You either loved someone or you didn’t. You were either committed to them or you weren’t. And if you didn’t want to be with that person anymore, then why not get out of the relationship, before someone got hurt?
She’d seen her Aunt Farrah watch her uncle tonight, had seen the way her uncle flirted with some young woman. She’d seen the pain in her aunt’s eyes before she’d masked it with a laugh and a flip of her gorgeous hair.
Aunt Farrah might tell her mom that everything was fine, but clearly it wasn’t.
Her Uncle Davis confused her. He’d always been nice to her, and he absolutely adored his children. And when he was side by side with Aunt Farrah? The adoration he showed her was so loving.
But sometimes men were douchebags. Why was it so hard to be faithful? Her aunt, who’d just turned fifty, was still stunning, had an amazing figure, was an incredibly successful businesswoman and had raised three amazing children. And if Davis couldn’t see and appreciate that, then— Tucker came back outside, shut and locked the door.
She hadn’t heard any voices, no yelling or embarrassed female screams, and the lights hadn’t come on.
A hopeful sign.
He dropped the keys in her hand. “No one was inside. I even checked the closets. Nice guesthouse.”
“Thanks. And thank you for looking around.”
“Not a problem.”
She stood there for a minute, gathering her bearings.
“Are you ready to go back to the house?”
“I suppose.”
He studied her, and she, in turn, studied him. She’d been in full doctor mode earlier, so she hadn’t taken the time to fully appreciate Tucker’s good looks. He was tall and lean, with thick, dark hair and amazing green eyes. The dark glasses he wore only added to his appeal. He wore a blue button-down shirt, untucked, and dark jeans.
And she’d already seen the package, which had been quite impressive. Though she’d only admit that to herself.
Not that she had any intention of seeing it again. After finding out about Uncle Davis, she’d decided all men were pigs.
Even men with impressive packages.
Besides, she had no time in her life for men. Residency was overwhelming. She was lucky she had a night off tonight to spend with her parents. Too bad it had to coincide with a team party to celebrate the start of the Rivers season, which meant her parents’ house was filled with men.
When they made it back to the house, she stopped and turned to Tucker. “Well, thanks again.”
“Thank you. You know, for helping me out earlier.”
Her lips curved. “You’re welcome. Take care of your testicles.”
He laughed. “I think you might be the first woman who’s ever said good-bye to me by telling me to look out for my balls.”
She lifted her gaze to his. “They are important. And delicate. Try not to piss off any more women.”
“I’ll try. Thanks again, Aubry.”
“You’re welcome, Tucker.”
He opened the back door for her and she went inside, the loudness of the party reminiscent of the emergency room at the hospital.
Tucker disappeared into the throng, and, after taking a moment to admire his very fine ass, she dropped the keys on the hook inside the door, then grabbed a glass of wine from the island in the kitchen.
She’d been hoping to steal some quiet time, visit with her parents and catch up. Since medical school, she hadn’t seen them often enough.
But she wasn’t going to get to see them much tonight, either. She went in search of her mother, found her with her usual group of friends, Aunt Farrah among them. Her mom spotted her, excused herself, and grasped Aubry around the arm.
“Anything?”
She shook her head. “The guesthouse was dark and closed up. No sign of Uncle Davis or anyone there.”
“That’s good, I guess. Though I haven’t seen him anywhere.”
“Maybe he’s in the den reading a book or watching TV.”
Her mother slanted her a look. “And miss a party? Davis never misses a good party. Besides, I already checked the den, and the pool house. He’s not there. I didn’t check the wine cellar, though.”
“I was down there earlier. He’s not there.”
“Okay.”
“I’ll take another look around, Mom. And stop worrying. I’m sure everything’s okay.”
Her mom patted her arm. “You’re probably right. Thanks for checking out the guesthouse, Bree.”
“Not a problem.”
“I’m going to stop worrying about Davis. Let’s go have some fun.” Instead of rejoining her friends, her mother led them over to the padded window seat, where it was just the two of them. She motioned to a crowd of guys, one of which was Tucker. “Why don’t you go chat up some of the very available single men here?”
Aubry laughed. “Mom. Seriously. You know I’m not dating anyone. Or looking to date anyone.”
Her mother graced her with a benevolent smile. “I know. That’s why I want you to go talk to some of the single men here.”
She linked her arm with her mother’s. “How about I hang out with you instead?”
Her mother sighed. “At this rate, I’ll never have grandchildren.”