AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“I parked it on the side,” he tells me, lingering for just a moment. He glances down at my hand and lifts an eyebrow when he notices I’m still wearing my engagement ring. While he doesn’t say anything, he also doesn’t have to. The expression on his face and the way he tilts his head show me exactly what he’s thinking.
“I’m telling my dad this weekend. Tomorrow, actually. That way he can have some space to process the news. It’s not something you drop during a workweek,” I explain.
Tyler shrugs. “It’s not my business, Gemma. You have to do what’s best for you when the time is right.”
“Any plans for lunch?” I ask.
“Who’s asking?” Tyler leans against the counter, throwing me a smirk.
Damn. Has he always been this sexy?
“I’m thinking about going to the pub for a burger. If you wanna join…”
“Let me text Ruby and ask.” He barely gets the words out before chuckling.
I’m tempted to reach over and smack him. “You’re never gonna let me live that down, are you?”
“Nope. It’s filed away next to you stripping down naked in your cottage after the bar that night.”
I tuck my bottom lip into my mouth and blush. “You suck.”
He leans in a little farther. “I lick too.”
My breasts rise and fall rapidly, and the only thing that pulls me away is my father coming inside. He looks over at us, and Tyler immediately straightens his position.
“Daddy, I’m running down to the pub for lunch. Want anything?”
He shakes his head. “Nah, thought I’d go down to the deli and get a turkey sandwich. Thanks, though.”
“Alright, sounds good,” I say as Tyler goes back into the garage.
My dad stares at me as he pours a cup of coffee. “Gemma,” he says, and I can hear the warning in his voice.
“Don’t.” I stop him before he can continue. “It’s not what you think.”
He studies me, but I stand my ground, not wanting to have this conversation right now. Thankfully, an older gentleman walks in and steals my attention away. I’m happy for the interruption as Dad leaves the lobby.
I don’t like him thinking poorly of Tyler, who should be the least of our worries in my current situation. Robert has been too quiet, which is more frightening than his vicious threats.
Soon, it’s time for lunch, and I wait for Tyler, but when he comes into the lobby, he’s frowning.
“Gem, I think it’s best if I don’t join you for lunch. I’m sor—”
“Don’t apologize. I completely understand. How about I bring you a burger instead? I mean, it’s not shrimp and grits, but it’s a hot meal.” I smirk, hoping to lighten the mood.
He instantly perks up. “Sounds great.”
Tyler goes to the break room, and I take a stroll down the pub. Instead of eating at the bar as I intended, I place our order to go. As I’m waiting for our food, my phone vibrates.
When I see who the text is from, all the color drains from my face. I knew it was only a matter of time.
Robert: You’re joining me for dinner tonight. I’ll pick you up at 7.
My mouth falls open at the audacity of his demand.
Gemma: No, but hell no.
I’m not going anywhere with him ever again.
