“I hope so,” I say quietly. Gosh I hope he’s right.
“Come here, look at me babe,” and I do look at his beautiful dark brown eyes with hope, “we are going to be just fine. There is nothing you could say that would change the way I feel about you. Do you hear me?” he says sweetly while holding my stare.
“Yes, I feel the same way so don’t you worry either,” I tell him slightly breathless. Just staring at him makes me a pile of goo.
Tucker kisses me passionately and damn if I don’t want to kiss him all night long. We head back to my dorm and hang out and eat and just talk about lots of nothing and enjoy the rest of the evening. Then, I get to fall asleep in Tuck’s arms. I’m getting used to sleeping in Tuck’s arms, if tomorrow doesn’t go well, I don’t know what I’m going to do.
Unfortunately, the night doesn’t go as planned because I wake up screaming with Tuck looking at me with worry.
“Harp, it’s okay. I’m here, I got you,” he says as he wraps me in his arms. The tears are streaming down my face and I’m trying to calm down. I hate the damn nightmares and realizing I am going to have to tell Tuck what happened makes it even more frightening. I don’t know if I can do this. Not yet, I’m not ready.
Tuck holds me and rocks me back and forth until finally I fall back asleep in his arms without ever saying a word to him. The comfort he gives me is more than I can imagine and I’m not ready for him to walk away from me. Unfortunately, when he knows my darkest secrets, he won’t stay. He’ll see how damaged I am and realize he doesn’t want this craziness in his life.
When morning comes I wake up and decide I need to run to release the stress that has been building up for days. Tuck’s still asleep, so I decide not to wake him. I get my running gear on and head out the door.
I decide I am going to run until I just can’t go anymore. My run is helping, but damn if my fears aren’t coming full force to the surface. I run 16 miles today and well, that is the farthest I’ve ever run, I just couldn’t stop. I need to run, run away my problems, my fears, my stress; I need to just run away from it all. Unfortunately, that includes Tuck too right now.
By the time I head back into my dorm, I see Tuck looking worried as all hell. Crap, I should have left him a note.
“Where the hell have you been? It’s been hours since I woke up and you were gone,” he says looking at me with complete worry and fear showing across his face.
“I went for a run. Sorry, I should have left you a note or something,” I say apologetically.
“Harp, you could have waked me up, I would have run with you,” he says looking defeated.
“You looked comfortable and I just needed to be alone with my thoughts for a bit,” I say shyly.
“Are you okay? You can talk to me,” he says nervously. He leads me to the couch to sit and holds my hand tightly.
“I’m better now. Honestly, I don’t feel like having a heart-to-heart today. Do you mind if we do this another time? I just want to relax and enjoy a nice day out,” I plea, hoping he will agree. I’m not ready to tell him all my shit quite yet.
“God Harp, if I would’ve realized that’s what made you freak out and go running like a crazy person for hours, I would have told you that last night. We can talk about things another time. Come here,” he says all worried. Tuck wraps me in his arms and just holds me and hugs me tighter to his body and kisses the top of my head.
“Why don’t we go and have a picnic in the park today?” he asks with a slight smile.
“That sounds great,” I smile up at him, excited that he is okay with my change of plans.
“Okay, go get showered and I will meet you back here in thirty minutes. I’m going to run home quick and get everything we need and I will be back to pick you up!” he says excitedly.
“Okay!” I lock the door once Tuck leaves and head into the shower to get ready for a nice day outside. Finally looking forward to today, rather than dreading it like before. I have no idea what I did to deserve Tucker in my life, but I am not giving him up. He’s too good to be true sometimes. I just hope that isn’t a sign.
Tuck is back and ready to go so we start to head out to have our picnic in the park. “Hey Harp, don’t forget your camera,” he says before we close the door.
“Great idea, thanks!” I say as I run back in to my bedroom to grab it.
“Okay let’s go!” I say returning with my camera bag. I take Tuck’s hand and we walk towards his car. He opens my door and I slide in waiting excitedly for our picnic in the park.
It’s gorgeous outside and today is an amazing day to have a picnic.
“So, what did you pack for lunch?” I ask instantly once he gets in the car.
“It’s a surprise, so you’ll just have to wait,” he says teasingly
“Well it better be good, because I’m starving,” I state with a smile. I’m not worried about lunch because Tuck knows practically all my favorite foods and boy am I hungry.
It takes a few minutes for Tuck to park the car and we unload the trunk. The sun is shining but it’s not too hot and humid out, it’s such a beautiful day. Once we find the perfect spot, I lay the blanket down and Tuck puts the picnic basket down on the blanket before taking his shoes off and plopping down on the blanket too.
“Wow, basket and all, you went all-out,” I say giggling.
“Sure did, if we are going to have a picnic we need the picnic basket!” he says sweetly.
“So, what did you pack in that basket?” I ask while trying to reach across the blanket to grab at it. Tuck snatches it back out of reach before I can get to it.
“Not so fast! Let’s see, we have ham and cheese sandwiches, we have grapes, we have bar-b-que chips, and for dessert we have chocolate covered strawberries,” he says with a sexy smirk.
“I must say you did well, can I start with dessert please?” I ask laughing and practically drooling at the mouth.
“Ha-ha no, those are for later,” he states matter of fact.
“Fine!” I say as Tuck hands me a ham and cheese sandwich and I start inhaling it. I did say I was hungry.
“Hungry much Harp?” Tuck asks with a laugh.
“What, I said I was starving, I wasn’t kidding,” I state through bites.
“I can see that,” he says still laughing.
We eat our food in comfortable silence and when all the food is gone I eagerly await my dessert. “Give me, give me, give me,” I say holding my hand out for a chocolate covered strawberry.
“Not so fast Harp,” he says with a laugh, “You have to earn a strawberry.”
“Huh?” I look at him questioningly.
He pulls out a deliciously looking strawberry and dangles it in front of me and repeats, “Harp, you have to earn the strawberry,” he says with a sexy mischievous tone.
“Grrr, what are the rules.” I ask. I want that damn fruit. He knows they’re my favorite and torturing me like this is just not nice.
“I’ll tell you something, you tell me something. If I think your answers worthy you get a delicious treat,” he states showing me his gorgeous smile.
“That’s not fair,” I pout.
“I make the rules,” he says with a laugh.
“Ugh fine, start,” I relent.
“Harper, I am thankful every day that you are in my life,” he says sweetly. Well shit, I had no idea we were getting serious with our comments, but damn what a way to start. I just stare at him; he made me speechless for a minute.
“Well I am glad you are in my life too Tuck, now give me that treat!” I say, then try to reach for my tasty treat that’s waiting for me.
“No way, you can’t say the same thing back, you have to be creative,” he says laughing and holding the succulent treat just out of my reach.
“Ugh fine, I can honestly tell you that I have never felt so comfortable with someone of the opposite sex, so thank you,” I state still holding my hand out for my strawberry.
“Well I’m glad you’re comfortable with me, no
w you may enjoy your treat,” he says as he holds the berry to my lips. Oh, so he’s going to feed me too, how exciting! My stomach starts doing little flips as I take a bite out of the juicy berry. Clearly, my mind is going elsewhere right now on what we could be doing with these berries. Not that I would, but the thought does cross my mind.
“Another?” he asks.
“Absolutely,” I say then opening my mouth for another one.
“You have to say something first, you know the rules,” he says laughing again.
“Go ahead,” I tell him.
“I went first last time, now it’s your turn,” he says with a devilish smirk.
“Tuck you’re my best friend,” I say a bit shyly. He starts laughing hysterically. “What? Stop laughing, that’s not funny,” I shout at him.
“Harp, I’m like one of your only friends. Not that I’m complaining, but I think it’s pretty obvious that I’m your best friend,” he says with a smug smile.
“Well damn it Tuck, what do you want me to say?” I ask embarrassed.
“Why don’t you tell me what you think of me?” he asks all sexy in a way that only Tuck can.
I can feel my face redden in an instant and I try to look away, but Tuck takes my chin in his hand and turns so my face is facing his. “You don’t have to be embarrassed and I didn’t mean to laugh about the best friend comment. I am honored to be your best friend,” he says staring into my eyes.
“What do you want to know? You already know you’re gorgeous; any girl would kill to be in my shoes and hang out with you like I get to. I love hanging out with you.” You make my days better especially waking up with you wrapped around me. I want to say, but don’t.
“So you like sleeping wrapped in my arms huh?” he says all sexy, as hotness that he is with the biggest shit eating grin.
“Oh shit, I said that out loud?” I say quietly as my face burns beet red.
He laughs, “I love having you wake up in my arms, so the feeling’s mutual,” he says as he feeds me another strawberry.
We spend the rest of the afternoon enjoying each other’s company. I snap a bunch of pictures of us and the scenery all around us. It’s just relaxing and peaceful and I couldn’t have asked for a better day. I needed this! Nothing could spoil the smile that is plastered on my face today!
When we pull back up to the parking lot in front of my dorm we get out and start to head towards my building when someone yells for me.
“Alaney Mae Harper, what the hell are you doing?” the voice yells.
“Oh shit,” I know that voice.
“I’m speaking to you young lady, you better answer me,” the voice says angrier now.
“Harp, everything okay? Why is that woman calling you Alaney?” Tuck asks looking at me worriedly. I slowly turn toward the woman speaking to me, shocked that she found me in the first place.
“Hi mom,” I nervously say and see Tucker look at me surprised.
“Where the hell have you been? You just pick up and disappear without telling me or your father and you change your damn name? What has gotten into you?” she’s yelling at me. That’s when I see my father walking up behind her.
“Laney, you will get your stuff and get your ass in the car now,” my dad demands. I glance at Tucker and see his face go a shade paler knowing he’s worried especially because of the way my parents are speaking to me, in public no less. Which is rather surprising since image is everything to them.
“I’m here for school. I’m not going anywhere,” I spit back.
“You listen to me missy, you will not embarrass your father or I again. Now get in the damn car,” my mom says angrily.
“Hi, I’m Tucker, Alaney’s friend. Why don’t we go inside and talk about things without an audience,” Tuck says nervously to my parents.
“So, this is what you ran away from home for, to become a slut,” my father states. I stand there with my mouth wide open, still not believing my parents are in front of my face.
Tucker sees me and speaks up before I get the chance. “Do not speak to her that way. She is not a slut and you have no right to talk to her like that,” Tucker spits back at my father.
I can see the anger boiling within my dad, his face is getting red and he looks like he wants to punch Tuck. He won’t because the size of Tuck shows he could stand his own and kick my dad’s ass.
“Laney, we are not going to pay for you to attend school way across the country. You need to come back home with us and we will discuss your options,” my mother states in a calmer tone now.
“No, you’re right, you’re not paying for my schooling, I am. I don’t need nor want your money or anything else from you. Now please leave,” I tell them harshly.
My father practically laughs in my face, “You can’t afford to go to school here without our help, don’t be foolish little girl.” Wow, I really hate the way he speaks to me.
“I assure you I can and I am. You’re not wanted here. I left for a reason and I won’t be returning home.” I turn to leave, but unfortunately I don’t make it that far.
“Laney Harper, you will not disgrace this family by your ignorance. What would your sister say if she saw you right now?” my mother spits out.
RAGE…that’s what I see right now. I turn around so fast ready to spit fire. “Do not talk about Allie like that. She would be happy I got the hell out of that damn place you call a home,” I yell. Tuck is standing behind me now with his hands on my shoulders. I know he has no idea what to do or say and is just watching this all unfold before his very eyes. But I can feel he wants to protect me, even if it happens to be from my parents right now.
“Excuse me! YOU had everything you could ever want or ask for. Do not be a self-centered brat. You better be thankful for everything we did for you and gave you,” my mother yells out.
“Oh yeah, I had a fantastic life especially after Allie died, right?” I scream back. I’m boiling; I can’t let this happen, not right now, not in front of Tuck. He cannot find out this way. I then start to feel the tears filling up in my eyes. I will not cry, I will not cry. I keep telling myself. Luckily, none escape.
“Don’t you dare talk to us like that young lady. You run off without so much as a good-bye and think everything’s fine, well it’s not. You will be leaving with us and we will discuss this when we get home. Now, for the last time, get in the damn car,” my father yells.
“ENOUGH,” Tucker yells. “Laney goes to school here; she’s eighteen and legally an adult. She can make her own choices and by the looks of it, it appears she’s made the right choice.”
“Don’t you dare patronize us. We’re her parents and know what is best for her,” my mother yells at Tucker.
“Mom for the last time, I’m not leaving with you. This is my home now. Please leave and do not come back here for me. My decision will never change,” I state and then turn and grab Tuck’s hand and walk towards my dorm.
“We are not done here young lady; get your ass back here right this instant,” my father yells.
“We are done dad, done.”
“We will be back Laney. Don’t think you can turn your back on us. You will pay for your actions little girl,” my dad spits.
My body shudders and I feel Tuck squeeze my hand and we continue to walk inside my building. I make sure they aren’t following us as we head inside and I lock the door and then check the windows as I see them drive off.
What the hell just happened? How did my day go from practically perfect to such a mess in the matter of minutes? How did they find me? I never thought they would come here after me. What do they want? So many questions and most I don’t even want the answers to. I just want them to leave and never come back into my life again.
“Harp, are you okay?” Tuck asks while pulling me into a hug.
“I will be. Sorry you had to witness that,” I say into his chest.
“It’s okay Harp, gosh you’re shaking.” Tuck pulls me down into his lap and just holds me. Eventually, the t
ears start streaming down my face. I can feel I’m soaking Tuck’s shirt with my tears, but he doesn’t seem to mind.
“I can’t believe they found me and came here after me,” I all but whisper to Tuck.
“It’s okay; they can’t make you go anywhere. You are a legal adult. I’ll make sure you’re safe Harp. I won’t let anything happen to you,” he says softly as he kisses the top of my head.
“Thank you,” I say as I snuggle closer to him. I just can’t seem to get close enough to him. He makes me feel safe.
Tucker doesn’t ask me anything else about the situation that just occurred with my parents and I couldn’t be more thankful. Eventually, I fall asleep and Tuck carries me back to my bedroom and wakes me so I can change into my pajamas. “I hated to wake you, but I figured you’d be more comfortable in other clothes,” he says sweetly.
“Yeah I would and I need to brush my teeth anyway.”
I head into the bathroom, relieve myself and brush my teeth and then come into the bedroom to get my jammies. When Tuck goes into the bathroom, I change and then crawl into bed. I am beyond tired after today’s events. I just want to forget everything that happened with my parents and focus on my future. Why do they have to spoil everything?
Tucker returns shortly and crawls into bed beside me and pulls me to him and I fall asleep wrapped in Tucker’s arms.
Chapter 23
Waking up wrapped in Tucker’s arms feels amazing! I feel a sense of peace even though my life is anything but normal. I don’t want to wake up and face the possibility of running into my parents again. So instead, I snuggle closer to Tuck’s sleeping body.
“Morning beautiful,” he says obviously awake and aware of what I’m doing.
“Morning Tuck, let’s just go back to sleep,” I say as I squeeze myself tighter to his chest.
“Okay,” he says as he kisses the top of my head. He pulls me even tighter against his body and I can feel his erection but I don’t say anything. I just close my eyes and fall peacefully back to sleep.
Needing You Page 17