Chapter Twenty-Four
TYLER
Waking up in Lawton Ridge without a target on my back is such a relief. Now that it’s starting to feel like home again, I miss it when I’m gone. But it sucks that Gemma can hardly stand being around me.
Ever since we lost control with each other two weeks ago and she said it was a huge mistake, things between us have been awkward.
It doesn’t help that her fiancé hates me, and she constantly makes excuses for his behavior.
Though my heart says otherwise, keeping my distance is the best decision for us both.
I last saw Gemma five days ago. Just when the tension started to evaporate between us, Ruby showed up, and I saw the jealousy written on Gemma’s face. I have no idea what to expect when I see her today, but maybe if I pretend everything’s fine, she’ll actually talk to me again.
After Everleigh picked me up from the airport last night, I could tell something was wrong. She looked exhausted as if she hadn’t been sleeping. Of course, my sister was sealed like a vault and claimed it was nothing, but I knew better.
This morning, I skipped the gym and slept in because I am still drained from the weekend. It was awesome seeing Liam and Maddie. Though I’m not sure when I’ll visit again, I hope it’s sooner than later. When I walk into work, Gemma’s behind the counter typing away on the computer.
Immediately, I head toward the coffee and fill a cup.
“You’re back,” she mutters, but I can’t read her expression.
I feel bad for not telling her I’d be gone, but we weren’t exactly on speaking terms.
I can’t forget how sweet she tasted and how tight her pussy squeezed my fingers, so it takes all my willpower not to stare at her mouth and replay the memory in my mind.
“I am.” I grab some sugar, needing the extra boost. “Ya miss me?”
I turn, and her bloodshot gaze meets mine.
I can tell she’s been crying. The dark circles under her eyes are prevalent, and her cheeks are blotchy.
While she’s still the most beautiful woman I’ve ever seen, she looks like someone ran over her dog.
When I add in how Everleigh was acting last night, I’m concerned.
“Gemma,” I murmur and walk toward her. “Are you okay? What happened?” Leaning over the counter, I check her body for marks.
Tears well in her eyes as she shakes her head.
“Did he hit you?” My stomach tightens at the thought of that asshole laying another finger on her.
“No,” she whispers, glancing around to make sure Jerry isn’t listening.
“Tell me,” I demand.
Gemma swallows hard, then bows her head. She wipes away the tears that unintentionally spill over.
“Not here. After work?”
“Sure. You want me to come over so we can talk in private?”
My blood boils as I imagine what that fucker did to her. I’ve never seen her this upset, and the urge to find and use him as a human punching bag takes over.
Gemma licks her lips. “You sure that’d be appropriate? Your girlfriend wouldn’t mind?”
I arch a brow. “Girlfriend?” This is news to me.
“Ruby,” she clarifies. “Or whatever she is to you.”
Brushing a hand over my scruffy jaw, I hide the amused smirk behind my fingers.
“Yeah, I’m pretty sure she’ll be cool with it.
” It’s comical, considering Ruby would be far more interested in her or my sister.
Too bad she can’t see that Ruby and I are only friends and the only woman I want is sitting in front of me.
Gemma nods. “I should meet you at Everleigh’s. It’s not safe for you to come to my house.”
“Are you safe?”
She glances around, focusing on the front windows. “Everleigh knows what’s going on, so it’ll be better if we talk there.”
“Gemma.” I lower my voice.
She snaps her eyes to mine as if she’s seen a ghost. She goes pale, and terror washes over her face.
“Why isn’t it safe?”
“I’ll tell you later, but the short story is Robert hired the private investigator who followed me. I don’t know if they still are, but I refuse to give Robert any more reasons to come after you.”
Pfft. I’d like to see him try.
“You’re sure it was him?” I was certain Victoria was behind it, but it makes sense if he feels that threatened by me.
“Positive. I found the receipts.”
I tap my knuckles on the counter and try to control the rage building inside me.
“Tyler…” My name comes out as a strained whisper. “He knows about us.”
I blink hard, my heart racing in my chest. “Knows what?”
We haven’t been an us in twelve years, and other than the make-out session misstep, we’ve kept our distance.
“That we dated.”
“So?” I shrug. “That was long before you two got together. Why does it matter?”
Gemma’s cheeks flush as she chews on her bottom lip.
“I didn’t tell him we had a history when he asked questions about you.
Someone must’ve told him or he paid to get the information, but it’s not as though we were a secret.
When I brushed off that you were working at the garage, he hired a PI.
He said he didn’t trust me and wanted to keep an eye on me.
Robert’s convinced it was only a matter of time. ”
“Until what?” I ask, crossing my arms over my chest.
“Until we…” She clears her throat and stands straighter. “Until I was unfaithful to him. I don’t think he knows what happened recently, but he’s suspicious enough to have us followed.”
I roll my eyes at the audacity of this asshole.
“I told him I wanted out,” she softly declares almost as if she’s afraid to say the words aloud.
Thank God. Her confession has my entire body buzzing. I wish I could round the counter, pull her into my arms, and tell her she’s safe with me. But instead, I keep my hands and admissions to myself.
“Good. You deserve better, Gemma.”
“Yeah,” she whispers. “He was pissed. Robert won’t let me go without a fight.”
“Well, I hope you told him to fuck off because if he harasses you again, I won’t be as nice as I was at the bar.”
That causes a slight smile to curl her lips. “He doesn’t use his fists, Tyler. He throws money at his problems and pays people to do his dirty work.”
“Pussy,” I mutter, causing Gemma to chuckle. “Alright, well don’t eat before you come over. I’ll make dinner.”
“You don’t have to go to any trouble, Tyler,” she insists, but she’s crazy if she thinks I’m not gonna use this opportunity to cook for her again.
“Cooking for you is never trouble.” I shoot her a wink.
The front door opens, and when I look over my shoulder, I see it’s a customer.
“We better get back to work,” she says, smiling at the woman behind me.
“’Kay. See ya later. Holler if you need anything, okay?”
“I will.”
A thousand thoughts fill my head as I walk into the shop.
She called off the wedding.
And not because I asked her to.
Robert’s a douche and sabotaged himself. I couldn’t be happier about it either.
Even if Gemma’s single right now, it doesn’t mean things will be any easier between us.
It’s still really complicated. Though I can’t stop thinking about the way her body responded when I touched her.
It brought back memories of the summer we spent together, memories that saved me during my darkest days.
That same spark between us is sizzling just as hot as before, but we’re different people now.
No matter what, Gemma needs time to heal her broken heart, and I just hope she’ll let me help.
As much as I want to swoop her into my arms and claim her as mine, I won’t rush anything. I tried staying away, but I’m not wasting this second chance to be with her. When she’s ready, I’ll be here waiting.
“Mornin’,” Jerry says, handing me a sheet of paper. “Glad you’re back.”
“Me too.” I study the list of everything that needs to be done today. “I’ll get right to work.”
“Thanks, son. Been hectic without ya here, and it’s only gettin’ busier.”
“Don’t worry, we’ll catch up.” I smirk.
I wonder if Gemma told him about her and Robert.
As I go through my to-do orders, I think about what to make this evening.
I never asked her what she thought of the chili I made at her place.
Tonight, I’d like to surprise her with something special.
Even though we won’t be alone and it won’t be a date, she deserves it after the past few days she’s had.
“Jerry.” I walk up to him before my lunch break. “What’s Gemma’s favorite dish?”
His lips pinch together as he studies me.
Quickly, I add, “She and my sister are having a girls’ night, and I offered to cook. So I was wondering if you could help a guy out.”
That makes him chuckle, and his shoulders relax. “Shrimp and grits.”
Grinning, I nod. “Thanks. I’ll see what I can do.”
“You can’t go wrong with biscuits and gravy, either,” he tells me.
“Is her favorite dessert still red velvet cake?”
“Sure is.”
Good to know.
“Thanks. Sounds like I’ll be putting my cooking skills to the test later,” I say with a laugh. It’s been a while since I’ve made seafood.
Jerry steps around me but not without a strong pat on the back. “Just remember she’s an engaged woman.”
I swallow hard and straighten my stance so he doesn’t notice the tension in my shoulders. “I’m well aware.”
Without another word, he walks away.
He definitely doesn’t know about their current situation, and I won’t be the one to disappoint the man. According to Everleigh, Jerry’s tremendously supportive of Gemma marrying Robert. When he learns it ended, he’ll probably want to point fingers at someone.
I head to the break room and pull out my phone to text my sister.
Tyler
Gemma told me she and Robert broke up. She didn’t give me all the details. We’re gonna talk at your place tonight. That okay?
I set my cell on the table and grab the leftovers I brought. Everleigh made some sort of mystery meat the other day, and I didn’t want it to go to waste. I take a sniff and decide to give it a shot.
Everleigh
That’s fine. Just brace yourself. It was a bad situation.
Tyler
What do you mean?
My blood pressure rises.
Everleigh
I picked her up from his house on Monday night, and he didn’t want her to go. Told her she’d be sorry if she did.
That motherfucker.
Tyler
Jesus Christ. No wonder she’s still upset.
Everleigh