Read Online After Math by Denise Grover Swank - Free Book Online Page A

and takes my hand in his, lacing our fingers and squeezing.
    I close my eyes and lean my head into his shoulder.
    We sit like this for several minutes, maybe longer. I lose track of time because all I know is that sitting like this with him feels so right, so perfect.
    His thumb rubs the back of my hand, making slow circles, and I feel the tension leave my body.
    Finally, he breaks the silence, his voice soft and soothing. “Want to talk about it?”
    I shake my head, my temple still pressed against his shoulder. Tucker is the last person I want to tell about my night with Daniel.
    He pulls his hand from mine, and I’m sure he’s about to leave, but he wraps his arm around my back and pulls me against the side of his body. His free hand picks up my hand, curling over the top so his fingers now caress my palm.
    “Do I need to kick the shit out of someone?” His arm tightens around my back. “Because if I find out who made you cry, I’m liable to do just that.” His words are soft, but somehow I know he means every word.
    I shake my head again, burying my cheek into his chest. I must be dreaming because this can’t possibly be real. Tucker has not shown up outside of my apartment. He’s not holding me in his arms. Why is he here?
    I look up into his face and his gaze lowers to my mouth. His arm tightens around my back, and he closes his eyes, pressing his forehead against mine. For several seconds, our breaths mingle and we’re breathing each other in. I’m amazed at how right this feels. Like I’ve been searching my entire life for this peace I feel in his embrace.
    His head rises, and he gives me a sad smile. “I need to go.” But he doesn’t release me, instead looking into my eyes.
    “Okay,” I whisper.
    “Thursday?”
    I nod. “Thursday.”
    He sighs and climbs to his feet. His hand reaches for mine, and I put my palm in his. His fingers curl gently around my hand, and he pulls me to my feet. “Are you going in now?”
    “Yeah.” I feel calm enough to face Caroline, although I’m not sure what I’ll say to her.
    He releases my hand and smiles.
    “Goodb—”
    Tucker places his finger on my lips. “Don’t say goodbye. I hate goodbyes.” Sadness creeps into his eyes.
    My lips tingle and butterflies fight to escape from my stomach.
    His finger slides off my lip. “Thursday.”
    I smile. “Thursday.”
    He bolts down the steps and turns around at the bottom and grins.
    I watch him jog across the parking lot and out into the street until he disappears behind a tree line on the side of the road.
    Time to face Caroline.
    She’s waiting when I open the door, excitement on her face. “Well?”
    “It was nice.” I avoid looking at her.
    “ Nice ? I need details.”
    Heaving a sigh, I take off my coat. “We went to the movie, and we talked.”
    Her perfectly tweezed eyebrow lifts. “And?”
    “If you’re asking if he kissed me, the answer is yes.”
    “And?”
    “And what?” I know what she wants, but I’m sure she won’t like my answer.
    “Scarlett!”
    I shrug. “It was nice.”
    She flops on the sofa, crossing her legs. “Again with the nice.”
    I sit on the arm of the chair. “What do you want me to say, Caroline? He’s a nice guy. We had a nice time. It wasn’t spectacular. It wasn’t love at first sight. It was…nice.”
    She scowls. “I don’t think you’re giving him a chance.”
    My mouth drops open.
    She leans forward, earnestness in her eyes. “He’s a great guy, Scarlett! He’s cute. He’s funny.”
    “I don’t know.” I was confused before Tucker showed up. I’m even more confused now.
    “Scar, this was one date. I know you. Give it a chance.”
    I cock my head. “What are you saying?”
    “I know how you are. You get nervous, and you blush, and you don’t talk. It’s hard for you to open up to people. It’s just going to take you some time to get used to him. He did ask you out again, right?”
    Even though her advice is sound, I just don’t see