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On the way to work, I can’t stop thinking about seeing him. I never thought I’d enjoy working with the man I’m dating, but I do. Seeing him gives me something to look forward to. When I walk in, the donuts are already there, and Tyler’s standing with a cup of coffee in his hand. He studies me and smirks.
“I love it when you wear skirts like that.”
I move across the room. Meeting his eyes, I grin. “I love it when you take them off.”
Tyler groans and shakes his head. “Thanks. That’s what I’ll be thinking about for the rest of the shift.”
A smile plays on my lips when he adjusts himself. “Maybe you can come over tonight and show me how it’s done.”
He frowns. “I have two training sessions tonight, and I volunteered to close for Ruby so she could leave a little early. But afterward...” He takes a step closer until his face is inches from mine. I smell the hint of his body wash and cologne, and my panties nearly melt. “I’ll be happy to.”
My heart nearly beats from my chest, and I’m tempted to kiss him, but my dad enters, so I create space between us. Though Dad is well aware Robert and I are no longer together, it’s still awkward for him to see me close to Tyler, and I want to respect our workspace. Plus, I don’t want the whole world in our business, not while we’re still trying to navigate being together after all the Robert drama.
When his secretary confronted me at the Harvest Festival, I nearly lost my shit. Too many people don’t know how to mind their own damn business, and considering Robert flaunted me around everywhere, it’s a shock to most. I wish I could post fliers on every light post saying we broke up. Telling people doesn’t seem to be getting around as fast as I thought, so I’m not sure what else to do. But considering I’ve stopped wearing my ring, many have noticed, though they haven’t said much.
Lunch comes quick, and Tyler and I eat together in the break room. It’s quiet, and we talk about Halloween since it’s this weekend.
“I’ve never been to an adult Halloween party, but I’d like to go to one,” I admit.
“We should plan one next year. It’ll be fun. We’ll get Everleigh in on it too. She’s seriously obsessed with everything black, orange, and purple.”
I giggle. “She’s always like that. Every. Single. Year.”
“I thought she would’ve grown out of it, but guess not,” he says and shrugs as he finishes his burger.
“What time do you think you’ll be done tonight?” I ask, wishing I could fast-forward time so we can be together.
“Probably around ten. I’ve been keeping you up late each night, and I feel bad. Maybe you should get some rest, and we can have breakfast in the morning?”
I pout, but he’s absolutely right. I am tired. “Will you havemefor breakfast instead?”
His eyebrow pops up. “Absolutely, sweetheart. I’d love to spend time with you all weekend. We should do something.”
“I’ve wanted to hike some trails since the weather has been so amazing and the leaves are changing colors. It’s been a while since I’ve been up there, but I remember how well maintained the paths were.”
“I’d love that, baby. I haven’t been since I was a teen. It’s a date then.” He winks and looks up at the time. “Lunchtime’s over.”
“It goes by too quick.” I pout. We’ve been trying to be punctual with our breaks so my dad won’t have anything to say. When Tyler stands, I can’t help but to notice how damn sexy he is. What’s even better is he’s all mine. We pick up our mess and go our separate ways, but before he walks out to the garage, he takes a quick glance at me. I lift my skirt, just enough for him to see my upper thigh, then move it down. “Miss you already.”
“Devil woman,” he says, then enters the garage.
The afternoon is busy, and customers come in for last-minute repairs, something that never fails to happen every Friday since we’re typically closed on the weekends. By the time I look up at the clock, it’s past closing time, and I can’t stop yawning. After Tyler and Dad finish cleaning their messes, and I’m done picking up the lobby, we lock up and leave.
Tyler and I hang around outside for a moment, but I know he has to get to the gym because he’s particular about being on time with his clients. “Drink some wine and go to bed at a decent time,” he demands, leaning forward and giving me a kiss on the cheek.
“I will. See you in the morning,” I murmur, stealing another kiss.
“Bright and early,” he tells me. We linger for a moment, then break apart. I go to my car with a smile and drive home elated. Feeling this happy should be illegal, but I’m so damn glad it’s not.
I turn into my driveway, grab my purse, and head toward the cottage. I’m on cloud nine as I unlock the door and go inside.
“About fucking time,” a booming voice barks, and my adrenaline spikes when I see Robert standing in front of me. He’s wearing a grimace from the pits of hell. I take a step back, ready to bolt through the door and run to my dad’s house, but he grabs me before I can escape.
“How did you get in here?” I grit my teeth.
“I’ve got my ways,” he warns, his beady eyes trailing over my outfit. Robert narrows his gaze. “You disgust me.”
With every passing second, I grow more scared.
