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“Where? The couch?” He arches a brow at how small it is, which causes me to laugh. His long legs would probably hang over the edge. Immediately, I’m brought back in time and remember what it felt like to be wrapped up in his arms and how it made me feel so tiny.
“Yeah, why not? It’s pretty damn comfy.” The room spins, and I blink hard until it stops.
When I look up at him, I notice he’s staring down at the ring on my finger. The light makes it sparkle and brings unnecessary attention to it. A lump forms in my throat, and the urge to change the subject hits me hard.
“Damn. Where are my manners?” I stand and go back to the kitchen. “Want something to drink? I have bottled water, Diet Coke, sweet tea...”
He chews his bottom lip as he shakes his head, then lowers his eyes down my body.
Tyler clears his throat. “Might want to put on some clothes?”
My body is on fire with embarrassment as I remember I’m only in my bra and panties.
Stupid, stupid, stupid.“Shit. I’m sorry, hold on…” Blushing, I turn and hurry to my bedroom.
I wasn’t thinking straight, and the wet dress and alcohol flowing through my veins didn’t help. I feel like the emperor when he realizes he’s walked around in his birthday suit and want to smack myself for being so dumb.
When I return in shorts and a T-shirt, he’s standing against the island. “Better?” I chuckle to ease the tension, then step in front of him. “Please don’t walk home.” The thought of him being out this late has me concerned. He might not get mugged, but too many stupid people are driving around this time of night, and that scares me.
Tyler takes me by surprise when he gently places his hands on my shoulders. It’s the first time he’s touched me, causing an internal freak-out of emotions. His hands are warm against my skin, and the scent of his cologne is more prevalent this close to him. “Gemma, don’t worry about me. I’ve dealt with plenty of shady people throughout the years. I promise I’ll be careful.”
I lick my lips and stare at his features—something I never thought I’d see again. “Earlier, you said I’d changed. But one thing that hasn’t is how much I worry about you.” I meet his eyes and feel as if I’m floating as our gaze locks. The electricity streaming between us nearly has me losing my breath.
“Don’t,” he says, then grabs a piece of my hair and tucks it behind my ear. My entire body shivers as his finger brushes across my cheek. “But you should drink more water and sleep off your impending hangover.” He smirks and places his soft lips on my forehead, then backs away.
I immediately notice the space he’s created between us, and I’m confused as I feel the loss of his warmth, smell, and closeness.What the hell am I doing?
“Okay,” I agree, though I really want him to stay and talk to me until the sun comes up like old times. There’s so much about his life I don’t know, and instead of asking Everleigh, I want him to tell me everything I missed. However, I doubt he ever will. He’s more private than I remember and has built a wall so high I’ll never be able to scale it. At times, his motions are almost robotic as if he’s forgotten how to be human.
“Do you want me to tell you when I get home?” he asks, rubbing a hand over his trimmed jawline.
“Yes, please,” I say without hesitation. “Do you need my number?”
One side of Tyler’s mouth tilts up as he grabs his phone from his back pocket. He hands it over to me, and I program my name before giving it back.
“I’ll text you when I’m safe and sound.” He flashes me a wink, and those stupid butterflies reappear. “Good night, Gemma.” The hoarse way he says my name nearly makes my panties combust. Though he looks like there’s something more he wants to say, and he lingers for a second, he stays silent before moving toward the door.
I follow him outside, and the glow of the porch light illuminates his face as he lifts his hand and waves.
“Be careful,” I say one last time before he’s out of sight.
I’m embarrassed for even asking him to stay the night. Instead of inviting him in, I should’ve just thanked him at the door and went to bed with my dignity intact.
Once back inside the cottage, I go into the bathroom and wash the makeup off my face. I lie in bed and replay every look we exchanged with guilt streaming through me as I think about how unfair that was to Robert. Though it was harmless, and I had real concern for him walking this late, I know everything about it was inappropriate. I don’t know why him being back is affecting me so much after all this time, but I can’t stop wondering where we’d be if he had stayed. Probably married with a few kids and that what-ifs are what caused so many of my sleepless nights. Finally, my phone dings with a text from Tyler.
Tyler: Made it in one piece :)
Then he attached a selfie of him and Sassy looking straight up adorable, and my mind spins out of control all over again. But knowing he made it safely allows me to drift off without worry.
CHAPTERSEVEN
TYLER
The sun hasn’t risen yet,but I wake up anyway and make coffee. Thankfully, Sassy is sleeping in Everleigh’s room, or she’d be begging to go out or barking for attention, and it’s too early for either.
As I’m waiting for the drip to stop, I think back to Friday night at the pub and taking Gemma home afterward.
One thing’s for certain, it was awkward as hell between us. I’m constantly stuck wondering what I should say and how much I should share. We’re not friends and haven’t been for a long time. I’m sure she hasn’t forgiven me, either, but I can’t deny the way she still affects me.
