It wasn’t the kiss. Either of them. Corinne had been on board both times. He didn’t think it had anything to do with hanging out with his friends. She’d made it through the experience like a champ and even enjoyed herself. It wasn’t last night’s rehearsal either. No question she’d been grateful for the drill session on her exam material. And she’d gone downright misty-eyed on finding out he’d picked Star Wars music for Kurt. Their rehearsal had gone well, with Corinne picking up the components of the routine without problem. They weren’t quite polished yet, but with most of a week left until the performance, he wasn’t worried there.
But he’d woken up to a text this morning saying she had to cancel rehearsal tonight. His first thought was that something had happened to Kurt, and he’d asked as much. But after assuring him Kurt was fine, Corinne had gone radio silent.
It might be nothing. He might simply be paranoid. But all Tucker’s instincts were telling him he’d screwed something up. Corinne was distancing herself, when he’d expected another step closer. He needed to see her, to get to the bottom of this, and waiting until tomorrow, giving her longer to think whatever she was thinking seemed like a tactical error. Which was why he was driving all the way out to Hope Springs to the women’s shelter, where he happened to know she was volunteering today.
Thank you, Mama Pearl.
Corinne’s old, gray Toyota was still in the drive when he pulled up. He’d brought actual business with him to legitimize the trip either way, but he was relieved he hadn’t missed her. Grabbing his briefcase, he trotted up the front steps. The door swung open before he could knock. Lily Mae Pollard filled the doorway, hands on her generous hips, her silver streaked blonde hair pulled back in a thick braid.
“Wasn’t expecting you today, Tucker. Something going on?” Her manner was easy and friendly, but Tucker knew she could turn hellcat fierce if one of her charges needed protection. Her reputation as a former sharp-shooting champion was widely known around town.
“No ma’am. Got some paperwork for Cassidy to sign is all.” He made a show of looking back at the Toyota. “Is that Corinne’s car?”
Lily Mae’s lips twitched. “It is. She’d probably appreciate a rescue. Come on in.”
“A rescue?” From what?
“You’ll see.”
Lily Mae led him back to the great room, which had a wide bank of windows overlooking the water. An enormous sectional dominated the space, surrounded by bean bags and giant pillows for lounging. Corinne sat in the middle of a crowd of women, looking like she wanted to bolt but was too polite.
“What about his hands? He looks like he has great hands,” one woman sighed.
Tucker held one out, examining his palm with interest. “I don’t know. Long fingers, a little calloused, kinda knobby at the knuckles.”
There were a couple of shrieks, and one woman dove behind the chaise at the end of the sofa. Corinne closed her eyes, with less a look of relief so much as Just perfect.
Because he didn’t know what else to do, Tucker fixed on his trademark smile. “Sorry to interrupt, ladies.”
“What are you doing here?” Corinne asked.
He lifted the briefcase again. “Business.”
“Hope you gave yourself plenty of time. We have a fan club.”
“Yeah?” He grinned again, delighted by the idea.
Corinne looked less than amused as she rose. “Ladies, you can transfer all your questions to him now. It’s time for me to go.”
A chorus of disappointment rose up.
Tucker took a step to block her path. “Actually, can I talk to you for a bit before you do?”
She hesitated, her gaze skimming over their audience.
“It’ll only take a few minutes. Outside,” he added.
“Okay.”
“Be right back, y’all.” Tucker set down his briefcase and followed Corinne out of the house. When she veered toward her car, he snagged her hand and tugged. “Let’s go down by the water.”
She looked down at their joined hands and frowned, pulling away before heading toward the bank. “Make it quick. I have to get to work.”
Definite confirmation he’d screwed something up.
Tucker fell into step beside her, saying nothing until they’d reached the shoreline and were therefore out of earshot of the house. “What happened?”
“Nothing happened.”