I look up at the clock and realize how tipsy I actually am, but I could sober up in a few hours.
Gemma: Sorry, I was chatting with my dad. I’d like that a lot. What time?
The best thing I can do is get Tyler out of my mind and replace all those thoughts with Robert. He’s going to be my future husband, and I can’t allow what happened between Tyler and me to ruin my plans.
Robert suggests I come over around seven, and I tell him I’ll be there.
At least he’s trying. I should too. Relationships are full of ups and downs. Robert wants to marry me more than anything, so the least I can do is give it my all to see if that’s what I want too.
Tyler’s reaction today might be the closure I’ve so desperately needed, and since he felt nothing, maybe I’ll finally be able to move on without him.
Chapter Twenty
TYLER
It’s been a week since Gemma came over to talk about what happened between us. I was purposely rude and short because I need to keep her away, regardless of how much it fucking hurts. The disappointment on her face when I told her I felt nothing was something I won’t forget for the rest of my life. Though, I’m not sure what she wanted me to say. If I admitted that it meant more to me than I led on and that I think she should dump her douchebag fiancé, it would’ve caused more problems.
So, I rejected her before she could ultimately deny me. Plus, that’s what she wants anyway—to pretend nothing happened. Must be so goddamn nice to easily forget something so goddamn beautiful. Regardless, that moment will forever live in my memory.
We lost control. I could’ve said no, but when it comes to Gemma, I’m weak as fuck. Maybe it was a mistake, but I don’t regret it. Right now, she’s doing enough of that for the both of us. Gemma already told me how she felt afterward before I stormed out, and I didn’t need to hear her say it again. I didn’t need or want the reminder that she’s not mine, even if for that moment I had her and she had me. That night, she would’ve undoubtedly given herself to me, allowed me to make love to her until the sun rose.
I saw the need in her eyes. I heard the desire in her breathless pants. She wanted me, and no matter how wrong she thinks it was, she didn’t stop. Instead, she fucked my fingers like she hadn’t been touched in a decade, and considering who her fiancé is, it doesn’t surprise me.
I woke up early this morning and trained two people, lifted some weights, then went home and showered. I’m in a good mood as I walk to work. It’s Friday, and I’m happy I’ll get a break from seeing Gemma this weekend, but then again, I love watching her squirm. She has an attitude and is treating me the same way she has all week—like a major inconvenience she’d rather not deal with.
After I grabbed a pastry, filled my coffee, and stood in the lobby, she huffed and puffed while typing loudly.
I think at this point she wishes I’d just quit, just like her future hubby wants, but it ain’t happening. Every time she steals a glance my way, I’m curious if I remind her that she willingly cheated on Robert. I wonder if she thinks about how she grinded against my cock, how I tasted her release on my fingers, and how she begged for more. She may not belong to me, but her body says otherwise. I try to push the thoughts away, but they always return.
How the fuck am I going to get over her?
“Just got a call from one of my part suppliers, and he’s not gonna be able to deliver the parts I need until after close. I have to meet a long-time customer about a car that won’t start. Kinda disappointed because it was all supposed to be here this mornin’. Don’t feel obligated to say yes, but do you mind waitin’ around for it to make sure it’s what we need?” Jerry asks between eating bites of a chocolate frosted donut. He let me leave early last week because I was so exhausted, so I owe him, plus he doesn’t ask for much.
“Sure, I don’t mind,” I say as I replace an air filter in a car.
Jerry smiles, then pats me on the back. “Thanks. Appreciate ya, son.”
After I’m done changing the oil in three vehicles and add refrigerant to another, I glance at the clock and see it’s lunchtime. When I walk into the lobby, there’s a dozen roses on the counter. I lift an eyebrow at her, shake my head, then leave and go to the deli on the corner. Belinda sets a sweet tea down on the table, and I order a hoagie. Once my food is set in front of me, my phone goes off, and I see a text from Liam.
Liam: Maddie’s water broke early this morning! Baby should be here today!
Tyler: Awesome, man! Keep me updated!
I finish eating, then go back to the garage and immediately busy myself. I try to keep my mind focused on the tasks at hand, only taking breaks for water. It’s miserably hot, and I’m sweating nonstop. When I walk into the lobby, I hear Gemma humming and wonder how I’ll be able to move on.
When five o’clock finally hits, Jerry cleans up and thanks me again for staying late. I put all my tools up because he hates a messy shop. After I’m done, I walk inside and go into the break room where Gemma is sitting at the small table texting. Once she realizes I’m in there, she locks her phone, then gets up and walks away. I grab a bottle of water and nearly finish it in one gulp as I follow her to the lobby.
“Do you want me to lock up?” I ask since I’m staying late. I’m sure she has a hot date to get ready for, considering she stays at Robert’s house every weekend—well, when it’s convenient for him—plus, he sent more roses today.
“I’m more than capable,” she snaps.
“Okay, well your dad asked me to wait for some parts for the Chevy he’s rebuilding. Supposed to be here around seven,” I explain.
She narrows her eyes at me, and her annoyance is obvious. “Seriously? He asked me to stay so I could pay the guy.” She lets out a sigh. “Great.”
A smirk hits my lips, and I almost wonder if Jerry planned this. He’s asked Gemma what was going on between us, and he’s not stupid. The thought makes me laugh as I sit in one of the chairs and pull out my phone and text Liam for an update on Maddie.
Tyler: Any news?
Liam: No baby yet. Doctor says it will probably be a few more hours. I’m pacing around like a crazy person, and Maddie is as calm as can be.
Tyler: It’s because she thrives under pressure. You better tell me when Tobias is finally here!
Liam: Will do!
An hour passes and neither of us have said a word to each other. The air is thick, and I can smell the stench of those flowers. Must suck to have to overcompensate so much. Right now would be a perfect time to discuss what happened, but I don’t know how to bring it up or what I’d say. She’s already said what she had to say.
I think back to when she saw Ruby at the house and realized I wasn’t alone. Gemma looked crushed as hell. Her face turned bright red, and I could see her pulse racing in her neck. That level of jealousy is dangerous, but it also sends so many damn mixed signals. It was adorable to see her get so worked up, which is why I continued the act. This way, she’ll continue with her plans, marry the douchebag, and become the woman he’s determined to mold her into—someone I won’t even recognize.