it doesn’t take long with the four of us working side by side.
“What are we doing for supper?” Brenna asks, which is unusual. Normally it’s me hollering for food.
“Whatever you want. Got something in mind?”
“Yes, I am dying for a bacon cheeseburger and fries, but first I want to shower again.”
Lexi and Spencer offer to go get supper. Brenna goes into her room as they are walking out the door. I catch up to them before they get into Lexi’s car and Spencer hands me the box. Lexi must have seen the exchange because the next thing I know, she’s squealing like a damn pig.
“Is that what I think it is?” Lexi asks. I smile and nod as I walk back through the door.
The shower is already running, giving me time to put the box in my bag before grabbing my shorts and a T-shirt. I head for the shower where I know Brenna is naked and wet. I’ll never miss an opportunity like that again. If luck is still on my side, she hasn’t washed her body yet. That’s my job.
Shutting the bathroom door behind me, I quickly strip and pull back the shower curtain to see her about to pick up the body wash. Yeah luck is on my side today, and it seems I have perfect timing. Taking the bottle from her, I proceed to wash every inch of her body. Which, of course, leads to her washing mine and making me smell just like her. Before I know it, her back is against the wall and I am inside her. Every shower should end just like this.
Chapter Thirty-Three
Brenna
I can hear Lexi and Spencer in the living room as soon as I open the bathroom door. They’re talking softly and laughing. I hope this is a good sign. I’m glad they are getting along and hopeful things progress between them. He really seems like a good guy and Lexi is smitten. Tucker presses up against my back, putting his arms around my waist and we stand there together listening. Yeah, we’re eavesdropping.
Hearing Lexi recount the first weekend Tucker was here is a little embarrassing. I cannot believe she brought popcorn. They are both laughing and by the time Lexi tells him about the milk incident, they’re in hysterics. Tucker’s body is shaking against my back from laughter.
“Did you tell him about being popped upside the head with a spatula?” I speak up.
They both turn towards us. Lexi reaches up and rubs the side of her head which makes Tucker and I both laugh. Spencer is looking between us waiting for one of us to clue him in. As I tell him, I see a look not so different from Tucker’s. Oh I don’t think Spencer likes knowing Lexi was checking Tucker out. Interesting.
Lexi shoves a bag at my chest as soon as I’m within striking distance. I can smell the grease and bacon. My stomach grumbles loudly, a clear indication it wants what’s in the bag.
“You hungry, baby?” Tucker asks as he sits down and Lexi hands him his food.
“Starving.” Since my living room doesn’t have much furniture and we all can’t sit on the couch comfortably, I make a seat on the floor, nestled safely between Tucker’s legs.
My butt has barely warmed the spot before I sink my teeth into my burger. Oh my god that’s good. I hear a moan come from someone and when everyone else starts laughing. I realize it’s me.
“And here I thought those sounds were all for me.” Tucker whispers in my ear. Turning my head slightly, I give him a small grin before taking another bite as he sits back and starts eating his own food.
The only noises to be heard is the radio playing and bags rustling as we all eat. Needless to say, I’m the first one done since I virtually inhaled my food. Throwing my wrapper in the fast food sack, I prop myself up off the floor and turn to see if Tucker’s done eating so I can throw away our trash.
When I turn around, I run right into Tucker. “You really need to watch where you’re going.” He laughs before palming my ass and lifting me up against him. I’m not even thinking about the people in the other room as I wrap myself around him.
“Seems to me that I knew exactly where I was going, since I’m right where I’m supposed to be.”
“That you are,” he says right before his mouth connects with mine. I’m not sure how long we stand there, wrapped around each other. Time seems to be irrelevant when we come together. Whether it’s making love or kissing.
“Time to pop some popcorn.” Lexi laughs as she walks around us to the trash can.
Lexi does have impeccable timing. Another few minutes, she would have come in on Tucker and I in a very compromising position, seeing more of either of us than she would like. Placing a quick kiss on his lips and dropping my legs, he lets me slide down his body.
We spend the next couple hours singing along with the radio to songs we know and talking and laughing through the one’s we don’t. When Lexi gets ready to leave, Spencer gets to his feet also, like this is a common thing. Once we say our goodbyes, Tucker locks the door behind them, sweeps me off my feet and carries me into the bedroom.
Dropping my legs when we’re close to the bed, he holds onto me until I place my feet on the floor. He searches my face and doesn’t say a word. Suddenly, he turns around and heads to his overnight bag. Tucker bends over and sifts through his things, searching for something.
What the hell is he doing?
* * *
Tucker
I didn’t plan on doing this tonight. It’s not the most romantic setting, but it feels absolutely right. I know what I want and waiting any longer is ridiculous. Reaching in my bag, I find what I’m looking for. I open the box, pulling out the ring that I’m sure will be on her finger in the next few minutes. Closing my hand around it, I turn back to see her watching me.
Sitting on the bed, I reach my hand out to her, when she steps between my legs; I pull on her letting her know I want her to straddle me. She smiles at me and I know exactly what she’s thinking. I want her eye level with me, and that’s why I didn’t get on one knee at her feet. I want to see her face up close.
I wait for her to put her arms around my neck, before placing my hand to her cheek, making sure she doesn’t look away from me before I begin. “Brenna, I have to tell you something and I want you to hear me out before you say anything okay?”
I wait for her to answer before I start telling her everything I should have so long ago. This is the most important question I ever ask anyone and I need to be sure she’s with me in this moment.
“I have loved you from the first day. Throughout all the years, no matter what happened, I always loved you. Nothing will ever change that. You said you remembered the night we sat in the grass and made all those promises.” I wait for her to nod in agreement. “I told you then that I wanted forever with you. You promised to be forever mine that night under a sky full of stars and hearts full of love
. I told you then that I would also be forever yours.”
Her eyes are brimming with tears as she nods at me again. “I want to begin that forever right now. We have lost so much time over the past eight years and I don’t plan on wasting anymore.”
“So how bout it Brenna will you be forever mine?” Bringing my other hand between us, I open my palm so she can see what’s inside.
Tears begin streaming down her face. Her arms and legs lock tight around me as she closes what little distance there is between us. I barely have time to pull my hand out from between us before closing my arms around her just as tight. When she pulls back enough to look at me again, I can see her answer all over her face.
“Yes, I will be forever yours on one condition.”
“Anything,” I barely get the word past the lump in my throat. I knew she would say yes, but actually hearing that simple word flow past her lips has my emotions rolling over me.
“You have to be forever mine, as well.”
“There was never any doubt about that, baby. I am now and will forever be yours.”
Taking her left hand in mine, I slide the ring down her finger, as the emotions I had been holding back spills over, making its way down my face. She doesn’t even look at the ring before I feel her small hands on my face and then her lips are on mine. A kiss that turns hot and needy within a few seconds.
She begins tugging on my shirt, at the same time I reach for hers and then they are flying through the air to land where they may. Reaching behind her and unsnapping her bra, I toss it behind us with our shirts. I run my hands up her sides, before cupping her breasts, as she leans back my mouth replaces my hands.
Lying back on the bed, my hands start pushing her shorts over her hips. She kicks them off as I roll us over. The only things separating us now are my shorts, which she soon starts tugging on. I stand to finish taking them off and tell her to rollover. She doesn’t even hesitate as she flips over on her stomach. Starting at her ankles, I run my hands and mouth over every inch of her skin.
Brenna is breathing harder with every touch. I barely hear her muffled ‘please’ before turning her back over and nudging her legs apart. Covering her body with mine, I wait until she opens her eyes before sliding into her, taking my time. As I gaze down upon her, I can see her eyes reflect the same passion and yearning that I’m feeling inside.
Making love to Brenna is the closest thing to heaven I’ve ever felt but right now, I need more. I need to get deeper. Sliding one hand under her head and the other under her back, I pull her against me until her legs wrap around my waist. I sit back on my knees, pulling her up with me. Sliding into her, she arches her back and pushes down to force me to the hilt. We find a slow steady rhythm. Throwing her head back, Brenna lets out a moan before her eyes refocus on mine.
“I love you Tucker,” She gasps out and crushes her mouth to mine as her body clamps down, milking me of every bit of my essence. We stay just like that until our heartbeats and our heavy breathing slowed, joined as one.
“I love you, too, baby, and I plan to show you how much every day.”
I’ve loved this girl for as long as I can remember. She stole my heart and never gave it back. I never want it back. It’s safe right where it rests, in her hands.
Chapter Thirty-Four
Brenna
Last night was perfect and completely unexpected. I knew that one day Tucker would ask me to marry him. I just wasn’t thinking it would be so soon. Not that I’m complaining. I’m beyond happy and can’t wait to start my life with him. There are absolutely no doubts left that we are meant to be. Lying here, staring at the ring he slid on my finger, I didn’t even glance at it last night. It’s gorgeous. He did very well. The permanent smile that has been on my face since last night is starting to be painful.
Tucker begins to stir beside me, and I turn over to face him. A beautiful smile spreads across his face when he sees me awake and looking back at him.
“Good morning, baby.” His voice is husky with sleep.
Rising up on my elbow, I lean down and kiss his lips softly. “Good morning.” I place my hand on his cheek and his hand is covers mine. Tucker pulls it away and looks at the ring he placed there.
“Tomorrow.”
“What about tomorrow?” I ask him, completely puzzled at what he’s saying.
“We get married tomorrow.”
I laugh at his line of thinking, until I see the seriousness on his face. “We can’t get married tomorrow, Tucker.”
“Why not?” He’s serious. Doesn’t he know that there are things that have to be done first?
“Let’s see we need a marriage license first, a preacher, and wedding bands to name the most important, plus we haven’t even told our family or friends.”
His eyebrows are almost touching, causing his forehead to wrinkle, he’s thinking so hard. I smooth away the wrinkles with my fingers waiting for him to say something.
“We can do all that tomorrow then.” His smile is infectious as it spreads across his face.
“We’re still not getting married tomorrow, Tucker.” I tell him and watch as his smile slips a little. “Now don’t get me wrong. I’d marry you right this minute if we could, but don’t you want a small ceremony?”
“If that’s what you want, then I guess I’ll have to wait. Do you have something in mind?”
Yes, in fact, I do. However, I’m not telling him just yet. I want to make sure I can pull it off first. “Maybe.” I say while grinning down at him.
“You’re not going to tell me are you?”
“Not yet, but I promise I won’t let you miss it.”
“You better not. If you take too long either or you might find yourself standing in the courthouse.”
Shaking my head at him and laughing, I know he’s serious. Tucker isn’t going to wait long and that’s fine by me.
Knowing we have a lot to do today, it’s time to get up. After I tell Tucker this, he groans and gets out of bed and strides naked across my room. Now, that’s a sight that will never get old. I haven’t even moved yet. Tucker pauses and looks back at me with a wink. His lips edge into knowing smile and he motions for me to come with him.
I’m off the bed and heading in his direction within seconds. I know where this is going. Shower time with Tucker is an experience I’ll never miss. He’s already in the shower when I walk in and pull back the curtain. Stepping in, I take in every inch of him. Soon the water isn’t the only thing steaming up my tiny bathroom. Definitely, a good morning.
* * *
Tucker
Spencer and Lexi bring over breakfast not long after we’re dressed. I could get used to this morning routine with Brenna. It feels so natural. Knowing that I’ll get to do this with her whenever I want leaves a smile plastered on my face.
I was dead serious when I told her that she better not take too long before planning what she wants. I’m ready to make her my wife now. She’s already mine in every other way, so I can wait a few more days to make her my wife. Two weeks tops.
Between the four of us, it doesn’t take long to load all of Brenna’s things onto my truck. Lexi offers to drive up to help us unload. Brenna tells her she doesn’t have to, but gives in when Lexi says she wants to. She’s a good friend and Brenna is going to miss her. Maybe things will work out for her and Spencer so they will be neighbors again soon.
Looking over at Spencer, I see the smile on his face when it was decided Lexi was following us back. Yeah things look pretty good right now.
“Y’all ready if we leave now we can get unloaded and throw some steaks or something on the grill before Lexi has to head back.”
Everyone nods their heads in agreement. I toss my keys to Spencer and tell him we’re taking the back roads in case we get separated. I figure it’ll be safer than the interstate with semi’s blowing past us. Last thing we need is bedroom furniture flying out the back of the truck causing a pile up.
Two hours later, we pull down my driveway. No, n
ot mine anymore, it’s now ours. I really like the sound of that. It doesn’t take us long to unload. All the things she doesn’t need at the moment go into one of the spare bedrooms. Her bedroom furniture is going into the other. Spencer and I set that up so Brenna wouldn’t feel like she had too. Now I know why I never filled these two rooms. They were waiting for her.
We find the two girls on the back deck. They’re sitting at the table talking, heads close together, speaking in hushed voices.
“What are y’all talking about?”
“Nothing.” They both reply. Looks like we interrupted some girl talk.
I walk over to the grill to fire it up. While it’s warming to the right temperature, I get the meat out of the freezer and throw them in the microwave to defrost. Watching the steaks, Brenna’s arms snake around my waist and she rests her cheek on my back.
“Need help with anything?”
Taking her arm, I pull her around in front of me, picking her up to sit her on the counter. I place my hands flat on the counter beside her hips and put my face close to hers but not touching. “Not with the food.”
Brenna slides her hands up my chest and around my neck. “I did say anything.” She whispers before pressing her lips to mine.
When we pull away, I rest my forehead against hers. “You have two weeks Brenna.” The microwave beeps before she answers. Picking her up and placing her back on her feet, I wait for her response.
“Fine, Mr. Impatient. I may not even need two weeks.” She grins as she turns to go back out on the deck.
I grab the steaks and follow behind her. When she opens the back door and steps on the porch, she stops short. I’m about to ask her why she stopped when I see Spencer and Lexi kissing.
“Hey Tucker, you got any popcorn?” Brenna asks with as much seriousness as she can before laughter takes over.
Lexi and Spencer jump apart like they were just caught by their parents and I can’t keep from laughing.