Perfect Song (Mason Creek Book 2) by Lauren Runow (christmas read aloud .txt) 📕

to form words since I’m flustered by his comment and how it instantly had my brain go to something sexual.

“You know what’s funny?” I ask, changing the subject but not waiting for him to answer. “Sometimes, I write pieces about what to say on a first date or what to talk about when you first start dating someone, and here we are.”

His face lights up, like he’s excited I just said first start dating someone. “Tell me some of your favorite ones.”

“There are the crazy ones, like what would you do if you won the lottery or what’s on top of your bucket list.”

“Those are easy. I’d buy everyone I love a home, so they could semi-retire early. And as for my bucket list, I’ve always wanted to drive a sports car.”

“Really? That’s it. I’ve asked many men those same questions when I was writing an article a year ago, and I’d say those are the simplest answers I’ve ever gotten.”

He grins. “What can I say? I’m a simple guy. Give me a Coors Light and my favorite people by my side, and I’m a happy man.”

I raise my eyebrows to him. “And the sports car?”

“I just want to do that once.” He holds up a finger. “To feel the thrill of it all. Then, I’ll go back to my truck.”

I nod, loving his answers. I don’t think I met one simple person in New York. Don’t get me wrong; I met some amazing people, but everyone had an agenda, a goal they felt they had to meet in order to be happy. Not Tucker. He’s happy just as he is.

We spend the next three hours talking on the phone. I feel like I’m in high school again, staying up late and sneaking in a call so my parents don’t find out.

Above anything else though, for the first time in months, I’m not stressed about trying to fall asleep and panicking about what happened, and I have Tucker to thank for that.

Chapter Nine

Tucker

I know my son’s going to give me shit for bringing Justine to his game but not in a bad way. He’s mentioned a few times that I need to find someone to date over the years, but it was just never a priority for me. I didn’t tell him I was bringing her, so I’m sure the shock of it will be written all over his face that I’m taking a big step, introducing the two of them.

I pull up to her parents’ place, and she’s waiting outside for me.

“Is your father still acting weird about us hanging out?” I ask after she runs to my car and hops in.

She grins in my direction. “I didn’t tell him it was you who was picking me up.”

I laugh out loud as I pull away from the curb. “Who would have thought that at the age of forty-four, I’d be sneaking a girl out of her parents’ house?”

“It’s not sneaking out—technically. They know I’m going to watch a baseball game.”

“You’re acting like a teenager, trying to justify it in that sexy brain of yours.”

I love the way she shakes her head, chuckling under her breath. “You’re right. I guess it doesn’t matter how old you get; you still try to hide things from your parents.”

“Not my son. Sometimes, he tells me too much. I’m like, ‘Dude, I’m glad you’re comfortable with talking to me about things, but I don’t need to know everything.’ ”

Her lips purse up, like she’s looking at a cute puppy. “Aw! That’s so cute. You should be thankful. Most teenage boys hate their dads.”

A smile spreads across my face. “Yeah. I guess I am lucky like that. We’ve always been close.”

“Does he know I’m coming?”

“Nope.” I pop the P to make it more of a fact.

She gasps. “Is this going to be weird?”

“Nah. He’ll be glad to meet you.”

“Now, you have me all nervous.”

I reach over and grab her hand. When I see her face instantly flush, I try to hide my smile, feeling the same way. Who would have thought that a simple hand touch would make such an impression on your soul?

“Don’t be.” I leave my hand there as we drive toward the highway.

“So, where’s the game?”

“About an hour away. Matthew was lucky enough to make the team, but when he tried out, they really should have emphasized on just how much travel would be involved. Since Mason Creek is such a small town, they had to pull from cities all around us, and then they have to travel an hour or two just to find other teams to play. So, I hope you’re up for the drive.”

She shrugs with a smile. “No worries from me. As long as we’re moving. There’s nothing worse than traveling outside the city and sitting in bumper-to-bumper traffic on a hot summer day. I might love New York, but I don’t miss the traffic on the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway. Plus, the fresh air will be a welcome addition.”

“I can’t imagine not having open roads to drive down and clear my head. And as for the air, man, there’s nothing better than taking a deep inhale of clean mountain air.”

“So, do you travel to every game of his?” she asks.

“I haven’t missed a game, and it’s nice to finally have a companion to drive with since he normally goes with the team. They have to get there early and warm up.”

She smiles big, and it makes my heart beat a tad bit faster.

It’s a beautiful summer day, and with the windows down on the truck, the cool breeze feels amazing. When I notice Justine holding her hair, I reach behind me and hand her a ball cap of mine.

She happily takes it and runs her ponytail through the back before sliding it on her head and giving me a big smile.

“Much better,” she says.

I place my hand on her thigh, loving seeing her wear my hat, and imagining what she’d look like, wearing my T-shirt and nothing else.

“So, tell