Waking Up by Renee Dyer Page A

the internet, talk about you on the phone or through texts, try to get into a sexual relationship with you, whatever you want.  You just seem like you need someone to give you a break.  I have this big house with plenty of rooms.  Setting one of the guest rooms up for you isn’t a problem.  Like I told you earlier, it’s been nice having someone to cook for.  I live in the sticks and I don’t think the paparazzi even knows that Epping, New Hampshire exists.  It’s up to you.”
    “Are you serious right now?  You would do this for me?  You don’t even know me.”  The look of shock on his face rocks me to my core.  I’m not sure if anyone ever offers to do anything kind for him and that saddens me all over again.  I’ve been sad more times around him today than I care to think of, but it’s because I feel bad for how he’s been treated.
    “Tucker, everyone deserves kindness, even from strangers.”  I couldn’t have spoken more true words.  These are words my mom had spoken many times in my life.  I truly understand them now.
    “Thank you.  Yes.  And no, no contract needed.  But, seriously, where the fuck is Epping?”  Laughing as he asks this, I can’t help my next reply.
    “Well, haven’t you heard? It’s the center of the universe.”  I bark out a laugh and a snort at the incredulous look he gives me.  “Just go ask anyone at our town hall.  You can even buy a bumper sticker.”  There’s that glorious belly laugh of his again.  Holding his side when he finally stops laughing and rubbing his eyes where a few tears have slid free, he looks up at me.
    “This town may just be growing on me.”
    I’d like to see something else growing.
     
     
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    Watching her bend over repeatedly to load the dishwasher is a blissful hell.  I can’t keep my eyes off her and silently pray that she can’t feel me burning holes through her body.  I want to burn every inch of her delectableness into my memory before I have to get back on the road.  Just thinking about getting back on the road has my muscles tensing up.  Rolling my shoulders and neck to try to loosen them, I nearly brush my hand against her ass.  I know I’m standing too close and should probably back away, personal space and all, but this woman calls to me in a way I’m not used to.  I want to be close to her, smell her, touch her, taste her.
    Catching me off guard, she rails around with one of the phoniest-saddest smiles I’ve ever seen.  Wonder what she’s so sad about.  She looks me straight in the eye.  Uh-oh.  This can’t be good.  “So, uh, I hope you liked your breakfast,” she blurts out.  Seems like she’s having a hard time catching her breath.  “I’m sure you’ll be wanting to head back to see back to see Victoria now.”  Oh, fuck no, she did not just bring that bitch up.  This morning was going so well.  I hadn’t thought of her at all since getting here.  “Thanks again for bringing my groceries in.  It was nice having company for breakfast.”
    Nice. Nice? Then why the hell do you look like I just killed your puppy?  That smile isn’t fooling anyone.  What the hell is going on?  Why does it feel like she just kicked me in the nuts?  She’s still talking, but I don’t hear her.  All I know is she’s saying goodbye.  Because of Victoria.  Victoria.  She’s smiling at me.  It looks like a real one.  What’s this?  A hand shake?  Are you fucking kidding me?  My senses are completely out of whack since I meet this woman and she’s offering me a damn hand shake.  Is this because she thinks I’m with Victoria?
    Victoria!
    “Fuck!”  Oh, man.  Did I really just scream that out?  Ahhh, yep I did because she looks scared and she’s trying to inch away from me.   Dammit, Tucker.  Can’t you ever keep your temper under control?  Just tell her the truth.  She told you about her