Keeping You Away

by Kennedy Fox

  After an hour, I head to the gym, stretch, then I give the punching bag hell. After another hour, I feel better, but my frustration is still there.

  A guy who’s at least ten years younger watches me, and I wonder if he’s on Victoria’s payroll.

  “Do you think you could teach me to box like that?” he asks. I realize he can’t be more than a few years out of high school.

  “Sure. What do you wanna know?”

  “How to kick ass and take names,” he says with a grin. “My name is Luke.”

  ‘“Tyler.” I give him a pair of gloves and go over some basics. As I guide him on proper form, I hold the bag in place for him while he practices. The kid has some power behind his punch and reminds me of myself when I was his age. Eager to learn. For the forty-five minutes, I instruct him, and I actually forget about being pissed as a rush of happiness surges through me. I loved training and teaching people how to box, and this brings me right back to coaching Mason and Liam. When I moved to Vegas, I taught at an elite gym, and after working with him, I realize how much I miss it.

  “You’re so good. Thank you,” Luke says before grabbing a towel. “Will you come back tomorrow?”

  I nod with a smile. “Yeah, I’ll be here.”

  He waves as he walks to the locker room, and the owner approaches me.

  Shit, is he gonna be pissed I was training?

  “Tyler, hey.”

  “Hi. Good morning.”

  “You lookin’ for a job?” he asks, taking me by surprise. “Could use another trainer.”

  “Depends. Are the hours flexible?”

  “You can make your own. How’s that?”

  My brows rise. “Really? I already work a full-time job, but how about evenings and weekends? Maybe a couple of mornings?” Hell, I’d work night and day if it’d take my mind off Gemma and the dirty thoughts that surround her.

  Sam smirks, then holds out his hand. I take it, and we shake. “See you tomorrow then.”

  Well, that was unexpected. The gym is small, but it’s the only one in town, so it stays busy. I don’t even bother to ask him what the pay is because at this point, I’d do it for free if it meant keeping me busy.

  “That looked like the easiest job interview I’ve ever seen.” A girl pops up out of nowhere. I’ve seen her here a few times. Her brunette hair is longer in the front but shorter on the sides. Tattoos cover both of her arms, which I find fascinating. She’s wearing a tank that shows off how muscular she is, which means she must lift weights a lot.

  I chuckle at her words and nod. “I guess so.”

  “I’m Ruby.” She gives me her hand.

  “Tyler,” I reply.

  “I work the front counter,” she clarifies. “I guess that means we’ll be seeing each other a lot.”

  “I guess you’re right.” I smirk, walking backward toward the door. “See ya tomorrow?”

  Ruby smiles, showing off her bright, straight teeth. “Six sharp.”

  By the time I make it home, I have thirty minutes to shower and get ready for work. Though I wasn’t expecting to be out that long this morning, I feel a million times better and am glad I did. I should be exhausted, but I’m running on pure adrenaline. I got a second job, plus I made a new friend. It might not be a shitty day after all.

  By the time I walk into the shop, Gemma’s already working. She meets my eyes for a split second, then looks back at her computer. Neither of us says a word as I make my way to the garage and close the door behind me. I don’t bother grabbing coffee or a pastry even though I really should’ve after my morning, but I’ll manage until my lunch break.

  Jerry keeps me busy all morning, but by noon, I’m drained from a lack of sleep. I’m losing energy, and he notices, asking me if I’m okay. I admit I didn’t get any rest and got up early to work out. I worry about disappointing him, but he understands.

  “Go home, son. I can clean up,” he tells me at three, a couple of hours before my shift is supposed to end.

  “You’re sure?” I feel guilty about leaving him to do the rest.

  “Of course. I managed without help for years.” He barks out a hefty laugh.

  “I owe you one, Jerry.” I take off my gloves, then wash my hands before waving goodbye. As I open the door, I immediately regret not walking out the back exit.

  Fucking Robert.

  They continue talking as I make my way to the coffee table. He’s not even being quiet as he asks her about last night, and my spine straightens as I listen to her response.

  “It was nothing, just a false alarm. I thought someone was following me.”

  What the fuck? Why would she lie about that?

  “Are you sure? I can get the sheriff to investigate this and stake out your place for a few nights. He owes me a helluva favor anyway.”

  I roll my eyes. Of course, he does. Probably throws his money at everything and everyone in this town.

  “No, no,” Gemma insists. “That’s not necessary.”

  Once I grab the last donut and fill my cup with coffee, I stalk toward the door. Before I can walk out, Gemma calls my name, holding me in place.

  “Are you leaving?”

  “Jerry said I could.”

  Robert mutters something under his breath, and I hear her tell him to be quiet.

  “Oh, okay. See you tomorrow then.”

  She glares at Robert when he mumbles something else.

  “Is there a problem?” I step inside, letting the door hit my back.

  “No, it’s nothing. Enjoy your afternoon,” Gemma quickly says before Robert can get a word out.

  I know the asshole hates me, considering the way he tried to bombard me at the pub a few weeks ago, but if he has something to say, then he can man up and say it to my face.

  “What’s the issue then?” My feet move forward as my exhaustion and anger catch up to me.

  Robert faces me. “My issue is that you’re working with my wife, and you have a criminal record,” he finally speaks louder so I can understand him.

  “She’s not your wife yet,” I spit out.

  “Gemma will be very soon,” he states proudly. “But it won’t matter because she won’t be working here much longer, so it won’t be a problem.”

  Oh, there’s gonna be a big motherfucking problem if he thinks he can mold her into whatever the hell he wants.

  I wait for Gemma to argue, to say she’s not going to be a Stepford wife, and stand up for herself or something. But she stays silent and bows her head.

  “So, it’s gonna be like that.” I tighten my lips and nod. “Alright, then.”

  I slam my hand against the door, and when it whips open, I walk out without glancing back.

  Chapter Nineteen

  GEMMA

  I’m so happy it’s Saturday because the past three days at work have been absolute torture. I can’t believe I asked Tyler to kiss me and then lost control with him. I can’t even blame my bad decisions on being drunk. Of course, I remembered what kissing him felt like, but for some reason, I wanted the reminder. I needed the reminder. It was just as good as it was all those years ago, too. I was brought back to being two ravenous kids hungry and desperate for each other. As soon as my body unraveled and I came down from my high, realization hit and so did the guilt. Cheating was something I never thought I’d do, but I did, and my emotions overwhelmed me as the remorse settled in.

  Tyler was so pissed and hurt. He had every right to be, considering I led him on, but it’s no secret I’m engaged. I’m so damn confused. Feeling his mouth pressed against mine and allowing the moment to consume me felt so right even though I knew it was wrong. I’m not sure how Robert would react or what he’d do if he found out. He already hates and judges Tyler, and after their awkward standoff in the lobby, I know it wouldn’t be good. I wish I could forget it happened, but that’s been impossible.

  I’ve never felt a stream of electricity like that with anyone else, only Tyler. And I’d thought after all these years, it’d have dissi
pated, but it’s only gotten stronger.

  Ever since the “incident,” we’ve avoided each other like an STD. The only conversations we’ve had have been related to work and to the point. He avoids eye contact, and if I walk into a room, he leaves. At first, I expected it, but now it’s driving me insane. All week I’ve thought about confronting him so we can finally clear the air, but I can’t do it at work. I don’t want my dad to get suspicious, and it’s better if it stays between the two of us.

  Instead of pacing around my house all day, I grab my keys, determined to talk to him. I check the clock and see it’s just past noon. Showing up unannounced is rude, but since Everleigh’s working, it means Tyler will be alone.

  My heart pounds rapidly as I drive there. I haven’t figured out what I’m going to say when I see him, but I’m hoping the words just fall out so we can get past the awkwardness. Above it all, I owe him an apology and hope he accepts it. I never should’ve crossed the line. If we were two different people, there’s no doubt the night would’ve ended in my bed. A part of me wishes it would have, but the other part is glad it didn’t. It’s nearly impossible to ignore the chemistry between us and pretend the constant tug of emotions isn’t there.

  When I turn the corner and see Everleigh’s place, my courage begins to wane, but I have to do this. I pull into the driveway and see a car parked on the street in front of her condo that I don’t recognize. Ever since those two men followed me, I’ve been hyperaware of my surroundings. After I turn off the engine, I tighten my ponytail, then walk to the door.

  I find my words and suck in a deep breath, hoping this ends well. We need to find common ground again and move on with our lives. After I press the doorbell, Sassy barks, but I don’t hear anything else.

  Growing impatient, I ring it again just as the door swings open.

  Tyler stands in front of me with only a towel wrapped low around his waist. Water drips down his chest using his muscles as a path to his happy trail. I bite down on my lower lip, not prepared to get a show before we talked.

  “Gemma,” he snaps. “Everleigh isn’t here. She’s at the boutique.”

  I tilt my head at him. “Right, but I actually came here to talk to you.”

  He doesn’t budge and continues to stand while keeping the door cracked. “Okay, go ahead.”

  “Don’t you want to get dressed first?”

  I’m tempted to push past him and let myself inside since he didn’t offer.

  “I’m kinda busy. Will this be a long conversation?”

  With every passing second, I grow more frustrated. He’s not being his typical self and isn’t acting like the Tyler I know. He’s acting like I’m the biggest inconvenience of his life, and honestly, I don’t like this side of him.

  “I want to talk about what happened between us the other night. So you want me to stand right here and have that conversation? Or do you want to invite me inside where we can have some privacy?”

  He shrugs but doesn’t say anything.

  Fine then.

  “We need to get back to normal. My dad asked what’s going on because he noticed things have changed between us. I don’t want him to get suspicious, so can we act like we’re friends at least? For the sake of working together every day?” I hate how desperate my voice comes out but talking to him and being this close to him when he looks like that makes me anxious.

  Tyler crosses his arms over his chest. “It was nothing more than a heated kiss and a mistake, Gemma. That’s it. You’re engaged, and like you said, it never should’ve happened, so let’s pretend it didn’t. It meant nothing to me anyway, so you can go back to planning the wedding of your dreams.”

  Excuse me? My blood boils as my adrenaline spikes. “It meant nothing to you?”

  I’m not sure what I wanted or expected him to say, but it wasn’t that. If he’s saying that to hurt me, it’s working.

  “That’s what I said. You. Are. Engaged.” He stresses every word.

  “I am. But that doesn’t mean you have to lie, Tyler. I felt something, and you fucking did too.”

  “Sorry, I didn’t,” he says calmly. “It’d been a long time since I touched a woman, so perhaps you got the wrong signals.”

  My breaths are shallow as my anger rises, and when I open my mouth, I see a gorgeous brunette walking down the hallway wearing nothing but a towel.

  She smiles wide as I look her up and down. She rocks a short pixie cut, sleeves of tattoos on both arms, and bright blue eyes. The woman looks like she fell off the pages of a fitness magazine as she saunters toward us. She oozes confidence, and the closer she comes, the smaller I feel. My heart stops when Tyler turns and smiles suggestively at her. It’s not hard for me to put all the pieces together since they’re both wearing towels.

  Fuck, I’m an idiot.

  “I’m sorry. I didn’t realize you had company.”

  Tyler grips the side of the door as though he’s ready to slam it in my face. “It’s fine. Do you need anything else, or are we done here?”

  “I guess we’re done.”

  The woman moves beside Tyler, and we make eye contact. Her perfect smile has my jealousy burning me alive.

  “Hey, I’m Ruby.” She holds out her hand, and I reluctantly take it.

  “Gemma. I’m Tyler’s sister’s best friend.”

  “Nice to meet you! From what Tyler’s told me, Everleigh is awesome.”

  I swallow hard at how sweet she’s being and know I won’t be able to hate her for having a crappy personality. “She is.” Blinking hard, I stare at how radiantly beautiful Ruby is. “How’d you meet Tyler?” The words blurt out, and I mentally slap my forehead.

  “The gym,” she says, which makes sense by how toned her arms and legs are. It’s obvious they have working out in common.

  “Alright then,” Tyler interrupts. “Ruby and I have plans, so I’ll see you Monday,” Tyler tells me before shutting the door in my face. I walk to my car more frustrated than I was when I arrived. My mind is reeling, and I don’t know why my emotions are bouncing around like a ping-pong ball. As I back out of the driveway, angry tears stream down my face. I’m pissed at myself, and my confusion isn’t helping.

  When I get home, I sit and turn on the TV, but I’m not paying attention to it. I replay everything when Tyler came over that night. Is it possible that I exaggerated what happened? That I felt something he didn’t, and he was just going through the motions?

  There’s no way.

  His body responded just as quickly as mine. Did he say it meant nothing because he’s dating Ruby? I flipped out right after he gave me the best orgasm I’ve had in years, then told him it was a mistake. I asked him to forget it and leave. Perhaps I should be happy that he moved on.

  Even if he is dating someone, it shouldn’t matter. I’m fucking engaged.

  Leaning my head back on the cushion, I close my eyes and slowly inhale. I feel absolutely ridiculous for going over there. If I could take it all back, I would. If I hadn’t lost control and gave myself to him, I wouldn’t feel so damn guilty and confused.

  It’s never felt that way with Robert, not even in the beginning. And it’s supposed to, right? I’m supposed to feel like I’m floating on cloud nine with fireworks as I succumb to him. Admittedly, there have been numerous times when Robert couldn’t make me come during foreplay or sex. With Tyler, my panties were drenched before he even touched me. Though it’s wrong, Tyler touching me like that is what I fantasize about when I’m alone. He’s always known my body better than I do and still has every inch of me memorized. When we were together in the past, we shared more than just a physical attraction. We’ve always had a deep emotional connection, and it made the sex even better. Though we’ve changed, the chemistry between us hasn’t.

  I’m a blubbering mess, and I need to calm the hell down. It’s not too early to drink, is it? Fuck it. I go ahead and have a glass of wine that soon turns into three, and before long, the whole bottle’s gone. With heavy eyes, I lie on the couc
h and watch the Hallmark channel until I fall asleep. Hours pass and I’m woken by a text message from Everleigh.

  Everleigh: Any plans tonight?

  Gemma: No. I’ve already drunk a bottle of wine.

  Everleigh: Girl. It’s only 4 p.m. What’s going on?

  I want to spill all my secrets. I want to tell her so fucking bad because she’s my best friend, but I don’t even know how to start the conversation. She’s already doubted Robert so much that this would only add fuel to the fire. Not to mention, I cheated with her brother.

  Gemma: I’m just…I dunno. Questioning everything again.

  Everleigh doesn’t reply for a little while, but she’s also in the process of closing the boutique.

  Everleigh: Want to hang out and talk about it?

  Gemma: I’d rather drink myself stupid and go to bed.

  Everleigh: Adulting at its finest.

  I want to ask her if she knows if Tyler’s dating someone or that there was a woman at her house, but I don’t want to start anything.

  Gemma: I’m a hot mess.

  Everleigh: What did Robert do now?

  Honestly, I haven’t talked or texted him all day. It’s proof that he’d rather do other things than be with me. I didn’t sleep over last night like usual since he had a late business meeting, and I didn’t want to be at his house alone. Normally, it wouldn’t bother me that there’s been no communication, but it’s like the filthy curtain covering our relationship has been removed, and I’m noticing all the things I don’t like.

  Gemma: Nothing. He hasn’t done anything.

  The alcohol is swimming, and I type out another message.

  Gemma: It’s Tyler. I thought I’d be okay being around him, but I was wrong.

  Everleigh: Do you want me to talk to him?