Needing You Close (Ex-Con Duet 2)

Gemma: I’d like that. Maybe this weekend when I’m not so exhausted.

Tyler: Sounds like a plan.

Gemma: How was your night?

Tyler: It was good. Nothing special since I didn’t get to hang out with you.

Gemma: Smooth. Haha.

Tyler: Just telling the truth ;)

Gemma: I’m gonna make some dinner, then take a hot bath so I can hopefully fall back asleep.

Tyler: Okay, if you need someone to talk to later, I’ll leave my phone on. Otherwise, sweet dreams.

Gemma: Thank you. See you tomorrow.

Gemma’s going through an emotional time right now, and I wish I could hold her. But I’m giving her the space she needs to process the breakup with Robert in her own way. But if there’s one thing I can do, it’s letting her know I’m here if she needs me.

This time, I’m not going anywhere and will wait as long as it takes for Gemma to be ready.

Chapter Six

GEMMA

I’m glad it’s finally Friday. This week has been a roller coaster of emotions, and I’m ready to have a relaxing weekend. I want to open the windows, enjoy the cold front that’s moving through, and clean my house. Adulting at its finest.

I’m extra excited this morning since Mrs. Wright delivered maple bacon donuts. She only makes them a few months out of the year, and I nearly die when the aroma fills the room.

“I know you love them, so I threw in a few extra.” She winks.

“Dad’s gonna be really happy,” I tell her. “Thank you so much.”

“Welcome, hon. Have a good day.” Mrs. Wright leaves with a smile and a bounce to her step.

When I take one out of the box, I’m surprised it’s still warm. I pour a cup of coffee, then enter the garage.

“Daddy!” I shout.

“Yeah?” he answers, standing by his toolbox. As I walk over to him, his eyes widen in excitement.

“It’s already that season again?” He grins and takes them from my hands. “Thanks, sweetie. You deserve a raise.”

“You should tell that to my boss,” I tease just as Tyler comes through the door with wet hair.

“Good morning,” he says, then quickly gets to work.

“Mornin’,” Dad says around a mouthful.

“Morning,” I mumble softly, studying him. He must’ve worked out this morning because he’s freshly showered. Our eyes meet, and I smile before heading back to the lobby.

It’s insane how much he affects me with just one look.

I try to push the thoughts away and concentrate on my to-do list. The schedule is jam-packed today as usual on Fridays.

The morning passes so fast that I’m shocked when lunchtime rolls around. Tyler comes in and hands me a set of keys for a customer’s vehicle. His fingers brush against mine, and I try to hold back a smile.

“I parked it on the side,” he tells me, lingering for just a moment. He glances down at my hand and lifts an eyebrow when he notices I’m still wearing my engagement ring. While he doesn’t say anything, he also doesn’t have to. The expression on his face and the way he tilts his head show me exactly what he’s thinking.

“I’m telling my dad this weekend. Tomorrow, actually. That way he can have some space to process the news. It’s not something you drop during a workweek,” I explain.

Tyler shrugs. “It’s not my business, Gemma. You have to do what’s best for you when the time is right.”

“Any plans for lunch?” I ask.

“Who’s asking?” Tyler leans against the counter, throwing me a smirk.

Damn. Has he always been this sexy?

“I’m thinking about going to the pub for a burger. If you wanna join…”

“Let me text Ruby and ask.” He barely gets the words out before chuckling.

I’m tempted to reach over and smack him. “You’re never gonna let me live that down, are you?”

“Nope. It’s filed away next to you stripping down naked in your cottage after the bar that night.”

I tuck my bottom lip into my mouth and blush. “You suck.”

He leans in a little farther. “I lick too.”

My breasts rapidly rise and fall, and the only thing that pulls me away is my father coming inside. He looks over at us, and Tyler immediately straightens his position.

“Daddy, I’m running down to the pub for lunch. Want anything?”

He shakes his head. “Nah, thought I’d go down to the deli and get a turkey sandwich. Thanks, though.”

“Alright, sounds good,” I say as Tyler goes back into the garage.

My dad stares at me as he pours a cup of coffee. “Gemma,” he says, and I can hear the warning tone in his voice.

“Don’t.” I stop him before he can continue. “It’s not what you think.”

He studies me, but I stand my ground, not wanting to have this conversation right now. Thankfully, an older gentleman walks in and steals my attention away. I’m happy for the interruption as Dad leaves the lobby.

I don’t like him thinking poorly of Tyler, who should be the least of our worries in my current situation. Robert has been too quiet, which is more frightening than his vicious threats.