Perfect Song (Mason Creek Book 2)

by Lauren Runow

  I’ve never been attracted to singers, not like this. There’s something about this man that’s getting under my skin and making my time here at home much better than I ever anticipated.

  We enter, and my eyes instantly go to the stage to see if he’s there. When I see only the musical equipment, I get a little bummed. I don’t know why I wanted to see him so bad. I’d spent the entire day with the man. He’d only dropped me off at my parents’ place a few hours ago.

  “Let’s grab that table over there,” Laken says as she points toward the side of the room.

  “How come there are so many more people here than last Saturday night?” I ask.

  She bumps me with her hip and hollers, “Because everyone is here to see your new man!”

  I blush at the mention of him being mine. I told her how we’ve hung out a few times, but I guess I’m still wondering where we are. I’m just hoping he’ll seal the deal tonight. Until we kiss, I feel weird, having someone else even say he’s my man.

  We all order drinks, and I sit back, trying not to be too obvious as I keep my eye on the stage for any sign of Tucker.

  When I see his long legs and cowboy boots walk out, my heart skips a beat. He’s wearing a tight black T-shirt and a cowboy hat. When Laken nudges my arm, I beam back at her, not even trying to hide my excitement.

  “Hot damn, girl. He’s looking mighty fine up there,” she says.

  I rub my lips together. “I couldn’t agree more.”

  He picks up his guitar from its stand and slaps the strap around his shoulder as the crowd claps at his arrival.

  “You guys ready for some fun?” he shouts into the microphone.

  A few girls scream as the room erupts in applause. My cheeks are already hurting from smiling so big at seeing him up onstage.

  “Now, I know that some girls don’t like boys like me. Aww, but some girls do!” he shouts just as he strums the guitar and the first chords to Sawyer Brown’s “Some Girls Do” plays from the guys behind him.

  We jump out of our seats and head toward the dance floor. I remember my mom playing this song when I was little. The lyrics are catchy, and I’m able to sing along with the rest of the crowd.

  The beat has us dancing around, but I keep my eyes glued to Tucker. The grin he wears as he sings into the microphone is contagious. When he brings his guitar up in front of him, showing off his skills with ease, I swear I feel my panties moisten.

  Now, I see why he’s this town’s best kept secret.

  Every girl in here is staring all dreamy-eyed at the guy onstage, who’s singing his heart out and having a blast, doing it. Only thing I know is, it’s not an act. This isn’t a stage show he’s putting on.

  This is Tucker.

  He’s the quiet guy who could make you smile, seemingly without a care in the world. Add in music, and now, I know why every woman wants him. I bet he could have his pick of women to go home with any night. Hearing that he doesn’t take advantage of his stardom that way just makes me like him more.

  As he finishes the song, everyone claps, and when he finds me in the audience, he winks at me before turning around to talk to his bandmates.

  “I saw that!” Laken shouts over the crowd.

  I give her a cheesy grin just as the music starts back up.

  We have the best night, dancing the night away. I recognize every song from my childhood, and he’s right; all I can think about are the memories that come with them.

  The songs that my mom would sing on the way to drop me off at work or ones that we would sing to each other while I helped her cook dinner. Each one of them puts an even bigger smile on my face than the last.

  His range of songs has been amazing. Everything from fast to slow, and he covers all different kinds of bands, but he nails every one. I swear if I closed my eyes, I would think I was at that singer’s concert instead of at the Pony Up bar in Mason Creek.

  A fast beat starts, and I scream in celebration as I recognize the chords to John Michael Montgomery’s “Sold (The Grundy County Auction Incident).” I used to love this song and would try to sing the lyrics as fast as I could.

  I watch as Tucker dances around the stage before coming up to the microphone and singing, “Well, I went down to the Pony Up last week,” instead of the actual lyrics, talking about going to the Grundy County Auction.

  I stop dancing as Laken turns to me with wide eyes as he continues, “Where I saw somethin’ I just had to have.”

  I stare at her with a surprised expression covering my face before looking back to Tucker.

  He continues to sing the lyrics as they’re supposed to be sung until he points right to me as he grips the microphone with both hands and sings as fast as the song does, “I’m sold to the lady standing on the dance floor. She’s got soft pink lips, brown hair, green eyes, and I’m about to bid my heart good-bye!”

  He changes the lyrics to act like he’s talking about me and not the woman from the original song.

  I cover my mouth as I squeal in surprise. Everyone’s looking in my direction as Laken dances around me, proud to be with the woman he’s talking about. He winks and blows a kiss before grabbing his guitar again and finishing the song as it was originally written.

  I stand here in awe, trying not to look like a deer in headlights when, honestly, I’m stunned. For him to do that, in front of everyone here, means so much. If my mom thought we were the town’s gossip before, there will be no question tomorrow. I guarantee everyone will know by early morning that the Tucker Simms is officially off the market.

  Knowing that he would put himself out there, put us out there like this, pushes me over that last question I had about if I was ready for a man in my life. They say you’re never really ready for what the world gives you, but the world always gives you exactly what you need. And the universe knew I needed a good man to build my confidence again.

  I try to act coy as he finishes his set, but inside, I’m flying high.

  He makes me feel important to him, and after what I went through, I’m finally seeing good in a guy once again.

  Who cares if he’s fifteen years older and people in town don’t think we belong together?

  He makes me happy, and happiness is all that matters.

  Once he thanks everyone for coming out and says good night, I turn to Laken, about to see if it’s okay if I leave her, but she stops me before I can say anything.

  “Girl, don’t even ask what I think. You’d better get your booty over there and stake your claim on that man!”

  I jump with glee as I say good-bye and head toward the stage, where Tucker is packing up his gear. When he sees me, he heads toward me.

  He removes his hat, wiping his forehead before putting it back on, and steps down to see me. “Hey, did you enjoy the show?”

  “It was incredible!” I playfully grab his shirt, grinning coquettishly.

  He steps closer, and I feel the heat of his body engulf me. “Can I give you a ride home?”

  I look up into his green eyes. “There’s no one else I want to leave here with.”

  His eyes darken at my words, and my chest tightens at the promise they show.

  “Just give me a few minutes to pack things up.”

  Nodding, I let go of his shirt even though I really don’t want to. I watch as he heads back up the stairs, enjoying the way his jeans hug him in all the right places.

  I see the way a few people are watching us, but I just smile as I wait for my man to finish packing up without a care in the world. Let them talk. At least I know what they’re saying is true now and not just a rumor.

  With his guitar in one hand, he holds out his other to me, and I grab ahold of it as he leads me out of Pony Up and to the side of the building, where his truck is parked.

  After he puts the guitar in the bed of the truck, he spins me around, so my back is resting on the door. Leaning in, he removes his hat and tucks a stray piece of hair behind my ear.

  “I hope you didn’t mind me singing t
hat song to you,” he says.

  I can’t help but giggle. “Surprisingly, no. I thought it was pretty cool.”

  “Yeah?” He steps in a little closer to me. “You didn’t mind me telling everyone that I’m falling for you?”

  I look into his eyes, seeing the way he’s searching for my approval. “I liked it actually.” I watch the way his line of vision dances between my eyes and my lips.

  He places a finger on my chin. “You like the whole town knowing our business?”

  He leans down, and I feel his breath on my skin.

  “Only if it means you’re telling all the other women to back off because you’re taken.”

  “And that I am.” He scoops me in his arms and kisses my lips.

  I feel him all the way to my toes as he lifts me slightly off the ground. When his tongue sweeps against mine, a rush of electricity flies through me, zinging every nerve all over my body.

  I reach my arms up around his neck and deepen our kiss, not having a care in the world of where we are or who might see. Let them. We’ve already told the town we like each other. Why not show them that it’s real?

  His arms rush down my back and pull me closer to him, where I feel his bulge clear as day through his cowboy jeans.

  I grip the back of his shirt, needing something to hold on to as I completely lose myself in the way his lips are claiming me like they’re his and he’s never going to let me go.

  When he pulls back, we’re both panting slightly.

  “I’ve wanted to do that since the moment I met you,” he whispers as he places his forehead to mine. After a few calming breaths, he opens the passenger door. “Now, let’s get you home to your parents’ house before I do something right here in this parking lot that we’ll regret later.”

  The way he says it, as both a dare and a promise, sends chills down my spine.

  Yes, Tucker. This will happen, but I agree; it’s a little early and the Pony Up parking lot is not the place.

  Chapter Twelve

  Justine

  I wake up to a text from Tucker.

  Did you have any wild dreams about a handsome singer last night?

  A lady never tells.

  Then, I’ll just imagine you did.

  Any way I can entice you to join me for breakfast?

  Depends. Are we talking pastries or greasy goodness to soak up the alcohol from last night?

  The full shebang. Shorty’s cooking at Wren’s, and he makes the best pancakes around.

  Best pancakes? Sold. Give me twenty?

  I’ll be at your doorstep, waiting.

  I hop out of bed, suddenly more energized than a full cup of coffee would have given me. Jumping in the shower real quick, I wash my hair and body before drying off and throwing my hair in a messy bun. Something tells me Tucker doesn’t care if I get all dolled up or not, and for this early of a breakfast, he’s going to get the real me.

  With some cutoff shorts, a white tank top, and a flannel shirt tied around my waist, I head out to the living room with two minutes to spare.

  “Morning, sweetheart,” my mom says as she pours my dad a cup of coffee.

  “Morning! I’m heading to breakfast with Tucker.”

  My dad’s head pops up, and I wait for him to fight back, but to my surprise, he takes a deep inhale and goes back to reading the paper. When my eyes meet with my mom’s, she grins and nods her head toward the door in her silent way of saying to go and have fun.

  I blow her a kiss because I know she spoke to my father, and that’s why he didn’t say a word. She’s always been the buffer between us, helping me live the life I want versus living under his strict rules. No matter how old I am, I guess I’m still living the same life I always have.

  As I open the door, Tucker is standing there, getting ready to knock.

  “Hi,” I say in greeting.

  “What perfect timing,” he responds. “Are you ready?”

  I think about just leaving but decide it would be best to bring him inside before we leave. “Daddy, Mom, you know Tucker.”

  Tucker steps in without any hesitation as he removes his hat and holds it next to his heart. “Mr. and Mrs. Samson, it’s nice to see you both.”

  My mom comes from behind the kitchen counter to say hello, and my dad stands, heading straight toward him.

  “Tucker.” My dad holds out his hand, and Tucker grips it firmly as the two men shake. “She might not be a little girl, but she’s under my roof again, and I have a Remington that I’m not afraid to use should you disrespect my daughter in any way.”

  I put my hands on my hips. “Dad, you can’t threaten to shoot my date.”

  “Last I checked, Montana law said a man has the right to protect his family,” he states firmly.

  I roll my eyes at the absurdity, but Tucker takes it in stride.

  “From one father to another, you have my word,” Tucker says, and I grin from our conversation the other night.

  “I’ll call you guys if I don’t plan on coming home right away,” I say as we turn toward the door.

  “No worries, sweetie. We know you’re in good hands,” my mom says.

  I smile. I’m not sure why they’ve had a change of heart or what they’ve heard, but I’m liking it.

  We walk outside, and he opens his truck door for me, stealing a kiss hello before shutting the door.

  When he’s in on his side, I turn to him. “That was kind of surprising.”

  “What?” He puts the truck in reverse and exits the driveway.

  “My parents. Especially my dad. I didn’t think he’d be that cool with me going out with you.”

  “He called my boss,” Tucker says with a cheesy grin on his face.

  “Shut up! He did not!”

  He chuckles under his breath. “Yes, he did. Henry called me last night to tell me he put in a good word for me so to not fuck it up.”

  My jaw drops open. “He did what?”

  He reaches over to grip my hand. “Henry’s been a good friend of mine for years. Believe me when I say, there’s no one who knows me better, so at least your dad called the right person to check up on me.”

  “I’m so sorry he did that,” I say, embarrassed.

  “Don’t be. I’m a father, remember? I’m just lucky I had a boy. If I had a girl, she would never leave the house!”

  I shake my head with a laugh. “Well, thank goodness you didn’t, or you’d really have a troublemaker on your hands. The more you keep us girls down, the more we’ll rebel.”

  “Oh really now?” He looks at me.

  “Let’s just say, girls just wanna have fun.”

  “And who’s repeating old movie quotes now?”

  I playfully hit his shoulder as he turns onto Highland Place before parking on Laurel Lane. We walk across the street to Wren’s Café, and everyone looks our way when the bell jingles above the door.

  Ashley is there to greet us. “Do you want your place at the counter or a booth?”

  He turns to me, and I shrug. “Counter is fine.”

  “Your spot?” I ask.

  “Yeah. Every time I come on the weekends, I sit at the counter, so Shorty and I can chat and sing together.”

  “You sing together?” I ask, holding back a laugh.

  “You’ll see.” He places his hand on the small of my back and walks me toward the counter, where two empty seats are.

  “Tucker, my man. How’s it going?” a short, balding man behind the window to the kitchen asks. “Who’s your gal?”

  “Hey, Shorty! This is Justine.”

  I wave as we sit at the counter.

  Shorty holds up his spatula. “Howdy.”

  “Do you always eat alone when you come here?” I ask.

  “Nah. Sometimes, Matthew comes too. I don’t mind eating alone though; it’s peaceful.”

  “Peaceful? Here in Mason Creek? With all the people wondering why you’re eating alone?”

  He laughs. “Yeah, I’m sure it adds to the gossip they all t
hink about me.”

  “You like being the guy of mystery, don’t you?”

  He grins and winks in my direction. “It’s fun to hear what they came up with.”

  When we first sat down, I heard music coming from the direction of the kitchen, but suddenly, I hear it playing louder.

  When I turn to Tucker, he grins, “See? Told ya.”

  “Is this band practice?” I tease.

  He laughs out loud. “Hardly. So, what did you have in mind?”

  “You said he makes the best pancakes, right?”

  “Absolutely. You can get them with any topping you want; they’re all great.”

  Of course I’ve had pancakes before, and to be honest, I’ve never noticed a difference anywhere I go, so I have to admit, he’s got me intrigued.

  Ashley approaches us with a coffeepot in her hand. “Coffee?”

  We both say, “Please,” as we hold up the mugs that were sitting in front of us.

  “What can I get you?” she asks as she pours our cups.

  Tucker orders banana nut pancakes with sausage, but I go for the plain pancakes with eggs and bacon. I figure if I’m going to try these amazing pancakes, then I want to taste them without all the added stuff.

  A song plays that’s obviously older country, and I see the way that Shorty starts to dance around the kitchen. Tucker’s eyes crinkle on the sides in the best way as he blows on his coffee before taking a sip.

  “She don’t know she’s beautiful,” Shorty sings, and Tucker glances my way.

  I hear Shorty continue the song but Tucker sings louder than him saying, “Though time and time I’ve told her so.”

  Shorty nods his thanks to Tucker and I laugh at their little game.

  “Is that what you do? Correct him when you know he’ll get the lyrics wrong?”

  He shrugs. “Kind of. He likes to sing but admittedly gets the lyrics wrong a lot, so when I know it’s lyrics that people trip up, I step in and help out.”