“Is a problem.” I don’t even allow her to complete her thought.
“But Jessamine–”
“If Jess wants to see her, they’ll have to meet up somewhere else. I can’t have Cassidy undermining my wife at every turn.”
“She loves you.”
“Mom.” I rub the back of my neck. “She can’t stay. I feel bad about disappointing her, but it’s just not gonna work. She wants more than I ever would have imagined. I need her to leave. I just don’t know how to tell her.”
“That is a problem.” My mom takes a swig of her beer. “You need to be more careful in the future. Who you allow into L.T. and Leeland’s lives. I imagine she thought the two of you had a future together.”
I nod in agreement. “I had no idea.”
“Well, Tuck.” My mom pats my hands. “It’ll break her heart, but you can’t allow her to stay on thinking things will work themselves out.”
“I hate this.” Why hadn’t I considered all of this before Isa got here?
“You’ve never been one to wear your feelings on your sleeve, Tuck honey. But you’re gonna have to tell Jessamine how you feel. Your brothers and sister only want you to be happy. They think they’re protecting you. Do you think they don’t know how much you been hurting these past few years?” Mom takes a swig of her beer. “Not knowing anything about Isabella hasn’t helped matters.”
“I’ll talk to them tomorrow.” After I apologize again to Isa.
“It’ll take some work but they love you. Once they know how you feel, they’ll start coming around.”
“And Cassidy?”
Mom frowns. “As much help as Cassidy has been, If I were Isabella, I wouldn’t want her around. She’s been angling for you since Lenora’s passing.” She pats my hand again. “I’ll talk to Jessamine tomorrow. She’ll just have to understand.”
CHAPTER EIGHT
Isabella
Levi drops meoff. He’s heading to a friend’s tonight. He winks at me.
After Cassidy took off without me earlier, I was tempted to hide out in Tucker’s room and pout. Literally, I easily could have stayed in bed with my laptop. I’m a writer. Writers do that sometimes.
But then Levi showed up, and I decided not to let Cassidy’s behavior ruin my day. In San Francisco, I get over the blahs with a good shopping trip.
Tucker’s youngest brother said he’d be happy to take me to a nearby town. I really need some good boots.
Apparently, a town called Buena Vista’s is only about twenty-five minutes away. Plenty of stores. Levi had some errands to run, so it worked out for both of us.
When we finally get back, I see Tucker’s truck first thing. But I want to surprise him. I want to change into my new outfit. Levi tells me to slip around through the back door. He says there’s a staircase I can use to sneak upstairs and change.
I bought me a pair of boots. And a hat. I’m excited to see Tucker’s eyes when he sees me in them. He never fails to make me feel sexy.
I’m looking forward to another night in his bed.
So many nights. I’m the luckiest girl alive. I’m Tucker James’ girl.
As quiet as can be, I slip through the back, climb upstairs to our room and unpack my purchases.
Boots. Tight jeans. Fitted button up shirt. I fluff my hair and put on my sexy new hat.
And bright red lipstick. Because even cowgirls need a little color.
Oh, my God. He’s gonna love this. One last glimpse in the mirror, and then I head downstairs. As I descend the main staircase, voices float upstairs.
By their tone, it sounds like Tucker’s having a heart to heart with his mom. I don’t want to interrupt them, but I hate to eavesdrop. Halted with indecision, I pause on the bottom step.
