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“Hence why we’re drinking margaritas.” She finishes her second one. “But seriously, he’s a good kid. I wish the circumstances were different, and he had a dad, or even a male figure in his life to hang out with.”
Before I can think twice about it, I blurt out, “What about Tyler?”
“You want me to marry Tyler so he can have a dad?”
My eyes widen as I take in how tipsy Katie is, and then I burst out laughing. “No! I meant he could be Owen’s friend or whatever. I’m sure Tyler wouldn’t mind playing basketball or football with him. Like the Big Brothers program, except he’s not a stranger.”
“I know Tyler fromhigh school. I don’t know Tylerafter prison. He just moved back. Plus, I don’t want the first real conversation we have to be about him hanging out with my son.”
“Yeah, he’s definitely…changed.”
Turning toward me, she studies my face. “How are things going with him at the shop? Things seemed tense at the bar last weekend.”
I swallow hard and lick my lips. “It’s…interesting. After I made a fool of myself when he took me home, I can barely look at him,” I admit with shame.
“Whoa, what? You better spill the tea.Wait!We need another round.”
“No, no, no…”
“Yes! C’mon. Let’s get out of the sun before we turn into lobsters. Then I wanna hearallabout it.”
Oh God. I groan and follow her into the house where I recap that night and blush at how embarrassing it was.
“Wow…” She smirks as we sit on the couch with our third glass of margaritas. “I can’t believe you stripped down to your bra and panties. What do you think would’ve happened if he’d stayed the night?”
My cheeks heat at the number of times I’ve thought of that same thing over the past week. “I should’ve never asked…” I shake my head, unable to finish. “Anyway, now it’s awkward, and I’m an idiot.”
“No, you’re not. I’m sure him being here is confusing, considering you’ve had feelings for him since you were a teenager. Even more now that you see him every day at work.”
I nod with a frown. “I feel like a piece of shit. I’m engaged to another man, but still think about Tyler, even after he broke my heart. After all the years I waited for him, there’s still thatwhat-ifin the back of my mind that I can’t let go.”
Katie leans over and wraps her arm around me, pulling me in for a hug. “Only you know what your heart is feeling, and only you can decide what you want. Follow your gut because if I had done that ten years ago,everythingwould be different.”
CHAPTERELEVEN
TYLER
It’s officiallymy second week of working at Reid’s Garage, and I enjoy the solitude when I’m focused on a task. I’ve always been good with my hands and figuring out how to fix things, but lately, I’ve been distracted. My head’s still spinning with thoughts of Gemma. I can’t stop thinking about how she flirted with me after I took her home last Friday. It doesn’t help that I hear her sweet humming all day at work.
She walks around the shop and into the break room, avoiding my gaze. I’m starting to get used to it even though I wish she’d just forget about it so we can move on from the awkward tension.
Today’s the second day in a row she’s worn a tight pencil skirt and low-cut blouse to work. I’m pretty sure she’s trying to kill me or at the very least give me blue balls.
“Tyler,” Jerry calls as I wash the grease off my hands. He walks over to me, then slaps a hand on my shoulder. “You have lunch plans today?”
“No, sir.” I grab a towel and dry off.
“Good. Come with me to the Main Street Deli. We can chat and eat.”
“Sounds good.”
Jerry and I walk a couple of blocks to the deli, and as soon as we enter, we’re greeted by the owner.
“Hey, Belinda!” Jerry waves. “Remember Tyler Blackwood?”
“I sure do. Heard you were back. Welcome home.”
I give her a head nod. “Thanks.”
