Get a fucking grip. Shaking my head, I push those thoughts away. For now, at least, I’m going to start by making some amends.
Brooke is back in my life, and I can’t help but think there’s a reason for that. Fate brought us back together, and I’m not about to let her go again. Not without a fight this time.
We were both stupid kids back then, playing at being in a relationship neither of us were mature enough to deal with. Now it’s time to show her that she’s not the only one who did some growing up over these last ten years.
CHAPTER NINE
BROOKE
I’m listening to Jacob, one of the boys whose birthday party is, tell me about all the gifts he’s gotten so far. His hands are flying everywhere as he animatedly fills me in on his day so far. Jared stands quietly next to us, but I can tell he’s enjoying today just as much. I’m not sure I’ve ever seen him smile so much.
“You came!” I hear Jared shout right before he takes off running. Looking over my shoulder, my stomach drops at the sight of Tucker walking toward us. I want to keep looking at him, but I’m distracted by the sight of Jared taking a flying leap and throwing himself at Tuck. He doesn’t miss a beat, dropping the huge gift bags from both hands and catching him. They’re not close enough for me to hear what’s being said, but I’m still mesmerized by the smiles that light up both of their faces. It's obvious that they have spent some time together.
I’m so caught up in watching the scene in front of me, I miss my opportunity to escape. Before I know what’s happening, Tucker is standing next to me, the boys have their hands full of gifts, and they’re running over to where Rylee and Colton are.
Realizing we’re alone, I turn to leave, but I don’t get far before Tucker is grabbing my arm. I can’t help the way my body jerks back at the contact. I can’t forget the last time I saw him. I still have the fingertip bruises on my arms as a reminder of how Tucker feels about being around me.
“Brooke...” His pained voice rips through me.
“Let me go.” I wish I had it in me to say the words with the venom he deserves, but I’m weak. Always weak for him.
“Please. Let me apologize.” I’m frozen in place, and once again being around Tucker fries every ounce of sense I usually have. Does he deserve the chance to apologize? The things he said to me the last few times we’ve met, the way he’s treated me? What’s the point in saying sorry? It doesn’t erase the past. “Brooke, I need to apologize to you.”
Drawing up every bit of strength I have left, I turn to face him. God. He looks good. My mind betrays me by noticing how handsome he grew up to be. He filled out nicely, and he’s really working the rugged look with the short beard that covers his strong jaw.
I don’t miss how most of the adults around are staring at us. I feel the heat creep up my cheeks as the whispers start.
“People are watching, Tucker.” I look up at him, desperately needing him to let me go, let this whole thing go. “I don’t want to cause a scene.”
“I don’t care.” He doesn’t take his eyes off mine. Typical of him to not give a fuck that everyone is watching this drama play out. He never did care what people thought of him. “Please, we need to talk.” His eyes beg for me to give him this.
“I can’t do this.” I whisper, dropping my eyes from his. I can’t keep looking at him. I’ll end up doing anything he wants if I keep staring into his eyes. I watch, fascinated as Tucker raises his hand as if he’s going to touch me, before he drops his hand back to his side, clenching his hand into a tight fist.
“Let me take you out later. We’ll get dinner, somewhere private.”
“Why?” I voice the one question that’s been bouncing around inside my mind since he stopped me from walking way.
“Why?” he repeats. Letting out a long breath, he steps closer. Close enough for me to feel how tense he is. “I’ve been vile to you. That’s not me, Brooke. I need you to know that’s not who I am now.”
Pushing my fear to one side, I risk another glance at his face. There’s no trace of the anger I’ve gotten used to seeing there recently. He looks at me, his eyes clear of any emotion, and all I can see is how much he needs me to really hear the words he’s saying. Something inside me shifts in this moment. I don’t know if it’s curiosity at what could come from going to dinner with him, or if it’s some kind of masochistic need to let him keep taking his anger out on me.
“Tucker, I don’t know if this is a good idea?” I’m not sure why it comes out as a question, but it does. I hate how weak it makes me sound.
“I think we need this, Brooke. Let me take you out later.” It’s a statement, not a question. I watch as he swallows deeply, mesmerized by the way his throat bobs.
“I’ll meet you.” I hear myself say the words, surprising the both of us. His whole body appears to deflate at my acquiescence.
“Give me your address and I’ll—”
“I don’t think that’s a good idea.” Finding the dregs of my inner strength, I stand firm on this. Tucker
