"It was my first F. Ever," he remarks.
That makes me laugh again. Maybe it's the wine talking, but I'm having a great time. Who knew Tucker Hayward was so damn charming and sweet?
"Penny, I have an ulterior motive for asking you out tonight. I actually have a proposition for you," Tucker says, suddenly growing very serious.
My interest is piqued as I wait for him to continue. I have no idea as to whatpropositionhe could possibly be talking about.
"When I go back to New York at the end of the summer, I'd love for you to come with me and be my campaign manager while I run for state senator. We have a tight race ahead of us, but I know with you behind me that I just can't lose." Before I can protest, he adds, "Everything will be provided for you --- a place to live, a nice salary and an office right beside mine." He says the last sentence with an anxious grin.
I realize that he's asking me for so much more than just being his campaign manager. He wants a future with me by his side. Am I ready to even consider moving on from Colton? I glance around the restaurant. Isn't that what I'm doing already, though? Moving on? I am on a date with someone else…and Colton has a girlfriend.
Shaking my head to clear my thoughts, I tell him, "I don't know, Tucker. I just got back and ---."
"Just promise me that you'll think about it," he says, reaching across the table and placing his hand over mine. "That's all I'm asking."
I give him a small smile and nod. "Sure. I'll think about it."
His eyes light up with satisfaction. "Okay. Now, enough talk about politics and the future. I want to wine and dine you tonight." He raises his wine glass, and I replicate his gesture. "To us," he says with so much hope lacing his voice that it makes my smile broaden.
"To us," I say back.
Our glasses touch, and then we sip our delicious and very expensive wine. As Tucker and I chat about everything under the sun but politics, I feel like a small piece of my heart is beginning to mend itself back together. Maybe Tucker Hayward is just the person I need to get over Colton. Maybe it is time to move on and never look back. I just don't know if I have the strength to do that yet, but I'm going to find out.
At the end of the night, Tucker walks me to my door. I nervously fiddle with the straps of my purse while looking anywhere but at him. "I had a great time," I tell him, and I can hear the tremor in my voice.
Why am I so nervous? But then when I look up at his striking blue eyes and perfect smile, I realize that I'm starting to develop feelings for Tucker. Maybe they started all the way back in high school when we were always competing against each other for the highest GPA. They're not the same feelings I have for Colton, but it's a small spark that could definitely develop into something more. There's hope in that realization, and that's all I need to convince myself to step forward, wrap my hands around Tucker's neck and pull his lips down to mine.
The kiss is soft and safe. He's not pushing his luck, and I'm glad because I'm not ready for anything more right now. This is the first and only other guy I've kissed since Colton. But instead of feeling guilty, I feel…free.
When we part, he gets a goofy grin on his face, and it makes me laugh. "Do you know how long I've waited to kiss you, Penny Preston?"
"A long time?" I offer.
"Too long." His hand reaches up to cup my face, and I can feel the tenderness in his touch. I close my eyes. And when I open them, I can see the sudden heat in his gaze.
I don't stop him when he kisses me again. His fingertips graze my jaw line as his lips claim mine. Something happened between our first and second kiss. That little spark from earlier suddenly ignited into a fire, and I know I have to suppress it before it gets out of control.
But for right now, I just want to kiss someone who wants to kiss me. And I'm going to enjoy every single second of it.
My hands trail up the muscular planes of Tucker's chest, and he releases a groan in the back of his throat. My back presses up against the door as he steps closer to me, entrapping me. His tongue presses against the seam of my lips; and I open my mouth, inviting him in. Our tongues tangle together as his hands slide from my hips and up my ribcage to brush past my breasts.
He tastes like wine and smells like clean linen and sage. It's intoxicating; and I find my traitorous fingers curling into his shirt, pulling him impossibly closer. The kiss grows more and more heated; and his hands start to wander under my skirt, leaving a trail of fire on my skin in their wake. I shamelessly groan into his mouth, because it's been so long since I've been touched like this.
The back door of the bar opening causes me to halt the kiss. I gently push against Tucker's chest, and he immediately takes a step back.
Standing at the bottom of the stairs is Colton. He's holding a trash bag in one hand and staring up at us like he's not believing what he's seeing. I watch as the emotions flash through his gaze, finally settling on anger. He drops the bag where he stands and storms back into the bar.
I close my eyes for a moment and then turn to Tucker. I refuse to let Colton ruin this night. "Thank you for tonight, Tuck. It was really…unexpected."
"I hope unexpected means good?" he asks with a shy grin.
I smile and nod. "Very good."
He smiles back. "Maybe we can try this again sometime?"
"Sure. I'd love to."
He takes my hand in his and brings it up to his mouth before placing a gentle kiss on my skin. "Goodnight, Penny."
