by Lauren Runow
“That’s cute. I don’t think I know this song.”
“It’s Sammy Kershaw’s ‘She Don’t Know She’s Beautiful.’ Pretty fitting song right now actually.”
I flush with embarrassment. When he grins at my reaction, I try to change the subject. “I must be too young for that one.”
He reaches in his pocket and grabs his phone, typing something in. “It released in 1993.”
I try to hide my grin. “I was two.”
Tucker inhales a playful breath before taking another sip.
The radio DJ comes over the speaker, “How was everyone’s Saturday night? I don’t know about you, but I didn’t go down until the sun came up. Everyone awake enough for some Garth Brooks?”
Because of the odd way he sang it at the end before saying the artist’s name makes me wonder if it has something to do with a song.
When Shorty stops everything, coming around from the kitchen, I think I’m on the right path.
“Okay, Tucker. This is our battle!”
Tucker’s head falls forward as his shoulders shake from laughter. He tales a big inhale before nodding. He whispers to me, “I have to prepare for this one.”
I stare at him with wide eyes, wondering what he means. When he starts singing a song so fast that I can’t keep up, I just lean back and watch in awe.
The first verse he nails without missing a beat and takes a big inhale while the sounds of a harmonica blare around us. I raise my eyebrows in amazement, and to my surprise, he starts right back up.
I look toward Shorty, who’s mouthing the words but they obviously aren’t right, and he’s not keeping up, no matter how hard he tries.
When the chorus comes, Shorty jumps in, singing louder and seeming proud that he knows those words.
Tucker leans into me, grabbing my arm and singing overdramatically, “Ain’t goin’ down ’til the sun comes up,” right before the harmonica starts up again.
The two keep going with the song that never slows down. I can’t believe Tucker can keep up with the fast-pace lyrics, but at the end of the next verse, Garth Brooks holds the last note, which Tucker gives to Shorty by pointing at him in a take it away motion, and boy, does he. He holds the note for as long as the song, and I clap and holler all the way through.
The song ends the same way with a long note being held, and Shorty steals the show with his performance. Everyone around us claps. I cheer and laugh along with them, my cheeks hurting from smiling so big.
“You the man!” Shorty points his spatula at Tucker before heading back to the kitchen.
“Great job on those notes,” Tucker says back. “Now, make me my breakfast,” he teases.
“I’m on it. I’m on it.” Shorty blows him off as he gets back to work, like they didn’t just put on one hell of a show for the breakfast crowd.
Chapter Thirteen
Tucker
After breakfast, we walk to the car as I try to think of what we can do today, so I don’t have to drop her off at home.
“Do you have any plans for the rest of your day?” I ask.
“Not a thing. What about you?”
“We can go hang out on the boat again.”
To my surprise, she lifts her shirt to show me the swimsuit she has on underneath. Fuck me. It’s been weeks, and I’ve been on my best behavior. She’s smart, funny, and a hell of a dancer, but her body … men have gone to war and died for the love of a woman with curves like Justine Samson.
I try to hide all of those thoughts and grin as I say, “I was hoping you’d say that.” I raise my eyebrows in appreciation. “I knew I liked you for a reason.”
We hop on the road out of town and over the covered bridge to head toward the lake.
Since a commercial is on the radio, I lean over to switch it to another station. As I scan, “Hear Me Now” comes on, making me smile, so I sit back to enjoy it.
“You know this song?” Justine asks in surprise.
“Don’t be so surprised. I enjoy all kinds of music.” I drum my fingers on the steering wheel.
“But this is Devil’s Breed. I wouldn’t think it’s exactly your jam.”
“Is that supposed to be an old joke?” I playfully eye her.
“No. I didn’t say that.” She giggles. “But seriously, do you listen to their music?”
I nod, wondering if I should tell her my connection. “I’ve liked their stuff since the beginning.”
She sits back. “Wow, not the kind of music I thought you would listen to.”
She’s right. Their music is more hard rock, but I’ve learned to like all of their stuff. This new one though, it’s special.
“I’m actually going to do a piece on them for the magazine. I’m trying to at least. I have a call into their management.”
I turn to her while trying to keep my eyes on the road. “No shit?” I say, surprised she’d do such a thing.
“Yeah. I write for a national magazine, remember?” she teases.
“I know. It’s just … I wouldn’t think Devil’s Breed is for your kind of reader.”
“Just like I didn’t think you were their kind of listener,” she jabs back.
“Touché.”
“But no, I want to cover the girl, Sarah Russo. Her story is pretty cool, and I think it will resonate with my readers. I hear they are being kind of tight-lipped with her though.”
“Did they tell you they wouldn’t do the interview?”
She shrugs. “I have calls out. Now, I wait and see and hope for the best.”
I reach over and pick up my phone, not telling her what I am doing.
I scroll through my Contacts and hit the name I’m looking for, making the FaceTime call.
“Who are you calling?” She tries to see my screen.
I tilt it, so she can’t. “You’ll see.”
Two rings in, and the phone connects.
“Hey, Tucker. What’s up? How have you been?”
“Hey, Adam. I was just driving with my friend Justine, and your song came on the radio.” I glance at Justine, whose mouth is agape. “Say hi.”
I turn the screen toward her, and she straightens her appearance quickly.
“Hey, Justine. Nice to meet you,” Adam says.
Justine’s eyes dance from me to the phone and back to me.
I point the camera back to me. “I didn’t tell her I was calling you or that I even knew you, so she’s a little surprised right now.”
She grabs the phone from me. “Hi! Sorry. I was thrown off, is all. How do you two know each other?”
“My sister is his CASA. I’ll explain later,” I say, and Adam smiles.
“I owe his sister my life, so yeah, Tucker’s basically family. Even though we never get to see his ass.”
“Don’t lie. I’m sure with your busy schedule, you’re constantly thinking about how long it’s been since we’ve hung out,” I shout out, so Adam can hear me.
“Is that Uncle Tucker?” Cailin, his daughter, grabs the phone from him and stares into it.
“Hey, baby girl,” I say as Justine points the phone at me, so Cailin can see me.
“Hey, Tuck Tuck. Are you going to come see us? You have to meet Daddy’s new girlfriend.”
“I will soon, I promise. But actually, that’s why I’m calling. Hey, Adam.” Cailin points the phone back to Adam. “Justine here works for Living Now Magazine and has calls into your people to set up an interview.”
Adam lets out a hard laugh. “Are you trying to name-drop to get you a new girl?”
I glance in her direction. “Nope. I already got her.”
She leans over and playfully slaps my arm.
“I figured I’d help my girl out though.” I wink.
“Okay.” Adam nods. “I got you. Any friend of Tucker is a friend of mine. Get my number from Tucker and text me tomorrow. I’ll talk to Sarah and make sure it’s okay with her, and then we’ll set something up.”
She turns the camera back to her. “Thank you so much. I re
ally appreciate it.”
“It will be fun. I’ve never been in Living Now.”
“Because your ugly ass isn’t fashion forward enough,” I tease, and Justine faces the camera back to me.
“Says the old man with gray hair,” Adam tosses right back.
“Miss you, dude.” I grin.
“Same here. Let’s talk soon.”
“Will do. Bye, Cailin,” I yell out, and Adam turns the camera back to her.
“Bye.” She waves.
Adam ends the call, and Justine positions her body, so she’s fully facing me.
“How in the world do you know Adam Jacobson?”
“His real name is Adam Tyler. He’s like a son to my sister, Linda. She could never have kids, so instead of adopting, she became a CASA—a Court Appointed Special Advocate. He was in the foster system as a kid and an absolute wreck. Linda didn’t give up though. They’re still very close, and she might as well be his mom now. It’s a pretty cool story actually.”
“Sounds like it. Thank you for calling him.”
“Do I get another kiss for that?” I give her a cheesy grin.
“Maybe a little more than a kiss. But not just because you called someone for me.”
“I’m liking the sound of that.” I run my hand down her leg, loving the soft skin under my palm. My shorts get tighter, and I have to adjust them before I make a scene. Having her so close, smelling her strawberry scent, is driving me wild.
When we arrive at the lake, I take her hand in mine as we walk to the houseboat.
She looks up to see clouds starting to roll in. “Do you think we’ll get some rain?”
“I hope it does. There’s nothing better than summer rain around here, don’t you think?”
She smiles. “Absolutely.”
We spend the day lounging with the clouds moving through the sky blocking us in and out of the sun’s rays.
Every time she gets hot, she jumps in the water, only to come up, looking sexy as ever, making my chest tight just from the sight.
It’s been a while since I’ve been into a girl like this, but, man, she’s finding her way into my protected heart, and I’m the fool who’s allowing her to do so.
“One of Them Girls” by Lee Brice comes on the radio, and I head toward her, holding out my hand and offering a dance.
She glances down at her soaking body. “I’m dripping wet.”
I can’t help the smirk that meets my lips. “All the better.”
She rolls her eyes even though a laugh escapes her lips as she places her hand in mine and I pull her close. The song is faster, but I keep it seductively slow, holding her body to mine as I move us as one. She glides with me, allowing me to do as I please and guide her just the way I want. With only my swim trunks on, I can’t hide what she’s doing to me, but I don’t even care. I want her to know. I’m crazy for this girl, and it’s time I show her so.
“You were one of those girls, weren’t you? Trying not to meet anybody the night I first met you?” I ask, mimicking the lyrics in the song.
Her eyes meet mine, and I see the truth like I’ve never seen before. It wasn’t that she was just there for a good night. There’s something more that was stopping her. That wall is still there, but I can tell I’ve found the secret door. She might be letting me in, but something is still set firmly in place.
I understand that wall. Hell, I built mine even stronger and higher. But if mine can start to fall, then I know hers can too. I won’t push it though. I’ll take the pieces she gives me and cherish every step of the way.
I place my finger under her chin. “I know there’s something you’re holding back, and I get it. I won’t push. But I want this, and I’m willing to be here until you’re ready to tell me.”
She nods as her eyes dance between my lips and my eyes. When she parts her lips, licking them, I know she’s inviting me in, and I take full advantage.
As our mouths meet, I feel her body go limp, and I hold her tighter, loving the way she molds into my arms as I slide my tongue against hers.
I first feel the drops on my head and then my shoulders as the rain comes down, but it doesn’t stop us a bit. The rain pours from the sky, but in our little bubble, the world is heating up.
I grip her wet hair as she runs her fingers down my back, which is now as wet as her. When I move to kiss her neck, she brings her hands up to my head, pulling me closer.
“I wanna take you to my bed,” I say against her ear.
She nods, and I waste no time, picking her up and walking toward the sliding glass door. I have to set her down before we make our way through the narrow stairs that lead to my bedroom.
Once we’re there, not a second is spared as she turns around, wrapping her arms around my neck and pressing her lips to mine.
I untie her bikini top and watch as it falls to the floor. Seeing her perky breasts on display makes my dick so hard that I think it might explode. I haven’t been with someone I’ve had true feelings with since my wife.
Knowing how that one blew up in my face doesn’t give me warm fuzzies, but I push the idea out of my mind and try to enjoy the feeling she’s giving me now—the ones that I’ve missed all these years.
I’ve always been more of a romantic guy, and being able to share that part of me with someone means more than just sex.
My hands grip her hips as I walk her to my bed. Before she lies down, I slide my fingers into her swimsuit and pull them down her legs, kissing my way all over her body as I do so.
She holds my head as she lets out a soft moan. I feel the goose bumps form all over her body, but I know they’re not because she’s cold. I did that to her. My touch gave her chills, and I’m only going to give her more.
After I remove my shorts, I stand and then lay her back on my bed. I reach for a box of condoms I bought after she was here last in hopes that she’d be back soon.
I kiss her again, and when her fingers grip around my cock, I lightly bite her bottom lip. She takes control of it and rubs it against her clit. I feel the way it brings out her slickness, and after only a few seconds, I easily slide against her.
I want so bad to push into her raw, but I know better. So, I grab the condom, wrapping it around me before she positions me against her again.
Our eyes meet, and the slight grin she gives me is the only approval I need. With one small thrust, I push inside her.
Her head falls back, and her eyes close as her lips part. It’s the sexiest thing I’ve seen in my entire life. I have to pause, not wanting to blow my load this soon. I get the feeling she’s only been with boys, and I need to show her what it means to be with a man.
I lie down closer to her, feeling her naked body against mine as I thrust into her.
She moans, and I capture it with my mouth. We find our rhythm easily, creating our own dance together. She’s so wet that I slide in and out with ease even though she’s so tight that she’s about to squeeze my dick clean.
I reach my right hand to find hers, intertwining my fingers, and in a movement of intimacy, I bring them to my chest.
As I slow my movements, she begins to pant. I can tell she’s close, and I’m so ready for her to fall.
I move with purpose as I listen to her body, feeling where she likes it the most and making sure to do just that. I tilt my hips down, and I can tell I hit her G-spot by the moan she gives, so I repeat that motion over and over again.
She begins to gasp as she grabs my shoulders tight, so I push hard just as I feel her orgasm explode and pulsate against me. Her head falls back as her breath stops momentarily.
Feeling her clench my cock makes me erupt on contact, and I enjoy my own release, filling the condom with a grunt.
We both catch our breaths, but neither of us moves as we enjoy the feeling our bodies just rewarded us for finding each other. For now, I just want to lie here with her and hold her in my arms, hoping this feeling never goes away.
Chapter Fourteen
Justine
> A strong hand reaches around my shoulder.
It grips me hard, and my body feels like a lead weight being pressed into the ground.
I can’t breathe. Can’t speak.
My throat closes as the pressure builds inside from the weight pushing down on me, harder, more sinister, more—
“No!” I spring out of bed, screaming.
My breath is labored, and my chest is tight as I take in the windows that show me the beautiful lake surrounding us.
When I feel a hand softly touch my arm, I turn in fear, but I am calmed when I see Tucker there with a concerned expression on his face.
Everything comes together quickly. I’m not in New York. I’m not being attacked. I stayed the night with Tucker after having the best sex of my life.
I close my eyes and take a deep inhale.
Tucker sits up and wraps his arms around me. “Are you okay?”
I shake my head, bringing my knees up to my chest and placing my arms on them so I can rest my forehead there.
He scoots closer, moving his body to engulf mine. “Breathe, baby. I’m here.”
Calming my breath, I keep my head down but move my arm to reach for his hand, needing his comfort more than ever.
He rubs his other hand on my back, and with every stroke, my breathing comes back to normal. Once I feel a little more stable, I lie down and curl up in his arms.
As he runs his fingers through my hair, I move closer to him.
“Do you want to talk about it?” he asks barely above a whisper.
I pause, not sure if I should say something.
My parents keep saying I need to talk about it, but to who? I don’t really have anyone I want to open up to, that I want to relive those moments with.
Of course, my friends in New York know but not anyone else. My friends here think I’m home because I lost my lease and decided to come home for the summer months before finding a new place to live.
To be honest, I didn’t know what my plan was. I just knew I needed to get out of New York. I didn’t feel safe there anymore.
I glance at Tucker, and for the first time, I feel secure enough to talk about it.