Keeping You Away (Ex-Con Duet 1)

One side of Tyler’s mouth tilts up as he grabs his phone from his back pocket. He hands it over to me, and I program my name before giving it back.

“I’ll text you when I’m safe and sound.” He flashes me a wink, and those stupid butterflies reappear. “Good night, Gemma.” The hoarse way he says my name nearly makes my panties combust. Though he looks like there’s something more he wants to say, and he lingers for a second, he stays silent before moving toward the door.

I follow him outside, and the glow of the porch light illuminates his face as he lifts his hand and waves.

“Be careful,” I say one last time before he’s out of sight.

I’m embarrassed for even asking him to stay the night. Instead of inviting him in, I should’ve just thanked him at the door and went to bed with my dignity intact.

Once back inside the cottage, I go into the bathroom and wash the makeup off my face. I lie in bed and replay every look we exchanged with guilt streaming through me as I think about how unfair that was to Robert. Though it was harmless, and I had real concern for him walking this late, I know everything about it was inappropriate. I don’t know why him being back is affecting me so much after all this time, but I can’t stop wondering where we’d be if he had stayed. Probably married with a few kids and that what-ifs are what caused so many of my sleepless nights. Finally, my phone dings with a text from Tyler.

Tyler: Made it in one piece :)

Then he attached a selfie of him and Sassy looking straight up adorable, and my mind spins out of control all over again. But knowing he made it safely allows me to drift off without worry.

Chapter Seven

TYLER

The sun hasn’t risen yet, but I wake up anyway and make coffee. Thankfully, Sassy is sleeping in Everleigh’s room, or she’d be begging to go out or barking for attention, and it’s too early for either.

As I’m waiting for the drip to stop, I think back to Friday night at the pub and taking Gemma home afterward.

One thing’s for certain, it was awkward as hell between us. I’m constantly stuck wondering what I should say and how much I should share. We’re not friends and haven’t been for a long time. I’m sure she hasn’t forgiven me, either, but I can’t deny the way she still affects me.

As we sat on the couch, I could smell her fruity shampoo. It’s so familiar and brought me back to a time when I was allowed to touch and kiss her. However, her engagement ring—or rather, rock—was the reminder I needed that things can never go back to how they were.

She’ll be married soon and one hundred percent off-limits. My heart pounded in my chest as too many unspoken words and stolen glances lingered between us. It was better that I left before either of us acted on whatever the fuck was bubbling under the surface. I’m sure her fiancé wouldn’t appreciate a convict being in his woman’s house at nearly two in the morning. I’d almost bet money he wouldn’t like me sleeping on her couch, either. So, to avoid any trouble, I got the hell out. I needed some fresh air to clear my head anyway, and she needed to sober up.

The following day, I finally joined the gym and am happy I have a place to go blow off some steam. I hope to make a friend or two outside my sister’s circle and work.

When I was in prison, I worked out as much as I could, but I missed putting on gloves and training people how to box like I did before shit hit the fan. The ring always felt like home. Though this gym doesn’t have one, it has a small area with punching bags that’ll work for now. Those thoughts have me reminiscing about how boxing helped Mason and Liam work through their issues. If it can help them, then it can undoubtedly help me. I want to get back to the life I had before the O’Learys entered it.

It’s Monday morning, and I’ve been on edge all weekend about seeing Gemma today. Instead of dwelling on it, I pour some coffee into a travel mug and change into my workout clothes. I’ll drink it on the way to the gym. When I step outside, I’m surprised it’s not blazing hot yet. I spend an hour working out, then go home, shower, and get ready for work.

Now that my mind is clear, I’m hoping I’ll be able to focus, but it’ll be hard, considering I’ll be around Gemma. She throws me off more than I realized she would.

Just as I’m leaving, Everleigh wakes up and wishes me good luck on my first day. I keep replaying how Gemma begged me to stay over and how she admitted she still worries about me. I think about it while I walk the few blocks to work. I check the time and know Jerry will be happy how punctual I am.