He kissed and squeezed her. “I’m sorry it’s rough for you.”
She snorted. “Rough? Boot camp was rough on occasion. Serving in the Middle East was rough. Dealing with my family…” She sighed. “Best way to describe that is hell.”
He honestly didn’t know what to say after that, so he kept everything to himself.
Chapter Twelve
The look on Tuck’s face was priceless and Ariel fought hard not to laugh outright at him. It wasn’t easy, that was for sure. Hell, from his expression, it was like she’d imparted national secrets to him then had blown it off as if it were nothing important. After reaching out to place a hand on his arm, she squeezed it.
“It’s not that big of a deal, Tuck. Don’t worry. It’s not like there is a giant rift between me and the rest. Some families just don’t get along. We love each other and all that but it’s just best I don’t spend much time with them for they make me insane.” She didn’t like to talk about her family or what she’d come from. Wasn’t a thing she found fun.
He draped his arm around her shoulders and played with the ends of her hair as they sat there, overlooking the water. She inhaled deeply then released it slowly. This was better for her. Yes, the River Walk was beautiful but the noise that came with it didn’t always fit what she needed to hear.
“So, are we celebrating together then?” he asked, tugging lightly on her hair.
“We can if you’re sure you’re not going home. Do something for the three of us.” She cleared her throat. “Unless you know Steve isn’t going to be around.”
He shook his head. “I can’t say one way or the other. He has some things going on with…” Tuck shrugged.
Her interest was piqued. “Is he okay?”
He hemmed and hawed for a moment before the nod came. “I think so. Or will be.”
“Is there anything I can help with?”
“It has to do with his wife.”
She coughed. “I’m sorry, his wife?”
“I don’t know the particulars, he’s been fairly close-lipped on it, but yes, his wife. He wants her back and I don’t know how well it’s going for him.”
“Damn,” she said on a low whistle. “I had no idea.”
“I didn’t know until a short time ago. Man’s like Fort Knox. Hard to get into.”
She readjusted on the seat. “I say we go all out. Invite him, maybe Connie as well. They seemed to get along well, and before you say anything, no I’m not trying to set him up. But she would be a good one to have there as well so he doesn’t feel like a third wheel.”
“I think that would be a great idea. Your place or ours?”
“I have a table,” she said with a nudge.
“Hey now. We have the coffee table.”
“It’s shameful. Truly it is. Two grown men who eat on the couch or standing over the sink.”
“Don’t forget the island.” He kissed her ear. “That has stools.”
“Which only get used if I’m there. Otherwise, you two are like college kids.”
“We eat with you enough to ensure our table manners don’t dwindle.”
She laughed at his comment.
“Hi, Tuck!” came a voice from behind them.
Ariel turned her head as did the man beside her.
Seriously?
Walking towards them was none other than Daisy. She’d been running—her sparkly spandex suit had some places that were a bit darker and sweat dripped down the side of her face. She had her hands on her hips as she neared. The ruby red top barely contained her breasts and the shorts, that same red, seemed unsure what their role was. It wasn’t to keep her covered, that was for sure.
Tuck tensed but recovered quickly. “Daisy. What are you doing here?”
“Running, silly.” She smiled. “What are you doing here? Oh, I remember you, you’re the one who lives across the hall from him. Hi again.”
Ariel gave her another once-over. “Hello.”
It didn’t go unnoticed by her that Tuck had lowered his arm from around her shoulder. Ariel prided herself on not being a jealous, insane woman like many she knew who wouldn’t hesitate to make a scene, claiming she was “fighting for her man” or something like that. Ariel wasn’t about to fight over a man—he either wanted to be with her or he didn’t. She wasn’t about to debase her own morals and make a fool out of herself. Still, that rankled and she clenched her jaw as she turned back to the front.
“What are you doing here?”
“Enjoying the park with Ariel. It was good to see you, Daisy but since you appear to be in the middle of your run, we don’t want to keep you.”
“Oh, it’s not a problem. I was done. Just time for my cool-down stretches.”
Daisy moved to where not even Ariel could avoid looking at her and began to stretch. Bending over, showing off her breasts and bouncing slow as she pretended to have a hold count. Rolling her eyes, Ariel prayed for patience. This wasn’t anything she needed, nor wanted, to see.
When Daisy turned and bent over, showing off her ass, Ariel got to her feet. “I’ll be by your truck whenever you can tear your gaze from her
stretches
.” She strode away without waiting for him to say anything in return.
“Hey, hey. Wait a second!” Tuck grabbed her arm a few steps away from his truck and spun her towards him. “What is your deal?”
She lifted an eyebrow. “My deal? I don’t have one, I just don’t believe I need to sit there while she bends and stretches her ass and breasts in front of you.”
He held up his hands. “I didn’t ask her to do that. Hell, I didn’t even know she was going to be there.”
“Never said you did. You asked me what my deal was and I told you what it wasn’t.”
“I’m confused. Are you mad at me?”
“Tuck,” she said, rolling her shoulders and pinching the bridge of her nose. “Things would have to be a lot more than this for me to be mad at you. I’m not an idiot. I know you didn’t call her—hell, you could know her jogging schedule, but even if you did, I’m the one who told you to take me to a park. All I’m saying is that I didn’t want to sit there and watch her almost fall out of her outfit as she tried to impress you with what you’ve already seen.”
“So you’re not mad.”
The man seemed genuinely confused about that and she would have laughed had her mood not been on the fence.
“Didn’t say that. I’m pissed. But I don’t blame you for what happened. You’re a man, so I guess it’s natural for you to stare at another woman when she’s dressed—and I use that term loosely—as Daisy was.” She waved a hand. “I’m done discussing this. Take me home please. I need to figure out this Thanksgiving thing, plus there are some things I have to do before work tomorrow.”
The myriad of emotions streaming along his face told her he still hadn’t figured out if he was in the proverbial doghouse or not. “Okay.” He unlocked his truck and held the door for her.
During the ride back to their apartment building, he continually turned to look at her as if completely unsure if she would turn into a head-spinning demon or not. She leaned her head back and allowed the cool autumn air to wash over her. If he didn’t believe her, that was on him, not her.
Tuck walked up the steps beside her, for once not making his typical comment about how she never took the elevator. At the door to her apartment, he halted her as she put the key in the lock.
“Yes?” she asked.
“Look at me.”
She did. He held the bag of their drugstore purchases in one hand but his gaze, intense, remained on her.
“I’m sorry if I upset you by looking at her.”
He’s cute when he’s unsure.
She gave a little smile. “Don’t worry about it. I’m sure it’s an attractive sight for many men. Hell, probably even some women.” She made a face. “Not for me. I have to go, I’ll see you later. Come over about eight and we’ll discuss the menu for the meal. Thanks for the day, I had a blast.” She kissed him then stepped inside her place, shutting the door behind her.
Between then and when Tuck showed back up, Ariel was busy. She cleaned, showered, cooked and ate. When he walked in, she was seated at her table making a list of things to cook for the meal. It had been a while since she’d had as large a dinner as they were planning.
“Hey,” she said without looking up. “Connie said she’d love to come.”
“I told Steve he was coming.” He stood beside her and tugged her head back. “He agreed.” Tuck kissed her and she melted a bit inside.
“Good. How’s he doing?”
“He was happy when I saw him last. He went to work before I came here so not sure how he is now.” Tuck went to her fridge and withdrew a beer. “Want one?”
“No thanks. I have a drink.” She pointed to her water.
“Water?”
“Sometimes I do drink that, you know.”
He grunted.
“It’s not bad. In fact, it’s good for a person to drink it.”
“Beer has water in it.”
She shook her head and didn’t bother to respond. Picking up the pencil she’d dropped when he’d kissed her, she put the tip to the paper and continued writing things she thought they should make.
“Sit down and help me here. There isn’t that much time before Thanksgiving.”
He plunked down the bottle and pivoted the chair to straddle it. “Show me what you’ve got.”
Oh, the things I could say to that. Or do. You’d see what I had if I were to strip naked for starters…
* * * *
Tuck crossed his arms, watching as the backhoe and bulldozer broke the ground for his house. He was excited and had bitten off his own yell of glee. It was finally happening. This was going to be a dual purpose build. To show people what he could design and then of course build.
Most of the men he’d worked with at Richard’s company had made the jump to his new one. The part that still shocked him a bit was that it had been done with Richard’s complete support. He knew the man wanted him to succeed and it was a heady feeling to know your old boss had such faith and hope for you.
Richard’s more than a boss, though, and I know this.
A lot had been going on since the money had been put into his account. He and Ariel didn’t have as much time together anymore. That was the downside. The upside—he had his company and it was doing well right now. A few smaller jobs were coming in as well.
It was a lot different learning how to manage his time when he was the boss. The next thing on his list was to get a good secretary. One he could trust and one who had worked in the business before.
“Congratulations, Pierce.”
Richard stepped up beside him. He glanced at the man and took in the impeccable three-piece suit and his cane, which was now an everyday part of his attire.
“Thank you.”
“Do you have an idea how long until the house is finished?”
“A few months. We’ve got some other jobs to do as well, so the house is something which can be put on the backburner if necessary. I understand it will be my showpiece but I also don’t want to be turning away jobs because of the house.”
“Sounds like you have it all figured out.”
“Getting there, sir.”
“What are you doing over the holiday?”
“Having a get-together with my girl and some friends. You?” He shifted his stance and took a large breath of fresh air. This would be a beautiful place once it was all finished.
“Probably be at home, alone. The staff will make a meal that won’t get much eaten from.”
“Not spending it with family?”
“You know my children, Pierce. Better things to do than be with an old man who refused to let them bleed him dry.”
“Why don’t you come spend it with us?” The offer slipped out before he realised it.
“I wouldn’t want to impose.”
“Nonsense. You wouldn’t be doing anything of the sort. We’ll have more than enough. I insist. Come at noon, we’ll be eating about one or so. Give your people the day off.”
The old man smiled. Tuck ignored the happiness he saw in the eyes of his friend and mentor. “If you’re sure.”
“I am. We’d be honoured if you’d spend the time with us.”
“Thank you, Pierce.”
Conversation turned to work for a while then Richard left. Tuck pulled out his cell and dialled Ariel.
“Hey, stranger,” she said.
“Hey yourself, babe. How’s work going?” He walked away from the noise to his truck, which he jumped in to have an easier time hearing her.
“Busy. Sounds like it is the same for you. What’s up?”
“I invited someone else to Thanksgiving.” He peered through one eye as if waiting for a smack to reach out and get him.
“Okay. Does this person have any allergies that I should be aware of?”
He shook his head. “Not that I know. Are you sure you’re okay with this?”
“Why not? It’s Thanksgiving. Who is it?”
“Richard.”
“The man you used to work for, Richard?”
“That’s the one. His family and him don’t get along at all so he would have just been in his house barely picking on a meal his staff had made for him.”
“That’s not how anyone should spend this holiday. Make sure he comes. You know we planned for more food. Leftovers may be a bit less but who cares.”
“Thanks, babe.”
“No problem. Will I see you tonight?”
Lord, he wanted to. His cock was straining against his jeans now, just from hearing her sultry voice. Were he not worried about the men walking by, he’d pull himself out now and jack off as he talked to her.
“I hope so but I’m not sure what time I’ll be done here.”
“Okay.”
Was it his imagination or didn’t she sound too torn up over his announcement?
Keep it together, man. You’re beginning to whine and worry like a woman.
Brushing aside his brain’s comment, he focused back on the conversation he was having.
“It might be late.”
“I’m heading out about seven and am not sure when I’ll be home. Thought maybe I’d have a chance to see you before that. Look, I know you’re busy and I’m a bit behind the eight ball myself, so I have to dash. I’ll catch you later.”
She hung up on her end, leaving him with nothing more than a dial tone and a hard-on he could use to pound spikes with. Rubbing himself through his jeans, he made a promise to his dick.
Soon, man. Soon we’ll be back inside her.
He hopped out then went down to the work site, waving at the driver who was bringing in the mobile office. After directing him where to park, Tuck went to meet him and shook his hand after he’d jumped down. The large black man dwarfed him for size, not something that happened often.