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

helped her cook dinner. Each one of them puts an even bigger smile on my face than the last.

His range of songs has been amazing. Everything from fast to slow, and he covers all different kinds of bands, but he nails every one. I swear if I closed my eyes, I would think I was at that singer’s concert instead of at the Pony Up bar in Mason Creek.

A fast beat starts, and I scream in celebration as I recognize the chords to John Michael Montgomery’s “Sold (The Grundy County Auction Incident).” I used to love this song and would try to sing the lyrics as fast as I could.

I watch as Tucker dances around the stage before coming up to the microphone and singing, “Well, I went down to the Pony Up last week,” instead of the actual lyrics, talking about going to the Grundy County Auction.

I stop dancing as Laken turns to me with wide eyes as he continues, “Where I saw somethin’ I just had to have.”

I stare at her with a surprised expression covering my face before looking back to Tucker.

He continues to sing the lyrics as they’re supposed to be sung until he points right to me as he grips the microphone with both hands and sings as fast as the song does, “I’m sold to the lady standing on the dance floor. She’s got soft pink lips, brown hair, green eyes, and I’m about to bid my heart good-bye!”

He changes the lyrics to act like he’s talking about me and not the woman from the original song.

I cover my mouth as I squeal in surprise. Everyone’s looking in my direction as Laken dances around me, proud to be with the woman he’s talking about. He winks and blows a kiss before grabbing his guitar again and finishing the song as it was originally written.

I stand here in awe, trying not to look like a deer in headlights when, honestly, I’m stunned. For him to do that, in front of everyone here, means so much. If my mom thought we were the town’s gossip before, there will be no question tomorrow. I guarantee everyone will know by early morning that the Tucker Simms is officially off the market.

Knowing that he would put himself out there, put us out there like this, pushes me over that last question I had about if I was ready for a man in my life. They say you’re never really ready for what the world gives you, but the world always gives you exactly what you need. And the universe knew I needed a good man to build my confidence again.

I try to act coy as he finishes his set, but inside, I’m flying high.

He makes me feel important to him, and after what I went through, I’m finally seeing good in a guy once again.

Who cares if he’s fifteen years older and people in town don’t think we belong together?

He makes me happy, and happiness is all that matters.

Once he thanks everyone for coming out and says good night, I turn to Laken, about to see if it’s okay if I leave her, but she stops me before I can say anything.

“Girl, don’t even ask what I think. You’d better get your booty over there and stake your claim on that man!”

I jump with glee as I say good-bye and head toward the stage, where Tucker is packing up his gear. When he sees me, he heads toward me.

He removes his hat, wiping his forehead before putting it back on, and steps down to see me. “Hey, did you enjoy the show?”

“It was incredible!” I playfully grab his shirt, grinning coquettishly.

He steps closer, and I feel the heat of his body engulf me. “Can I give you a ride home?”

I look up into his green eyes. “There’s no one else I want to leave here with.”

His eyes darken at my words, and my chest tightens at the promise they show.

“Just give me a few minutes to pack things up.”

Nodding, I let go of his shirt even though I really don’t want to. I watch as he heads back up the stairs, enjoying the way his jeans hug him in all the right places.

I see the way a few people are watching us, but I just smile as I wait for my man to finish packing up without a care in the world. Let them talk. At least I know what they’re saying is true now and not just a rumor.

With his guitar in one hand, he holds out his other to me, and I grab ahold of it as he leads me out of Pony Up and to the side of the building, where his truck is parked.

After he puts the guitar in the bed of the truck, he spins me around, so my back is resting on the door. Leaning in, he removes his hat and tucks a stray piece of hair behind my ear.

“I hope you didn’t mind me singing that song to you,” he says.

I can’t help but giggle. “Surprisingly, no. I thought it was pretty cool.”

“Yeah?” He steps in a little closer to me. “You didn’t mind me telling everyone that I’m falling for you?”

I look into his eyes, seeing the way he’s searching for my approval. “I liked it actually.” I watch the way his line of vision dances between my eyes and my lips.

He places a finger on my chin. “You like the whole town knowing our business?”

He leans down, and I feel his breath on my skin.

“Only if it means you’re telling all the other women to back off because you’re taken.”

“And that I am.” He scoops me in his arms and kisses my lips.

I feel him all the way to my toes as he lifts me slightly off the ground. When his tongue sweeps against mine, a rush of electricity flies through me, zinging every nerve all over my body.

I reach my arms up around his neck and deepen our kiss,