Needing You Close (Ex-Con Duet 2)

“Hey,” I answer, surprised to hear from her. We typically text unless it’s something important.

“Tyler, hi. Sorry to bother you during work, but I just got some news and wanted to pass along the details.”

Her words and tone have my heart racing. “Involving what?”

Serena hesitates and inhales a deep breath, which means it’s not good. “The case against Victoria was dismissed. Her attorneys got it thrown out on a technicality.”

“What?” I roar. “You’re fucking joking.”

“I wish, Tyler.” She sighs, and it’s obvious she’s just as upset about this as I am. “I’m sorry.”

“It’s not your fault, but man, I feel awful for Eric. Does he know yet?”

“Yes, the prosecutor called me right after the announcement was made. I don’t think he’s gonna take it lying down, though, and honestly, I’m a little worried about him.”

Considering Victoria is already scheming her revenge, I’m worried for him too.

“Thanks for letting me know. I’ll speak to him.”

“Stay safe, Tyler.”

We hang up, and I blow out a frustrated breath. I can’t believe this.

Then again, I definitely can.

Victoria has more money than God, and she’ll use it to her advantage to get out of every-damn-thing she can.

I quickly text Eric since I wanna get back to the shop before Gemma’s latte gets cold.

Tyler: Hey, man. I just heard the news. I’m so sorry.

Eric: Don’t worry, I’ll get my justice for Amara another way.

I cringe when I read his message because he’s not going to let this go. Though I don’t blame him for wanting to fight, we both know Victoria’s dangerous.

Tyler: What do you mean? Don’t do anything that’ll get you killed or locked up. It’s not a life you want, trust me.

By the time I walk into the lobby, I’m tense as hell, but I try to shake it off so I can enjoy the rest of my break with the woman who drives me wild.

“Hey, beautiful. I got you something.” I hand her the cup, and when she smells it, she smiles wide.

“You’re so sweet,” she hums before taking a sip. “Oh God, it’s so delicious.”

“Save those moans for later, please. I can’t keep trying to hide my chubby around your dad.”

Gemma nearly spews out her drink but quickly covers her mouth and swallows it down. “Tyler!” she laugh-hisses.

We go to the break room and talk while we eat. I check my phone for Eric’s response, but one never comes.

The rest of the afternoon goes smoothly, and by five, I’m on my way out to do my training session with Luke.

“I’ll be over at seven thirty,” I remind her. “That okay?” Gives me time to shower and hopefully grab something to eat beforehand.

“Sounds good. I’ll be waiting…” She bites her lower lip, and I groan.

“Stop that.”

I give her a quick kiss before Jerry can catch us. Though I’d be okay with him knowing we’re casually dating and hope he’d approve, I’m letting Gemma decide when she wants to share the news. After her breakup with Robert, I think she’s waiting to tell him.

Luke and I train hard for an hour straight. He’s getting pretty good, and I’m proud of how far he’s come in such a short amount of time. Afterward, I chat with Ruby for a few minutes, then head home.

“Who’s there?” Everleigh dramatically shouts when I walk in. “It can’t be my brother! He doesn’t live here anymore.”

“What’s up your ass?” I tease. “Missing me?”

She rolls her eyes before moving to the kitchen and grabbing a corkscrew. “Your cooking? Yes. Your bad jokes? Not so much.”

“Oh, come on. You’re the one who was all Team Tyler and Gemma get married and have babies. How’s that gonna happen if we never spend any time together?” I set my bag down and flash her a mischievous smirk.

Everleigh groans as she grabs a bottle of wine. “I didn’t think it all the way through. Now that you two are…” She waves her hand around. “Whatever you two are, I don’t get to see either of you. Can’t you squeeze me in and still fall in love?”

“You need a boyfriend,” I mock. “Then you wouldn’t be in my business.”

She pours herself a glass and makes a face. “Not true. Unlike the both of you, I can balance working and making time for my friends and family.”

“Alright, fair enough. We’ll hang out tomorrow, okay? I’ll even make Cajun chicken pasta.”

“Ooh, carbs. Now you’re talkin’.”

I chuckle as I wrap an arm around her shoulders and give her a hug. “I’ll tell Gemma to make some brownies too.”

She glares. “So by ‘we’ll hang out,’ you meant all of us.”

“Well, yeah.” I shrug. “Why not?”

“So I’ll be the awkward third wheel.”

“Invite Ruby or Katie. Or I dunno, a date.”

“You’ve been out of the game for several years and don’t understand how unpredictable and flaky people are in today’s climate. Every guy on every dating app, ‘Hey, beautiful. Wanna see a dick pic?’ Then proceeds to send it before I respond. After that happens a good thirty to forty times, you kinda just give up hope and realize there aren’t any decent single men left.”