I understand how important it is to Robert that I join him at his business dinner, but I hate that it’s not just the two of us. Though I smiled through our whole conversation, Tyler looked as if he could see straight through me. After working all day, the last thing I want to do is entertain strangers, but I go anyway.
When we walk in, I expect us to be meeting one or two people, but it’s an entire table filled with men in suits. This annoys me more than anything, but I keep the smile planted. Something I became really good at after my mom passed away. As long as I pretended I was happy, no one asked questions, not even Noah or my dad. While this is a different situation, it still oddly feels just as fake.
We have a nice lobster dinner and fluffy rolls with honey butter just as Robert promised. Several people ask how we met and about the wedding, and I feel like a giant spotlight is on me with every question. Considering I’m an introvert, this makes me anxious.
Once dinner is over, they shake hands over their done deals. We say our goodbyes, and I’m nearly gasping for air when I walk outside. Robert smiles proudly.
“Another done deal all because of you, baby,” he says with a pep in his step. I know this was a big one, an entire subdivision for development.
I shrug uncomfortably. “I can’t take the credit for it. That was all you.”
He pulls me close, and I smell the faint hint of his cologne.
“So, you gonna tell me about this Tyler guy?”
When his name leaves Robert’s mouth, my heart rate increases. There’s a hint of something else in his tone, almost as if he’s trying to appear casual but definitely isn’t. The threatening way he looked at Tyler earlier wasn’t lost on me, either.
We get in his truck, and he drives me back to the shop where my car is parked. “He’s Everleigh’s brother and just moved back to town.”
“Yeah? So you two know each other?” he asks, but I don’t want to discuss this.
“Yeah, he’s only four years older, plus it’s a small town.” I shrug, annoyed that he’s making me feel like I’m under his microscope.
“Ahh. That makes sense now. Did you two ever…?”
“Robert.” I stop the conversation before it even starts. Though I don’t want to be a liar about my past, the minute he finds out Tyler and I dated, he’ll lose his s**t. It was a decade ago and shouldn’t matter, but Robert’s a little possessive when it comes to what’s his. There doesn’t need to be any more tension between us than there already is. “We’re not friends. My dad offered him a job because Tyler was just released from prison and needed something to get back on his feet. He’s on a trial run right now to see how it goes.”
Thankfully, he pulls up to my car and parks, and I desperately want to jump out of the SUV. I’m so damn annoyed, not necessarily by what he asked, but how he asked. I already know he thinks he’s better than Tyler because of his past, and I hate how judgmental Robert can be, so the less he knows about him, the better.
how“Trust me, I was more than surprised when he walked into the shop and my dad hired him, but he’s a good worker, and it’s what my father needs.”
Robert turns to me. “I’m not trying to interrogate you, darling. I just want to be aware of who you’re spending your days with and make sure you’re safe. You’re the love of my life, and I’d never get over it if something happened to you.”
“I appreciate that, babe. But I’m working at the garage, not having a bachelorette party with strippers all day.”
He leans forward and gently kisses me, his lips tasting like wine. “I know that.”
“Maybe we can have a date night tomorrow? Just the two of us?” I suggest, hoping it’ll ease him about our relationship.
“Not sure. Tomorrow’s gonna be busy for me, but I’ll double-check my schedule and let you know as soon as I can.”
I give him a smile, though I’m nearly fuming inside. “Okay then.” Reaching for the door handle, I add, “Good night.”
“Love you,” he says before I step out.
“Love you too.”
He waits until I’m inside my car and it’s cranked before he pulls away.
I’m so damn annoyed while I drive home that by the time I walk into my door, I’m raging pissed. It’s been a long time since I’ve been this irritated with Robert. Sure, his constant parading of me in front of his clients has gotten old, but I’m used to that by now. However, asking me about Tyler as if there was something between us was uncalled for. He acted like Tyler getting hired was some ploy so we could hang out all day.
I go straight to the bathroom and start the water, but before I can get undressed, I get a call from Everleigh.
“Hey, whatcha doing right now?” she asks as I turn off the faucet.
It’s barely eight, but I’m exhausted and have to be up early for work tomorrow. “I was getting ready to soak in the tub.”
“Okay, what are you doing after that?”
I can already tell she’s up to something.
“Going to bed.”
“Instead of taking a bath, you should come over. I asked Katie, but she just put Owen to bed. I need help choosing which pictures of you two to post because I’m second-guessing which ones will get the most attention. I really love them all, but I need another perspective. There are too many to email to you, so would you mind coming over and helping me pick? Pretty please?” she begs.
Groaning, I look at the bubble bath and wait for her to tell me she’s joking. “You’re serious?”
“As serious as a heatstroke. I need your expert opinion! I want to get some of them posted tomorrow and start moving this new inventory. Plus, you always choose the best ones.”
I chuckle at the way she always wears me down with her compliments. However, being around her would help clear my mind and distract me from my own thoughts. “Fine, but you better have a glass of wine waiting for me when I get there.”
“Yay!” she squeals. “Red or white?”
“Surprise me,” I say. I tell her I’ll be right over, and we say our goodbyes. I throw my hair into a high ponytail, change into yoga pants and a tank top, then drive over.
When I show up, Everleigh swings the door open, holding a glass of wine. I snort as she hands it to me before my feet even cross the entrance.
“You’re gonna make some guy super happy one day if this is the kind of treatment you provide,” I say, then take a sip. “Oh, wow. The good stuff. You’re really trying to butter me up.”
I follow her into the living room, and she furrows her brows when she looks at me. “You okay?”
I shrug, not wanting to bring her mood down with mine. “I’ll tell you later.” Waving her off, I sit on the couch.
“Okay, you better.” Everleigh goes to the kitchen, then returns moments later with a huge bowl of fresh popcorn drizzled with butter. She hands it over to me, then grabs her fancy camera. Once we’re both settled and comfortable on the sofa, Everleigh scrolls through the photos.
“Oh my God, you took two thousand pictures?” I glance at her as she stuffs her face and nods.
“This is why I couldn’t decide!”
Shaking my head, I watch as she goes through them. “They’re all so good. If the boutique doesn’t work out, you should be a photographer.”
“Are you flirtin’ with me already?” She flips her hair.
“You wish.” I laugh. “Oh, I love this one of Katie where she’s looking off in the distance.”
Everleigh moves closer. “Yes, me too. She looks gorgeous. Every woman in a hundred-mile radius is gonna want this outfit. And look at you in that red skirt, you little sexy firecracker.” She waggles her brows.
“That is a good one,” a deep voice says from behind us, and every cell in my body comes alive.
isEverleigh and I both jump as Tyler straightens up and chuckles. Everleigh grabs a pillow and tosses it at him but completely misses.
“I’m sad I wasn’t invited to the slumber party.” He smirks and walks into the kitchen. That’s when I notice he’s not wearing a shirt and see his joggers hanging off his hips. Immediately, I chug my wine, though the image of his ripped body and the way the muscles cascade down his back are now imprinted into my memory. f**k.
Fuck.“Well, you’re the one who didn’t want to look at two thousand pictures with me,” Everleigh counters. “You snooze, you lose.”
My mouth falls open. “So I was your third choice? I’m offended!”
thirdShe snorts and winks. “Third time’s the charm, baby.”
Tyler returns to the living room, sipping a beer. I avoid looking at him because I don’t think I’ll be able to pick my jaw off the floor before he notices.
“Welp,” he says. “I’ll leave you two hens to it.”
“Mm-hmm.” Everleigh continues to scroll through the pictures.
When I look up, he’s staring at me with so much intent that I stop breathing. Tyler blinks, breaking our contact.
“Good night,” I say, but it comes out in a whisper.
“Night,” he says, then leaves the room, taking all the air with him. If Everleigh notices my reaction, she doesn’t say anything, and for that, I’m grateful.
“How about this one?” she asks, bringing me back to reality. It’s one of Katie and me laughing our asses off at something Everleigh said without a doubt.
“Yes, I love that one! It’s perfect and looks so natural. The only thing it’s missing is you in there with us.”
“I have the satisfaction of knowing this picture was taken when I was talking about butt stuff.”
Cabernet nearly shoots out of my nose, but I manage to choke it back down. “Jesus, give a girl some warning.”
“I can’t help that we’re like twelve-year-old boys when it comes to that.” She giggles.
“Oh, for sure.” I point out a few more that she should definitely use. By the time we get through half of them, she has a notebook page full of image numbers. Hanging out with her was just what I needed tonight.
“So, you gonna tell me what had your panties bunched in a big old knot when you showed up, or am I’m gonna have to beat it out of you?”
I roll my eyes and huff. I swear this glass of wine is never-ending because I need more alcohol in my system to discuss this. “Robert.”
She doesn’t make a face or react, but just listens to me as I explain my frustrations and insecurities. As I talk, Everleigh grabs an empty glass and the bottle, then returns to the couch. She refills mine and pours her some too.
“And I understand he wants me to be involved in his work, but you’re well aware of how I feel about a big crowd. Especially when they put me at the center of attention. I want to throw up.”
“You hate it. Always have.”
hate“Right! It makes me anxious, and I always have to answer the same questions over and over. It’s just, I dunno, it makes me feel weird—like I’m a prop in his business deals,” I admit.
“Like you’re playing a part.”
“Right, like an actress showing up to a movie set whose character is married to the rich and famous, living a glamorous lifestyle.”
Everleigh glances down at the big a*s ring on my finger, then shrugs before sucking down half of her glass. “If the ring fits, though, right?”
Groaning, I lean my head against the couch. “I wanted a simple life with a husband and a couple of kids. Though I knew how important Robert’s career was before we got engaged, entertaining people has become an every week occurrence now.”
“He’s definitely driven. But aside from that, when’s the last time you two did it?” she blurts out.
I close my eyes, trying to remember, but it’s been too long. “Weeks. f**k, maybe months. He’s been so busy with clients, contracts, golfing—and that doesn’t include my schedule. By the time we’re actually alone, we’re both exhausted. I know it’s stupid to think this, considering he’s the one who’s eager to have me live with him, but sometimes, I don’t feel like a priority to him.”
The realization has me burning from the inside out, and I feel smothered by my thoughts. The only thing that saves me from drowning is Everleigh placing her hand on mine.
“Gemma. Are you absolutely, without a doubt, positively sure you want to marry him? It’s not too late to change your mind. Everyone would understand.”
absolutely,I pause, not sure how to respond. No one has really questioned me about our relationship, and everyone has been supportive. Even my dad is caught in Robert’s web.
“Well…” I swallow hard, trying to find my words.
“You’re hesitating.” She arches a brow.
“I don’t know.” I shrug, lowering my eyes as I hold back tears. “Things have been off between us, and maybe they have been for a while, but I’m just now seeing it. He’s pushy about me moving in with him, and since we don’t get to see each other much, he thinks living together will give us more quality time.”
“And what do you think? Will moving in with him change that? Or will he still be too exhausted to spend alone time like he claims? Do you see things getting better once you’re married, or will you feel stuck?”
I empty my glass, wishing the alcohol would hit my system faster. “I really don’t know.”
“Listen, I just want you to be happy. You’re my best friend, Gemma. I don’t doubt that you love him, but I don’t know if you’re in love with him or just the idea of it. Maybe you need a vacation because all the stress of the wedding is catching up to you. It happens!” Everleigh grabs the bottle and pours more into my glass.
in loveBut does it? Is this stress, or is there an underlying issue?
But does it?“I wouldn’t say no to a vacation,” I say, grinning. “Mimosas by the beach, suntanning, and the ocean breeze. Hell, let’s plan a girls’ trip. No boys allowed.” Especially no ex-lovers.
Especially no ex-lovers“Sign me up for that!” Everleigh gives me a high five. “Well, my best guess is that you’re just having wedding day nerves. What do you think?”
I shrug with a frown. “How can it be nerves when it’s so far away?” I don’t even have much to do since Robert hired a wedding planner.
“It’s still a huge f*****g change. And it’s a forever contract. Hell, I’m nervous just thinking about it, and I’m the most eligible bachelorette in Lawton Ridge. I’ll probably be single with four dogs by the time I’m forty.”
Her exaggeration makes me snort. “No, there’s Old Lady Annette and her thirteen cats. Speaking of, where’s Sassy?”
Everleigh is full-on laughing, the kind that makes her nose scrunch. “Annette was promiscuous back in the day, though. I heard stories of her breaking three different men’s hearts at once. Guess she realized she was too good for them. But if I ever get that many dogs, trust me when I say it’s a cry for help.” She gulps her wine. “Oh, Sassy’s sleeping on my bed. She was tired and put herself to bed.”
“Well, there’s no denying her name fits.” I chuckle, which feels good, considering the conversation we’re having.
“It sure does.” The room grows quiet except for the sound of Everleigh chewing popcorn.
“Robert met Tyler today,” I say. I don’t know what possesses me to even bring it up, but I need to get it off my chest.
Her eyebrow pops up, and she repositions herself with a smirk. “And?”
“And Robert asked if there had been anything between us in the past.”
“Oh, God.” She grins. “What’d you say?”
I bury my face in my hands and exhale, then look at her. “Well, I cut him off before he could fully ask, but I knew where he was going with it. So I didn’t technically lie, but I just didn’t tell him the truth.”
“Why not? Everyone has past relationships. He can’t get mad about that.”
“Because I think he’d be jealous and insecure about us working together. How f*****g stupid is that, though? I mean, come on…” I turn my hand around, show her the ring, and she grins.
“That’s hilarious.”
I tilt my head at her. “No! It was awkward.”
“Well, maybe it’s time to come clean about your previous relationships. It’s not like he didn’t date a decade before you were even legal.”
I roll my eyes. “He’s not that old.”
that“At least men get better looking with age while women have to put on under eye cream and slather ourselves in lotion to look young. Hell, if Leonardo DiCaprio showed up at my door, I’d give him the time of his life, and nothing would be off-limits. I’d let him draw me like a French girl any day of the year.” She releases a dreamy sigh, and I laugh at her Titanic reference.
Titanic“Point taken.”
“At least tell me the s*x is mind-blowing. Like if he’s the best you’ve ever had, I’ll forgive his old man traditional values.”
I think about it. Sadly, I barely remember the last time we had s*x.
Her mouth falls open when I take too long to respond.
“If it was monumental, you would’ve immediately answered with a fat, cheesy grin.” She frowns. “It’s mediocre at best, isn’t it?”
Heat covers my cheeks, and I hate the pitiful look she gives me. “I seriously can’t get anything past you, can I?”
“Are you kiddin’ me? We used to exchange diaries, remember? I especially loved your middle school entries about my brother.” She giggles.
“That was your idea!” I remind her, blushing at the memory.
your“Yeah, and I learned a lot about you that summer. And you learned a lot about me too.”
I nod as I remember reading about how much she missed having her mother in her life. We connected, and it’s a bond that’s never been broken.
“Well, I’m not sure what to say, but sorry. You’re too young to be compromising hot as f**k s*x. You deserve someone who’s not so vanilla—some hair-pulling, a*s-smacking, throat-squeezing s*x—Neapolitan would be more your style.”
“Jesus.” I chuckle at her descriptive version, but she’s not wrong. That sounds hot as hell. “You’re right. But I’m pretty vanilla too.”
“Maybe you are, but at least you have sprinkles. If a man offered to tie you up or handcuff you to the headboard, you wouldn’t say no. Amiright?”
She lifts an eyebrow at me, and I smirk.
“Regardless, it’s not that I’m some relationship expert or anything because you know how many men are knocking on my door.” She holds up her hand showing a big fat zero with her fingers. “But if the work lunches and dinners are too much, you should tell him, along with the other concerns you have. Honesty is the best policy. Unless it’s about d**k size. You don’t want to inflate their ego.”
myI snort. “You’re right, but I feel guilty telling him I don’t want to go to these client outings. Like I’m not being supportive, especially when he calls me his lucky charm. He gets so excited when he closes a deal with me there.”
lucky charmEverleigh finishes her wine. “Welp, seems like you’ve got some decisions to make, my friend.” Her words are sincere, and there’s so much truth in them that it nearly slices me to the bone.
“I do,” I agree softly.
For the next hour, we go through the rest of the pictures, and Everleigh’s list to post nearly doubles. But at least we narrowed it down to the top fifty.
“Looks like I have enough for the next couple of months, too.” I’m so proud of her for making her dreams come true. When we were teenagers, there were no local clothing stores for women under sixty, so she made it her mission to have a store for women of all ages and sizes.
After my buzz has worn off and the yawning begins, I decide to go home. I’m going to be exhausted at work tomorrow, but it’ll be totally worth it. Tonight was just what I needed.
On the way back to the cottage, I can’t stop thinking about our conversation. She made so many valid points. Robert and I do need to talk, but where do I even start? I hate confrontation, and the last thing I want is to hurt his feelings. Things have always been simple between us, and I thought I was okay with that, but I’m starting to realize I may have just accepted that without considering what I truly want.
I want a person who’s as obsessed with me as I am him.
Someone who craves alone time together.
A man who listens and understands my needs just the way I do for them.
As I walk through the door, I kick off my shoes, strip out of my clothes, and take a quick shower. After I’m clean, I slip on a T-shirt and panties, then climb into bed.
When I close my eyes, I expect to see Robert, but I don’t.
I see a shirtless Tyler and fall asleep with him on my mind.