We’ve only been at work for a couple of hours, but I already miss her. I tell Jerry I need a coffee refill so I can sneak a quick moment with her. Luckily, the lobby’s empty so I’ll get her to myself for a few minutes.
Gemma smiles, and I swoop her into my arms, pulling her close to my chest as I press a soft kiss to her lips.
“What’re you doing?” she whispers, glancing around to see if her dad’s near.
Grabbing her hand, I lead her into the break room and move forward until her back pushes against the wall. “Trying to get to second base.”
She giggles, and I steal a kiss. “Okay, make it quick. A customer could come in at any minute.”
Smirking, I dip my head and suck her neck, tasting her soft skin. I slide my hand up her body, then cup her breast and squeeze.
Pulling back, I meet her eyes. “Thanks, that should hopefully last me through lunch.”
Gemma’s jaw drops with a gasp, then she smacks me playfully on the chest. “You’re bad. Get back to work, Mr. Blackwood.” Her voice lowers in a commanding tone, which makes me hard as hell.
“Fuck. It’s hot when you call me that.”
Gemma lowers her gaze and gives me a cheeky grin. “Good luck with that. Just remember, you’re working with my father.”
I adjust my dick and grunt. “Thanks, that killed it.”
The door chimes ring, and she quickly paints her lips across mine. “Now go! Before you get us both in trouble.”
As I nonchalantly make my way to the shop, I think about Maddie and how she’d be losing her shit right now if she knew that Gemma and I were…something. I should probably give her an update so she’ll stop sending me links to dating apps.
“Tyler, why don’t you start your lunch break? I’ll finish up here, then take mine.”
“Alright.” I wash my hands and scrub as much of the grease off as I can. Today, I plan to get Gemma one of her froufrou lattes she loves so much. Gemma watches me as I make my way to the door, and I turn and give her a wink before leaving.
The moment I walk into the Coffee Palace, I’m greeted by the smell of roasted beans and the sound of espresso machines. Marjorie lights up when she sees me. I tell her to pick something for Gemma and a black coffee for me.
“Are you absolutely sure I can’t talk you into trying our new harvest caramel latte? It’s very sweetandsalty. Best of both worlds.”
“No, no. But thanks. Just a dark roast.”
After I pay, she hands me my cup with a flirty wink and gives me Gemma’s pumpkin cream.
Lord, the people in this town are a little too friendly sometimes.
Just as I’m about to leave, my phone rings, and when I see it’s Serena, I set the drinks down.
“Hey,” I answer, surprised to hear from her. We typically text unless it’s something important.
“Tyler, hi. Sorry to bother you during work, but I just got some news and wanted to pass along the details.”
Her words and tone have my heart racing. “Involving what?”
Serena hesitates and inhales a deep breath, which means it’s not good. “The case against Victoria was dismissed. Her attorneys got it thrown out on a technicality.”
“What?” I roar. “You’re fucking joking.”
“I wish, Tyler.” She sighs, and it’s obvious she’s just as upset about this as I am. “I’m sorry.”
“It’s not your fault, but man, I feel awful for Eric. Does he know yet?”
“Yes, the prosecutor called me right after the announcement was made. I don’t think he’s gonna take it lying down, though, and honestly, I’m a little worried about him.”
Considering Victoria is already scheming her revenge, I’m worried for him too.