He looked back over his shoulder.
“I’m… glad you’re here.”
Studying her for a second, his smile made that scar appear at the corner of his mouth and her knees quivered. “Me too,” he said. “See you in the morning.”
She watched him walk away and pressed a hand to her heart. Tuck was taking her on a date. Screaming, she did a little dance and then ran back into her apartment. She was going to work her tail off tonight so tomorrow she could be completely free.
Her phone rang. She looked at the name. James. Hmm. Ignore it or deal with him? She forced herself to press the green button. “Hey.”
“Hey, you. Sure you don’t want to go out tonight? I’m on cloud seventeen here. You rocked that article, love. I have no idea how you can be tired. I’m living on adrenaline.”
Maryn smiled. She did appreciate his enthusiasm. “I’m glad, James. It’s been a great day.” She thought of the reason for her great day and the way Tuck had looked. Why hadn’t she attacked him? Was it going to be awkward between them for a while? They’d gotten so close in those three days, she never thought it would change, but now it was like they were starting all over again with him asking her on a date. Why couldn’t they just skip back to the familiarity and nonstop kissing? Definitely needed the kissing. But at least he was here. He’d come here, to southern California. She hadn’t even asked him why. To be with her? Oh, my, she hoped so.
“Maryn? Maryn?”
“Oh, excuse me, James. Did you ask me something?” She walked into her kitchen and pulled out a pan, filling it with water. Noodles and marinara would have to do for dinner tonight.
“Only about twenty somethings.” He chuckled. “Hey, I get it. You’re so happy you’re exhausted. Go to bed early or better yet go get a massage or mani-pedi.”
Maryn smirked. Tuck would probably have no clue what a mani-pedi was and she liked that. “Okay. Thanks for under-standing.”
“But tomorrow I’m not taking no for an answer. I’ve got a reservation at Perch.”
Oh, man. What excuse now? And Perch. Yikes. That was fancy and romantic. She really needed to break James’ heart. It was so hard with the friendship they’d developed and their working relationship as well. He’d been a solid friend for her the past few years.
“I can’t tomorrow. How about Friday instead?”
“Why?”
“Alyssa gets home tomorrow. I want to spend the day with her and Beck.” She stared into the water that wasn’t boiling and swallowed hard.
“And I can’t come along? I love Alyssa and I’d like to meet Beck again. What a great interview those two would be.”
“You’re not interviewing them.”
“I know, but you got to admit it would be a good one.”
Maryn agreed, but she would protect her friends’ privacy. She hated herself for lying to James. She couldn’t do this to one of the few close friends she had. “James. I lied.”
“What? The Maryn I know isn’t capable of lying. The truth just shoots out of her beautiful mouth. Sometimes too much truth.”
She exhaled loudly. “I know. I’m sorry. I didn’t know how to tell you.”
“What?”
The water finally popped a few bubbles and Maryn poured in some farfalle noodles.
“What’s going on Mar? You in trouble? I can help. You know I’m here for you.”
“I know that James.” Oh, she was a jerk. She poked at the noodles and finally let it spill out. “Tucker stopped by tonight and asked me on a date.”
“Tucker Shaffer?” She couldn’t tell if James sounded more hurt or incredulous.
“Yes.”
“What ishedoing in town? I thought you said in your article that he always followed some schedule like a robot. He’s a weirdo, Mar. I know he was good to you, but you need to be careful.”
Maryn prickled as she jammed the fork at the noodles. “He’s an amazing man, James. I’d suggest you lay off bagging on him.”