Juilliard or Else Page 11

  "Come here, baby girl," Tucker said as he held out his hand to me. I stood up to take the couple of steps and stood in front of Tucker. His hands rested on my skinny hip bones, and our hips fit nicely into each other's. He took another drag then flicked the butt over the rail, tipping his head back to blow out the last bit of smoke that was left. When his head came back down, our lips were so close together again, but Tucker didn't kiss me. His intense stare caused me to shudder, but his hands came up to rub my arms, like I was cold and he was trying to keep me warm.

  "Let's go inside," Tucker whispered to me, lightly kissing me. He tasted like fresh cigarettes and it didn't even bother me. We turned to go back inside my apartment while Rachel met us at the glass door, wearing nothing but a long shirt.

  "Hey Gabs," she greeted me with a smirk, passing us to go sit with Brad as he finished smoking.

  We sat on the chair that Tucker was sitting in before and he pulled me onto his lap, rubbing his fingers up and down my arm. I felt so relaxed against him. I knew Jade was right; I really needed to let loose and become my own person. So, I laid against Tucker's hot chest and let him caress my arm with his fingertips. I jumped against him as the man with the chainsaw came back and hid my face in his chest as his arms enfolded tighter around me.

  "You okay?" he whispered.

  I looked up at him and nodded. "I'm not a big fan of scary movies," I admitted.

  Tucker stood up from the chair with me still cradled in his strong arms, then he turned us to face the chair. "Grab that blanket."

  Grabbing the blanket and he sat back down. He tried his best to cover me with the little throw blanket, but I ended up just putting most of it over my face. Tucker chuckled and slouched down; one of his arms was wrapped around me while the other was over my legs, and he rested his hand on my butt.

  I wasn't uncomfortable as I thought I would be; I embraced the feeling more than anything. At the soft touch he was giving me with the leisurely strokes on my arm, I shut my eyes tightly and tried to concentrate on my rapid breaths that were coming on rather quickly. My body was starting to get hot, and I felt my face start to sweat from the little space between me and the blanket.

  Couldn't stand to take the heat anymore; I ripped the blanket down from my face and gasped for the cold air. Tucker laughed at me some more. "There you are." Then he kissed the top of my head.

  "I wondered how long you were going to last under there," he said while squeezing me tighter against him. My fingers found the drawstring to his hood and I weaved them in and out through my fingers. Every time my hand came up just a little bit, Tucker would quickly peck my knuckles.

  I didn't care to watch the movie as I was pretty content with the way I was right now. I glanced up at Tucker, who was still watching the movie. My eyes took in the sight of his gorgeous side view with his strong jawline and high cheekbones while his blue eyes shimmered in the dark light as the movie flashed in them.

  Suddenly, he smiled and looked down at me as if he knew I was watching him. Our eyes locked for a moment before his started to roam all over my face before finally landing on my lips. I bit my bottom lip as he stared intently at it, his hands gripping my butt and arms tighter with each passing second.

  I no longer paid attention to the horror movie that played in front of us; I mainly focused on Tucker's fingertips. Up and down, ever so slowly, his hand moved to my back and tugged on the ends of my hair, then he ran his fingers through it, causing my eyes to get heavy and start to drift shut. The next thing I knew, I was asleep in Tucker's arms.

  I woke up lying down on the couch with the small blanket covering me. The Saturday morning sun was blaring in the windows and my eyes burned as I tried to open them. I felt someone shift behind me and turned my head to see Tucker behind me, asleep. I smiled. He was just as gorgeous with his eyes shut as when they were open. I turned back and wiggled closer to his body; as I did so, he draped his arm over my side and laced my fingers with his.

  "Morning, baby girl," he cooed in my ear and I shivered. "You cold?"

  Feeling my face actually get warm, I mumbled, "No." I moved closer to his body and he groaned. I turned my head to look over my shoulder and our lips were so close together. Getting up the nerve to just move that fraction of an inch was eating away at my insides, my conscience pretty much yelling at me to do it. I stretched my toes to make me a little taller and I tenderly pecked his soft morning lips. His hand came up to cup my cheek with his thumb softly brushing my cheekbone. I closed my eyes and took in the feel of it.

  "What you going to do today?" Tucker asked as my eyes opened back up.

  I shrugged. "I don't have any plans."

  The thought of spending the day with him made me feel so special. I wanted to spend more time with him. I had to admit, I was falling for him and I wanted to get to know him more.

  "Do you want to come watch me tattoo today? Spend some time with me, get to know me?"

  "Really?"

  "Sure, why not? Jett lets me take the easy clients for now until I'm all done with the apprenticeship."

  "That sounds great," I said while sitting up on the small couch. I looked back over at Tucker and giggled.

  "What's funny?" he asked.

  "You have like, no room," nodding at his smashed body.

  Tucker looked down at his toes; he looked completely smashed against the back of the couch with absolutely no space on the tiny couch. It looked like barely enough room to breathe, let alone sleep with someone.

  "Well, at least I got to cuddle with you, baby girl," he said and I felt my face heat up so fast at his words. I shook my head, trying to make a curtain out of my hair so he couldn't see me blushing.

  Tucker grabbed me around my waist, to haul me back on him. "Get over here," he growled playfully, then he started tickling me. I screamed and giggled as his fingers pressed into my sides, and my legs kicked at his as I tried to get loose from his stronghold. I tossed my head back and connected it right with his face, hitting him straight in the nose. Tucker grunted out in pain, letting me go and sitting up, tilting his head back over the couch cushion.

  "Oh, Tucker, I'm so sorry. Are you bleeding?" I stood, waiting for him to answer me. If he was bleeding, then I could get him something. His hands cupped his nose as I stood there impatiently, waiting to see if he needed ice, a towel, anything. I hoped he knew that it was an accident.

  "Tucker," I whispered to him as I was starting to get a little worried, but then his hands dropped with no blood showing anywhere and he was smiling. He was smiling; my heart stopped racing and I could exhale again.

  "Gotcha," he joked and grabbed for my hands that were clenched together at my sides. I let out a big breath.

  "You scared me," I told him as he pulled me on his lap and kissed my hair.

  "Sorry, I couldn't help it."

  "That wasn't funny," I pouted as I poked him in the side, which made him jump and the top of my head hit his chin.

  "Oww," I rubbed the top of my head and he kissed it. We sat together in silence until we heard footsteps on the hardwood in the hallway. We both looked over to see Jett and Brad walking to us.

  "Tuck, Jeremiah called. We gotta go, say bye bye, lovie," Brad said as he walked past us to the front door, then left. Jett held back to wait for Tucker; Jade came out in the living room and Jett put his arm around her shoulders. I got off Tucker's lap and moved into the kitchen to turn on the coffee machine for Jade. I knew she loved her coffee and cigarette in the morning, plus it was our balcony talk time. It was becoming a thing of ours.

  I stopped to think about what had happened since I moved out of my parents' house. I made two really great new friends that I was quickly becoming close to and Jade understood me in every way – if that was even imaginable – given the short amount of time we had known each other. Then we met the guys and Tucker, who I liked the more I was with him. He could make me laugh, and I even loved the little game we played on our walk back to my apartment as we got to know each other a little
more. Then waking up in his arms felt like the cherry on top; his arms were perfect to be in, strong and masculine.

  Moreover, I was falling for him. Despite the warning that I was given by that guy, Jeremiah, I didn't care. What wasn't there to like about Tucker? He was definitely cute and a good dancer, except for when going on pointe. I laughed at the cute little memory. Jade walked into the kitchen and drew me from my thoughts, and I opened up the cupboard to pull out some black mugs.

  "The guys are getting ready to leave," she spoke, crossing her arms.

  But before I could answer, Tucker and Jett were standing at the front door. Jade went into Jett's arms as I stared at Tucker. Even in the morning with his shaggy brown hair all ruffled up and messy with it flung over to one side, he was so hot.

  "Come give me a kiss, baby girl."

  My stomach dropped at his command, my eyes locked onto his and found myself walking straight into his arms. Both of his hands cupped my face as he pressed his lips to mine; our mouths opened for one another and as our tongues touched, I knew I was a goner. I found myself wanting things I never thought I would imagine, but if it was with Tucker, I didn't care. All my thoughts disappeared as we deepened the kiss and I was lost.

  We slowly drifted apart. "Rain check on the tattooing and quality time?" he asked. I just nodded and he kissed me again.

  Once the guys left, Jade and I made our way out to the balcony to have our morning time together.

  Jade and I talked on the balcony until lunch time. She was head over heels for Jett. It was really cute the way they just talked all night, getting to know each other. They were exactly the same in every way. Jade even told me she opened up to Jett about all the problems with her stepmom and dad. She didn't, however, tell him about her own little problem. I still couldn't imagine someone doing that to themselves. We talked about getting help together. Of course, Rachel would be left out of the loop, but it felt good to have someone by my side about my bulimia. I hated myself for doing that when I would stress out. I knew it wasn't a good thing to do, and I despised it more whenever I did it. Not talking to Carol actually helped me; it felt like more of a weight was lifted off my shoulders.

  A little while later, Rachel came out with a cup of hot chocolate and the worst case of rat's nest hair I had ever seen. Jade and I smoked while Rachel told us about Brad. Apparently, sex was all Rachel wanted from him.

  "We have nothing in common," she told us over and over.

  I was sad at the thought she wouldn't see him anymore since Jade was with Jett and I was with Tucker. It was something like right out of a book. I spent the rest of my Saturday afternoon out on the balcony, talking, laughing, and just having so much fun with my new friends, who were quickly turning into my sisters. We just connected. I would look at us and think, Rachel was the top, like the glue that would hold us together. Jade was our entertainment for the group. And I was the newbie, watching from the sidelines. The more we chatted and laughed, I found myself more open than ever.

  I didn't hear from Tucker the rest of the day. I was really disappointed because every time Jade's phone went off, she would look at the screen and giggle. Tucker and I didn't even exchange numbers. It was simple; I was jealous. I even found Rachel giggling like a schoolgirl at her phone. When I asked her about it, she would tell us it was Brad, but that was it. Jade kept whispering to me that Rachel loved to play hard to get, and that was exactly what she was doing to Brad. She loved getting chased.

  "Should we cook something tonight? I really want to try out the kitchen," Rachel told us. Finally getting up from our chairs outside, we went back inside. I checked my phone to see that it was no longer afternoon but six thirty. Once I noticed the time, my stomach growled. Jade and I smoked one more time, and when we were about finished, the doorbell rang. I turned to see Rachel letting Jett in the apartment through the glass windows, but no one else. Disappointment must have been written all over my face because Jade patted my leg with a smile.

  "Don't worry. I'm sure you'll see him soon."

  Jett came out with a wide grin at Jade, his black hair hanging in his face as he chewed on his lip ring. Just like a couple that has been together for at least a couple of months, Jade lifted her cigarette to him and he took it to finish it.

  "I'm gonna go help Rachel," I told them, standing up from my chair. Jett blew out some smoke while reaching into his pocket, then handed me a folded piece of paper.

  "Tucker wanted me to give you this."

  I opened it to find little digits written down. I smiled to myself and held the little piece of paper so close to my chest. I didn't want the wind to catch it and have it be long gone. My inner high school girl cheered.

  I sat on the couch and entered the numbers in my phone. I debated back and forth about texting him or just waiting it out, but I finally gave in and texted him.

  Me: Hey, it's Abigail.

  My legs bounced as I waited for my screen to light up and when it finally chimed, I was all sorts of giddy. I felt my stomach do a one-eighty turn, then slam down, giving me the worst case of butterflies.

  Tucker: Hi, baby girl.

  I quietly giggled to myself at the nickname. I had to admit, though, that I really liked it when he called me that. I stared at my screen, thinking about what to say next, but Tucker beat me.

  Tucker: Whatcha doing?

  Me: I'm sitting on my couch

  Tucker: That thing about killed me

  Me: Lol…sorry : (

  Tucker: Don't send me a pouty face

  Me: Sorry

  Tucker: Stop saying sorry. It's not your fault. I liked having you close to me

  My insides were on fire. I liked being with him, too. I couldn't tell him that yet, though. My phone chimed again.

  Tucker: When do I get to see you again, baby girl?

  Me: I don't know. Rachel is cooking dinner. You wanna come over?

  I waited, really hoping he didn't think I was being too needy or anything. I really did want to see him again.

  Tucker: Wish I could, but can't

  Me: Oh, okay.

  Tucker: Don't be so sad

  Me: I'm not sad :)

  Tucker: Hahaha…Now I get a smiley face? Is Jett still there?

  Me: Yes, he's outside with Jade

  Tucker: Wish I was with you right now.

  I stared at my screen for the longest time. He wished he was with me right now. I wanted to jump up and down from reading that little sentence. I'm sure my face was bright red as my cheeks creased clear up to my ears from my smile. So I took a chance.

  Me: I wish you were here, too :)

  Tucker: Oh, miss me do ya?

  Me: Maybe

  Tucker: Yes or no…there's no inbetweenie

  Me: Inbetweenie? Is that even a word?

  Tucker: Yep, right between a yes and no

  I barked out laughing and smiled like an idiot at my phone when Rachel came out of the kitchen.

  "What's funny?" she asked while pointing the spatula at me.

  "Inbetweenie," I giggled with a smile.

  Rachel just shook her head and went back into the kitchen. We texted back and forth for a little bit, but when I sent my last message, he didn't text me back right away.

  To help get my mind off my phone, I decided to help Rachel in the kitchen. Slicing up peppers, she roasted some chicken and we steamed some rice. I kept checking my phone, waiting. Nothing came again that night as we ate dinner. Nothing came as I helped clean up the dining room. Nothing came as Jett and Jade curled up on the couch and started the movie, Chuckie. What was with them and scary movies? I would never understand it. I checked my phone again before I hit the bathroom to get ready for bed.

  Still nothing.

  Tucker's lips were soft against mine as I tangled my fingers at the nape of his neck and then entwined them through his hair. His tongue caressed mine as he possessed my mouth in soft slow strokes. His tongue rubbed on the roof of my mouth, sending the strongest shivers through my body. I sucked in his
bottom lip as he growled deeply in my mouth.

  Now we were lying on the couch with Tucker on top of me, his thumbs tracing my cheekbones, brushing my hair off my neck. He broke our kiss and moved down behind my ear, causing me to moan and arch my hips forward to grind against him like on the dance floor at the club. His hand made its way down to cup my breast firmly as his hips put pressure down on my sensitive area. My hands found their way back into his hair, but he grabbed them and pinned them above my head, grinding hard in between my legs.

  Tucker's lips were now on my collarbone, lightly biting me as he pulled my tank top strap down to softly kiss my shoulder. Moving across my chest to the other side, my nipples tightened and my toes curled at the sensation of his lips moving carelessly across my scorching skin. Excitement fluttered around in my stomach as he pulled my shirt down and moved lower on my chest.

  My pelvis went upward as a hot, needy feeling started to make me quake at his desire for my body. Tucker came back and attacked my mouth in a hungry mode. I moaned as he growled in my mouth, his hips pushing down and grinding so hard against me.

  Something was happening; as he pushed more and more, it became the most pleasurable feeling I had ever felt. He pulled back to look into my eyes, his eyes such a beautiful blue that sparkled. He bit his lower lip while pushing against me again, making me cry out as his forehead landed on mine and I started to combust. At the same time, a loud, obnoxious beeping sound was going off in the distance.