Wow, he looked good. No, she couldn’t tell him right this second. Things between them felt nice, and she didn’t want to ruin it. “It’s a good bed.”
“I’m not giving the bed credit.”
Oh, she wanted to squeal like a girl talking to her crush on the phone, but she needed to keep her head. He’d tried to kiss her last night, and she’d had enough wits to dodge it. That was a win in her book. “We should get up.”
He grimaced. “Morning breath.”
She gasped and slapped her hand over her mouth. “I’m so sorry.”
“Like I don’t have it? I bet it’s worse than dragon fire.”
Callie threw her head back and laughed, trying to keep her breath from hitting him in the face. “Then let’s get up. Besides, they’ll just keep coming.”
“Come on, lovebirds, let’s go,” Vivian yelled through the door.
“See?” Callie pulled her lips in.
“Fine, but you should know that I think you look pretty great first thing in the morning.” He grinned and loosened his hold on her.
She rolled her eyes and hopped out of bed. “You are nothing but a big flirt.”
“I’m not. I was being sincere,” he said as he swung his legs over the bed and stood. His t-shirt had ridden up during the night, and she could see his muscled stomach. Whew, it was time for a shower.
Callie picked up some clothes and, stopping at the door, narrowed her eyes. “I’m going to brush my teeth and grab a quick shower, charmer.” She didn’t mean to flirt back, but she couldn’t stop herself. He was so cute, and the little torch she’d had for him refused to be tamped out. How was she supposed to protect him from herself if she couldn’t control herself?
That’s what she’d decided last night before he came home. She might be lying to him, but that didn’t mean she had to flirt or act like she was interested. That way when the truth came out, she could have a clear conscience.
So much for that. Stupid heart. Stupid torch. Stupid everything. Maybe she’d have a gallon of cookie dough for breakfast. No, she should eat a pound of garlic. Then Tucker wouldn’t want to kiss her. He’d probably try to hold her out the window just to keep the stink out.
Giggling to herself, she stepped into the bathroom and shut the door. Once showered and dressed, she let Tucker know it was free and went down for breakfast. This morning was casual, and there were muffins and fruit to pick from. Sadly, garlic or cookie dough seemed to be missing from the menu.
She was finishing off the rest of her muffin when Tucker stopped at the door and leaned against the frame, smiling like his picture was being taken. The temperature in the kitchen seemed to boil. His shirt pulled tight against his muscles, and the board shorts showed off his dark skin so well. Whew, yeah, he was hotter than fresh jelly. And she knew he tasted just as sweet too.
“I see something good on the menu,” he said as he winked at her.
That goofball was flirting with her again. She leveled her gaze at him. “Yeah, they’re called blueberry muffins.” What had gotten into him? He’d bitten her head off, then apologized, and now he was acting like they were a real couple. He was making her head spin.
He pushed off the frame and walked to her. “You have a bee in your bonnet, Mrs. Hawk.”
“No, I do not.” She sighed and was grateful they were the only two in the kitchen. “Why are you flirting like this with me?”
“Maybe I like to flirt.”
“Well, I don’t…like you flirting. So stop.”
He leaned his hip against the counter and tucked a piece of her hair behind her ear. “What’s really got you so upset?”
“I’m not a CPA.”
He straightened, and his eyes turned cloudy. “What do you mean you aren’t a CPA.” His sharp tone nearly sliced her in two.
“I don’t have my CPA. I lied because I didn’t want to fight with my mom. She’s wanted me to return to Wilmington and take over her firm when she retires. I told her I was a CPA because…” Callie’s lip trembled. “Because I was a chicken. I’ve always been the biggest disappointment, and I couldn’t handle her being disappointed in me yet again.”
“But you are an accountant, right?”
Well, she was, just not practicing. Oh, she hated lying. What if he found out? But Gil had assured her that they’d buried her life as a reporter. Still, she felt icky for not being completely honest. “I am. I just don’t have the CPA license. I don’t want it, but we made a deal last night.” She clamped her lips shut and turned away from him.
“What kind of deal?”
She wiped her eyes and sniffed. “Nothing.”
He turned her to face him. “What deal?”
“I told her if she gave you a chance that I’d reconsider taking over the practice.”
His eyebrows knitted together. “Why would you do that?”
“Because if she gives you half a chance, she’ll love you. And...” she leaned in to whisper, “...we won’t spend the next year with her working against us. If she likes you, she’ll go to bat for you. I want you to have people who care about you. I want you to remember what that’s like.”
He held her gaze for what seemed like forever. “I’m beginning to recall.”
She pressed her hand to his chest. “I know it’s been a long time, but I want good things for you. You probably don’t remember this, but I wanted you to share your talent with the world. They needed someone like you singing for them.”
His Adam’s apple bobbed as he swallowed. “You’re something special; you know that?”
“You’d better eat something. My family will be discussing the contest in a bit, and trust me, you’ll need a full stomach for that.”
He smiled and picked up a muffin. “Yes, ma’am.” He winked again.
“I’m gonna go see where everyone is. I’ll be back,” she said as she darted out the back door. Holy cow, it’d take an Arctic tour of the South Pole to cool her down.
What was he doing to her? Last night, she’d been determined to keep her distance, but with those electric blue eyes, that smile…and, oh, that voice. Goodness help her. How was she not a hot puddle on the floor?
Callie took a deep cleansing breath, letting the air out slowly through her nose. No, she could do this. She could keep him at a distance, and it would all be just fine. Her heart would get on board or get left. At least, that’s what she told herself.
Chapter 12
Leaning against the wall, Tucker watched Callie from across the living room as she sat next to her sister Vivian on the couch. Callie had always looked good, but today he saw her in a different light. With her colorful sundress, her dark hair pulled up in a messy bun, and those little sandals with her cute little toes poking out, she was irresistible.
The night before, he’d spent hours splitting his attention between the ceiling and watching Callie sleep. His favorite part of the night? When she’d snuggled against him, stretched her arm across his chest, and sighed like she’d found peace. His pulse had jumped so high he felt lightheaded.
For a brief moment, she’d woken up and asked him if he was okay. He’d brushed the back of his hand along her cheek as she tilted her head up and smiled. He’d wondered if that was what real marriage was like. If that’s what it meant. Someone waking up to make sure you were okay? A warm body to make you feel grounded and wanted?
Next thing he knew, lyrics were pouring out of him. At night, I think of you. I think of all the things I’d want to give you. My heart, my past, my future…A song. Words to a song had come to him, and he’d nearly bolted out of bed, until he remembered Callie sleeping peacefully in his arms.
He’d carefully untangled himself and quietly retrieved his notebook and pencil out of his suitcase. He’d spend the next few hours writing. When he couldn’t keep his eyes open any longer, he’d lain back down, and Callie had immediately pressed herself against him again.
After that, he’d drifted off too, feeling more at home than he had in a long time. Had he fel
t that way when they dated? He couldn’t remember, and he couldn’t understand why. No, that was a lie. He knew why. Back then, he was so fixated on making it that everything else was pushed to the side. That’s why it was so easy for his first manager to convince him he needed to be single.
Callie had taken it well, and they’d ended things amicably. She’d seemed fine back then, telling him that it was okay and she knew the world needed to hear his music. Plus, she had her own life goals to chase.
How had things changed so fast? In just forty-eight hours, he’d gone from wanting to keep her at arm’s length to wondering what it would be like to tell her he remembered. To maybe…keep her close.
It made no sense to him at all, but there he was, thinking those crazy thoughts as he stood in the living room while her entire family held a lively discussion on sandcastle rules. Apparently, there had been confusion the last time they had a contest, and because the rule was so vague, Will won, even though he’d used imported sand. But Tucker didn’t care about any of it.
That shared moment in the kitchen earlier had added to the growing list of things he liked about Callie. She’d lied about being a CPA, but for some unknown reason, it didn’t bother him, and it didn’t change the growing trust he felt toward her. Making a deal with her mom to do something he could see she hated, just so her mom would like him? When was the last time someone had cared that much about him? Enough to sacrifice for him?
She lifted her head just then and caught him staring. With a little smile, she stood and walked to him. “Do I have something in my teeth?”
“What?” He chuckled.
“You were staring at me.”
“I’m a guy, and you’re gorgeous. Pretty simple math there, Mrs. Hawk.” Callie Hawk had a ring to it. Wait. What was he thinking? She’d signed a contract, and he just wanted his career back.
But man, those perfectly apple-like cheeks blossomed, and he found himself wishing he could be the source of all her reasons to blush.
She lightly smacked him on the arm. “Charmer.”
He slipped his arm around her waist and pulled her closer. They were married after all, and soon they’d be pretending in front of the world. Wouldn’t they need to practice?
“You are the most beautiful woman I’ve ever seen.”
She rolled her eyes. “Oh, we know that’s not true.”
“I’m a world traveler. I should know.”
She lifted an eyebrow and scoffed. “Whatever.”
He brought his mouth down her ear and inhaled her fruity scent. He’d noticed it again last night, and since then, he’d wanted to breathe it in. It made him light-headed to have to her so close. “You are, inside and out.”
Callie leaned back, her eyes wide. “We should probably go build our sandcastle. We’re trying to get my mom to like you, remember?”
“Is there a prize for the winner?”
“An all-expenses-paid date tonight, and babysitting if needed. And most important, bragging rights until the next one, of course.”
“Have you ever won?”
She shook her head. “No, I never win.”
“I think I just found my incentive to win.” He’d ask Neptune, Poseidon, or whoever was in charge for help if it meant they’d win. He wanted her to win, and he found himself wanting her.
What? What had gotten into him? Just two days ago, he was thinking he didn’t want anything to do with any woman, and here he was, flirting. It was wrong to lead her on.
You can’t fall for her, his head screamed, but it felt like his heart had on noise-canceling headphones, because he couldn’t seem to stop himself from leaning into her.
She smiled. “Me too.”
“Come on, you two lovebirds. We have sandcastles to build,” Michelle said through a giggle as her husband curled around her.
Vivian stood nearby, brushing Mary’s hair. Now that both mother and daughter were side by side, he could see the resemblance right away. Both had round cheeks, coal-black hair, and creamy white skin. Of the sisters, she was the one who stood out.
“I have to tell you guys; Mary and I have been practicing,” Vivian almost sang. “We’re going to beat all of you.”
Will scoffed. “Michelle and I don’t need practice. We have natural talent. Reigning champions, baby.” They high fived and quickly kissed.
Georgia and Heath looked at each other. “Not going to happen,” Georgia said.
Francis cleared his throat. “You kids trash talk all you want,” he said, taking Clementine’s hand. “The missus and I will be wiping the beach with all of you.”
Clementine waved him off, but her face had turned pink. “Oh, Francis, we aren’t even competing!”
“Yes, but I got you to blush, didn’t I?” Francis touched her face and smiled. “That’s my girl, and still the prettiest in the world.”
“Oh, you.” She leaned over and kiss him. “We’re off to the beach. Come on, kids.”
Tucker knitted his eyebrows together. “Who judges?”
“My grandma has the final say,” Callie said.
“She’s here?”
Callie grinned. “Yeah, she got in early this morning.”
“I can’t wait to meet her.”
“Oh, you say that now,” she said as she tried to pull away.
Tucker held her in place, unwilling to let her go. “If we don’t win, can I offer you a runner-up? Go out with me tonight, my treat?”
She placed the flat of her hand against his chest, lifted on her toes, and kissed his cheek. “I’d love to, but you don’t have to do that.”
“Right.” What was he doing? He was out of his mind, but he wanted a minute alone with her. A second to figure out what he was really feeling without anyone around. “Wouldn’t it be nice to get a minute?” He should have just let it go. He didn’t want a relationship.
“Uh, sure. I’d like that. A few minutes without my entire family might give me the strength to make it through the rest of this week.”
He could have leaped over a tall building. Instead, he kept his cool. “Good. I hope we win just so you have bragging rights.”
“Then let’s get out there.”
That’s when he noticed they were the only two left in the house. His gaze dropped to her lips, and an intense desire to kiss her hit him with such a force it nearly rocked him back on his heels. Didn’t they need the practice? Wouldn’t the press expect two people who’d just married and were in love to be lovey-dovey? They’d shared a couple of kisses, and the last one he’d attempted had been right after he’d been a jerk. He wanted to know what a real full-blown kiss would be like. One where he let everything go and just concentrated on her.
She tilted her head and smiled. “Is everything okay?”
His lips had a mind of their own and so did his hands, apparently. He took her face and quickly brushed his lips across hers. Pulling back slightly, he tried to gauge if he’d made the wrong decision. “Practice, right?”
“Yeah, practice,” she said just above a whisper.
He dropped his hands to her arms and slid them down until their fingers were tangled together. For a moment, they held each other’s gaze, their noses touching and breath mingling, until Tucker softly kissed her. Just a gentle touch and then another. Slow, tender, sweet, and savoring.
Callie’s lips parted with the last kiss, and when he brought his lips back to hers, he deepened it. It was an explosion of need that hit him all at once. He untangled his hands from hers, desperate to be closer, and pulled her flush against him. She circled her arms around his neck, and it felt like she wanted him just as much.
Never in his life had he experienced a kiss like this. Not one so consuming. Nothing mattered except tasting her, and he didn’t want it to end.
When she pulled back, he groaned, eyes still closed, and leaned in, unwilling to let her go.
She pulled back again and, gasping for air, said, “We really need to build our sandcastle.”
His breathing was as ra
gged as hers, and the last thing he cared about was building a sandcastle. “You sure?”
“No, but if we don’t, my family will come looking for us.”
He opened his eyes and found her staring at him. Her lips were plump and dark pink from kissing, and it took a strength he didn’t know he possessed to not kiss her again.
“Okay.”
She wove her fingers through his. As the pair walked to the door, Tucker’s mind was whirling with questions, leaving him unable to process the mind-blowing kiss they’d just shared.
No, it was just practice, he assured himself. This way, if they had to kiss when they got to LA, it would look real. Only, it had felt real too. Man, he was in so much trouble.
Chapter 13
Callie stole another glance at Tucker. He’d kissed her. Really kissed her. She’d even checked her sandals to make sure they were still on. Holy smokes, that kiss had been life-altering. For the rest of her life, she’d be comparing every kiss to that one. What was she going to do when her year was up? How was she going to kiss another man and not feel a complete letdown? Even the thought of a kissing another man left a hole in her heart.
No, it was okay. It was a good—great kiss, but it’d be okay. It wasn’t like he was really kissing her. They were just making sure people bought their act when they got to LA. When his manager made whatever announcement about them, she was sure they’d have to play it up good. The only way to do that was to get comfortable with each other.
She touched her fingers to her lips. Well, she was definitely comfortable now, and she wanted more. Callie shook her head. What had happened to her resolve? Tucker’s gorgeous face floated to mind. Yeah, that’d do it. Those piercing blue eyes gazing into hers were enough, and just where on earth did he learn to kiss like that? She didn’t remember his kisses being like that. Did she want to know? Nope. That was a mystery that could stay a mystery.
“Callie? Are you listening?” Clementine’s voice broke her train of thought.
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