“No, that’s okay,” I say, but he dismisses me and hands his credit card to the store clerk.
He collects bags from each store by the time we climb the stairs to the train. I don’t feel worthy of this. He’s spent hundreds of dollars on Harry Potter shirts, scarves, mugs, and candies.
Does this make me his girlfriend?
A date of this magnitude comes with expectations. Am I ready for more? I like Tucker a lot, even though I try to deny my feelings for him. I have always liked Tucker. He was my first, and despite the circumstances, I will always feel something for him because of it. But I’m scared of getting hurt like last time.
“Oh, my God,” I say as the Hogwarts Express leaves the station. I hold my hand against the window, unable to stop smiling at the video footage displayed through the window of the private car. “It looks so real. This is amazing.”
Tucker squeezes my knee. “I don’t understand all this, but I want to learn. I want to know everything there is to know about Samantha Marchand.”
I turn away from the window, smiling. “What do you want to know?”
“You never told me you’re an associate editor at the school newspaper.”
“I didn’t think it applied to our tutoring sessions.”
“We’re beyond the student and TA relationship. I like you, Sam. A lot.” He holds out his hand to point out that we’re sitting on the Hogwarts Express. “Obviously. I wouldn’t do this for anyone. I want you to be my girl.”
I lean into his warmth and kiss him in answer. He wraps me in his arms, cradling me against his muscular chest. His musky scent fills my nostrils, and I drink him in—all of him.
Tucker Kane has broken down my walls by chipping away at the ice around my heart.
“That was some kiss,” he whispers against my lips when the train slows to a stop. I can feel his lips curl up into one of his usual smirks. “I guess that’s a yes.”
I smile so hard my face hurts. “Hell, yes.”
Chapter 21
Tucker
They say a smile is worth a thousand words. Sam’s is worth every penny I spent to make her dream a reality. We walk through a Harry Potter town called Hogsmeade, where Sam is practically glowing. She raises her cell phone, snapping pictures and giggling excitedly. I’ve never seen her like this, and I love it.
“Can we go inside?” Sam points at Hogwarts. “There’s a tour through the castle and a ride at the end.”
“It’s your special day.” I slide my fingers between hers and lead her toward the castle. “We can do whatever you want.”
She smiles up at me with a dreamy look in her eyes. My expression mirrors hers, and when she looks at me this way, I can’t stop smiling until my cheeks hurt. I’ve never felt this way about a girl before.
How did I not see this girl freshman year? All I could see at the time was a good blowjob and hot sex. I was an asshole to her. I took her virginity and walked away like she meant nothing to me. Because she did. And now, she means everything.
After we ride each amusement three times, we stop for a quick bite at a tavern in the park. We eat and drink and explore everything Universal Studios has to offer, and by the time the sun goes down, Sam is yawning, leaning into me for support.
“What a long day,” she says.
I hook my arm around her back and pull her closer, leading her out of the park. “You can sleep on the plane.”
She peeks up at me and yawns again. “I think I might.”
And Sam does just that. On the flight home, I glance out the window as Florida passes us. My gaze roams between Sam peacefully sleeping and the city below us. I could stare at her all day and never get bored.
Now she’s mine.
When we land, I lift Sam in my arms, and she stirs for a moment while breathing softly against my chest. Sam doesn’t open her eyes until we’re two blocks away from Strickland University. She rubs the sleep from them and sits up straight, looking confused.
“Where are we?”
“Almost at Strick U.”
