For once, the question didn’t frustrate me like it normally did. Usually, I would’ve interpreted it as pity. But now, I could hear it for what it truly was, care and concern. I looked up at Taylor as I handed her the change for her tea and scone. “I’m actually doing pretty well.”
It was true. Considering that I was waiting for the other shoe to drop when it came to Cody, I had a surprisingly cheery outlook on it all. Maybe it was the shift in the weather. The two days of sixty-degree temperatures had the sun shining and the snow melting. The horses all had an extra burst of energy, along with room to run and play.
Or maybe it was Tuck. I couldn’t help the little smile that came to my lips. He made me happy. And instead of letting that freak me the hell out, I was just going to roll with it.
Taylor took her change. “What’s that look about?”
My body gave a little jolt. “What look?”
Taylor grinned, pointing to my face and drawing a little circle in the air. “The one that makes you look like the cat that got the cream. Do you have a man in your life, Jensen?”
This was the thing about good friends, they paid attention. I pressed my lips together.
Kennedy leaned on the counter. “This I have to hear.”
My palms started to sweat. Kennedy had seen Tuck in here more than a few times. “There’s no one. I just think I’m finally starting to get out of my funk.”
Taylor tapped the top of her to-go cup. “I’m not so sure I believe that. But I’ll let you have that play for now.” She headed for the door, but it opened before she could reach it. “Tuck, what’re you doing here?”
He grinned at Taylor. “Good morning, gorgeous. Just getting myself some snacks.” He patted his stomach. “And I might see if I can get that friend of yours to play hooky with me today.”
Taylor looked from Tuck to me and back again, her eyes dancing. “I think that’s a great idea. Don’t take no for an answer.”
I let out a breath I hadn’t realized I’d been holding when Taylor finally headed out. The last thing I needed was her chatting away to Walker about Tuck and me.
Tuck sauntered up to the counter. “Wilder, run away with me.”
I laughed. “Apparently, the warm weather is getting to everyone.”
He placed his hand on the counter, his fingertips just touching mine. “I have the day off, and there’s somewhere I want to take you.”
Kennedy bumped my hip. “Go.”
I looked up at her. “Are you sure? I haven’t left you alone yet.”
“The baking is done. Taylor was the last of the morning rush. Your mom’s coming in at two.” Kennedy ticked each point off on her fingers. “I’ll be fine.Go.” She eyed Tuck up and down. “I would.”
Tuck chuckled. “The girl has a point.”
My stomach gave a little flip. “Okay. Thank you. My cell number and my mom’s are on the board. If you get slammed, call her, and she can come in early.”
Kennedy grinned hugely. “Have fun, you two.”
I rounded the counter. “What do I need for where you’re taking me?”
Tuck looked me up and down, not in a sexual way, more assessing. “Can you hike in that?”
That was one of the perks of working in such a casual environment. I was wearing jeans, boots that would support a ten-mile trek, and a long-sleeved gray tee. “Yup.”
“It’s sunny, but it’s still cold. You got a coat?”
The overprotectiveness would never end. I smiled and pointed to my puffy jacket hanging by the door. “Good to go.”
Tuck grabbed the coat and slipped it over my shoulders. “Don’t want you catching a cold.” He leaned in closer, his lips brushing the shell of my ear. “I need to be able to kiss you whenever I want.”
“Tuck.” The single word was meant to be a warning, but it came out way too breathily for that.
“Yes?” His tone was playful with an edge that hinted at mocking.
