Only Him (Only One 1)

Liam: Maddie’s water broke early this morning! Baby should be here today!

Tyler: Awesome, man! Keep me updated!

I finish eating, then go back to the garage and immediately busy myself. I try to keep my mind focused on the tasks at hand, only taking breaks for water. It’s miserably hot, and I’m sweating nonstop. When I walk into the lobby, I hear Gemma humming and wonder how I’ll be able to move on.

When five o’clock finally hits, Jerry cleans up and thanks me again for staying late. I put all my tools up because he hates a messy shop. After I’m done, I walk inside and go into the break room where Gemma is sitting at the small table texting. Once she realizes I’m in there, she locks her phone, then gets up and walks away. I grab a bottle of water and nearly finish it in one gulp as I follow her to the lobby.

“Do you want me to lock up?” I ask since I’m staying late. I’m sure she has a hot date to get ready for, considering she stays at Robert’s house every weekend—well, when it’s convenient for him—plus, he sent more roses today.

“I’m more than capable,” she snaps.

“Okay, well your dad asked me to wait for some parts for the Chevy he’s rebuilding. Supposed to be here around seven,” I explain.

She narrows her eyes at me, and her annoyance is obvious. “Seriously? He asked me to stay so I could pay the guy.” She lets out a sigh. “Great.”

A smirk hits my lips, and I almost wonder if Jerry planned this. He’s asked Gemma what was going on between us, and he’s not stupid. The thought makes me laugh as I sit in one of the chairs and pull out my phone and text Liam for an update on Maddie.

Tyler: Any news?

Liam: No baby yet. Doctor says it will probably be a few more hours. I’m pacing around like a crazy person, and Maddie is as calm as can be.

Tyler: It’s because she thrives under pressure. You better tell me when Tobias is finally here!

Liam: Will do!

An hour passes and neither of us have said a word to each other. The air is thick, and I can smell the stench of those flowers. Must suck to have to overcompensate so much. Right now would be a perfect time to discuss what happened, but I don’t know how to bring it up or what I’d say. She’s already said what she had to say.

I think back to when she saw Ruby at the house and realized I wasn’t alone. Gemma looked crushed as hell. Her face turned bright red, and I could see her pulse racing in her neck. That level of jealousy is dangerous, but it also sends so many damn mixed signals. It was adorable to see her get so worked up, which is why I continued the act. This way, she’ll continue with her plans, marry the douchebag, and become the woman he’s determined to mold her into—someone I won’t even recognize.

It’s nearly six when Gemma gets a call from the supplier. I try to focus on my phone but can’t when she’s so worked up and aggravated.

“Eight o’clock? Wow. Guess I don’t have any other choice. No, don’t reschedule for tomorrow. I’ll cancel my dinner plans. We needed those parts this morning,” she barks, then continues, “I’ll be here, just hurry up.”

After she hangs up, she picks up her cell and starts typing furiously. I’m sure she’s telling Robert she won’t be able to entertain his clients tonight with her phony smile and fake interest in their pathetic lives. The thought makes me snort.

“They’re running late,” she tells me, but I already gathered as much.

Minutes later, her phone rings, and she walks to the break room for some privacy, but she’s not far enough away for that.

“There’s absolutely nothing I can do, Robert. I have to wait for them to arrive. No, my dad had other obligations and asked me to stay. That is not happening, so you’re just going to have to deal with it. This is my job, and I have obligations, just as you do with yours,” she tells him firmly, and I love this stern side of her. It’s as if she’s grown a backbone finally and isn’t afraid to tell Robert no. Sounds like he’s not appreciating it as much, though. “Okay then. Bye.”

Oddly enough, there was no exchange of “I love you” at the end. Though I’m smiling at her toughness, when she enters the lobby, I wipe it off, not wanting her to realize I heard every word. I close my eyes, lean my head against the wall, and wish I could take a nap. It’s been a long ass day already.

At seven, my stomach growls, and I swear Gemma heard it because she looks up at me.

“Are you hungry?” She stands, and her soft eyes meet mine.

“Yeah, I could use a bite to eat,” I admit.

Gemma comes around the counter and hands me a paper menu from the pub. I smell the faint hint of her soap and perfume, and all I want to do is kiss and taste her sweet lips again. The skirt she’s wearing shows off the perfect amount of thigh, the same ones that were straddling me almost two weeks ago.

“I’ll order us something and go get it. My treat for agreeing to stay. I’m sure you had plans tonight.” And I swear I hear her mutter Ruby’s name under her breath as she walks back to her chair, which causes me to smirk.

I lower my voice. “Gemma.”

She swallows hard, her gaze focused on my lips. Heat streams between us, but I try to pretend it doesn’t. She said what happened was wrong, but ignoring what we have somehow seems worse.

“I insist. I’m using the company card anyway.” A nervous laugh escapes her. It’s the first time I’ve heard that sound in a while, and I wonder what’s up with the change of heart. Sometimes, it’s night and day with her. One minute, she’s cold as ice, and the next, she’s blazing hot, and it’s making my head spin.