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Go back inside, Tucker, just walk away. But I can’t. I know it’s none of my business, but I hate the way that Lexi views her sister.
“Whatever anger you’re holding onto, Lexi, you need to let it go.”
Her head pops up. “Excuse me?”
“You’ve got a chip on your shoulder when it comes to Scarlett. Yes, she screwed up, but she’s tried to make it right over the years. Did you ever thank her for the car she bought you? Or the year’s worth of housekeeping she paid for? Or what about the time she bought every item off your baby registry?”
Even in the dark, I can see her face pale. “How did you know about all of that?”
“Rick told me.”
“Of course, he did. He’s always bragging about Scarlett.”
“He brags about you too, you’re just not around when he does it. It’s not a competition. She’s your sister, Lexi, and she loves you. Cut her some slack. Have you even brought the kids over here to see her since she’s been home?”
Tears shimmer in Lexi’s eyes as she shakes her head. “No, but they’ve been asking to see her.”
“Then what are you waiting for?”
“I don’t want her to leave them the way she left me.”
“It’s been twelve years. She’s not the same person she once was. Give her a chance, Lexi. She can’t prove you wrong if you don’t give her a chance.”
“Is that what you’re doing, giving her a chance and hoping that she proves you wrong?”
“She has nothing to prove when it comes to me.”
Because I have no control when it comes to her.
10
~Scarlett~
“Whoa.”
“What?” Dad asks, looking down at his nice, blue polo shirt and khaki shorts. “Did I drop something on myself?”
“No, you look really nice,” I reply and stand to straighten his collar. “What are you all dressed up for?”
Before he can answer, the doorbell rings.
“Hold that thought.” I hurry over to the front door and find Tucker standing on the other side. He’s in a sharp green button-down with jeans that hug his thighs perfectly. He shuffles back and forth on his cowboy boots.
And he’s holding flowers.
“Dad, your date’s here.”
Tucker’s eyes dance with humor as he steps inside.
“He’s not my date,” Dad says with a laugh.
“What’s going on?” I ask, tilting my head to the side and hooking a loose strand of hair behind my ear.
“These are for you,” Tucker says, holding the arrangement of red poppies and purple lilacs in my direction. “And I’m taking you out on the town this evening.”
“Is Dad coming with us?” I raise a brow and look back at my father, who’s currently smiling like the Cheshire Cat.
“Nah, I’ve got poker night,” Dad replies.
“And Chloe’s at a friend’s house for the night.” Tucker leans against the door and grins at me. “So, we have the whole evening to ourselves.”
“Poker? Dad, are you sure that’s a good idea?”
“I had a stroke, I’m not dead. I’ll be here at home—my walker within reach—and the guys will be here if I need something. Go on your date, and don’t worry about me.”
“But…” I look down at my cut-off shorts and dirty tank top. “I’ve been scrubbing bathrooms,” I inform Tucker. “I’m in no shape to go out right now.”
“You’ve got thirty minutes,” Tucker replies, his eyes sweeping up and down my body, leaving gooseflesh in the wake of his gaze. “And then you’re mine.”
“Thirty minutes?” I laugh and shake my head. “I need at least an hour.”
“Thirty,” Tucker repeats, his voice strong, leaving no room for argument. He’s gazing at me with lust and manly affection, and I can’t resist him.
“I’d better hurry.”
I rush up the stairs to my room, excited about my impromptu date, and strip out of my clothes. A decade of concerts with more costume changes than a girl can shake a stick at has come in surprisingly handy for this occasion.
I’m in and out of the shower in five minutes. Thankfully, I washed my hair last night, so all I have to do is use the blow-dryer and a big brush to tame my long locks. At the halfway point of my allotted time, I brush on some makeup and hurry to the closet.
This is going to be the hard part. What the hell do I wear? I wish I had my full wardrobe back in Tennessee to work with. Sure, Tuck’s always just been a friend, but we’re much more than that now, and I want to look my best.
I’ll ponder the whole more thought later. There’s no time right now.
It’s warm out this evening, so I settle on a pretty summer dress. It’s pink, flowy, and falls off one shoulder.
With one last look in the mirror, I slip on some brown sandals and hurry downstairs.
“Twenty-eight minutes,” I say triumphantly. “That’s a record.”
Tucker’s eyes are pinned to me, and his jaw drops. The lust in his eyes has me squeezing my thighs together. This man is lethal.
