Needing You (6 page)

“What did you have in mind for today? Did you want to go somewhere specific or just hang out here?” I ask. I’m okay with either. Then again, I don’t want people to see me out with Tucker and assume I’m the next girl in line, but I also don’t know if staying in my apartment is such a good idea….damn it.

“Well,” he says, “we can stay here and talk and then if we decide we want to go somewhere we can, how’s that sound?” 

“Okay sounds good, have a seat. Would you like something to drink?” I ask because it’s the appropriate thing to do.

“No, I’m good” he laughs, then continues and says, “Harp, are you nervous to hang out with me today?” Damn that sexy smirk on his face. 

“No, I’m not nervous, that was just the appropriate thing to ask.” I say this as I sit, but I know my face is a slight shade of red.  Why does he make me nervous? 

“Clearly you’re nervous; if you would feel more comfortable we can go for a walk and talk,” he says sweetly.

“No, I’m good, we can stay here and talk, it’s fine.” I say. I feel like I might start stuttering around him. Between that and the way my stomach keeps doing somersaults, he has me going crazy.

So, for the next three hours we just sit, talk, laugh, and I’m surprised by how easy it feels to talk to him. We talked about school, his fraternity, his group of buddies at the frat house, and my job.  Neither one of us asked any personal, family type questions and though I am curious why he doesn’t say anything, I’m relieved because that’s a sore subject.  I am wondering if he has more to hide though too because he hasn’t said anything and it’s just odd.  I have a whole family of fucked up issues so that’s my reason for not talking, but it’s different to see someone else not wanting to share family shit. But I won’t dare ask.

We decide to order pizza and I place the order and then we start talking about sports. More importantly I ask him about fighting. “What got you into the whole boxing/fighting thing?” 

I see him flinch for a second, but I have no idea why. “It’s just something some of the guys and I did for fun and we were pretty good so we tried it, won some money and the rest is pretty history,” he says.

“Oh, okay so you do it for money, that makes sense, but aren’t you afraid you’re going to get hurt, like seriously hurt?” I ask.

He cracks a small smile and says, “Harp, you know who your opponent is going into the fight so you can train properly, plus I don’t lose.”  Now he looks all smug and shit.

“Oh mister confident huh,” I say laughing. “Do you fight often then?” I ask. 

“Not as much anymore. I help train instead of fighting. Once you beat so many asses it kind of gets old,” he says laughing while looking sexy as hell.

“Of course, how could I forget you never lose, silly me. Well I am glad you don’t fight much because it’s scary to watch sometimes.” I say truthfully 

“Awww Harp, are you worried about me getting injured in a fight?” he says with a sly grin on his face. Ugh men.

“NO, I’m just not a fan and you could get seriously hurt.” I say sounding more interested than I probably should.

“Well if I do get seriously injured, you could always nurse me back to health,” he says sexily while staring at me.

I can feel my face turn three shades of red. “Well, I won’t need to because you aren’t fighting, so it doesn’t matter.”

“Oh Harp, if you’re willing to nurse me back to health maybe I will let someone beat my ass,” he says while laughing.

I throw a throw pillow at him, which he catches, while still laughing. Damn him.

“Well, that’s not happening so you can stop thinking like that right now. I will be your friend but that’s it Tucker, not your nurse, not your fuck buddy, not your one-night stand, just your friend. Take it or leave it?” I say deadpanned. 

Tucker stops smiling and looks at me all seriously, “Harp I was only kidding, relax. I heard you loud and clear before.”

Now the damn atmosphere is AWKWARD. Ugh, why did I have to get so damn defensive like that? Luckily enough there’s a knock on the door so I get up to answer and the pizza is here, thank God. I go to pay the delivery guy, but Tucker beats me to it while taking the pizza to the kitchen.

“Thanks but I could have paid,” I say.

“You could have, but I did. Let’s eat” he says.

I get out plates and pour us each a drink and we head back into the living room.  I turn on the television and put on SportsCenter, because that’s what men watch right?  I figure he will be happy watching this as we eat.

We make a little small talk, but more so, eat in silence while watching television.  Once we are done, I clean up our dishes, take them to the kitchen to throw them out and put the left over pizza in the refrigerator and go back in and have a seat.

“Look Harp, I didn’t mean to offend or upset you with my earlier comment and I’m sorry if I did that.  I know you aren’t a one-night stand type of girl and I’m not asking you for that. I want to get to know you,” he says in a serious tone

I just stare at him dumbstruck.  Sometimes what he says surprises me. “I’m sorry I overreacted and I shouldn’t have.  You have done nothing to make it seem like you want those things from me and I am sorry.”

“Okay we’re good then, so when do we get to hang out again?” he asks excitedly

I start laughing, man he wastes no time. “Umm whenever I guess, I work weekends at PowerTrip and I have classes Monday through Friday, but I get out earlier on Tuesday’s and Thursday’s.”

“Hmm,” he says, “how about we grab lunch tomorrow because you need to eat?”

“I have class till twelve but then my next one is not until 1:30 p.m., if you want to meet somewhere,” I say.

“Okay then, I will meet you after your class and we can head over to the café down the street,” he says.

“Sound’s good.”

Tucker ends up leaving and it is crazy because it’s already 8:30 p.m.  I have hung out with Tucker all freaking day long and it felt pretty great.  I haven’t hung out with anyone like that in such a long time, that I forgot how refreshing it feels to actually have friends.  Not that we are great friends or anything, but we are friends.

I decide to read more of my book and then I drift off into a blissful slumber.

Tucker

Yes I know what I did was wrong, but damn if it didn’t feel great to hang out with someone who doesn’t ask questions.  I told her I know she’s not a one-night stand type of girl and unfortunately she’s not, but I respect that.  She’s different.  I’m not sure what it is about her, but there’s something that just keeps pulling me towards her.

Damn, I thought about kissing her when I was leaving tonight, but cannot go there with her.  She might try to cut my damn balls off if I tried that shit.

I never pursue girls, because what’s the point, when they usually come willing with no expectations.  Yeah there have been a few where I had to chase them for a week or two, but that’s about all I do; but with Harper it would take a lot longer than that to get anywhere near her.

I was surprised when she didn’t ask the normal bullshit people ask when trying to get to know someone; you know the family bullshit.  Don’t get me wrong, I didn’t bother to ask her either, but it seemed like a topic that neither one of us wanted to go near. I’m just curious as to what her reasons are.  I know my reasons, but I’m fucked up for a reason. Harper’s not fucked up, not like me anyway.

Harp’s a good girl, she’s sweet, sexy, and just has this look to her that shows she doesn’t need anyone, which for some reason makes me want to take care of her and watch out for her. 

I know I fucked up a lot of shit here with people, but you can’t always trust the people you think you can and in turn, you end up not trusting anyone.  There are few people here that I trust anymore.  There’s no point in doing what I do, I fuck girls and go on my way.  I don’t make promises because I don’t plan to keep them, and is it my fault if these girls know this shit and still want my dick?  How’s that my fault?  They give me what I want, I give them what they want for a night and then we go our separate ways.  End of story. 

But I can tell with Harp she’s different. I enjoyed spending time with her all day. When I saw her walking by herself the night before, I was pissed because there is no reason she should be out walking by herself, and I was just relieved she was okay.  But spending the entire day with her at her dorm was like a breath of fresh air.  I couldn’t remember the last time I had that much fun with a girl without sex being involved. She makes me want to hope that not all girls are the same, but not sure how far I can believe that.  I just know she’s different and I plan on spending more time with her. Damn I am looking forward to hanging out with her again, even if it’s only for lunch.

Chapter 7

So my first class today is dragging and I think it’s because I am anxious for my lunch date with Tucker.  My stomach won’t stop with all the butterflies and what not.  I enjoyed last night, but I know eventually he will show his true slime ball colors. Until then, I can enjoy his company.  Class finally ends and as I exit, I see Tucker waiting outside the door.  Before I even have a chance to get near him a flock of girls rush his way.  Don’t they have any self-respect?  Ugh, I hate girls like that.  He smiles, says hi, and then walks away from them. The look on their faces as he heads in my direction is freaking priceless.

I cannot stop laughing as Tucker approaches me and asks, “What’s so funny?” 

“Oh, I don’t know your flock of groupie bimbo’s right there,” I say with another laugh. 

Tucker starts laughing with me and starts to walk in the direction of the main door. “Come on, let’s go get some food.”

We walk to the little café that is not far from campus, it’s called Janie’s Café. It’s not too busy, but from what I gather it gets crazy during lunch time.  We find a booth in the far corner and sit down. The waitress greets us within a few minutes and asks, “What can I get you to drink?”

Tucker looks at me to respond first, “I’ll take a coke,” I say and Tucker says, “I’ll have the same.” The waitress clearly likes Tucker, her eyes haven’t left him, but he just keeps looking at me.  Finally she says she’ll be right back with our drinks.

“Do you know what you want to eat?” Tucker asks.

“I have no idea; I have never eaten here before, any suggestions?” I ask, because clearly he knows what he wants. He hasn’t even opened the menu.

“Most of the items on the menu are good, but their burgers are the best here,” he says.

After looking at the menu, I decide on a bacon cheeseburger.  When the waitress comes back with our drinks, she asks if we are ready to place our orders. Tucker again waits for me to order so I tell the waitress who has yet to look in my direction, “I’ll take a bacon cheeseburger with lettuce, tomato, and pickles. Also an order of mozzarella sticks.”  She jots down my order and then Tucker places his order and then smiles over at me.

“What?” I ask.

“I’m just surprised; most girls end up getting a salad or something like that,” he says.

“Well, I’m not most girls and I like food.”  I state matter of fact

“I see that and I must say, I am impressed,” he says.  I try to ignore the sexy smirk on his face and ask how his class went this morning.  We make small talk until our food comes and then I dive in. I didn’t realize how hungry I was, but damn I’m starving. 

As I am finishing my burger, I glance up at Tucker who is just staring at me. He barely touched his burger. “What, do I have something on my face?” I ask. 

He starts laughing, “No Harp, there’s nothing on your face, and you weren’t kidding when you said you like food.”

“Well it is lunch time and I’m hungry,” I state. He just smiles and shakes his head and continues to eat his burger.  I am finishing off the mozzarella sticks, but I was nice enough to ask if he wanted some, but he declined, so too bad for him, more for me!

We finish our lunch and then continue talking about any and everything.  It is crazy how easy it is to talk to this sexy devilish man. He is gorgeous on the eyes, but damn if he doesn’t have a great personality too. I don’t get why people are so judgmental about him.  He seems like a regular guy to me.

Before I know it, it is time to head to my next class.  We gather our things and Tucker again pays for everything. I am not sure how he can pay when he doesn’t have a job, but well, maybe he does, I never asked him if he works anywhere. 

Tucker walks me to my next class and before we say good-bye, “So Harp, when do I get to see your pretty face again?” he asks with a hopeful look in his eye. Awe, he’s sweet isn’t he? Swoon! 

“Well that depends, I need to do laundry tonight and probably study some, and so either tomorrow or Thursday would work.”

“I have to work tomorrow evening after class, so how about Thursday around 5 p.m.?” he asks. So he does have a job…I will remember to ask more at another time. 

“Sounds good.  See you then,” I say. Then head into the slightly filled classroom. 

“See you later Harp,” he says softly and walks away.

Well, I was a waste of space in my afternoon class. All I could think about was how Tucker seems different from what everyone was telling me about him. Nothing I was told is how Tucker comes across.   I know I don’t know him too well, but from what I can tell, he is a true gentleman. I mean the man did open my car door for me, walked me home numerous times, and always pays for food we order. So clearly he was raised right, but I guess I want to understand why he is the way my co-workers say he is. I haven’t seen one bit of that guy they are all talking about. Hmm…maybe in due time, who knows; I just know I will enjoy his company for as long as I can get it.

Chapter 8

The next few weeks fly by and between school, work, and hanging out with Tucker, I am busy.  I have to say, I love it.  Work has been great, school is going a lot better now that I have the hang of everything, and my time with Tucker is so much fun. We run together three times a week, which is great. It is so nice to have a running partner even though I am sure Tucker is running slower to stay at my pace, but I’m thankful all the more.