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TUCKER
It’s been a week since I laid eyes on her. We were supposed to have a date yesterday, but she canceled at the last minute, saying the fake date would have to wait until today. The day of her ex’s wedding. And that doesn’t make a damn bit of difference to me. The problem I’m having is her saying the wordfakeat every opportunity. I sense her hesitation and figure it has a lot to do with the jackass who is tying the knot today. And I’d like nothing more than to yank a knot in his neck for breaking her heart, something he didn’t deserve to begin with. But instead, I’ll take the more civilized route and stand by her side. There have been a few moments where she’d suggested backing out of today’s “fake date,” but there was no chance I’d let that happen. I need to be with her, and I need to wait patiently until she finally admits she wants me there.
As I walk up to the door of her home, I glance around, anxious to lay eyes on her again. When it opens, the most gorgeous sight is on display in front of me. Gracie. In a black dress that hugs every curve. Fuck, how I want to explore all those curves with my hands and mouth. Her hair is pulled up, exposing her neck. I imagine stripping off her strapless dress before stepping closer, pressing her body to mine, making no move to contain my excitement at the sight of her. All that would have to wait though.
Instead, I say, “Absolutely breathtaking, Gracie.” Grasping her hand, I bring her knuckles to my lips and feather a kiss over them as I keep my eyes locked with hers. The only thing fake here is how I’m gonna pretend I’m not thinking about what’s under the soft fabric covering her body at the wedding. Because what I really want to do is guide her back inside and not come up for air until we’re both familiar with each other, inside and out.
“Thanks,” she quickly shifts, turning her back to me as she locks her door.
When she fumbles her keys, I’m compelled to ask, “Gracie, are you sure the wedding is where you want to go today?”
“Yes. I told Granny we’d be there soon.”
“I’m sure she’d understand if you don’t show.”
“She would. But this is something I need to do.” She heads over to her truck and grabs a gift-wrapped box from it as she holds it up and makes her way to the passenger side of my truck.
I don’t have to guess what’s in the box, because I was with her when she purchased the red sheets at the flea market. “It really is a thoughtful gift.”
“Yes. And I’m sure the sentiment won’t be shared.” Her laugh tells me she’ll be okay. After making her way to the passenger door, I grab the handle, open the door, and extend a hand. She clasps hers in mine as she climbs into my truck, and I close the door behind her, then make my way around and get in the driver’s seat.
The ride over is mostly silent as I steer to the wedding venue and pull to a stop in the parking lot. “Are you ready?”
She hesitates for a second before answering. “Ready as I’ll ever be.”
Jogging around the front of the truck, I hurry to help her out and she smooths her palms over her dress, looking unsure of herself.
“Gracie,” I say softly, waiting until she meets my eye to continue. “I’ll be right beside you for anything you need. A quick escape or anything at all. Just lead the way.”
Her shoulders square as she takes a deep breath. “We have to find Granny first. She made me promise we’d let her know when we arrived.”
“Let’s go.” I grab the gift from her and tuck it under one arm while my free hand reaches for her, fingers entwining with hers. “But I do have a question. Why Luke?”
I hear a soft laugh escape her lips as she says, “Because Megan and I have been on a90210binge, and I fell in love with Luke Perry.”
“Hopefully history repeats itself and you fall in love with another Luke.” Her pace picks up, but I don’t think she’s running from me. She’s running from herself. “Gracie.”
“Yeah?” Her exasperated tone along with her wide-eyed expression tells me I need to slow it down.
“Just breathe, baby. The wedding will be over before you know it.”
“I’m freakin’ trying, but you keep saying stuff like that.”
“Like what?”
“You know what. You know exactly what you’re doing,baby.” Her nervousness has completely left, and it’s replaced by a feistiness that makes me want to push her more. That might not be a good thing right now, so I tread lightly but still say exactly what’s on my mind.
“You started it.” I give her a quick peck on the cheek before resuming our walk into the venue.
