Needing You Close (Ex-Con Duet 2)
When my phone vibrates in my pocket, I tell Jerry I’m taking a quick coffee and donut break because cell phones are his pet peeve. Once I’m in the lobby, I pull out my cell and see a text from Gemma.
Gemma: It’s signed and notarized. Just filed it at the courthouse. It’s a done deal, baby. We’ll be together soon.
I quickly text her back with a shit-eating grin on my face.
Tyler: Fuck yeah, sweetheart. I’m counting down the days.
I’m so damn happy I can barely contain myself as I walk into the garage. When she finally arrives at work, we keep up our avoidance act, but I can’t help but notice how beautiful my wife is. Jerry and I both go into the lobby for refills, and he reminds her about dinner on Thursday night. I just want to kiss her luscious lips and make love to her all night long. The urge to be with the woman I’m crazy about nearly takes over.
I grow tense and anxious knowing our big reveal is right around the corner. Wanting to give Jerry and Gemma some privacy, I walk back to the garage, giddy as a fool. I can’t fucking wait to see the look on his face when he realizes what we’ve done. And better yet, how he’s lost.
* * *
TWO DAYS EARLIER
By the weekend, I’ll be holding Gemma in my arms where she belongs. At lunch, I decide to walk down to the cafe and have some chicken and dumplings. While I’m there, I get a text from Gemma.
Gemma: All of my stuff is back at the cottage! OMG, I can’t tell you how happy I am right now.
Tyler: Good, baby! I told you it would all work out.
Gemma: This will be over so soon!
Tyler: 2 days!
When Belinda walks up, I set my phone down, not wanting to be rude. I compliment her dumplings, and she gives me a cheesy grin. After I’m done eating and pay, I walk down to the Coffee Palace and grab a black coffee and a Candy Cane Mocha for Gemma since the temperature has dropped. Before I leave, I get a text from Eric.
Eric: About to meet this stupid fuck for lunch. Pray I don’t punch him in the face before this is all done.
I smile, wishing I could give him the green light to do just that.
Tyler: Good luck with that.
Eric: I’m looking forward to making this asshole pay for what he tried to pull. I’m gonna make you proud.
Tyler: I appreciate you, man. Thank you again.
I tuck my phone back in my pocket, then head to the garage. When I walk in, Gemma isn’t around, but I set her coffee by her keyboard. It’s a small gesture, but one I know she’ll love.
* * *
ONE DAY EARLIER
While I’m busying myself with an oil change, I get a text. Quickly, I pull my phone from my pocket and look at it, hoping Jerry doesn’t catch me.
Gemma: Security system is installed! Yay!
Tyler: Awesome! So close now, baby!
Our conversation is short because we’re still at work. Afterward, I leave and go to the gym so I can train Luke and one of his friends for a few hours. As they’re grabbing some water, Eric calls me. I tell them to give me ten minutes, then step out.
When I answer, he’s laughing his ass off.
“Do I even wanna know?” I ask.
“He’s such a fucking tool bag and fell for a twenty-million-dollar deal. Hook, line, and sinker, sucka!” He’s full of so much energy, it has me laughing right along with him.
“Damn, twenty million? I’m impressed, man.”
“That’s because I’m impressive!” he gloats. “I’ll keep you updated if anything changes. We’re meeting for drinks and dinner tonight. I plan to make him spend a few thousand.” He barks out a loud chuckle.
“Good! He deserves it. Keep me posted,” I say.
“Will do. Talk soon.”
We end the call, and I immediately text Gemma.
Tyler: Eric just set up an eight-figure deal with Robert.
Gemma: I TOLD HIM SEVEN! Robert fell for that?
Tyler: Totally. Tomorrow night, I’m devouring you from head to toe.
I adjust myself just thinking about it.
Gemma: Gah! Tease.
Tyler: Not a tease, sweetheart. That’s a promise.
Luke and Samuel are finished with their break, so I tuck my phone in my pocket. Tomorrow can’t come soon enough.
* * *
PRESENT DAY
It’s the day I’ve been waiting for. It’s been nineteen days since Gemma and I made our plan, and tonight, it’ll all finally be over. Over the past few weeks at work, there were many stolen glances. The underlying current that streamed between us nearly had me taking her into the break room and kissing the hell out of her. Somehow, I refrained, though.
After work, I go home and take a shower, then get dressed. I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t nervous—not because of Robert but because of Gemma’s dad. I don’t want him to be disappointed in me, and I just hope he’s supportive of what we’ve done. There’s no going back on it now.