by Kennedy Fox
Gemma: You’re too sweet. Sorry we stole your friend. Do you want some company?
Tyler: I mean it. Nah, that’s okay. I don’t want to steal you from them, even if my sister is being obnoxious and loud.
Gemma: She was drinking before I even got here. Katie too.
Tyler: I overheard Everleigh and Katie talking the other day about Noah. I think Katie’s getting anxious about it.
Noah has over a year left in prison, but I think Tyler being back has made her think about him more. I imagine she’s wondering how she’ll face him when he comes home.
Gemma: Maybe after a few more drinks, I can get her to spill the tea.
I laugh at the GIF of a woman sipping tea and hit send.
Tyler: Haha. Isn’t that what girls’ nights are for? Just make sure to talk slow and loud so I can eavesdrop.
Gemma: Ha!
Not wanting to be rude, I put my phone away. I’m half-listening to them chat as my mind circles back to Tyler. Could we actually work as a couple and be happy again? My heart says yes, but my head is skeptical. The chemistry between us is as strong as ever, but I’m still scared he’ll leave again.
And if that happens, I won’t be able to survive it twice.
Chapter Nine
TYLER
It’s been a week since Victoria showed her ugly face. Though Robert acted like he had no idea who she was, I don’t buy it. The guy’s a sleazy motherfucker, and even if he’s being truthful, Victoria’s vindictive. I called Eric to tell him, and he was just as shocked as I was when I saw her. He believes she’s up to something and might be planning to retaliate for partaking in the deposition. If she knows what’s good for her, she’ll take her shady ass back to Vegas where she belongs.
The garage has been busy, but I have no complaints. Now that Gemma doesn’t avoid me anymore, I look forward to arriving early and staying late. She and Everleigh hung out a few nights ago, but this time, they let me crash their girls’ night. I didn’t even care that they made me watch Hocus Pocus because I got to be near Gemma.
I don’t have to work at the gym today and just want to spend my Saturday with Gemma. After I drink a cup of coffee, I work up the courage to text her.
Tyler: Do you have plans tonight?
Gemma: Besides eating ice cream with Tom Hanks, nothing.
Tyler: You have a weird obsession with him.
Gemma: Not any weirder than your Jack Nicholson infatuation.
I laugh because she has a point.
Tyler: Well, speaking of which, I’d like to make you dinner tonight. Then maybe we could watch The Shining since you’ve never seen it. What do you think?
Gemma: Just the two of us?
My throat tightens because I can’t decipher if she’s asking with excitement or panic.
Tyler: Yes, just the two of us. Well, and Jack Nicholson ;)
Gemma: I guess I can squeeze it into my very busy schedule for you and Jack.
I can hear her sarcasm in my head, and her smart mouth causes me to chuckle. I don’t want to freak her out and call it a “date,” but I like the idea of us moving in that direction. I’m okay with going slow so we can see where things go, as long as she wants the same.
I’m sure she won’t mind hanging out in private because there’s no prying eyes. Now that the rumor mill has started about her and Robert breaking up, everyone suspects she’s heartbroken.
Tyler: Well, thank you for making time for us. We appreciate it.
Gemma: Of course. What time?
Tyler: Six? We can eat, then watch the movie after.
Gemma: Sounds good. I’ll see you then.
She ends her text with two red hearts, and I’ve officially lost my man card because it makes me giddy as hell.
Now I need to figure out what I’m going to make, grocery shop, and perhaps find a new shirt.
I’m glad Everleigh’s at work this morning so she can’t give me shit for overpreparing, though I wish I had her insight on what to cook. It’s been so long since Gemma and I have spent an evening together, and I want it to be special.
After researching some recipe ideas and making a decision, I text my sister.
Tyler: I’m hitting the grocery store soon. You need anything?
Everleigh: As a matter of fact, I do. Hold on, I’ll send you my list.
This can’t be good.
Moments later, I get a screenshot with a list of items.
Bread, buns, eyeliner, orange juice, eggs, tampons.
Everleigh: Make sure the eyeliner is black and the tampons are regular. Thanks!
She can’t be serious.
Groaning, I grab my wallet and keys, then head to the store. Everleigh walked to work this morning and left me her car in case I needed it. I can’t wait till I can buy a vehicle so I won’t have to rely on her so much. Though I appreciate it, I hate having to ask.
I decided to go with steak tips with mushrooms and gravy. I haven’t had it in years, and I think she’ll love it. Then for dessert, we’ll have cheesecake, and if I remember correctly, she liked hers topped with fresh strawberries.
After I grab everything along with Everleigh’s grocery items, I head to the other side of the store. I have no idea what I’m searching for or what the hell eyeliner looks like. I snatch the first one I find and toss it into the cart. Then I make my way over to the next aisle and find no less than a dozen different varieties of tampons. How did me offering to buy food turn into looking through the makeup and feminine aisles? I find a box that has the word regular on it and hope it’s right. Otherwise, Everleigh is shit outta luck and can do her own damn shopping next time.
Once I check out and pay, I drive to a shop on Main Street to find a new shirt. Most of my wardrobe consists of workout tees or sweatshirts. But tonight, I’d like to wear a button-up and something more formal. An older gentleman helps me find what I’m looking for, then talks me into a new pair of jeans and a belt. He’s a great salesman, and I have to cut him off before I blow my budget.
“She’s a lucky lady,” he says as he rings me up.
“Excuse me?” I pull my wallet from my back pocket.
“I assume you have a date.”
“No. Well, yes, kinda.”
He grins. “Kinda? I think she’ll get the memo as soon as she sees you. In fact, walk around to the barber shop and find Vin. I’m sure he can fit you in for a cut.”
Brushing my hand through my hair, I realize it has been a while. “You think I need one?”
He casually shrugs. “Your beard could use a trim, too.”
Well then. People in this town are sometimes too honest for their own good.
“Thanks for the tip.”
“No problem.” He smiles and gives me my total.
I put my bags in the car, then walk to the place he mentioned. Couldn’t hurt to get cleaned up I guess, though Gemma’s definitely gonna notice. I’m not sure if that’ll be a good thing or not yet.
“Hello,” an older man with a beer belly greets me.
“Hi, I’m Tyler. Do you have time for a haircut and a beard trim?” I ask, explaining the guy at the store recommended him. His mouth turns up, and he ushers me over to his chair.
“Let me take a look at you, son.”
We discuss what type of cut, and I give him free rein. Forty-five minutes later, the hair on my head and face is trimmed, and I feel like a new man.
“Wow. You did a good job.” I smirk.
“Thank you. Come back in four weeks.”
I chuckle at his demand. “Okay.”
After I’m finally home, I unpack the groceries and my clothes, then take a shower. Everleigh comes home and nearly squeals when she sees me.
“Holy shit. Where’re you headed?”
“You’re home earlier than usual,” I deflect.
“Cara’s closing tonight. And don’t change the subject. You have a date.”
“It’s not a date,” I counter. “I put your lady things in the bathroom.”
“
My lady things?” She giggles. “I can’t believe you bought them.”
I snap my eyes to her. “You told me to!”
“I added them as a joke, but it’s nice to know that when a woman’s in crisis, you’ll rise to the occasion.”
“You’re such a brat.”
“You love me.”
I shake my head and make a mental note to get her back later.
“Now, tell me where you’re going.”
“Gemma’s,” I mutter as I grab all the ingredients and place them in a bag.
“Oh em gee!” she squeals.
I look at her and glare. “Stop that.”
“I knew it. You two are destined together.”
“I don’t believe in destiny.”
“What? Why not?”
I shrug. “I just don’t. Things happen due to actions, not because of some special universe game.”
“You’re just jaded. I bet you’ll think differently in a few months.”
“Doubtful.” I move around the kitchen counter and into the other room to find my shoes.
“You’re all dressed up for a date and now you’re packing food. Are you cooking?” she asks with way too much enthusiasm.
“Yes,” I say, then explain what I’m making.
“Then eating her for dessert?” She waggles her brows.
I groan and grab my shit. “I’m leaving now.”
“Alright, have fun! I won’t wait up for you,” she calls out, snorting. “Don’t be loud when you come home tomorrow morning.”
“You need to get a life so you can stay out of mine,” I tease.
“Don’t count on it since you’ll be marrying and making babies with my best friend.” She smirks when I shake my head and open the door. “Which means no using protection! You can’t make a baby that way.”
“You should stop drinking before five. It’s a bad habit.” She’s gotta be wasted if she’s talking about marriage and kids.
“It’s almost six,” she gloats.
“Then by all means, get smashed.”
“Not that I need your permission, but Ruby and I are hanging out at the pub later tonight.”
“What about Katie?”
“She couldn’t find a sitter.”
I would’ve offered to hang out with Owen if I didn’t already have plans.
“Okay, well I gotta go. Behave yourself,” I mock, then walk to the car and load everything.
By the time I park in Gemma’s driveway, I’m a ball of nerves. I shouldn’t be this damn anxious, but I am.
Grabbing my stuff, I go to her door and knock. As I inhale a deep breath, she opens it and beams at me.
“Wow,” I exhale and scan my eyes down her blue dress that coincidentally matches my shirt. “You look beautiful.”
Breathtaking, actually.
“Thank you.” She licks her lips and blushes. I love when her cheeks tint that shade of pink. “And you look quite handsome yourself.” Gemma steps back, allowing me to enter. “Did you get a haircut?”
I chuckle as I head to the kitchen. “I did.”
Then I tell her about the guy who recommended the place and fill her in on Everleigh’s shopping scheme as I unload the items.
“I can’t believe you fell for that.” She laughs as she opens the bottle of wine I brought. Gemma pours it into two glasses, then hands one over.
“She’s feistier than I remember,” I defend. “When I left, she was a sweet angel. You and Katie must be to blame.”
“Trust me, she was anything but sweet. She was handing out condoms at a school fundraiser.”
I take a sip of my drink and nearly choke. “Wait, what?”
“Yep. She made a sign too. Our body, our choice, our right. Then threw condoms like confetti.”
“For fuck’s sake.” I let out a breath. “How did I not hear about that?”
“She almost got expelled, but your grandma marched down there and had ‘words.’” She uses air quotes, and I snort.
“That couldn’t have been good.” I chuckle, digging around and grabbing a pot and pan. “Wow. So, she’s always been this way.”
“Ohhh yeah. Between the three of us, she’s the instigator. Katie’s the logical one, always trying to reason with her bad ideas.”
“And what are you?”
She lowers her eyes. “The gullible one, I suppose.”
I frown. “That’s not true. You’re the sweet one.”
“Sweet and gullible,” she counters.
“Sweet and gorgeous,” I correct, flashing her a wink.
She tilts her head with a smile. “I guess I’ll take it.”
“Good. Now, I’m gonna make you the best meal of your life.” I drizzle the oil, then add the steak pieces.
“And what masterpiece are you creating tonight, Chef Tyler?”
Fuck. She just made that sound so goddamn sexy.
I tell her while adding seasoning, and I swear her mouth waters.
“And for dessert…” I hold up the cheesecake I bought.
“I think I just had a food-gasm. It already smells delicious.” She hums.
My cock jerks at the sexy noise, and I quickly shift so she doesn’t notice. As much as I’d love to feel her come on my fingers again, tonight is about us starting over.
It takes an hour to cook, and we chat the entire time. There’s no awkward silences or weird tension and being with her feels as easy as it did before I left. Gemma relaxes, and I grin every time I hear her sweet laughter. She teases me, and I love every moment. As she watches me move around the kitchen, she offers to help, and I replay the memory of her disastrous attempt to make grilled cheese sandwiches last weekend.
“I got it,” I insist, plating everything before we sit.
“Wow, Tyler.” She closes her eyes as she moans around a forkful of food. “This is seriously so good. I think it’s my new favorite meal.”
“Yeah? That makes me happy to hear. I’m not quite up to the level I was at before prison, but I’ll get there eventually. Especially if you keep me letting me cook for you.”
She smiles sweetly, and I linger on her lips that I’m desperate to kiss again.
“There’s no way you were better because this is a ten outta ten. Maybe even an eleven with dessert.”
“It’s nice having someone else to cook for. I mean, if you don’t count my mooching sister who literally takes food off my plate.”
“What about before? Did you cook only for yourself then?”
“In Vegas, yes. When I was with Maddie and Liam, I was in the kitchen a lot. It helped the slow days go by as we played the waiting game. Maddie was a dancer in college and always sucking down protein smoothies, so I tried to help her break that habit.”
“I bet she loved it.”
“Oh, she did. Then when I stayed with them for a few weeks, I spoiled them with breakfast and dinner a handful of times. At first, it felt strange, but it’s like riding a bike. Plus, it helps that I can follow directions.”
“Well, if this meal is any indication, I think so too.”
Gemma and I talk and laugh through the rest of dinner then decide to save dessert until after the movie since we’re both stuffed.
“You sure you’re ready to watch this? It’s a scary one.”
“Do I have a choice?” she mocks, curling up on the couch with a blanket.
“It’s not scary scary…more a psychological thriller.”
“If I have nightmares tonight, I’m blaming you.”
“Oh, don’t be a baby. Jack Nicholson is amazing in this film.”
“Hmm…we’ll see.” She smirks as I press play and sit next to her.
“Just by his expressions, I can tell he’s crazy as hell,” she says after a while.
I wrap my arm around her and pull her against my chest. “Here, I’ll protect you.”
Gemma beams, then snorts. “Smooth.”
“Hey, gimme a break. Like my cooking skills, my game is a little off.”
Gemma burs
ts out laughing until tears form in her eyes. “How do you always make me smile? After the past couple of weeks, I should be in a sour ass mood. But I don’t think I’ve been this happy in months.”
“You should always be laughing and smiling, Gemma. It’s a beautiful sight to see and sound to hear.” I turn and brush my thumb over her jaw, then pluck her bottom lip from between her teeth.
“Thanks for being here.”
“Thank you for agreeing to hang out.”
“No, I don’t mean just tonight. I mean, for coming back. I know you didn’t do it for me, but I’m glad you’re home.”
“I wasn’t sure it would be the right choice, but it turned out to be one of the best decisions I’ve made in years.”
She stares at my lips, and I battle with my head and heart on what to do next. Before I decide, a loud scream comes from the TV, and we both jump.
“Jesus.” She rests a hand on her chest. “That scared the shit out of me.”
I chuckle and take it as a sign. Tonight’s not the night to cross that line.
We finish watching the movie, and when the credits roll, Gemma curses me out for the ending.
“You really thought it’d have a happily ever after like one of your cheesy romance films?” I tease as I cut the cheesecake.
“Well, I was holding out hope.” She crosses her arms.
“Alright so, besides that, what’d you think?”
“It was…interesting. Not something I’d ever watch again, though.”