Needing You Close (Ex-Con Duet 2)

“I’m happy to tag along anytime you want,” he reassures me. Tyler looks down and notices his bulge that’s impossible to miss. He lowers his arm and crosses his hands over it. “I better get inside before I embarrass myself out here.”

Arching a brow, I smile. “Alright. See you tomorrow morning.”

“I’ll text you later, okay? I’m gonna work off some…” He clears his throat. “Frustrations.” Then he lowers his eyes, and I hold back my laughter.

He walks me to the other side of the car, opens my door, then gives me a sweet kiss before I get in and buckle. As I back out, Tyler waves. My heart pounds hard as I drive home. I can’t wipe the stupid grin off my face.

I’ve been dying for his kiss since the last time our lips touched, and I already want to drive back to his place and do it again.

Chapter Eleven

TYLER

If I could bottle up my time with Gemma this week and relive those moments a million times over, I would. As crazy as it sounds, it feels like the last twelve years apart never happened, and we picked up right where we left off. Talking to her is as easy as it was when I wrote her letters and we spilled all our secrets. She’s the last person I think of before bed and the first when I wake up.

I want to give Gemma my heart and let her keep it forever. Hell, she’s had it for over a decade.

Ever since she kissed me on Sunday, we’ve been inseparable. Seeing her at work is equal parts amazing and torturous because all I want to do is pull her into my arms and never let go. Though it’s mid-week, we’re meeting up tonight after my training session. The plan is wine, pizza, and One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest. I chuckle to myself knowing she’ll groan the whole time, or we’ll be too busy exploring each other’s mouths to pay attention to the screen. I’m hoping for the latter.

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. Customers 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 sweet and salty. 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.