Page 49 of Here's to Yesterday

Well,almost.

He must feel my stare because Tucker’s head suddenly whips around, his gaze crashing into mine. Neither one of us moves. We merely watch each other, letting this moment sinkin.

Because I swear, in this moment, we acknowledge andacceptwhatever is happening betweenus.

Then Tucker does something that will change everything between us for the rest of forever—he extends his hand tome.

It changes everything because that’s not all he’s doing. He’s asking me to give up what I have with Tanner, to give into who I am, to become free. Most importantly, he’s asking me to let it all happen withhim, letting me know he’s going to supportme.

I slowly make my way toward him, never breaking eye contact, my heart threatening to break out of my chest.Boom. Boom. Boom.Boomboomboomboom.

I place my hand into Tucker’s, and he pulls me close, dropping his forehead to mine. We close our eyes and let our breaths mingle betweenus.

“I hate the way you make me feel. I hate that yougetme, that I want you. I hate that we’re in this situation because I’m too much of an asshole to hold it all in. I hate that I’m saying this out loud, but I can’t keep it in anymore. Not when you look at me like you do,” he sayssoftly.

Fuck. That there? It’s everything I hatetoo.

“I hate it more,” I respond just asquietly.

It’s true; I do. I hate it so much because I know how wrong it is, that I don’t have to say anything to him, but he fully understands what’s going through my mind. I shouldn’t have the urge to press my lips against his every single time I seehim.

But no matter what, nothing can happen until I break up with Tanner.Nothing.

So I dig down deep and put on a brave face, pulling away until there’s a good foot betweenus.

“I think I’m ready to go home now,” I tell him in the strongest voice I canmuster.

He studies me carefully and nods once, understanding exactly what I’msaying.

Tucker opens the door for me, but before I get in, he grabs my wrist gently. “Can I take you to that dinner for yourparents?”

I look down at where his hand is circled around my arm, observing how different our skin is together. His is wrapped in tattoos and mine is untouched. Together they’re beautiful and complement one another in a way I neverexpected.

I like how we are together more than I’ve ever liked anythingbefore.

Smiling, I turn toward him and say, “I’d likethat.”

---