Page 6 of I Wish You Were Mine

He unlocks the door and opens it, bringing the suitcases inside. “Security system panel is right there.” Tuck nods at a nearby wall as I follow him into the apartment. “Code is Katie’s birthday. 7-19-19.”

“She’s a Cancer. I like her already.”

Tuck doesn’t look at me as he begins to turn on the lights, even though there’s plenty of sun streaming through the windows.

The breath leaves my lungs as I take in the space. It’s freaking adorable, with high ceilings, lots of windows and light, and walls that are covered in an elegant graphic wallpaper. A small but gorgeous kitchen is open to a living room with a cozy white sofa and fireplace. There’s even a small deck off the dining nook, complete with views of the marina.

Tuck motions me through a door that leads to a spacious bedroom with sloped ceilings. I literally gasp when I see there’s a large window seat in the corner, complete with a thick cushion for sitting and cozy pillows. It’s the perfect place to curl up with a good book. Well, let’s be real, I don’t have a ton of time to read for pleasure. But I can still read for school there, which is better than doing it at a desk.

“Will this work?” Tuck asks.

I scoff. “Can I live here forever? I’m just kidding. Kind of. This is the nicest place I’ve ever lived by a long shot. Your home truly is spectacular, Tuck.”

Is that a pink flush working its way up his neck? “Thanks. Should I leave your suitcases in here, or...?”

“Actually, if you wouldn’t mind taking the purple one back to the kitchen, that’d be great. I have all my school stuff in there, and I’m thinking I’ll set up my laptop on the kitchen table.”

While Tuck heads out to the main living area, I peek into the bathroom. It’s just as unbearably cute and beautifully designed as the rest of the apartment, with a white marble shower and brass fixtures.

I scurry out to the kitchen to see Tuck gingerly setting my suitcase on a luggage rack in the dining nook.

“Thank you.” I head over and unzip the suitcase. “I actually wanted to get everything set up so I can dive right into homework later tonight.”

Tuck nods. “I’ll help.”

“I got it?—”

But he’s already taking a laptop and charger out of my hands, setting it on the table. He frowns when he looks up at the sliding doors, light pouring through them. “You’ll want to face this way.” He sets the computer on one side of the table. “There. I’ll grab an extension cord for the charger.”

I’m staring at him again. He doesn’t seem to notice this time.

I do notice he’s wearing a huge Rolex on his wrist. I can’t imagine how much that thing cost.

“Thanks,” I say.

“No problem.”

Tuck disappears down the stairs. A beat later I hear his heavy footfalls pounding back up, my heart pounding along with them. I busy myself lugging textbooks out of my suitcase. They land with a depressingthudon the table.

I’ve always loved school. But then the whole terrible teaching experience happened, and now I’m struggling bigtime to connect with my professors and the material. Basically anything and everything related to my classes.

“Wow,” Tuck says when he sees the stack.

“I know.” I bend down to get my notebooks and pencil case. But then a pair of enormous, tanned hands are taking the bundle from me. I try to ignore the way my skin tightens when the tip of his thumb brushes against my first finger. Clearing my throat, I watch him set everything beside my laptop. “Turns out getting your master’s degree is... a lot of work. Fall semester started last week.”

His eyes meet mine. In this light they’re a little blue, the watery color of the sky at dawn. “You don’t sound thrilled.”

“I don’t mind the work. Or I didn’t.” Tuck is still looking at me. Heat rises to my cheeks. “It’s just always tough to get back in the groove after summer break. I’ll make it happen.”

“You need time to study, say the word. I’ll do my best to accommodate you.”

I wave him away. “Trust me, I’d much rather hang out with Katie than study. I’ll do it in my own time.”

“Speaking of time.” Tuck checks his watch. “Katie and Jen, my sister, should be here any minute. You drink coffee?”

I glance at the stack of books on the table and scoff. “Do I drink coffee. Ha.”

“Good. I’ll make you a cup. You’re going to need it to keep up with my daughter. Get settled and meet me in the kitchen in ten.”

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