Chapter Twenty-Nine
TYLER
I continue cooking in my kitchen as people happily walk through my door, adding to the buffet already filling up the island in honor of Thanksgiving.
Typically, we invite a few more people when it comes to Friendsgiving. Those who don’t want to attend the overzealous parties that their parents throw. Close enough to us to receive an invite, but far enough to not be a part of our family. Safe enough to allow in my home for a few hours.
After throwing my oven mitts off, I lean against the counter with my arms crossed as I wait for Sunny to walk through the door.
Each knock has my eyes flicking to the door, hoping to see her walk through with her wild blonde hair and a plate full of her now famous cookies she claims are the only good thing she can make.
She knows by now knocking isn’t necessary for her to gain access to my home.
Still, each one has me glancing that way.
It’s been three months since she’s completed our family. She just fits in somehow, like a missing piece we never knew we needed. That I didn’t realize I needed.
My black marble fireplace roars while everyone lounges on the couches and stands around mingling while sipping drinks and snacking on appetizers.
My eyes flick to the door, knowing she is about to walk through. Soon enough, blonde curls and round eyes walks through the door.
A smile pulls my lips, but falters as soon as I realize she isn’t alone. A man walks behind her, following her lead into my home.
What the fuck is Connor doing here?
I fucking blocked his number off her phone. Her numerous overtime shifts were approved by the hospital, I made sure of that. Connor's apartment complex he invested in flooded. In what fucking world do these two have time for this?
My girl approaches the kitchen to place her dish down with Connor following her like a puppy on a leash. I keep my composure as he puts a hand on the small of her back. Every muscle in my body tenses, my heart hammering despite my neutral demeanor.
“Hey, Tyler,” she greets me but doesn’t meet my stare.
“Sunny.” I wrap my arms around her, giving her a kiss on the head, placing my chin on top of her sunshine hair.
My eyes narrow on Connor while he stands behind her, holding another plate of cookies, shifting on his feet uncomfortably.
“Connor.” I reach a hand to shake his, keeping my arm around my girl. I squeeze maybe a bit too hard by the subtle wince that flutters across his face. I’m making him nervous. I want him running out of here with his tail between his damn legs.
“Glad you could make it. Sorry to hear about the apartments. What a shame.” I finally release his hand and continue to stare blankly when he stretches it.
He gives a strained smile. “How’d you hear about that?”
“Talk of the town.” I shrug, knowing damn well I’m the reason behind the destruction of his only source of income. “Have they figured out what happened?”
“Old pipes, I guess,” he sighs. “I’m not even sure it’s worth saving at this point.”
I bite back a smile and turn to the food on the stove, noting the stare and creased brows Sunny gives me. They make their way to my living room and nestle into my couch together.
Fucking prick.
SUNNY
Shit.
That is not a good look on his face. Most would see it and not think anything of it.
Probably indifference, but I know Tyler better than that.
Despite the blank look he gave us walking through the door, I could see the details already being formed behind those eyes.
And I’m truly fearful for Connor at this moment.
My relationship with Connor is for Tyler’s benefit on many different levels. He has a bride to be, and that was almost up in flames the night of the brewery—so I set things straight.
I’m leaving, and Tyler’s reactions have made it abundantly clear that his feelings go beyond the physical. Which is something neither of us should mess around with.
After not being able to text him for so long due to an automated update on my phone, Connor's contact was deleted and blocked from my phone along with a few others. He finally got a new phone considering his was damaged in the flood and here we are. Tonight is the night that I plan to actually do something. He’s just for a good time, and he’s willing to give that to me. We both are content in that agreement.
Squealing, Sam jumps in my arms and hugs me. Clearly very proud of her match making skills.
I’m introduced to the few unfamiliar faces here and remain hopeful the extra people will serve as a buffer for any unnecessary tensions. We settle ourselves in the couches, Connor so comfortably wrapping an arm around me.
With ice blue eyes and jet black hair, it’s hard to deny he’s a good looking man. Yet, I find my eyes wandering away until they land on Tyler who is watching me without even trying to hide it.
I bring my attention back to Connor, determined to not let Tyler ruin this for me. I made my intentions clear.
It was a stupid kiss.
Just a kiss.
TYLER
The way she looks at me is more than just friends. That thought is only validated when the few seconds I count between each glance she makes at me grows shorter and shorter.
None of this between us is just friends. We can never be just friends. I look at her and I just…love her. I fucking love her, and it terrifies me what I’d do for her.
When Connor places his arm around her, I break my stare for a brief moment to gain my composure. When I look back up, I see blue-green eyes wide and watching me.
Friends don’t look at one another the way we do.
I’m jealous and I’m possessive—I know these things. I get the feeling Sunny does too, which only further proves my point. Do you want to see how far I’ll go for you?
A smug smile from Connor tells me he thinks he’s won the battle. Little does he know it’s only beginning.
Pushing off the counter, I start towards the couches but feel Cole grabbing me by the arm.
“Can you help me with my bike really quickly?” he asks, dragging me out of the house and into the cold November night. “What the hell Tyler?”
The moment we step outside is the moment I realize the depth of my rage. From my labored breaths to the heat that you can practically see billowing off my skin.
“How did you do it, Cole? How did you deal with her being with other people?” I desperately ask.
Cole’s head hangs between his shoulders. “I didn’t have to, fortunately.”
I nod, because some people are luckier than others, I guess. However, I’m not about to rely on luck for us. I know Sunny isn’t blind, she’s avoidant. Anything that makes her feel something sends her running in the opposite direction. Love scorned her once, so I don’t blame her.
“You need to let her figure it out on her own. That’s the only thing I can tell you. She will, you just need to give it time. But tell me what I need to do, and we will make it happen.”
“We don’t have time.”
He winces at my tone but it’s the truth. She’s already been in Boston for almost three months, and only has a mere three more. Time is not in our favor.
“All I am saying is if you let whatever this instinctual thing is inside of you out, and you do something, you could ruin any chance you may have. I can’t say I can relate to what it’s like to see your girl with someone else, because I can’t.
I can say I know that deep innate desire to protect what you cherish most. You have always done that Tyler, but you need to be methodical this time.
Remember, when we let feelings overcome, we get sloppy. We can’t be sloppy here, okay?”
“Okay,” I mumble. I have other plans, and he should already know that by this point.