Page 84 of Words I Couldn't Say
“ARE YOU READY FOR THIS?” I asked.
Tucker messing with his tie. It looked like he was trying to loosen a noose around his neck—which, for a guy who lived in jeans and tees, it probably was. To me, however, he was sexy as could be in a three-piece pinstripe suit with a light-blue vest that brought out the color of his eyes. His dark hair was a bit longer than usual but just as unruly. My favorite stubble had grown into a full-blown beard throughout the winter. Tucker with smooth skin, showcasing his dimples, made me melt. Tucker with stubble had those loins quivering again. Tucker with a beard and the memory of exactly how it felt against my lady parts when he was “eating dessert” made me ache with a ferociousness only he could conquer.
And conquer he did. Quite often.
Women on the red carpet had no idea what they were about to be hit with. They thought Leo Lockwood was the star? They’d eat their hearts out for Tucker Manning, especially once they found out the truth.
I was about to knock on the window, signaling for the driver to open the door, but I paused and sneaked a peek back at my handsome man. My hand came to my necklace—his mother’s—and I toyed with it. “Your parents would be so proud of the man you’ve become. I only wish they were here to see this.”
He smiled, a soft, wistful one that didn’t quite meet his eyes. “I’d like to think they are. Somewhere. Somehow. They’re sharing this moment with me, even if I can’t see them.”
It was a lovely sentiment, and with that, I took his hand and led him into his first foray of the Hollywood-red-carpet whirlwind.
Lightbulbs flashed, fans called out to me, and a microphone was shoved in my face more than once. They were asking who the mystery man at my side was. I offered a coy smile and shook my head in cryptic fashion. They’d know soon enough.
My face hurt from smiling so much by the time we reached Maria Michaels, one of the most popular industry journalists and the face of a new prime-time Hollywood access show. Maria was insanely successful amongst people in the business because, unlike most paparazzi, she only aired verified stories.
She grinned when she saw me and waved us over. Tucker’s arm encircled my waist, and I held tightly to him. Maria was speaking into the camera, announcing my presence to whoever was watching at home. She introduced me with a rundown of my credits and a small bio before giving a brief synopsis of the movie. I answered the questions she asked, and by the time the interview was done, I was more than ready to get inside and watch the premiere. There was just one last thing to do.
I glanced up at Tucker and raised an eyebrow, silently offering one last out in case he’d changed his mind. His answering smile told me he was ready for this. And Maria helped us out.
“Now, tell us, Ava. Whoisthis handsome man you’re here with?”
I beamed and clutched his bicep, nodding up at him so he could answer the question. He cleared his throat then gave Maria a devilish smile. I had no idea why he’d been nervous. He had been made for this.
“Hi, Maria. It’s nice to meet you. I’m Ava’s boyfriend, Tucker Manning.” He hesitated dramatically before leaning closer to her. “But you probably know me as T.A. Bankman.”
Maria’s eyes rounded with surprise before she composed herself. Even still, the giddy grin on her face was amusing. “Wait… You’ve always kept your identity a secret. That is—until now. Why the change of heart?”
He shrugged as if it made all the sense in the world.
“Did you two meet on set? Is this a new romance?” Maria asked, practically gushing.
“Recent? Not even close.” He winked down at me before returning his attention to her. “You see, Maria, I’ve been in love with Ava Banks all of my life. She was the inspiration for the book. She’s the heart of it. She’smyheart.”
Every single woman swooned. And I could probably guarantee there were wet panties galore.
Maria, obviously thrilled to have an exclusive interview with the author, spent the next few minutes asking Tucker all sorts of questions—something I’d prepared him for. He, of course, was a natural and answered them all in good stride.
“Now that you’ve revealed yourself, what’s next for you, Tucker? Is there another hot, heart-wrenching novel on the horizon that will also become a film? Are we looking at Hollywood’s hottest new duo?”
Maria tilted the microphone back to Tucker, who smiled down at me and squeezed my hip. A slow smile spread across his lips.
“What’s next?” He kept his eyes on me. He used his free hand to take mine, where he brought my fingers to his lips and gave them a small kiss. His thumb then rubbed my ring finger.
You know those cartoons where something crazy happens and the character’s jaw hits the floor? Picture that. That was me.
“Did you just propose in front of the entire world?” I asked.
He completely ignored my question. “What do you say, Little Bird? Ready to truly combine Tucker Ava Banks Manning and become one?”
God, he was adorable. I had always been the girl who thought over-the-top proposals were ridiculous. Every time I saw some dude proposing on a Jumbotron at a baseball game, I groaned and felt sympathy for the poor woman he was embarrassing. I should’ve felt that way now. I didn’t. In fact, I felt the opposite. Tucker had been so private with everything, and now, he was putting it all out there for the world to see.
