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A few minutes later, we’re parking on the street in town. Belinda greets us with a big laugh when we enter. “Come in, sit, sit,” she says, then she looks at me. “The usual?”
“Yes ma’am.” I nod.
“And I’ll have what she’s having,” Katie adds.
Moments later, Belinda returns with two sweet teas.
Katie’s giddy about the last house. It’s going to be a lot of work, but if anyone can handle it, she can.
It takes less than five minutes before our wraps are delivered, which is good because I’m starving.
“Did any of the other places really speak to you?” I ask, taking a bite.
“Not really. I need to keep my eyes open for more in the area, just to make sure.”
“Absolutely, there’s no need to rush. And honestly, that house has been there for a while, so I don’t think it’s going anywhere fast. You’ve got time.”
This seems to please her. “Gotta lot of thinking to do.”
“That’s for sure. But you’ll make the right decision for you and Noah. Though I selfishly want you close, I know something better might pop up.”
“Thanks, Gemma. I appreciate you joining me today,” she says as we finish eating. “I would’ve been a nervous wreck going alone.”
“If you would’ve invited anyone else, I’d have been mad at you. I love this kind of stuff,” I admit. We pay, leaving Belinda a fat tip, then head back to Katie’s house. We exchange hugs and say our goodbyes.
On the way to the cottage, I can’t help but think of how much of an asshole Robert is. He’s known Katie was searching for a while and refused to help because he was too busy. Though I know Katie’s extremely independent and would probably rather handle this herself without the help of a man. That’s just how she is or rather, how she’s learned to be over the years.
I can’t believe it’s already the middle of the week. It seems like I blink and the time just passes me by. Though I can’t complain because the view of Tyler is a nice one to have. All it takes is a single glance and a smirk and I’m putty in his hands. It’s more than infatuation and never in my life did I think this is where we’d be. I honestly thought it was over between us.
Sometimes, it takes the long road for people to get together, and destiny doesn’t allow love like we have to be wasted. Even though it was a beautiful mess to get here, it’s a journey I don’t regret.
After lunch, the florist delivers a pot mixed with purple and pink morning glories. My eyes go wide and my hand shakes when I open the note attached.
Because they’re your favorite and you’re my favorite.
-Tyler
My heart melts as I read the letter, and I want to burst through the garage doors and wrap my arms around his neck and kiss the hell out of him, but I refrain. I’m sure my dad doesn’t want a show. My emotions tend to get the best of me, though, and I push it to the side.
An hour passes and Tyler comes in and hands me a pair of keys. His fingers brush against mine, and butterflies flutter in my stomach. As he leans against the counter, he smirks.
“Flowers?” He laughs, pretending like they’re not from him.
“Thank you,” I whisper. “I love them so much. And I love how thoughtful you were to get me my favorite. Plus, they won’t die. I’ll plant them in my mother’s flower garden.” I recall the moment Tyler walked into my bedroom to see the painting he remembered from my letters. These look identical to the art my mother created.
He swallows hard when tears brim on the edge of my eyes. Tyler reaches out and grabs my hand and squeezes it, being so damn gentle with me. Something I’m not used to after being with Robert. Instead of being pushed to the side, Tyler puts me first, which is a huge change that I’m adjusting to.
“What are your plans tonight?” Tyler asks.
“Spending time with you,” I whisper.
“That’s the correct answer,” he quips with a wink, then goes outside. He’s trying not to spend too much time with me during our shifts so my dad doesn’t get suspicious. I haven’t told him about me and Tyler yet, and I’d like to keep it to myself for a little while longer.
After my day is over and Dad tells me goodbye, Tyler comes to me, pressing his body and lips against mine. I’m desperate and needy for him, though we still haven’t crossed that line yet. When we finally break apart, I’m breathless, and my head is swimming, drunk from him. I’m convinced Tyler feels it too.
“I need to go home and take a shower first,” he mumbles.
I tuck my bottom lip into my mouth. “You can shower at my house,” I suggest.
