Total pages in book: 107
Estimated words: 104288 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 521(@200wpm)___ 417(@250wpm)___ 348(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 104288 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 521(@200wpm)___ 417(@250wpm)___ 348(@300wpm)
Don’t get me wrong, the house still probably cost more than I’ll make in a lifetime. It’s not cheap to live on the island, especially right on the water like this. And I imagine Tuck spent a small fortune on the interior designer he clearly paid to furnish the place. But there’s something endearing about the fact that Tuck chose to live in such an under-the-radar spot.
He points out things as we pass through the house. It’s got a reverse floor plan, meaning the kitchen and living areas are on the second floor, where views of the water are best. Katie’s bedroom is down here on the first floor, along with the laundry room, the playroom, and an extra bedroom Tuck uses as a home office.
“Do you work from home often?” I ask.
We’re heading out onto the back deck now. It’s dotted with furniture and a grill, and it has a gorgeous view of the marina. I inhale the marshy, salty scent of the water that laps at the dock just a few feet away.
“I don’t.”
Okay, then.
The crofter is a detached structure right off the back of Tuck’s house. It’s two stories, with a garage on the first level, and the apartment—my apartment—on the second.
My pulse jumps. I’ve missed having my own place. It’ll be nice to feel like a real adult again, one who doesn’t live with her wonderful but slightly overbearing parents.
We go through the garage, which Tuck has turned into a legit home gym. Shiny equipment fills the space, everything from a treadmill and Peloton to a well-stocked weight rack and squat machine. There are mirrors on the wall and speakers in the ceiling. Medicine balls, kettlebells, and exercise bands are neatly arranged in a corner. A small fridge with a glass door is filled with water bottles and Gatorade.
Glancing at Tuck’s V-shaped back, I’m not surprised he has such a swanky set-up. The man must work out like a beast to have a body like that. I’d know, because I like to work out too. Nothing relieves stress quite like a great sweat session.
Looking over his shoulder, he catches me gaping at his gym.
“You’re free to use it.” He starts climbing the stairs. “If there’s a problem with any of the equipment, just let me know.”
I follow him. “Thanks. Quite the setup you have.”
“Gym keeps me sane.”
“I know what you mean. Working out clears my mind. I don’t love getting my butt to the gym, but I always feel so much better afterward.”
He glances at me over his shoulder again. “Exactly. So use it, please. Your résumé said you were a cheerleader at Carolina, right? Imagine you had to work hard to be in shape for an intense sport like that.”
I pause, hand on the banister. Tuck actually asked me a question.
An intelligent question about something I love. I’m so taken aback that for a minute I just stare at him.
“What?” Tuck furrows his brow. “If you don’t want to talk about it—”
I shake my head. “No, no, I love talking about cheer. It’s just . . . a lot of people don’t view it as a real sport that requires as much hard work and dedication as any other. I had to be in the best shape of my life, which meant getting to the gym every day, sometimes twice a day. There’s no way I could work out like that now, but I’m proud of the effort I put in when I was young and limber. The dancing aspect, the tumbling—it was fun.”
I smile. Tuck’s eyes do that thing again where they flick over my body. “Imagine it was.” He turns to the door at the top of the stairs and sets down one of my suitcases, digging into his pocket for a pair of keys hanging from a Dixon Carts & More keychain. “No one on Bald Head locks their house except me. Maybe it makes me paranoid, but since I’m gone during the day, I feel better knowing y’all are safe.”
“Of course. I’ll be sure to lock up, then.”
He unlocks the door and opens it, bringing the suitcases inside. “Security system panel is right there.” Tuck nods at a nearby wall as I follow him into the apartment. “Code is Katie’s birthday. 7-19-19.”
“She’s a Cancer. I like her already.”
Tuck doesn’t look at me as he begins to turn on the lights, even though there’s plenty of sun streaming through the windows.
The breath leaves my lungs as I take in the space. It’s freaking adorable, with high ceilings, lots of windows and light, and walls that are covered in an elegant graphic wallpaper. A small but gorgeous kitchen is open to a living room with a cozy white sofa and fireplace. There’s even a small deck off the dining nook, complete with views of the marina.