Chapter Twenty-Six
TYLER
After walking Gemma to her car and watching her drive away, I go back into the house. It’s been a long ass day, and I’m tired, though I probably won’t get much sleep now. As soon as I walk into the living room, Everleigh charges toward me and hugs me tightly.
“Whoa. You okay?” I wrap my arms around her, squeezing her back.
“Thank you,” she whispers before pulling back. “Thank you for caring so much about Gemma and being there for her. She probably won’t ever admit it, but she feels safe around you.”
“I’ve always cared about her,” I confess. “I won’t let anything bad happen to Gemma.”
“I know. That’s why you’re the best.” She grins. “Well, and because you’re an amazing cook.”
Everleigh walks toward the kitchen, and I follow. She grabs a bottled water from the fridge, then offers it to me.
“Sure, thanks,” I say, taking it.
She pulls another one out for herself and immediately takes a sip. “I didn’t wanna say anything when she was here, but you should’ve seen the look in Robert’s eyes. He was deranged.”
“I swear, that asshole has some serious issues.”
“You’re telling me. There’s possessive in like a sexy, alpha way, and then there’s psycho in a needs-a-straitjacket kinda way. I could hardly sleep that night, worrying about what he would’ve done to her if I hadn’t gone to pick her up.”
My jaw clenches at the thought. I don’t understand how someone as amazing and beautiful as Gemma ended up with such a tool bag.
I get the feeling that if her mom were alive, she would’ve warned Gemma about Robert from the beginning.
Her letters talked about her mom and how she wished she were around to ask about girl stuff.
Gemma’s dad only gets glimpses of what Robert wants to share and has no idea who he really is.
“I’m gonna go to bed so I can get up early and beat the punching bag before work since I have to train tomorrow evening.”
“You’re working too much,” she says. “I feel like I never see you these days. We spoke more when you were in prison than we do now.”
I roll my eyes when she laughs, then chug half the bottle. “Not true. I have this thing called a cell phone now, and you can call and text at any time.”
“Oh, shoot. I totally forgot about that.”
“And you wonder why you’re single with that smartass mouth.”
“Maybe it’s because all the guys in town are taken?”
“They can’t all be.”
“Oh, you’re right. Some live in their parents’ basements and play video games from sunup to sundown.”
“Come to the gym with me tomorrow. Plenty of men there.”
“Hard pass. I’m not getting up a minute earlier than I have to. Not to mention, gym rats care more about their muscles than women.”
“Whatcha trying to say?” I lift my sleeve and flex.
She snorts and playfully pushes my chest when she walks around me. “Good night, Arnold Schwarzenegger.”
I take a sleeping pill so I can fall asleep. By the time my alarm goes off, I’m ready to blow off some steam. Once I’m finished working out, I shower and feel a lot better. It’s exactly what I needed before heading to the shop. When I walk in, I see Gemma’s pretty face behind the counter.
With bright eyes, she smiles at me with dark-colored lips. She’s acting as though she has no worries in the world, almost as if she hasn’t been crying for the past few days.
“Morning,” I say, lowering my eyes to her orange shirt and smirking. “Getting ready for Halloween early?”
She frowns. “No. It’s my favorite—”
“Color. Yeah, I remember.”
Gemma grins. “Of course, you do.”
I step closer. “It looks good on you.”
“Thanks.” Gemma stares into my eyes as I study how green hers are, neither of us speaking.
“Did you sleep okay last night?”
“As good as expected, I guess. You?”
“I took some meds so I could, then got up early this morning to hit the gym.”
“You like working out there?”
“I do. My offer still stands to teach you some self-defense moves if you wanna learn a few techniques.”
Gemma raises her brows. “You think I should?”
“Wouldn’t hurt.”
It’d also mean I’d get to spend more time with her.
“Maybe. I’ll think about it.”
I nod, then pour a cup of coffee. “Alright. Well, if you decide you wanna, come in around seven.”
Once I enter the garage, I glance over my shoulder and catch Gemma watching me.
I shoot her a smirk, and I swear she blushes before turning away.
Something’s happening between us, but I’m not complaining.
Even though her life is a little messy right now, I want to be there for her.
After our conversation last night, I won’t be letting her go ever again.
Dear Tyler,
The seniors are putting together a Pumpkin Ball to raise money for our class trip in the spring.
It’s Friday, and as much as I wanna go and be with my friends, I’m the only one without a date.
Well, technically I have one, Ben Bernard, whose boyfriend lives in Texas.
Since we can’t take the people we want, we’re going together.
He’s a great dancer, so it’ll be fun at least, but I still wish you were here.
I feel like it’s taking forever for June to get here.
The countdown on my phone isn’t moving fast enough.
It’s labeled “graduation,” but really, it’s for the day you’ll be home.
Everyone always says not to rush growing up, but this is the worst kind of torture.
We’ve been writing letters for almost four years, and at this point, it’s like the day will never come.
To keep my mind busy, I’ve started cleaning out my mom’s cottage behind my house to make it a space of my own.
It’s filled with her paintings. I love them all, but my favorite is the morning glories watercolor.
The pinks and purples are super vibrant, and it has so much detail that it almost seems real.
When I’m able to move in, I’m gonna frame a few and hang them on the walls.
I can’t wait to show you when you’re here.
Everleigh told me you called her the other day and that you sounded really good.
Though I wish I could’ve heard your voice, I imagine it every time I read one of your letters.
I hope you’re safe and staying healthy wherever you are right now.
Watching the news makes me so damn worried about you, but I don’t mention it to Everleigh because she’s concerned enough.
I’ll just be so relieved when you’re back in the States.
Oh, I’ve included a picture of me in my dress too. It’s orange, my favorite color, but I think it makes me look like a pumpkin. I was surprised my dad approved because it’s strapless, and I can’t wear a bra with the low back. Hopefully, I can wear it for you in person.
Until next time,
Gemma
P.S. 226 days!
A few weeks into our relationship, Gemma modeled that dress for me.
I also stripped her out of it and kissed every inch of her body afterward.
I’ve thought about that orange gown for years and wonder if she still has it hanging in the back of her closet.
The way it hugged her breasts and showed off her smooth skin had me hard as fuck.
We chat between customers and tasks, then eat lunch together. Once I’m done for the day, I head to the gym and train Luke. I shower in the locker room and change into shorts and a T-shirt to get ready for my session.
“Hey,” I greet as soon as I see him standing by Ruby.
“You ready?” I ask, tossing him some gloves. “I’m about to whip your ass into shape.”
“Uh-oh. Blackwood’s in a mood.” Ruby cackles.
“Aw, shit.” Luke’s eyes widen, and I laugh.
“Nah, don’t worry. I’ll go easy on you, kid.” I pat his shoulder. “At first, anyway.”
Luke and I practice for an hour straight, and by the time we’re done, he nearly collapses on the floor.
“What’d you do to him?” Ruby stands over him, offering some water.
Sweat drips down my chest, and I wipe it away with a towel. “Made him into a man.”
Ruby snorts and holds out her hand to Luke. She pulls him up, and he chugs the entire bottle before coming up for air.
“You gonna make it?” I shoot him a grin.
He nods, his face red and splotchy. “I need a shower. Same time next week?”
“You got it. Stay hydrated.”
I grab our gloves, then stuff them into my bag so I can wash and sanitize them at home. Checking my phone, I notice it’s almost seven, but there are no missed calls or messages.
“So what’s new?” Ruby moves to the front counter, and I follow her. “How’s your sister?”
“Ha-ha.” I roll my eyes. “She was just complaining that there are no eligible men in town, so hey, you might have a chance after all.”
“Don’t mess with me, Blackwood.”
Laughing, I shake my head, then look around. I was hoping Gemma would actually take me up on my offer and stop in tonight. I’d love to teach her how to take that asshole down in five seconds.
“Are you waiting for someone?” She peers around the empty gym.
“Huh?”
“You keep glancing at the door.”
“Well, I offered Gemma a lesson, but I guess she’s gonna chicken out.”
“Gemma, huh? You sure that fiancé of hers would let her off his leash?”
“Sure do, since she called it off.”
“Ahh. Now it makes sense.” Ruby’s full-on laughing as she moves around the desk. “Swooping in as soon as the ring’s off her finger.”
“It’s not like that. We’re just friends.”
“Please, Tyler. I’m not blind. I see the way y’all lust after each other.”
“Maybe, but she’s going through some shit right now, so I’m only trying to be her friend.”
“Well, if that’s the case, then give her my number. I’ll show her a good time. Get her mind off the breakup and show her what she’s missing.”
I shake my head, brushing a hand through my hair. “You really need to get laid.”
“I did last night, thank you very much.”
My eyes widen as she bursts out laughing. “What? I have a no-strings relationship.”
“Oh, really? Do I know her? Is she local?”
“As a matter of fact, you don’t because she lives in the next town. Wanna watch our sex tape?” She pulls her phone from her pocket.
“Alright, I’m out.” I grab my duffel and toss it over my shoulder.