by Aliyah Burke
After placing two burgers on his plate with macaroni salad, potato salad and more, Tuck found himself surrounded by some of the older boys who’d been recruited to come help. They talked, laughed and asked him lots of questions. Across the way, he spied Ariel eating with Connie and another woman from Prometheus Protections. She toasted him with her red plastic cup.
Some of the boys wanted to get into construction and he gave them his card, telling them to look him up when they were a bit older and he’d help them out. Lunch was filling and fun but then it was time to work again.
They finished up around eight that night and he waved to his friends as they drove off, saying they’d see him tomorrow. Unhooking his tool belt, he strode to where Connie and Ariel stood. They were beside Ariel’s Land Rover and a green sedan.
“I’ll see you tomorrow, Connie,” Ariel said.
“You got it. Night, Tuck.” She gave him a nod then got behind the wheel and drove off.
“Ready to head out?” Ariel faced him.
“After you.”
She opened the hatch and he placed his belt in the back before heading to the passenger side.
As they drove he cracked his neck. “I’ll bring my truck tomorrow.”
“Okay.”
He had been expecting a bit more of an argument and slanted his gaze at her. “No problem with that?”
“Should I have one?”
“Not sure. I’m thinking maybe you should but I’m glad you don’t.”
She laughed. “More of those others you have been with, I’m assuming. I’m not totally confrontational, you know. You want to drive, I have no problem with it. I’m just stoked you aren’t running away and feel like coming back again tomorrow.”
“Why are you so surprised I’m not bailing?” He was genuinely interested in knowing.
“You do this every day. I can’t imagine it’s fun for you to do the same thing on your days off.”
“I love construction work. Besides, how sucky would it be if I didn’t want to help out a church in need? What kind of man would that make me?”
“Like a lot of others who don’t feel it’s their job to help.”
“I’m nothing like other men, babe.”
“No argument there, Tuck. Not a single one from me.”
He smiled and leant back. “Is Connie dating someone?” He paused for a moment then added, “Todd wants to know.”
“Not that she’s told me. I can ask her tomorrow if you’d like.”
“If it comes up.”
Ariel laughed. “Really? If it comes up? We’re women, we talk about anything. I can make it come up.”
“Ain’t that the truth,” he muttered.
“Mind out of the gutter, Tuck Carter.”
He shrugged dismissively. “Just talking true.”
At their building, he walked up with her and kissed her at her door before heading into his own place. Steve wasn’t home and he found a note from the man stating he’d be gone for another week.
He showered and changed, after which he crossed to the other apartment on his floor. After knocking, he waited.
“Come on in, it’s open.”
He entered and found her seated on her couch, book in hand.
“I’ve been meaning to ask you something,” he said, shutting the door behind him.
“Dinner is in the oven and will be ready in about a half-hour.”
“Nice to know, but that’s not the question.”
“What is?” She closed her book.
“You work at a security firm. Were a Marine. How is it you’re okay with leaving your door unlocked as you do?”
She laughed. “Honestly, I don’t.”
“You call out for us to enter and we can. Hell, sometimes we just come over and walk in.”
“I know. But it’s not that simple.”
“Really?” Call him sceptical.
“I carry around a device that allows me to see who’s at my door. I can activate or disengage the lock at the top and bottom of my door dependent on who’s there.”
He turned to look at her door. There were black squares on the top. “The landlord is okay with this?”
“He doesn’t know. They look like nothing. It’s from work—Slater let me take them and give them a trial run. Soundless and very strong. Even if someone were to try and kick the door in, those would help stop them. Now, I know the door is flimsy but it wouldn’t bounce in like could happen with just the deadbolt.”
“Where’s the camera located?”
“That’s above the door.”
“More from Prometheus?”
“Absolutely. It’s kind of smart tech. Your face and Steve’s have been entered and recognised as welcome. So you truly wouldn’t have to knock at all. You can come right on in, unless I specifically want to keep you out and either counter the auto approval or take you from the safe list.”
“Is that what you have at Prometheus?”
“Partially.”
He was impressed. Grinning at her, he made his way to where she sat on the couch and drew her near. “How long do we have until dinner is ready?”
She tossed her book onto the coffee table and wrapped her arms and legs around him. “Long enough.”
Chapter Eight
Ariel opened the door with a squeal. “Roxi!”
The women embraced and laughed.
“Ariel, look at you. You’re looking better, I think, than when I saw you at the wedding.”
“You are positively glowing. Come in.” Past her friend, she saw Sam standing there, patiently waiting. Silent as ever. The smile was still in place when she hugged him as well. “Hi, Sam.”
“Ariel.” His voice was deep and she totally got why it affected Roxi so. “Good to see you.”
“And you as well. How was the honeymoon?” she asked, ushering Sam in.
“It was wonderful. But I told you that, it’s been months.”
And Roxi was right. It had been. She’d been swept back into work and, combined with spending any free time with Tuck, it had flown by. She got them something to drink and sat down in her overstuffed chair, watching them together on the sofa.
Roxi still wore earrings all along her ears. It had been the one thing she’d missed while being in the Corps, Ariel knew. She loved wearing all her hodgepodge of earrings. With curves to die for, dark skin that shone with good health and coffee brown eyes that twinkled with humour, Roxi was the picture of happiness. Roxi had her long hair pinned up, even though they were in the latter part of summer and early autumn. This was Texas and it did get warm.
Ariel turned her attention to Sam. The man was just gorgeous, no bones about it. Broad shoulders and a lean waist, he was fit. He moved with the grace and aura of a man who had lived in dangerous situations for most of his life. Sam was sombre—he didn’t smile much or laugh a lot but he doted on Roxi, so that made up for it in Ariel’s opinion. As long as he took care of her friend, she couldn’t care less how much he talked.
Sam still wore his dark hair in that easily identifiable Marine high and tight style. His chiselled features made him appear harsher than he was, she knew that. It had been her misconception the first time they’d met. His eyes were a startling shade of sapphire blue. Roxi had told her that when she’d first seen them, they’d reminded her of the evening sky’s deep blue with an exceptionally understated violet tinge. Personally, Ariel had to agree with her.
“So what are the two of you doing here?” she asked.
“Visiting my friend.”
She narrowed her eyes. “Roxi?”
“I’m pregnant.”
Ariel jumped up. “Oh my God!”
Her screech was echoed by Roxi’s. They embraced again.
“How far along are you? Do we know if it’s a boy or a girl? And why the hell don’t you look fat?” She tipped her head to the side. “I saw that smile, Sam. You can’t fool me.” She winked at him before turning her attention back to Roxi.
“Just started my s
econd trimester.” She rubbed her belly. “I am getting fat.”
“Oh, don’t make me kick your ass. You’re pregnant and weigh less than me.”
“You’re taller.”
“Was that supposed to make me feel better?”
“Yes.” Roxi kissed her cheek. “Of course it was.” She held up a finger. “I’ll be right back. Bathroom?”
Ariel pointed her in the right direction and as Roxi scampered off, she faced Sam. “You know if you don’t stand up and hug me, I’m going to straddle you on that couch.” She placed a hand over her heart as he basically shot up. “I think I’m hurt, Sam.”
He rolled his eyes and pulled her in for a hug.
Wrapping her arms around him, she whispered, “Congratulations, Daddy.” She stepped back after kissing his cheek.
“Thank you.” In the next second, all traces of ease vanished from his face and she knew the look. This was the warrior. “Ariel?”
She glanced over her shoulder in time to see Tuck enter. “It’s okay, Sam. Neighbour.”
He relaxed slightly yet remained standing. Tuck, who’d been smiling, drew up a bit at the sight of them together.
“Sorry, didn’t mean to intrude.”
It didn’t take a genius to see the questions in Tuck’s expression.
“You’re not. Come on in, Tuck. I’d like you to meet Sam Hoch. Sam, this is Tuck Carter.”
The men shook hands, all the while sizing each other up. She nearly rolled her eyes.
“Christ, Ariel. Can I just say that this being pregnant thing has its definite downside. I had a great lunch and just threw it… Oh, hello. And can I say hello in a way that makes you uncomfortable? Who is this gorgeous man, Ariel?”
Ariel snickered and turned it into a cough before looking at Roxi so she didn’t just fall into heaps of laughter. “This is my neighbour, Tuck. Tuck, this is Roxi. The wedding I went to earlier this year. Meet the happy couple.” She dipped her head briefly. “The happy, pregnant couple.”
Roxi snorted and walked towards them. “Please, that man is not allowed to claim pregnancy. I’m the one who’s going through all the changes.” She stuck out her hand. “I’m Roxi. Sorry about that puking comment earlier. What can I say, but I’m blunt.”
Tuck smiled. “No problem. Congratulations, and nice to meet you both. What brings you to Texas?” He slipped his arm around Ariel and she leaned against him.
Roxi lifted an eyebrow. “Wait a minute. You’re sleeping with him?”
Sam cleared his throat.
“Sorry, another one of those things I should probably think about before I speak.” In a stage whisper she added, “Nicely done, Ariel. Dude is fine!”
Sam cleared his throat again and Roxi blinked innocently.
“We came to see Ariel and ask her if she’d be the godmother to this child.”
“Of course I will!” she cried, hugging her friend again. When they separated, Sam escorted Roxi to the couch and pressed her to the seat.
“I’m not an invalid, Sam.”
“Indulge me.”
She grinned cheekily. “I did—isn’t that what got me into this situation of carrying your baby?”
Ariel rolled her eyes then went to the kitchen to get some crackers and cheese to munch on. Tuck followed her.
“She’s a riot.”
“Yes, she is. Roxi has a great sense of humour.”
“He seems a bit uptight.”
She glanced at her friends. Sam had his hand curved along Roxi’s cheek and was saying something to her. “He’s a Recon Marine. They tend to be a bit serious. Look at him, the way he looks at her. That kind of love I can see from here. And that’s all I care about—he’ll take care of her and protect her and their baby.” Her smile was wry. “Sam’s a good guy. Had a hard life and once you know him more, he will relax.”
“Do you want me to leave?” Tuck asked as he lifted the tray. “So you can spend some time with your friends?”
“No, you’re more than welcome to stay. Totally your decision, though.”
“I’m intrigued about you, Ariel, and I think Roxi may be able to enlighten me on some things.”
“Shit,” she muttered, following him back to the living room. “Was there anything special you wanted, Roxi? Fruit or anything else?”
She shook her head. “This is perfect, thank you.”
Ariel took a seat across from Tuck, who gave her a wicked grin. This could prove to be disastrous for her. The one thing she didn’t need to happen was for Tuck to get blackmail material on her.
“So,” she said. “This godmother thing. What do I get to do? Spoil them rotten and be like the favourite aunt?”
“Something like that. Of course, if something happens to us, then the raising of said young’un will fall on you.”
She didn’t even hesitate. “I’m honoured you’d choose me for such a thing.”
“I know it’s a lot to ask,” Roxi said, “but I can’t think—”
“Not a lot to ask, Roxi. Can I ask a question, though? What about Lalia?”
“Love her to death but she’s not in a place right now where it would make sense for me to ask her this. I know how you are in a crisis situation and let’s be honest, Lalia’s not the best in them.”
“I’m in,” she said.
Roxi’s smile said it all. They shared a look and a nod. The moment was shattered by Tuck.
“Tell me one of the most entertaining things you remember of Ariel from when she was a Marine.”
“No, no, that’s not necessary.” Ariel glared at him and he only watched her with an innocent look.
“I think it is,” Tuck inserted.
“Let me think.”
“Seriously, Rox? You gonna throw me under the bus like that?”
“Of course. Why would you even ask me that? You know I will in a heartbeat. Now hush, pregnant woman thinking.”
She grunted, rolled her eyes and stared at Sam. “I blame you for this, creating a monster.”
“I know,” he replied, nodding sombrely.
“I also just want you to know I see that smile in those eyes of yours.”
He nodded again. “I know.”
“Oh,” Roxi said. “How about the time we were at the movies and I was complaining about being hungry.” She looked at Ariel. “Remember that?”
Yes, she did. “Evil bitch.”
Roxi flipped her off. “Anyway. I was starving. We went there after getting done for the day and had finished a fifteen click run right before it. Had we stopped for food we would have missed the movie. So there we are, watching”—she pursed her lips—“some action, blow ‘em up kind of movie, not recalling which one, and she finally gets fed up with me griping. We had no money for anything from the snack bar. So she reaches into her purse and smacks me with a packet, says, ‘Here, eat this and stop your incessant whining.’”
“It was incessant. Lord, you were annoying. I was enjoying watching the destruction and there you were, every minute. ‘I’m hungry. Waa. I’m hungry.’ It was annoying.”
“Again, Tuck asked me, not you, so zip it.”
Ariel crossed her arms and muttered unpleasant things under her breath.
“I heard that,” Roxi said.
“You were supposed to,” she said in a sing-song voice.
“Whatever, whore. So, I look down to see what it was and she’d given me an MRE.”
“What! You were hungry, I gave you some food.” She threw her hands up in frustration.
Tuck and Sam were smiling and laughing.
“You gave me beef ravioli. Who the hell walks around with that in their pants pocket, really?”
She tried not to laugh as she recalled Roxi’s expression. “The other one was Jamaican pork chop and noodles, I think. Or cheese tortellini.”
Roxi waved a hand. “So there I am in the movie theatre while people around me are eating popcorn, nachos and other things. Hot pretzels, nachos, hell, even pizza. But not me, I’m finger-eating a cold M
RE.”
“Evil heifer,” Ariel said affectionately.
“Do you still carry them around with you?”
Adopting a superior expression, Ariel sniffed. “Not in my pocket, thank you very much.”
“What about your vehicle?”
“It never hurts to be prepared,” she said, her voice rising.
Roxi gave her a pointed look. “And you do it so well.”
“Oh, this is good,” Tuck said. “Tell me more.”
“Well, there’s the time with the condoms.”
Ariel wiped her eyes as she howled with laughter. “He so doesn’t need to know about that.”
Roxi shrugged shamelessly. “I think he just may.”
Tuck, curse him, agreed with Roxi immediately.
Slumping back in her chair, Ariel knew she was defeated. She crossed her arms and pouted. Roxi ignored her and did what she was always good at doing—told stories.
* * * *
Tuck tossed his gear in the back of his truck and walked for the office. The past week had been a blast. Ariel’s friends, Sam and Roxi, had been around the entire time. They’d gone out, stayed in and all around had fun. The stories the women told on one another were just hilarious. It had been a long time since he’d laughed that hard. Probably since he and Steve had been with Ariel and Connie the night they’d lost power in the building.
The Hochs had left today and honestly, he was going to miss them. Sam had grown on him and he saw now what Ariel had pointed out to him that first time he saw the man. He was stoic but there was no denying his love for Roxi or their unborn son. The man didn’t mind getting her food or waiting on her hand and foot—not that she let him, but Tuck knew he would have no issue doing it—and doing things a lot of men would deem unmanly. None of it bothered Sam.
He even felt bad for his initial jealousy towards him when he’d first spied him in Ariel’s apartment. But walking in to find her practically in another man’s arms hadn’t sat well with him. Now that he knew, he was good with their relationship. Ariel hadn’t asked him if he was, and he hadn’t said anything to her about it. He was just better in his mind. No jealousy there. And he’d made a new friend.
