Fidgeting with my fingers, I tilt my head as I study him. I shouldn’t, but I can’t help it. He’s really here. When our eyes meet again, there’s a sliver of the old him there, but it’s gone in a flash when he straightens his stance, and replies, “Because he’s going to be my new boss.”
Chapter Three
TYLER
By her reaction, it’s obvious Gemma had no idea her dad and I had an arrangement. I thought Everleigh would’ve at least told her, but instead, Gemma’s completely blindsided by my arrival.
When I look into her eyes, they still sparkle as bright as they used to. Guilt floods in, but I push it away. I know she’s engaged, but it doesn’t stop the unfiltered thoughts that flood my mind as I study her. Flashes of our past come in waves. The last time I saw Gemma Reid, her hair was longer, darker, and she rarely wore makeup. Now, her hair is cut and curled to her shoulders, her lips are ruby red, and she barely looks over twenty-five. She’s aged well—not that thirty is old—but compared to how she looked at eighteen, she’s a grown woman.
“He didn’t tell you?” I ask when she doesn’t speak.
“Uh, no. He did not, but it’s no big deal.” She waves a hand in the air with a light chuckle. “Probably slipped his mind. He’s constantly on the go these days. Always worrying about his customers.”
Her rambling has me holding back a smile. Gemma was a shy teenager. Even when I spent that summer with her, she was on the quiet side. Now, she seems more confident than before.
“Well, sorry. I won’t take too much of his time.”
“No worries. Just let me grab him.” She walks to the door, and I shamelessly check out her ass. It’s strange to see her in a tight pencil skirt and blouse. She loved wearing sundresses and running barefoot when we were together. Now she’s all business and looks more tempting than ever.
“Tyler!” Jerry booms the minute he walks into the lobby. He reaches for my hand and shakes it.
“Mr. Reid. Good to see you, sir.”
“You too, son.” He pats me on the back. “Come into my office so we can chat.”
Jerry looks over at Gemma. “Did you offer Tyler a drink?” He glances at me. “Coffee? Water? Coke?”
Before Gemma can respond, I hold up a hand. “No, I’m fine, but thank you.”
Gemma flashes me a smile, but it doesn’t reach her eyes, and by how she fidgets, I know she’s uncomfortable as hell. I almost feel bad, considering our history, but I need this job and a fresh start. I’ll stay out of her way if that’s what she wants. However, if we’re working together every day, it won’t be easy.
Jerry brings me into the office and shuts the door. “Sit, sit…”
“I really appreciate you giving me this opportunity, Mr. Reid. My past isn’t the best, but I’m a hard worker.” I could elaborate on the bullshit that got me locked up, but he doesn’t seem like the type of guy who cares to hear the whole story.
“Please, call me Jerry. Mr. Reid makes me sound old.”
Leaning back in the chair, I chuckle and nod. “Will do.”
“I have no doubt you’d be a good fit, Tyler. I’ve heard some of the stories and whether they’re true isn’t for me to judge. I just need you to show up on time and not be distracted by your phone all day.”
“That I can definitely do.” I sit up straight. “I’m very disciplined.”
“I know you spent four years in the military, and that’s no easy task. So, I’ll tell ya what, we’ll do a trial run. If you start slacking off or get into trouble, you’re fired. If you come to work with a good attitude and get shit done, you can stay. Fair?”
“Absolutely. I won’t let you down, Jerry.”
“You can start Monday. Gemma will give you a tour, and then I’ll put you to work. That okay?”
“Fine with me.” That gives me five days to get what I need and settle in.
He stands, and we shake hands again. “Thank you again. I can let myself out,” I say so I can have a minute with Gemma before leaving.
“Alright, see you next week.”
We say goodbye, and I make my way to the lobby. The door slams behind me, and Gemma jumps.
“Jesus!” She drops her cell on the desk and holds a hand to her chest.
“Sorry. Didn’t realize it would be so loud.” I tap my knuckles on the counter and lean over, glancing at her phone screen. “Who’re you texting?”
She quickly flips it over. “None of your business.”
Chuckling, I shrug. “Hope it’s not that Derrick guy you were obsessed with or I’ll really have to kick his ass into the next county.”
Her eyes widen, and for a long beat, I don’t think she’s going to speak, but then she clears her throat and the corner of her lips tilts up. “That was my sophomore year. How do you even remember his name?”