“Sorry, sweetie. That sounds like fun, but I can’t. Not tonight.” She tucked a strand of hair behind her ear.
“Why?”
“I have to go home to let my doggie out.”
“We have a doggie, too, don’t we, Tut?”
“For a few days. I’m dog-sitting for my brother,” Tucker explained.
Brinna smiled. “Quite the do-gooder, aren’t you?”
“Not really. This past week’s been kind of like the perfect storm, and I ended up with a houseful of refugees.”
“What’s a ’fugee, Tut?”
“Ah…” He cleared his throat. “Unexpected company.”
“Mommy and me and Lug Nut?”
“Exactly.”
“Can we buy our pumpkin now?”
“We sure can,” he said, thankful for the diversion. “See you later, Brinna.”
“I’d like that.”
With a silent groan, Tucker turned his attention to the bin. Daisy had hoisted herself up and was hard at work looking for her very own great pumpkin. The one he’d have to carve. He supposed he’d better pick up a candle while they were here…and maybe a carving knife.
He did not do this stuff.
* * *
Dinner went well. Daisy fed her pizza crusts to Lug Nut, who’d camped out beneath the table.
“Daisy Elizabeth, do not give that dog any more food.”
“Sorry, Luggie. Mommy says no more.”
Lug Nut whined and dropped to the floor, splayed out like a limp dishcloth.
“He’s sad, Mommy.”
“He’s a pig,” Tucker said.
Affronted, Daisy said, “No, he’s not. He’s a doggie.”
Tucker laughed. “Yeah, guess you’re right, but he’s a moocher.”
“What’s that?”
“Somebody who’s always trying to get something for nothing.”
After dinner, they moved to the living room to watch TV. Halfway through the third show about a Korean bunny and her best friend—some baby chick—Daisy fell fast asleep, her head in her mother’s lap and her feet on Tucker’s.
Elisa brushed the baby-fine hair off her daughter’s forehead. “To be so young and innocent again.”
Tucker’s mind went straight to the things he’d seen and done in the Middle East. “Yeah. I’d give everything I have and everything I ever will have.”
Her gaze moved slowly from her daughter to him. “What’s wrong, Tuck?”
He gave a dismissive shake of his head. “I’m fine.”
Her hard stare told him she saw right through that bit of BS.
Monday night when she’d come downstairs and found him on the back porch, he’d come close to sharing the demons that kept him awake at night. He’d blamed it on the dark, the late hour. Truth? It was Elisa. Something about the woman made it easy to share secrets.
“Would you like a quick update on your car?”
“Smooth change of subject,” she mumbled.
“I thought so. I’ll start on it tomorrow. Sorry we couldn’t get to it sooner, but Gav and I have been up to our necks.”
“I know, and we’ve added to your problems.”
He could barely keep his eyes off Elisa. Even after the rough week she’d had, she was the most beautiful woman he’d ever seen.
And those kinds of thoughts could get a man in trouble.
“I’ll pay you for—”
“For nothing.”
Her back stiffened. “Labor and parts aren’t cheap. I also owe you room and board for Daisy and me. We’re not moochers.”
“Oh, for—I was talking about Lug Nut, not you! The damn dog’s always begging for food. Totally different situation.”
“Hmmm. I’m not so sure.” Twin spots of color bloomed on her cheeks.
His temper flared. “Do you honestly think I’d take money from you?”
“Why not? Before this week you didn’t know I existed.” Her blush deepened. “Tuck—”
“Let’s table it for tonight.” He moved Daisy’s feet slowly to the side and stood. “Time for bed. I’ll carry her up.”
She opened her mouth to argue, but he shook his head. “Not debatable. Neither is the money. I’m not gonna take it, so don’t offend me by offering it again.”
Some of the fire in her eyes dimmed, but he swore he heard wheels turning.
“Okay, how about this? I’m a librarian. Or I was until they cut our funding. I’m good, extremely good, at organizing. Since you won’t take money, why don’t I spend a day at your shop? I’ll organize both it and your books…or your billing system.”
He blinked. Mess with his system, his books? Not in this lifetime. “I have things under control.”
“Oh, but—”
“Elisa, this is one of those nonnegotiables.”
“Then I’ll simply say thank you, and I’ll put Daisy to bed. Myself.” With that, she scooped up her daughter and made for the stairs.
“Not like this.” Tucker took Daisy from her, then leaned in and kissed her. She tasted like fire and ice. Still angry, she tried to hold back, but when his lips touched hers the second time, she wrapped her hand around his neck and pulled him closer.
Daisy stirred in his arms, and they each took a step back.
“I’d say I’m sorry,” he said, “but it would be a lie.”
Chapter 8
Despite the fact he’d barely slept, the sun still rose Saturday morning. Tucker gave himself a few minutes to mourn the lost weekend before he crawled out of bed. No fishing trip, no drowned worms, and no head-time. His fingers involuntarily reached for the ever-present key. The one Nate had pressed into his hand one sweltering night when they’d lain in their bunks, sweating, eating the dust that filtered in, and ever-alert for incoming.
Nate had made Tucker promise that if anything happened to him, Tucker would keep an eye on the cabin and use it once in a while.
He’d meant to keep that promise today, but Elisa had derailed him. Well, he’d get started on her car instead. Once Doc Hawkins gave her the green light, Tucker didn’t want anything holding her here.
If only she didn’t look at him through those haunted eyes…or smell so good…or taste like heaven itself.
Enough.
Down the hall, he heard Daisy, then Elisa. The day had begun.
The three of them slogged through the first half hour, with Elisa finally insisting she fix breakfast while he and Daisy started a load of laundry. It wasn’t long till the house smelled of roasted red pepper omelets, toast, and fabric softener.
“I’m gonna play with Gracie Bella today.”
“Yes, you are.” Tucker popped another bite of omelet in his mouth. “Will the kitties be there?”
“Uh-huh, and Gracie Bella said I could hold them.”
“Woo-hoo.”
“Tuck,” Elisa warned.
He grinned. “What? I meant that. Woo-hoo. Kids and cats. What more could anyone want?”
She pointed her fork at him. “Behave.”
“Yeah, Tut, behave. Otherwise Mommy will punish you.”
“Oh yeah?” He threw Elisa a devilishly sexy smile. “You gonna punish me?”
“I believe I am.” She pushed away her plate. “You can clean up while I get Daisy ready for her playdate.”
He frowned. “Not quite what I had in mind.”
“I know, but that’s the best I’ve got.”
“I seriously doubt that.” He met her gaze and held it.
When her cheeks reddened, he had the audacity to laugh.
“Come on, Daisy. Let’s get you dressed.” Elisa stood, hand out to her daughter.
“’Kay. Can I wear my kitty sweater?”
While they headed upstairs, Tucker, stuffed to the gills, began setting the kitchen to righ
ts.
In under half an hour, Daisy knelt on the floor by the window, watching for her ride. When Tansy finally pulled in out front, she jumped up. “They’re here, Mommy. They came.”
“Of course they did. They promised, sweetie.”
The bell rang and Daisy bolted toward the door, then stopped and looked at Tucker.
“Can I open it, Tut?”
He swallowed his smile. “Yes, you can. We know who’s there. And Daisy?”
“Yeah?”
“Thanks for asking.”
She sent him that angelic smile, and his own heart smiled in return. Then he made the mistake of looking at her mama, whose pretty face wore an expression of happiness mixed with more than a little wistfulness. What was it about this woman that made him want to take care of her?
He wasn’t anybody’s protector.
Obviously, because he also wanted to do some naughty things with Elisa Danvers.
The door opened and the girls were all over each other, talking about the cats, their outfits, food, and everything under the sun. Daisy dragged Gracie Bella upstairs to see her mooffee bed.
If Beck had half as much sense as Tucker gave him credit for, he’d spend the day at his lumber yard.
“My cake’s delivered for today’s wedding,” Tansy said, “and since they brought in their own high-end catering company to handle things, I’m free for the day. Is it okay if we keep Daisy till after dinner? We thought we’d roast some hot dogs on sticks, then stuff ourselves with s’mores. We’ll make a day of it.”
“You’re sure?” Elisa asked.
“Positive.”
After promising for the third time to call if Daisy had any problems, Tansy corralled the girls and drove off with them and Lug Nut. As far as Tucker was concerned, the woman was a saint.
“She’ll be fine, Mama,” Tucker said.
Elisa sighed. “I know. I trust Tansy.”
“Good.” He reached out for her hand. “I intended to head straight to the shop to start on your car, but it’s a gorgeous day. What do you say we take a couple of hours, and I’ll show you around?”
“Oh, but what if—”
He held up his cell phone. “Tansy has both my number and yours.”
“I’d need to change.”
“I’ll wait.”
* * *
Aware there was no Daisy to act as a buffer, Elisa walked downstairs in a cinnamon-colored dress that swirled around her legs, her long hair loose. She felt suddenly shy.
Tucker stood at the bottom, his eyes traveling over her. “Every minute of that wait was worthwhile.”
“Thank you.”
They stepped outside, and she decided Tucker had made a good call. Sunny and warm, with just that hint of autumn, the day couldn’t have been more perfect. They rolled down the car windows and listened to soft rock on the radio.
“Thought you might like to see Magnolia House.”
“Are you kidding? After Molly told me about how Jenni Beth’s falling-down antebellum home morphed into the wedding destination, I’m dying to see it.”
He laid his hand over hers. “They’ve got a big event this weekend—which is why there were no rooms at the inn or any of the hotels, but nobody will mind if we pull into the drive for a quick peek.”
Tucker turned onto a lane bordered on both sides by Spanish-moss-draped live oaks that formed an overhead canopy. Sunlight filtered through, forming a lacy pattern of light and dark. When the house came into view, Elisa leaned forward, and he slowed. Huge magnolias flanked the stately plantation home.
“She’s a real beauty, isn’t she?”
“Oh, my gosh. This is where Molly’s brides get married?”
“Most of them.”
She sighed. “Thank you.” Without thinking, she leaned toward him and kissed his cheek. Realizing what she’d done, she jerked away.
“Don’t do that. Don’t run from me.”
“I’m not.” She wet her lips. “It’s—I don’t know. That probably wasn’t appropriate.”
“Hmmm.” He looked as if he was thinking it over. “I think that was okay, but this is even better.” He caught her chin and leaned in, his eyes never leaving hers. His lips teased, brushing over hers lightly. Then he changed the angle, deepening the kiss.
His lips on hers felt so good, and he tasted delicious, all warm and male.
When he pulled away, she shook her head. “One more.”
“Greedy.”
“Yeah.”
His lips curved in a slow smile as he lowered them to hers. She opened for him, and his tongue darted inside to dance with hers. He turned his head slightly and took the kiss deeper still, his hand moving from her waist up the side of her dress till his fingers brushed her breast.
Oh yeah, absolutely delicious.
This time, he blew out a breath as he raised his head. “And that would be inappropriate. Just so you know.”
“Okay.” She smiled shyly. “Thanks for clearing that up.”
“My pleasure.”
She raised a finger and wiped a smudge of lipstick from the side of his mouth. “Those lips should probably be registered as a lethal weapon, and I probably shouldn’t have said that. I don’t want you getting a big head.”
Tucker laughed. “No need to worry about that. No big heads in our family. My brothers would slap it right out of me, and I’d repay the favor.” He cleared his throat. “Speaking of brothers, how about we drive past Brant and Molly’s house? I’ll show you where they live. You haven’t had a chance to see much since you’ve been here.”
When they reached Brant’s, Tucker slowed down and pulled to the side of the road.
Elisa sighed. “Look at that wraparound porch and all those wonderful oaks. Oh my gosh! They have a gazebo.” She clapped her hands. “It’s wonderful.”
“Yeah, it is. It fits them.”
“How about Gaven?”
“Sugar, I won’t offend your eyes by showing you the heap he’s living in.”
A few miles down the road, he pulled onto the grassy verge by the river. “Give me a second.”
He opened the trunk and snagged a blanket. Spreading it beneath a tree, he helped her down, his gaze never leaving her as she tucked her dress, the color of autumn leaves, around her legs. Their silence was easy.
Elisa couldn’t remember when she’d felt so at peace.
If a person had to be stranded, Misty Bottoms, Georgia, was one heck of a place for it. The small town oozed Southern charm and its people were beyond warm and welcoming. The man beside her? Although she wouldn’t always call him warm, he ranked right up there at the top of the heat chart.
Even though she’d sworn off men, Tucker Wylder tempted her. Heck, he more than tempted—he’d whetted an appetite she hadn’t known existed. But because of their situation, she sincerely doubted he’d do anything about it beyond the kisses they’d just shared.
What a pity.
A bird sang in one of the live oaks while an industrious bumblebee flitted from wildflower to wildflower. Tucker wrapped an arm around her, and she leaned into him, her eyes drifting shut.
When she woke, her head was in his lap.
Embarrassed, she laughed. “I am so sorry, Tucker. Believe me, it wasn’t the company. I—”
“Shhh. It’s okay.”
When she started to sit up, he laid one of those beautiful, hard-working hands on her waist.
“Stay a few seconds longer.” He stared at her. “I’m certain somebody, or lots of somebodies, have already told you this, but you are one beautiful lady, Elisa Danvers. I don’t know what’s wrong with the men in your hometown that they let you get away.”
“You’re so full of it, Tucker.”
“No, ma’am. I’m a straight shooter.” He shook his head. “I’m sorry, but I have to do t
his.” He pulled her up and kissed her.
Her hand slipped beneath his T-shirt and she reveled in the feel of bare skin.
His lips left hers to travel the length of her neck, his fingers unbuttoning the top buttons on the front of her dress. Then his mouth followed those fingers and moved to her breasts. She moaned in pleasure.
“Elisa, I promised you’d be safe with me. I shouldn’t…”
“You shouldn’t stop.” She pulled off his shirt and covered his chest in kisses.
They spread out on the blanket, him covering her, his desire for her more than evident.
A squirrel ran up the tree beside them, dislodging several fall leaves.
They landed on Tucker.
Breathing hard, he rolled off her. “Sorry. I forgot myself. That probably shouldn’t have happened.”
“Don’t apologize, Tuck. I’m not sorry.” Her fingers quickly adjusted her bra and did up her buttons.
Watching her, he rose on an elbow. “God, you look incredible. All mussed, your mouth swollen from our kisses.” He ran a thumb over her breast and, even through the fabric, her nipple pebbled. “I think, though, that we’re playin’ with fire, darlin’.”
He reached for his shirt. “What do you say we go get an ice cream cone from Dairy Queen?”
Elisa blinked. Talk about a segue. But Tucker was right. He’d made it very clear right from the beginning that he didn’t do relationships. No long-term anything, but that was okay because she’d given up on that, too.
Right now, though, in this moment, she felt like a teenager spending a Saturday with her beau. Why not enjoy it?
And the ice cream.
“I’d love one.”
* * *
Tucker pulled up in front of his house and taking her hand, helped Elisa from of the car. He didn’t let go of her right away, because despite what he’d said earlier, her hand felt so right in his. Then she tipped her head up and her lips were right there. He quit thinking, simply lowered his head and kissed her. A sweet, spicy kiss that had his head swimming and his body begging for more.
Her hands came up to cup his face, those incredible eyes staring into his. On tiptoe, she touched her lips to his again. “I haven’t had a day like today in forever. Thank you for a wonderful time…and the ice cream.”
I've Got You, Babe (Must Love Babies) Page 10
