I turn to fully face Tucker. “What did you want to say to me?” The impatience in my words is hard to mask. Now that I have a plan B, I’m eager to get things moving.
He sits on my sofa, gesturing for me to do the same. With more reluctance than I should probably fee, I return Iggy to his tank and comply.
I make the mistake of picking the spot where the spring pokes out, but I refuse to move closer to Tucker to keep it from digging into my ass. I don’t want to give him the wrong idea.
“I’m sorry. Whatever I did to make you leave so suddenly, I deeply apologize. I’d like a chance to make things right.” He takes hold of my hand.
Was his skin always so dry?
The urge to pull away is swift and shocking. A tremor goes through my arm, and it’s only the manners my mother raised me with that keep me from yanking myself back like he’s a hot stove.
“There’s nothing to apologize for. It was for the best. There are things I want to do. Go to college. Your need to keep me a secretdictated every bit of our relationship, and it wasn’t working anymore. For you or me.”
All that’s true. It’s also true that if Jonas hadn’t warned me I was wearing out my welcome with Tucker, I might have stayed longer. I’m not throwing Jonas under the bus though, especially knowing he was the one who got me Iggy. Jonas was always kind to me. And it really was for the best.
Tucker squeezes my hand tighter. “You said you understood why I couldn’t—”
“Yeah. Your wife and your kids, but you always said someday you were going to tell them the truth. Was it really fair to keep asking me to wait for a someday that would never happen?”
Wow. Until this moment, I hadn’t realized how fucking pissed off I was about everything. Saying it out loud feels good.
“You’re right.” Tucker sighs. “You’re so right, sweet boy.”
Jesus Christ, stop calling me that.
“Yeah. So.” Finally, I pull my hand away. I can’t take the feel of his skin on mine anymore. “Thanks for coming and thanks for the apology. I hope you didn’t waste a trip, but I really think it’s best if we don’t see each other again.”
“Oh, it’s okay. I had business while I was here. Some meetings with campaign donors.” His grin widens. “I’ve decided run for public office.”
“Wow. Congrats. I hope it goes well.” I don’t give a shit, but I’m glad he’ll be too busy to worry about me. That might explain why it took him months to even bother tracking me down. Too busy kissing the asses of other rich people or however all that works.
I can’t deny that my heart sinks upon hearing he didn’tactuallycome here just to talk to me. He came here for business, and while he was here, he tracked me down. It hurts, but it’s reassuring. Tucker hasn’t changed. But I have.
A thought occurs to me. “I sold some of the stuff you got me. I’m sorry about that. If you want the money back, I can send it to you as soon as I have it.”
The sadness in his smile pricks at my guilt. “No, sweet boy. Those were gifts.”
“Oh. All right.” I clear my throat, then I push to my feet. “Thank you. I think you should go now, though.”
He nods, standing more slowly. “Of course. I understand. Thank you for hearing me out.”
He starts for the door, sticking his hands in his pockets in a way that’s probably supposed to look casual, but I can see the tension in his arms and shoulders. He was never good at hiding his displeasure with me. The difference now is I will not run around trying to make him happy again. It’s not my job anymore.
I’m right behind him, ready to usher him out the door and lock it behind him, when he spins. “Could I have a hug before I go? Hardly feels like a proper goodbye without one.”
It’s difficult to resist rolling my eyes. “Sure. Fine.”
I put my arms out, holding my breath as he steps into me. His arms come around and I’m already wondering how many seconds I need to stand here before I can pull away. After a few seconds, I’m forced to breathe, Tucker’s overly spicy cologne assaulting my nostrils.
Milo’s scent was subtle. Clean. A little like apples. And I could only really smell it when I pressed my nose to his skin.
When I can’t take it anymore I begin to pull back. But Tucker’s touch lingers. His arms tighten.
Then there’s a pinch and a burning sensation at the back of my neck. Stepping back, I slap at the spot, confused when my finger comes away with a spot of blood.
“Rowan, what’s wrong?” Tucker looks worried. And sort of blurry. He takes hold of my arm my arm. “Maybe you should sit on the sofa. You don’t look well.”
I don’t want to sit down. I want you to leave so I can find Milo.
