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“Did you sleep okay last night?” I ask, breaking the silence.
“As good as expected, I guess. You?”
“I took some meds so I could, then got up early this morning to hit the gym.”
“You like working out there?”
I smile. “I do. My offer still stands to teach you some self-defense moves if you wanna learn a few techniques.”
Gemma raises her brows. “You think I should?”
Shrugging, I grin. “Wouldn’t hurt.” It’d also mean I’d get to spend more time with her.
“Maybe. I’ll think about it.”
I nod, then pour a cup of coffee and nod. “Alright. Well, if you decide you wanna, come in around seven.”
Once I enter the garage, I glance over my shoulder and catch Gemma watching me. I flash her a smirk, and I swear she blushes before turning away. Something between us is happening, but I’m not complaining. Even though her life is a little messy right now, I want to be there for her. After our conversation last night, I won’t be letting her go ever again.
* * *
Dear Tyler,
The seniors are putting together a Pumpkin Ball to raise money for our class trip in the spring. It’s Friday, and as much as I wanna go and be with my friends, I’m the only one without a date. Well, technically I have one, Ben Bernard, whose boyfriend lives in Texas. Since we can’t take the people we want, we’re going together.
He’s a great dancer, so it’ll be fun at least, but I still wish you were here. I feel like it’s taking forever for June to get here. The countdown on my phone isn’t moving fast enough. It’s labeled ‘graduation,’ but really, it’s for the day you’ll be home. Everyone always says not to rush growing up, but this is the worst kind of torture. We’ve been writing letters for almost four years, and at this point, it’s like the day will never come.
To keep my mind busy, I’ve started cleaning out my mom’s cottage behind my house to make it a space of my own. It’s filled with her paintings. I love them all, but my favorite is the morning glories watercolor. The pinks and purples are super vibrant, and it has so much detail that it almost seems real. When I’m able to move in, I’m gonna frame a few and hang them on the walls. I can’t wait to show you when you’re here.
Everleigh told me you called her the other day and that you sounded really good. Though I wish I could’ve heard your voice, I imagine it every time I read one of your letters. I hope you’re safe and staying healthy wherever you are right now. Watching the news makes me so damn worried about you, but I don’t mention it to Everleigh because she’s concerned enough. I’ll just be so relieved when you’re back in the States.
Oh, I’ve included a picture of me in my dress too. It’s orange, my favorite color, but I think it makes me look like a pumpkin. I was surprised my dad approved because it’s strapless, and I can’t wear a bra with the low back. Hopefully, I can wear it for you in person.
Until next time,
Gemma
PS: 226 days!
* * *
A few weeks into our relationship, Gemma modeled that dress for me. I also tore it off her and kissed every inch of her body afterward. I’ve thought about that orange gown for years and wonder if she still has it hanging in the back of her closet. The way it hugged her breasts and showed off her smooth skin had me hard as fuck.
We chat between customers and tasks, then eat lunch together. Once I’m done for the day, I head to the gym and train Luke. I shower in the locker room and change into shorts and a T-shirt to get ready for my session.
“Hey,” I greet as soon as I see him standing by Ruby.
“You ready?” I ask, tossing him some gloves. “I’m about to whip your ass into shape.”
“Uh-oh. Blackwood’s in a mood.” Ruby cackles.
“Aw, shit.” Luke’s eyes widen, and I laugh.
“Nah, don’t worry. I’ll go easy on you, kid.” I pat his shoulder, then continue, “At first, anyway.”
Luke and I practice for an hour straight, and by the time we’re done, he nearly collapses on the floor.
“What’d you do to him?” Ruby stands over him, offering some water.
Sweat drips down my chest, and I wipe it away with a towel. “Made him into a man.”
Ruby snorts and offers Luke her hand. She pulls him up, and he chugs the entire bottle before coming up for air.
“You gonna make it?” I shoot him a grin.
He nods, his face red and splotchy. “I need a shower. Same time next week?”
“You got it. Stay hydrated.”
I grab our gloves, then stuff them into my bag so I can wash and sanitize them at home. Checking my phone, I notice it’s almost seven, but there are no missed calls or messages.
