My Forever June (2 page)

Chapter Three

Tucker

I felt an instant connection with this June. The moment I spotted her on the beach, I couldn’t take my eyes off of her. And it wasn’t just because she was breathtakingly beautiful, with her dark hair pulled into a messy heap on top of her head and her amazing legs that seemed to go on forever, it was how passionate she seemed to be about her painting. I was mesmerized by the elegant strokes her long fingers made across the canvas, and how she stuck her tongue out when she was concentrating on her work. I couldn’t see what she was painting from the distance, but I knew it was beautiful by the intensity in which she put herself into her work.

              I had taken a late lunch and decided to come to the beach to take some stress off and to dream build. Working for Mitchell Architect was a stressful job, but I didn’t regret following in my father’s footsteps. My father had worked hard to build the business from the ground up, and now it was the most successful of its kind in the area.

I had always looked up to my father, admired him. But my father had settled for designing buildings, and I wanted to do more with my talent. I wasn’t sure just yet what that was, but I was sure I was made for greater things. I felt it deep inside my soul, like somehow I would make a difference in this crazy mixed up world
. I didn’t have a clue how, but I knew someday I would figure it all out.

I had taken off my shoes, rolled up my slacks to my knees, and strolled to the water’s edge. I let out a deep sigh at the pleasure the coolness of the ocean water brought to me, and the
sand between my toes felt so good to me. I had never been to this particular part of the beach before, but I had always wanted to see Oak Island and had just never taken the time to do it. For some reason, on this day, I had really wanted to go. And I was glad I had, because once I spotted the girl named June on the beach, I knew I had to meet her. I couldn’t have foreseen, however, the teenagers on bikes rushing toward her. I acted on instinct and yelled out a warning to her, but it was too little too late. I was horrified when the kids knocked her, along with her painting, to the ground. I was by her side before I even had time to really register what had happened. I had to know that this lovely young woman was okay.

What I hadn’t counted on was just how truly beautiful she really was. When she stood and peered into my eyes, my breath caught at her simple beauty. Her fac
e was perfectly shaped with lightly tanned skin, big soulful brown eyes, and heart-shaped deep pink lips with a light dusting of freckles across her straight nose. She had a carefree look about her, an extreme contrast to the kind of girls I had always dated, or should I say the kind of girls my parents preferred. I often picked a girl based on what I knew my parents would accept; a girl with a professional appearance and who appeared to be of high breeding, if you get my meaning. What could I say; I was a people pleaser, plain and simple. But this lovely woman named June was different and her total package was drawing me in and fast. It didn’t help that she got the giggles and couldn’t seem to stop laughing. It only endeared me to her more. I had never believed in love at first sight, and still didn’t, but this was the strongest reaction I had ever had to a first meeting. All I knew was that I had to see her again.

             
I knew it was probably creepy, but I watched her as she walked back down the beach until she came to a cute little white cottage and quickly disappeared inside.
So, this must be where she lives,
I thought. I smiled to myself and headed back down the beach and toward my car, leaving behind all the stress that had brought me here to begin with. Now, all I had to do was figure out my next move. Now that I had met this amazing girl, I had no intentions of letting her get away so easily. I wanted a chance to know her. And that’s exactly what I would do—somehow.

Chapter Four

June

I stepped out of the shower, wiping down my hair with the towel, and strolled into the kitchen. Felix began to whine and cry, wrapping around and through my damp legs.

“Great. Now my
legs are hairy again,” I complained as I peered down at the old cat. His eyes told me he didn’t care. “Are you hungry?” I asked the finicky cat, rubbing him behind his ears. Felix was a fluffy, fat cat that had belonged to my Aunt Tess before she died. Tess loved the black and white cat like a child. But when I first came to inherit the adorable little cottage, which Tess had named Darling, I had not cared much for Felix. He had destroyed all of my panty hose, my robe hanging on the back of the bathroom door, and all of my beach hats hanging by the front door. But eventually I had grown in affection toward the obnoxious and spoiled animal, and now I hated the idea of being without him, even if he did make my life more difficult.

             
I poured some food into Felix’s bowl, put a hazelnut cream K-cup into my beloved Keurig coffee machine, and dressed while waiting for my first delicious cup to finish brewing. Mmm, there was nothing more comforting to me than my first cup of coffee. And living at the beach, the coffee had just seemed to taste more flavorful to me. It most likely had nothing to do with the beach at all but the fact that I was finally free that made my favorite drink so much more enticing.

I had not regretted moving here for one moment. Though the move had caused even more
animosity between me and my mother, I had loved every minute of the freedom that moving here had created.

             
After finishing my coffee while swinging in my front porch swing, I then headed back inside and upstairs to the attic room to work on another painting. Many years ago, Tess had remodeled the attic room into an art studio. Everything pretty much looked the same as when Tess worked on her own breathtaking pieces of art, but now it was my work that cluttered the small, creative space. Each wall was painted in a different pastel color; pink, sea green, yellow, and lavender. The colors inspired me and made my creative spirit feel more alive.

             
My phone buzzed, and I pulled up a text message from Eden. One of my paintings had sold and Eden had my commission check at the gallery waiting for me. I sent her a text back saying that I was into my painting and wouldn’t get it until tomorrow. I laughed and did a jig in the middle of the floor with my paintbrush in hand. I always had this reaction when a painting sold. It was the best feeling in the world to know that someone else enjoyed my work. I loved the thought that it might be hanging in someone’s home right now. Maybe they were sipping a cup of coffee while staring at the beach scene hanging above them. I giggled again just thinking about it.

             
Suddenly, I had a thought and peeped out of the upstairs window and down to the sandy beach below. There he was. Tucker Mitchell was sitting on the beach staring out at the ocean. I smiled wide and then bit down on my bottom lip. I really didn’t want to get involved with anyone right now, but he looked so adorable sitting in the sand. He was barefoot, his pants legs were rolled to his knees, and his white button down shirt was flapping in the ocean breeze. This was the third afternoon, since that day we had met on the beach that he had sat in front of my house. When he would see me peeping out my window, he would wave. I would wave back, but I never went outside to talk to him. I didn’t really know why. Maybe I liked playing hard to get, but I had to admit to myself that I liked the way it felt to have him there, somewhat pursuing me, in a way.

             
For two more days he continued to show up in front of my house. I wondered if he would get tired and give up. I didn’t know how I felt about that thought, and I wasn’t sure how much longer I could ignore him.

On the sixth afternoon
, as he sat out on the beach in front of my house just like every other time, a storm rumbled in the distance. I paced in my living room wondering if he was going to stay or leave. I kept going to my window and peeking out—he was still there, sitting in the sand, seemingly oblivious to the approaching storm. I went back to pacing, and in a few short minutes I heard the flood gates open and the rain began to pour down. Curiously, I peered out my front window again, and there he still sat, and he was getting drenched. That was it. I ran to the door and swung it open. He saw me and stood. His expression was adorable. His eyebrows rose as if to say ‘you mean I can finally come in?’ This made me laugh as I motioned for him to come. He didn’t hesitate as lightning struck and he bolted onto my front porch. I stood in the doorway and studied him. He was wet and dripping from head to toe. And he was wearing the silliest grin I had ever seen. He was totally adorable, and though I tried to fight it, I couldn’t keep the smile from my face.           

Chapter Five

Tucker

I couldn’t seem to wipe the smile from my face. I knew I must look ridiculous since I was drenched from head to toe with a silly grin plastered on my face, but at that moment, I rea
lly didn’t care. I was thrilled that, after six days, June had finally opened the door for me. More importantly, I was swept away by her beauty. She was wearing a black tank top and cut-off jean shorts. Her dark hair was pulled up in a messy bun again with two paintbrushes sticking out of it, and she wasn’t wearing any makeup at all. She was simply breathtaking. I would’ve waited out in the storm all night to see the sight I was finally seeing now.

             
She smirked, putting her hands on her hips. “Well, are you gonna come in or just stand there and stare at me?” Her high bun wiggled when she moved her head.

             
My eyes widened. “Seriously? I can come in?”

             
She chuckled softly. “Yes. You can come in, Tucker.”

             
Oh man! I loved the way my name sounded when she spoke it. I had never really liked my name—until now. Funny, I had never remembered thinking that with anyone else.
God, I’m in so much trouble
.

             
She ushered me inside, and I stood in her doorway while she went to retrieve me a towel. I studied the small cottage while I waited. It was charming, but messy, with clutter on the desk top by the door and clothes scattered about. It seemed like a crazy thought, but it almost looked as if it was messy on purpose, like clothing was placed strategically, but that didn’t make any sense at all. Who purposely messed up their house? It was decorated in whimsical colors and motifs, with paintings of beach scenes hanging on every wall. There were seashell wind chimes hanging in front of the windows, surrounded by sheer white curtains.

             
She returned and handed me the towel. “Here you go. Sorry it took me so long. I couldn’t find a clean one. It seems I need to do some laundry.”

“Thanks. I’m curious, what’s up with the wind chimes in front of the windows?” I asked while toweling myself off before stepping into her living room.

              “Well, when it’s cooler, I like to open the windows and listen as the wind blows them around. The sound is therapeutic, don’t you think?”

             
“Hmm, maybe. Let me see?”

             
She shrugged and smiled a crooked grin. “Sure.” She opened the window closest to me and the wind instantly began to blow the wind chime around.

             
I closed my eyes and listened for a moment. “Wow, I believe you’re right about that. I like it.”

             
She eyed me as if curious. “Have you never listened to wind chimes before?”

             
“Actually, I don’t think I’ve ever taken the time to listen to one before now. I’ve been missing out, huh?”

             
Her eyes sparkled as she smiled. “Most definitely. Would you like some coffee?”

             
“Oh, well I usually don’t drink the stuff, but sure, why not?” At this point I was just about willing to do anything she asked.

             
She turned to look at me as if I was an alien from outer space. I actually turned around thinking maybe she was looking at someone behind me.

“You don’t drink coffee either?” she asked, her eyes wide.

Her expression suddenly made me feel insecure. “Umm.” I scrunched my nose and shrugged.

She laughed and took hold of my hand, which instantly made me feel warm inside and out. “Come on. I’ve got a treat for you.”

I really liked the way her delicate hand felt in mine, and I tightened my grip around hers.

She led me into her kitchen and ushered me to a seat at the charming little table against the window, which also had papers cluttered on it. I straightened them in a neat pile. I couldn’t help it, and then I watched her as she searched for coffee mugs from the cabinets above her head. But, unfortunately, it looked to me like they were all in the sink waiting to be washed. She finally gave up the search and washed two cups from the sink.

My gaze was suddenly drawn down to the floor at my feet and the fat cat that was now standing there. It was weird. I hadn’t seen it approach, but it sat down and stared up at me with an intimidating gaze. It was fat and looked like it could eat me. I felt uncomfortable and rubbed the back of my neck as we continued this odd stare-down of sorts.

“Umm, is this your cat?” I asked, not taking my eyes off the freaky feline.

“Oh, yeah. That’s Felix, but don’t let him intimidate you, although he is possessed. I tried anointing his head with oil once and rebuking the evil spirits, but it only worked for about a week.”

She was smiling, and I wasn’t sure if she was kidding. But looking down at him now made me think she was probably telling the truth.

The cat meowed then and it sounded oddly like the words ‘get out’! It might have been my now overactive imagination. I stood quickly and made my way to the kitchen counter where June was working. When I glanced behind me, the cat was gone.

June
began to fiddle with a machine, which I assumed was the coffee maker, but it was a little fancier than the ones I’d seen.

“Hey, what’s that?” I asked,
leaning against the counter and watching her.

“Oh, this is my Keurig coffee maker. I love this thing. You put this K-cup in this thing here. Close it like this. Then you push this button if you want a big cup, and then you wait.”

I smirked, enjoying the way she explained things with her hands dancing all over the place and her crazy bun bobbing around. “That’s cool. Can I do the next one?”

She laughed and studied me in amusement. “Of course.”

She showed me what to do, and I followed her instructions perfectly. I really just wanted to be closer to her, but the coffee thing was pretty neat too.

We had our coffee in hand and she ushered me into the living room. After moving a few pieces of clothing aside, we sat on the sofa and listened to the storm raging outside
, while sipping on our hot drinks. She didn’t seem to mind the clutter, nor did she apologize for it.

“Mmm, this is amazing. It tastes more like a dessert,” I said as I swallowed my first sip. Then I took another, and another.
My parents drank coffee sometimes, but I never really paid much attention to it.

She smiled triumphantly. “I know, right? That’s two new things you’ve learned tonight. Your bill is in the mail,” she teased, taking another sip.

My expression turned serious. “It’s worth every penny.” I knew it was risky to say, but I said it anyway.

She froze mid sip and gulped her drink. She peered up at me and our eyes locked.
There was some froth on her top lip and I was mesmerized. I thought the intensity in which I gazed at her would intimidate her, but instead she matched my gaze with the same intensity. I was lost in her deep, chocolate eyes. 

She broke the gaze first and looked down to her cup. “So, Tucker, tell me something about yourself. Do you live here on the beach?”

“Oh, no. I have my own apartment in Wilmington.”

“Really? So, what brought you here?” She took another sip.

I waited for her to look at me, and then I answered with all sincerity, “You.” Our eyes locked again, this time with more intensity than before.

“But you don’t even know me,” she whispered.

“And?” I whispered back as we both began leaning in closer toward each other.

“Well, I could be a crazy person, like in the movies.”

I smiled, still leaning in. “I’ll take my chances.”

I was about to kiss her
, my lips only inches away, when her cat suddenly jumped on the sofa between us, causing the whole couch to shake and scaring us both.

June
bolted up and headed for the kitchen. “Sorry,” she said as she fled, “my coffee needs more sugar.”

I knew it was just an excuse to get away from my kiss. I had watched her take at least ten sips of her coffee. She couldn’t have had much left.
Not to mention that I had witnessed her putting, no kidding, eleven tablespoons of sugar to begin with. I knew then that I would have to slow things down if I wanted a chance to get to know her.

I
narrowed my eyes and flicked my finger at the cat, pointing at it in irritation. I could’ve sworn he winked at me in triumph. My eyes widened in disbelief, and then June was back, and I pushed the cat’s challenge out of my mind as I gently pushed the cat off of the sofa.

“I’m sorry, June,” I
said to her as she approached.

She waved
her hand dismissively. “It’s fine.”

“No, no it’s not. I’ll behave. You have my word.”

She laughed. “Okay, fine.” She plopped back down on the sofa, with one leg tucked under her, and took another sip from her half empty cup.

I cringed slightly, thinking her coffee must’ve tasted, by now, like drinking pure sugar.

“So, you were telling me about you,” she said.

My eyes grew wide. “
I was? Oh-oh yeah.” I scratched my head. “Well, I graduated college last year, and then I began working with my dad at his architect business located in Wilmington.”

“Do you like it? Being an architect?” she interrupted, taking another sip of her
sugar water.

“Yeah, I li
ke it okay. I would rather build unique homes, or do something with more meaning than just buildings. But I’ve always wanted to follow in my father’s footsteps. I guess I’ve always wanted to make him proud.”

“And do you think he’s proud?”

The question caught me off guard, and I had to think about it for a moment. “Yeah,” I said, smiling. “Yeah, I think he’s proud.”

She smiled back, her eyes twinkling. “That must be a good feeling.” Suddenly her expression changed
from happy to glum as she looked down to her mug.

“Aren’t your parents proud of you?” I asked, suddenly feeling concerned.

She shrugged. “My dad is proud of me,” she answered as she began tracing her finger along the rim of her cup. “He has always been supportive of anything I did. It’s my mom that has the problem with me. She’s always been so controlling. Everything had to be perfect. I had to keep my room super clean to the point that I couldn’t even play in it. And when I became a teenager, it got worse. I had to do everything just right, and wear the right kind of clothes, or she would give me this long lecture. And she just repeated herself over and over. I couldn’t take it, so I would do anything she asked just to have some peace.”

I could feel her pain through her words, and even though I barely knew her, I found myself wanting very much to comfort her.

“Things got worse the closer I got to my Aunt Tess, her sister. Aunt Tess never married, and I was the only girl with two older brothers, and I think Tess felt sorry for me at first. She began getting me and bringing me here to stay the summers with her when I was around six or seven. We became very close after that first summer. She didn’t have any children, and I satisfied something within her, I think. But she did the same for me, because she was really the mother I wished I had. I know that sounds awful, huh?” She peered up at me, her big eyes questioning.

I shook my head, taking her hand in mine for reassurance. “Not at all. I think it’s great that you have your Aunt Tess. Does she live here with you?”

She shook her head in response, looking sadly down at her cup once again. “No. She passed away six months ago.”

“Oh, June, I’m sorry to hear that.” I squeezed her hand.

Her gaze met mine, and I almost thought I saw tears pooling in her eyes, but, if so, she blinked them quickly away.

“Thank you. That’s why I’m here.” She motioned to the house. “She left me this house and some other things. I moved here soon after I graduated college. That’s another thing that bothers my mom. She didn’t get anything from Tess. Tess didn’t approve of the way she parented us. They had arguments about it sometimes. Mom hated how close Tess and I were, and she hates that she can’t keep her eye on me this far from home. But, I love it.” Suddenly, she was wearing a
devilish grin on her face. And I was enthralled.

“Let me guess.” I picked up a piece of clothing from the sofa. “That’s the reason for all of this?”

Her smile continued to grow and she was nodding as if she had just told me the biggest secret ever.

I chuckled loudly. “Okay, now it makes sense.”

“Yep. I will never be controlled again. I like being able to leave my things where I want them and no one will fuss or give me a thirty-minute lecture. I hate lectures sooo bad!” And then we were both laughing.