Chapter Thirty-Five
GEMMA
The last week with Tyler has been unreal, and I question if I’m living in one of my favorite romance movies. It’s different to be in a relationship where my partner cares. Tyler’s different and wants to spend every free moment with me.
Every day after work, we’ve had dinner together and hung out.
Most of the time, he cooks, and I watch, but I’m happy to learn a few things in the kitchen.
Our night typically ends with us watching a movie, and even though I want more, we still haven’t had sex.
Although I just ended a long-term relationship, when I’m with Tyler, it doesn’t feel like we’re moving too quick.
He’s not a rebound and has always meant much more to me than that.
When I think about Tyler and our past, and liken it to what I had with Robert, there’s no comparison.
The feelings I have when I’m with Tyler run deeper than the surface level and nearly cut to the bone.
While I haven’t voiced that to him because the thought is scary, I can’t deny I’m falling head over heels in love.
On the way to work, I can’t stop thinking about seeing him.
I never thought I’d enjoy working with the man I’m dating, but I do.
Seeing him gives me something to look forward to.
When I walk in, the donuts are already there, and Tyler’s standing with a cup of coffee in his hand. He studies me and smirks.
“I love it when you wear skirts like that.”
I move across the room. Meeting his eyes, I grin. “I love it when you take them off.”
Tyler shakes his head. “Thanks. That’s what I’ll be thinking about for the rest of the shift.”
A smile plays on my lips when he adjusts himself. “Maybe you can come over tonight and show me how it’s done.”
He frowns. “I have two training sessions tonight, and I volunteered to close for Ruby so she could leave a little early. But afterward…” He takes a step closer until his face is inches from mine. I smell the hint of his body wash and cologne, and my panties nearly melt. “I’ll be happy to.”
My heart nearly beats out of my chest, and I’m tempted to kiss him, but my dad enters, so I create space between us.
Though Dad’s aware Robert and I are no longer together, it’s still awkward for him to see me close to Tyler, and I want to respect our workspace.
Plus, I don’t want the whole world in our business, not while we’re still trying to navigate being together after all the Robert drama.
When his secretary confronted me at the Harvest Festival, I nearly lost my shit.
Too many people don’t know how to mind their own damn business, and considering Robert flaunted me around everywhere, it’s a shock to most. I wish I could post fliers on every light post saying we broke up.
Telling people doesn’t seem to be getting around as fast as I thought, so I’m not sure what else to do.
But considering I’ve stopped wearing my ring, many have noticed, though they haven’t said much.
Lunch comes quick, and Tyler and I eat together in the break room. It’s quiet, and we talk about Halloween since it’s this weekend.
“I’ve never been to an adult Halloween party, but I’d like to go to one.”
“We should plan one next year. It’ll be fun. We’ll get Everleigh in on it too. She’s seriously obsessed with everything black, orange, and purple.”
I giggle. “She’s always like that. Every. Single. Year.”
“I thought she would’ve grown out of it, but guess not.” He shrugs, finishing his burger.
“What time do you think you’ll be done tonight?”
I wish I could fast-forward time so we can be together.
“Probably around ten. I’ve been keeping you up late each night, and I feel bad. Maybe you should get some rest, and we can have breakfast in the morning?”
I pout, but he’s absolutely right. I am tired. “Will you have me for breakfast instead?”
His eyebrow pops up. “Absolutely, sweetheart. I’d love to spend time with you all weekend. We should do something.”
“I’ve wanted to hike some trails since the weather has been so amazing and the leaves are changing colors. It’s been a while since I’ve been up there, but I remember how well maintained the paths were.”
“I’d love that, baby. I haven’t been since I was a teen. It’s a date then.” He winks and looks up at the time. “Lunchtime’s over.”
“It goes by too quick.” I pout.
We’ve been trying to be punctual with our breaks so my dad won’t have anything to say. When Tyler stands, I can’t help but to notice how damn sexy he is. What’s even better is he’s all mine.
We clean up and split up. Before he leaves, he gives me a quick glancee. I lift my skirt, just enough for him to see my upper thigh, then move it down. “Miss you already.”
“Devil woman,” he says, then enters the garage.
The afternoon is busy, and customers come in for last-minute repairs, something that never fails to happen every Friday since we’re typically closed on the weekends.
By the time I look up at the clock, it’s past closing time, and I can’t stop yawning.
After Tyler and Dad finish cleaning their messes, and I’m done picking up the lobby, we lock up and leave.
Tyler and I hang around outside for a moment, but I know he has to get to the gym because he’s particular about being on time with his clients. “Drink some wine and go to bed at a decent time,” he demands, leaning forward and giving me a kiss on the cheek.
“I will. See you in the morning,” I murmur, stealing another kiss.
“Bright and early,” he tells me. We linger for a moment, then break apart. I go to my car with a smile and drive home elated. Feeling this happy should be illegal, but I’m so damn glad it’s not.
I turn into my driveway, grab my purse, and head toward the cottage. I’m on cloud nine as I unlock the door and go inside.
“About fucking time,” a booming voice barks, and my adrenaline spikes when I see Robert standing in front of me. He’s wearing a grimace from the pits of hell. I take a step back, ready to bolt through the door and run to my dad’s house, but he grabs me before I can escape.
“How did you get in here?” I grit my teeth.
“I’ve got my ways,” he warns, his beady eyes trailing over my outfit. Robert narrows his gaze. “You disgust me.”
With every passing second, I grow more scared.
“You need to leave,” I say, trying to find my courage. “Get out of my house.”
He flashes an evil smirk. “No. Do you know how long I’ve been waiting for you? There are things that need to be settled tonight, and I’m not going anywhere until they are.”
He tightens his grasp on my upper arm. “Let me go!”
“Everyone saw the little performance you and Tyler put on at the Harvest Festival. Do you have any idea how fucking embarrassing that was for me?” he seethes, and I force myself away from him, backing up until I’m against the door.
“I don’t care. We’re not together, and everyone knows it now. I don’t know what you want from me.” My eyes widen in fear as I live in a continual nightmare loop where I can constantly repeat myself, but Robert doesn’t hear me.
“I want you to marry me, Gemma. Do what you said you’d do.”
The rage comes quickly as I glare. “How many times do I have to explain to you that it’s over? I’m not marrying you. I won’t!” My voice is loud and guttural, the emotion pouring out of me like a summer storm.
“Because of you, my deal with Victoria is no longer on the table. It’s all your damn fault I didn’t get that contract signed. You owe me, Gemma. You owe me your fucking life for messing with my future.” He paces in front of me.
My feet won’t move as if they’re stuck in quicksand as I suck in air. “There never was a deal. Don’t you see that? She was manipulating you to get to Tyler.”
“The only person who’s manipulated me is you. I wouldn’t be surprised if you had planned to string me along all this time so you could gain popularity around town.”
I scoff because that’s the last thing I ever wanted.
“Are you delusional? I won’t play into this false narrative, Robert.
If anyone has manipulated anyone, it’s you with your games and need to keep your perfect public image.
I’m done. I’ve had enough. Now, get the hell out of my house.
” I grab my phone from my purse and type in 911.
This time, I want him arrested for harassing me.
I turn the screen and show him. “I’m not playing anymore. Leave.”
“Call them. They won’t come. I’ve made sure of it. Don’t believe me? Try it out. I dare you.”
But I don’t because he’s paid many people off over the years, and they’re still in his pocket.
“Why are you doing this?” I ask, defeated but trying to stay strong.
“Because I’ve invested too much goddamn time in you and our relationship.
I’m not sure if you’ve noticed, but I’m not letting you go.
I’ve told you this, and it’s like you can’t comprehend what I’m saying.
I refuse to let you make a fool of me in front of the people of Lawton Ridge.
” He rakes his fingers through his hair.
When I meet his demented expression, I shudder.
“I’ve worked to make a name for myself, and I don’t appreciate you parading yourself around like a whore and letting everyone see how unfaithful you are to me.
You’re moving in with me, and you’re gonna be my wife and the mother to my children.
You will be quitting your job as soon as we get married. ”
Laughter escapes me. “Not happening.” I cross my arms over my chest.
Robert shrugs. “Fine then. How much do you love this cottage?”
I narrow my eyes, not sure what’s going to come from his mouth next. “What’re you talking about?”
“Just wondering, because I hold all the cards in my hands right now, Gemma. So you need to choose your words wisely.”
My heartbeat pounds in my ears as adrenaline rushes through me. He strolls through my cottage and looks at the canvases on the walls. After he makes a face, he moves over to the next, acting as if my mother’s work disgusts him.