Free Prelude of Lies by Victoria Smith Page A

faked being pregnant and you believed her? I didn’t know until Sydney told me.” He could not be that stupid. Could he?
    “Okay. So that was stupid. It was no secret though. I can’t believe you didn’t know.” Tucker gave her an accusing stare.
    “Why would I care? Obviously you didn’t. Obviously I didn’t mean enough to you for you to come and tell me yourself. Why are you here, Tucker? To hurt me more?” Daisy almost lost her careful control over the tears.
    “I was embarrassed. I felt like a jerk for being so irresponsible, even if the baby was a lie. I’m here for some closure. I can’t seem to forget you.” His volume lowered and cut Daisy to raw bone.
    “Why didn’t you just call me? This is stupid, Tucker. A simple phone call. ‘Hi, it’s Tucker. She’s not pregnant. Can we talk? I still want to be with you.’ It’s as easy as that.” Daisy acknowledged the stab of guilt low in her stomach and it didn’t feel right. Maybe it wasn’t quite that simple.
    “Well. The thing is the baby scare really made me think about my life and what I want. You were always adamant about not having children and that was okay with me. Until I thought I was going to be a father. Now. I don’t know. I think I would like a family.” He didn’t meet her eyes.
    “Oh. So you need closure from me so you can go out and find someone to have your babies? Because you know how much the thought of turning into my own birth mother scares me and you know I have no desire to repeat her mistakes? You can’t even talk to me? You’re just going to give up on what was a really great thing? Fine. I gave you everything, Tucker. I told you everything. I trusted you. I can’t believe you’re even here.” She turned to leave.
    He caught up with her before she cleared the stand of trees behind the cabins. “Daisy, wait. I’m a jerk. I know that. I came here thinking I could put my feelings for you in perspective and I’m even more confused than when I got here.” He looked into her eyes.
    She threw her hands up, unable to continue the pointless exchange. She was out of here. He grabbed her arm and she ended up against his chest. His breath brushed her cheek and despite the pain radiating through her, she relaxed as his lips found hers. His kiss tasted like home and she leaned into him, missing him and everything they had together.
    “Sorry. I can’t. I just need time, Daisy. I don’t even know who I am right now.” He walked away.
    Daisy’s head hurt. There had been more yelling in this quiet setting than she could bear and her heart hurt more than it had when Tucker had left her to be a daddy to his nonexistent baby. He didn’t want her.
    And she didn’t cry. Yet.
    Sydney’s argument with Mr. Fancypants had ended right after Tucker had kissed Daisy. She’d thought about going to help but when she realized Jace purposefully baited her sister, she backed off, hoping Sydney would get the clue on her own. The effect was far different from when Graham pushed her buttons. With Graham, Sydney stayed coherent and logical.
    Jace made her speechless.
    The whole scene had been pretty amusing, except for the way Marshal slammed things around. Interesting.
    Sydney stormed by with one of the Tarzan-like screams she employed when frustrated, her face a mask of rage. Daisy knew better than to follow just yet and set off down the path toward the front gate. Maybe a walk would help her figure out what Tucker had been trying to say.
    When she returned, Graham stood by the campfire ring, obviously waiting for her. Daisy wondered if anyone had heard her confront Tucker.
    “Why is everyone so crazy here today?” he asked, loud enough for Marshal to hear.
    No wonder Sydney always wanted to punch Graham.
    Daisy snorted. “Get a life, Graham.”
    “I’d have one if you’d give me the time of day.” This time, he was quiet, his words meant for only her.
    “I thought you wanted Sydney.” Could this really be happening?
    “Get a