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Everleigh gasps, her cheeks burning red. “That’s it. I hate you. Move out.”
Gemma and I laugh hysterically. “Never. You’re stuck with me, sis.” I smirk wide as she huffs and storms down the hallway.
“That was mean.” Gemma chuckles.
“Siblings, remember? I have years of catching up to do. Next will be hiding her bra and panties in the freezer.”
“Oh my God…” She laughs again, and the sound makes up for the restless night’s sleep. I could get used to hearing it every morning, but too bad she pretends I don’t exist when we’re at the garage. She stands, taking her empty plate to the sink. “Thanks for last night. I feel so much better this morning.”
“No need to thank me. It was fun even though I’ll miss your commentary about it later.” I grin, and it takes her a minute to catch on to what I’m referring to.
“I was obsessed with movies in high school and recapped them for you, didn’t I?”
I stand as well, setting my dish on the counter. “If I remember correctly, twenty-six. Some multiple times, though.”
“What can I say? I’m a hopeless romantic.”
“I didn’t mind. Though some things you suggested I see were questionable.”
“That’s early 2000s rom-coms for ya.” She spins around, and we’re face-to-face. Her chest rises and falls at the realization of how close we are.
“I will say, though, that I got a lot of heat for watching Bring It On.”
“Another classic.” Gemma snickers. “Two decades later and I can still recite every line.”
“It’s a shame I was never able to get you to try a Jack Nicholson movie. Now, he’s a badass actor.”
“Most of the stuff he’s in is ancient,” she counters. “And I’m ninety-nine percent positive they don’t involve romance of any kind.” She folds her arms over her chest and blinks at me.
“No, but you need to expand your portfolio. Perhaps we should plan a movie marathon with all my favorites.” I place a hand to my chest and lock eyes with her. “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest and The Shining. Those two definitely need to happen. Then we’ll make our way up to his more recent films.”
“How many has he been in?”
“Like fifty or sixty. So a lot.”
“Damn. It could take months to get through everything.”
“Well, good thing I’m not going anywhere this time.”
“Really? You’re staying in town?” she asks as if she hadn’t expected me to, but I don’t blame her.
“Yep. Ready to put down roots and eventually get my own place. Starting over from almost nothing will take me a while, though. A large portion of the money I had saved before prison went to my lawyer, Serena, and paying off my lease.”
“I’m sorry to hear that, Tyler.” She reaches out and touches my arm. The simple act sends heat throughout my entire body. “But if anyone can do this and be successful, it’s you. I have no doubt about it.”
“Just another bump in the road. Nothing I can’t handle…hopefully.” I flash her a wink and pat her hand that’s still pressed to my skin.
She blinks hard as if just realizing she was touching me and quickly removes it. I step back to place space between us and watch as her eyes lower as if she’s stopping herself from speaking.
“Gemma…” I whisper, and she finally raises her head until our gazes lock. Thick air flows between us, and I want to say so much but can’t.
Before I can get another word out, her phone rings, and the connection between us is lost. She rushes toward the kitchen table and grabs it.
“It’s Robert,” she says.
I clear my throat and walk toward the hallway. “I’ll give you some privacy.” I gotta get ready for work anyway, though I’d be content staying here with her all day.
She gives me a little smile before answering.
“Hi,” she says without emotion.
I stand in the hallway where she can’t see me, and even though I shouldn’t eavesdrop, I do.
“That’s because I’m at Everleigh’s,” she says. “No, he’s not here.”
My brows shoot up. He asked her if I was here, and I can’t figure out why he feels so damn threatened by me. Perhaps this is a sign that rushing to get married is the wrong answer. Though I’m not a relationship expert so it’s not like anyone would listen anyway.
“I have to go home and get ready for work so I’m not late. Can we talk tonight instead?” She pauses briefly, then tells him goodbye.
I shuffle down the hallway and notice the bathroom door is still closed. The water isn’t running so hopefully that means Everleigh’s almost done. I wait in my room, and when a knock echoes, I open the door and see Gemma.
“Just wanted to let you know I was heading out and will see you at work. Unless you want a ride?”
I brush a hand through my hair, trying to read her, but it feels impossible right now. “No, you don’t have to make a special trip for me. I’ll be fine. I walk every day.” I shrug. “But thanks.”
