“Not as much anymore. I help train instead of fighting. Once you beat so many asses it kind of gets old,” he says laughing while looking sexy as hell.
“Of course, how could I forget you never lose, silly me. Well I am glad you don’t fight much because it’s scary to watch sometimes.” I say truthfully
“Awww Harp, are you worried about me getting injured in a fight?” he says with a sly grin on his face. Ugh men.
“NO, I’m just not a fan and you could get seriously hurt.” I say sounding more interested than I probably should.
“Well if I do get seriously injured, you could always nurse me back to health,” he says sexily while staring at me.
I can feel my face turn three shades of red. “Well, I won’t need to because you aren’t fighting, so it doesn’t matter.”
“Oh Harp, if you’re willing to nurse me back to health maybe I will let someone beat my ass,” he says while laughing.
I throw a throw pillow at him, which he catches, while still laughing. Damn him.
“Well, that’s not happening so you can stop thinking like that right now. I will be your friend but that’s it Tucker, not your nurse, not your fuck buddy, not your one-night stand, just your friend. Take it or leave it?” I say deadpanned.
Tucker stops smiling and looks at me all seriously, “Harp I was only kidding, relax. I heard you loud and clear before.”
Now the damn atmosphere is AWKWARD. Ugh, why did I have to get so damn defensive like that? Luckily enough there’s a knock on the door so I get up to answer and the pizza is here, thank God. I go to pay the delivery guy, but Tucker beats me to it while taking the pizza to the kitchen.
“Thanks but I could have paid,” I say.
“You could have, but I did. Let’s eat” he says.
I get out plates and pour us each a drink and we head back into the living room. I turn on the television and put on SportsCenter, because that’s what men watch right? I figure he will be happy watching this as we eat.
We make a little small talk, but more so, eat in silence while watching television. Once we are done, I clean up our dishes, take them to the kitchen to throw them out and put the left over pizza in the refrigerator and go back in and have a seat.
“Look Harp, I didn’t mean to offend or upset you with my earlier comment and I’m sorry if I did that. I know you aren’t a one-night stand type of girl and I’m not asking you for that. I want to get to know you,” he says in a serious tone
I just stare at him dumbstruck. Sometimes what he says surprises me. “I’m sorry I overreacted and I shouldn’t have. You have done nothing to make it seem like you want those things from me and I am sorry.”
“Okay we’re good then, so when do we get to hang out again?” he asks excitedly
I start laughing, man he wastes no time. “Umm whenever I guess, I work weekends at PowerTrip and I have classes Monday through Friday, but I get out earlier on Tuesday’s and Thursday’s.”
“Hmm,” he says, “how about we grab lunch tomorrow because you need to eat?”
“I have class till twelve but then my next one is not until 1:30 p.m., if you want to meet somewhere,” I say.
“Okay then, I will meet you after your class and we can head over to the café down the street,” he says.
“Sound’s good.”
Tucker ends up leaving and it is crazy because it’s already 8:30 p.m. I have hung out with Tucker all freaking day long and it felt pretty great. I haven’t hung out with anyone like that in such a long time, that I forgot how refreshing it feels to actually have friends. Not that we are great friends or anything, but we are friends.
I decide to read more of my book and then I drift off into a blissful slumber.
Tucker
Yes I know what I did was wrong, but damn if it didn’t feel great to hang out with someone who doesn’t ask questions. I told her I know she’s not a one-night stand type of girl and unfortunately she’s not, but I respect that. She’s different. I’m not sure what it is about her, but there’s something that just keeps pulling me towards her.
Damn, I thought about kissing her when I was leaving tonight, but cannot go there with her. She might try to cut my damn balls off if I tried that shit.
I never pursue girls, because what’s the point, when they usually come willing with no expectations. Yeah there have been a few where I had to chase them for a week or two, but that’s about all I do; but with Harper it would take a lot longer than that to get anywhere near her.
I was surprised when she didn’t ask the normal bullshit people ask when trying to get to know someone; you know the family bullshit. Don’t get me wrong, I didn’t bother to ask her either, but it seemed like a topic that neither one of us wanted to go near. I’m just curious as to what her reasons are. I know my reasons, but I’m fucked up for a reason. Harper’s not fucked up, not like me anyway.
Harp’s a good girl, she’s sweet, sexy, and just has this look to her that shows she doesn’t need anyone, which for some reason makes me want to take care of her and watch out for her.
I know I fucked up a lot of shit here with people, but you can’t always trust the people you think you can and in turn, you end up not trusting anyone. There are few people here that I trust anymore. There’s no point in doing what I do, I fuck girls and go on my way. I don’t make promises because I don’t plan to keep them, and is it my fault if these girls know this shit and still want my dick? How’s that my fault? They give me what I want, I give them what they want for a night and then we go our separate ways. End of story.
But I can tell with Harp she’s different. I enjoyed spending time with her all day. When I saw her walking by herself the night before, I was pissed because there is no reason she should be out walking by herself, and I was just relieved she was okay. But spending the entire day with her at her dorm was like a breath of fresh air. I couldn’t remember the last time I had that much fun with a girl without sex being involved. She makes me want to hope that not all girls are the same, but not sure how far I can believe that. I just know she’s different and I plan on spending more time with her. Damn I am looking forward to hanging out with her again, even if it’s only for lunch.
Chapter 7
So my first class today is dragging and I think it’s because I am anxious for my lunch date with Tucker. My stomach won’t stop with all the butterflies and what not. I enjoyed last night, but I know eventually he will show his true slime ball colors. Until then, I can enjoy his company. Class finally ends and as I exit, I see Tucker waiting outside the door. Before I even have a chance to get near him a flock of girls rush his way. Don’t they have any self-respect? Ugh, I hate girls like that. He smiles, says hi, and then walks away from them. The look on their faces as he heads in my direction is freaking priceless.
I cannot stop laughing as Tucker approaches me and asks, “What’s so funny?”
“Oh, I don’t know your flock of groupie bimbo’s right there,” I say with another laugh.
Tucker starts laughing with me and starts to walk in the direction of the main door. “Come on, let’s go get some food.”
We walk to the little café that is not far from campus, it’s called Janie’s Café. It’s not too busy, but from what I gather it gets crazy during lunch time. We find a booth in the far corner and sit down. The waitress greets us within a few minutes and asks, “What can I get you to drink?”
Tucker looks at me to respond first, “I’ll take a coke,” I say and Tucker says, “I’ll have the same.” The waitress clearly likes Tucker, her eyes haven’t left him, but he just keeps looking at me. Finally she says she’ll be right back with our drinks.
“Do you know what you want to eat?” Tucker asks.
“I have no idea; I have never eaten here before, any suggestions?” I ask, because clearly he knows what he wants. He hasn’t even opened the menu.
“Most of the items on the menu are good, but their burgers are the best here,” he says.
After looking at the menu, I decide on a bacon cheeseburger. When the waitress comes back with our drinks, she asks if we are ready to place our orders. Tucker again waits for me to order so I tell the waitress who has yet to look in my direction, “I’ll take a bacon cheeseburger with lettuce, tomato, and pickles. Also an order of mozzarella sticks.” She jots down my order and then Tucker places his order and then smiles over at me.
“What?” I ask.
“I’m just surprised; most girls end up getting a salad or something like that,” he says.
“Well, I’m not most girls and I like food.” I state matter of fact
“I see that and I must say, I am impressed,” he says. I try to ignore the sexy smirk on his face and ask how his class went this morning. We make small talk until our food comes and then I dive in. I didn’t realize how hungry I was, but damn I’m starving.
As I am finishing my burger, I glance up at Tucker who is just staring at me. He barely touched his burger. “What, do I have something on my face?” I ask.
He starts laughing, “No Harp, there’s nothing on your face, and you weren’t kidding when you said you like food.”
“Well it is lunch time and I’m hungry,” I state. He just smiles and shakes his head and continues to eat his burger. I am finishing off the mozzarella sticks, but I was nice enough to ask if he wanted some, but he declined, so too bad for him, more for me!
We finish our lunch and then continue talking about any and everything. It is crazy how easy it is to talk to this sexy devilish man. He is gorgeous on the eyes, but damn if he doesn’t have a great personality too. I don’t get why people are so judgmental about him. He seems like a regular guy to me.
Before I know it, it is time to head to my next class. We gather our things and Tucker again pays for everything. I am not sure how he can pay when he doesn’t have a job, but well, maybe he does, I never asked him if he works anywhere.
Tucker walks me to my next class and before we say good-bye, “So Harp, when do I get to see your pretty face again?” he asks with a hopeful look in his eye. Awe, he’s sweet isn’t he? Swoon!
“Well that depends, I need to do laundry tonight and probably study some, and so either tomorrow or Thursday would work.”
“I have to work tomorrow evening after class, so how about Thursday around 5 p.m.?” he asks. So he does have a job…I will remember to ask more at another time.
“Sounds good. See you then,” I say. Then head into the slightly filled classroom.
“See you later Harp,” he says softly and walks away.
Well, I was a waste of space in my afternoon class. All I could think about was how Tucker seems different from what everyone was telling me about him. Nothing I was told is how Tucker comes across. I know I don’t know him too well, but from what I can tell, he is a true gentleman. I mean the man did open my car door for me, walked me home numerous times, and always pays for food we order. So clearly he was raised right, but I guess I want to understand why he is the way my co-workers say he is. I haven’t seen one bit of that guy they are all talking about. Hmm…maybe in due time, who knows; I just know I will enjoy his company for as long as I can get it.
Chapter 8
The next few weeks fly by and between school, work, and hanging out with Tucker, I am busy. I have to say, I love it. Work has been great, school is going a lot better now that I have the hang of everything, and my time with Tucker is so much fun. We run together three times a week, which is great. It is so nice to have a running partner even though I am sure Tucker is running slower to stay at my pace, but I’m thankful all the more.
We hung out numerous times and I did find out he works with some friends at a garage. He is putting together an old Chevy he informed me. I’m not much of a car person so it means nothing to me, but great for him! He also helps out at an old boxing gym to help train both kids and adults. He said it’s more fulfilling to see the guys you train go out into the ring, rather than be the one out there yourself. Can’t say I’m upset by that, if he was in the ring, I would probably be a wreck. Then again, considering the last time at PowerTrips, I may not even watch the damn thing.
Luckily, there haven’t been any more fights lately at work, thank goodness. But I know ones coming up within the next month or so because Eddie was talking about it. I will just have to deal with it when that time comes. It sucks; as much as I was excited for the fight, it just triggers too many painful sounds and memories.
I have met a couple of Tucker’s fraternity friends, but usually it is in passing. We usually hang out at my place or walk around campus. I’m not sure if Tucker is afraid or ashamed to take me to his frat house, but I don’t dare ask.
Parker, Declan, and Natalie have been on my case since I started hanging out with Tucker and they were surprised because Tucker doesn’t have friends that are girls. But that’s what we are…friends. Tucker has never tried anything on me and though there are times I wish he would, I know its better that he doesn’t. I could never be the girl he would want or need because I can’t give him the things he would want. So hanging out as friends is the best thing for the both of us.
Since we started hanging out, he makes no secret of it at school because he waits for me after some classes, walks me to the next one, we have lunch together quite frequently and well I have now had numerous girls try to befriend me just to get closer to Tucker. I find it rather funny, Tucker doesn’t. I tend to ignore the majority of the girls because no way am I being used like that, but at times I just wish one of them would want to be my friend.
Spring break is coming up and obviously I have no plans, but to stay at my apartment and hang out. Probably work a good bit too, but it will be nice to not have to think about school for a short while.
Tucker is coming over tonight to hang out. We started making fun of this stupid reality TV show and now it’s a habit that we watch it and make fun of it while it’s on. It is ridiculous and most of the time I’m laughing so hard I think I may pee myself.
I order Chinese so it should arrive about the same time that Tucker gets here, this way hopefully I can pay before he gets the chance to. See, I can be sneaky if I need to. There’s a knock at the door and I go to answer thinking it’s the Chinese only to see Tucker standing there holding the Chinese I ordered, damn him.
The smile on his face tells me he caught on to what I was trying to do, but clearly failed at.
“Nice try, I ran into the delivery guy at the main door and asked if it was for your room, he said yeah so here I am delivering our food! Thanks though,” he says with a sexy smirk.
“Well I hope you’re hungry because I am,” I say as I am emptying out the bag on the table. I get silverware out and head over to the couch with some of the food and Tucker follows behind me with more food. With the amount of food I ordered I could probably feed a small army, but I can never decide on what I want, so I get it all. The leftovers never go to waste.
“I can see that it looks like you bought the damn place out,” he says with a laugh.
“Ha ha ha, very funny. I just couldn’t make up my mind.” I say.
He’s still laughing, “Obviously.” I stop talking and start feeding my face because damn the food smells so good and I am starving. I love my Chinese food.
I turn on the TV because I know the silly show is coming on shortly and Tucker just smiles and laughs at me some more. So what, I may be predictable, but who cares. After we finish our food and are stuffed to the hilt, we sit back and watch the crazy television show. When a commercial comes on, Tucker turns to me and asks, “What are your plans for Spring break Harp?”
“Just staying here, I’ll probably pick up some more hours at PowerTrips and just hang out around here,” I say. I hate being asked this question because majority of the school are leaving for trips, fun vacations, going home, or something fun and to me this is my home, this is all I have now. I can’t afford to go on a vacation because I need to save the money to pay for school and for small things here
at the campus. I mean I could probably squander some, but I rather save everything than have nothing later. So I go without the vacations and trips. I see Tucker looking at me so I guess I might as well ask him his plans. “How about you, what are your plans?”
“I’m not too sure yet. Some of the guys want to go camping, while others want to get to a beach. So we’ll see,” he says.
“Have fun on whichever one you decide to go on,” I say meaning it. He deserves to have a fun getaway.
“You can come along, that is if you want to,” he says a bit shyly.
“That’s okay; you go and have fun with the boys, thanks anyway though,” I say with a smile.
“How will you cope through six days without me?” Tucker asks with a fake sad face.
“Oh, I’m sure I’ll survive,” I say with a laugh. Tucker throws a pillow at me and luckily I catch it and then throw it right back and it smacks him on the face. Score! This escalates into an all-out frenzy where Tucker is now chasing me around my apartment. I keep dodging him and throwing pillows and clothes in his direction, anything that can help me escape! I run into my bedroom and am on one side of the bed and Tucker on the other; I go to move but stop and start running the opposite way to have Tucker turn and run after me; I jump on the bed only to get tackled down on the bed.
We are laughing so hard and breathing fast. Tucker has me pinned and is looking down at me like he wants to kiss me, but doesn’t. He falls beside me and lies on the bed with me, and we just stare at the ceiling fan. For a split second I wonder what it would feel like to kiss this man, to cuddle beside him at night and wake up with him still beside me. I know I shouldn’t feel this way and I will never act on it, but I can dream right?
When our breathing calms down, we finally decide to go back out to the living room and hang out. Neither of us mentions the small moment we just had in the bedroom. Instead, we start watching the TV and then our normal banter follows.
It’s close to midnight when Tucker leaves and here I am lying in bed constantly thinking of the sexy man who just left my apartment. At least I know I’ll have good dreams tonight!
Needing You Page 5