“I’m so sorry,” I mumbled against his neck, resting my forehead on his jaw.
Tyler kissed my temple. “You didn’t do this. None of the customers even left.”
“I mean for leaving. I was scared and left New Gothenburg. What kind of man does that? A bad one.”
He gently cupped my cheeks and tilted my head up.
I’d never had anyone look at me with so much love. I hadn’t lied to Dad. I couldn’t do better. Not with a hundred years to search. “I love you.”
He smiled. “I love you, too. I don’t blame you anymore. I mean that.”
I crushed him closer, ignoring the ache in my jaw, and he chuckled.
“I’m so lucky to have you. Let’s go home.” I glanced out the front windows at the gentle snow drifting down. Night had fallen, and at some point, perhaps while we’d been fighting, the holiday lights wreathing the windows had popped on, and a happy glow burned away the darkness.
Tyler grabbed the envelope from the table, twisting in a way that warmed up my cock. He booped me on the nose. “My first check! As promised before Christmas!” He stared outside, and when I noticed what had caught his eye, my insides cramped.
Dad was out there staring at us, but he turned and stomped away.
“Let’s go home,” I murmured. “We’ll lock the door and stay inside till New Year’s Day.”
“No, I’m not letting him scare me away from my plans.” He kissed me, and I rubbed circles on his firm back. I loved how solid he’d become now that he was eating right. “I want to buy you a present with my own money. I’ll take a rideshare home.”
“I don’t like it. Are you sure?”
“Yeah. I’ve been in the same city as Chuck this whole time. But I’m done letting him control my life. I go where I want. You saw what Red did. He’s just a coward when someone hits back as hard as he does.”
“Like the sound of that.” I dragged him down and sucked on his plump lower lip.
“Okay, you two turtle doves. Out.” Red handed Tyler his coat, breaking up our love fest. “There are only a few shopping hours left before Christmas. That’s cash in there, so you don’t have to hit the bank. You have a thousand dollar signing bonus. An exclusive deal for future managers. Don’t lose that envelope.”
“Red, you shouldn’t have.” His voice trembled.
“I do what I want in my business. Didn’t you hear?” She smirked.
“Aye, aye, Captain.” Tyler saluted.
She rolled her eyes, but she was grinning as she walked away from us.
He hopped up. “I’m going to have fun shopping. Go home and get out the wrapping paper. And bows!”
I stood and dropped a kiss on his nose, warmth kicking out the lingering anger and grief simmering in my chest. “I can’t wait to spend Christmas with you. Be careful.” I glanced out into the cold, but the only thing there was pretty snow and holiday cheer.
“I will. I promise.” His tone was a bit off, but when I turned back, he was putting on his coat with a small smile curling his lips. He tucked the envelope in his inner coat pocket.
We left together, holding hands against the cold.
21
TYLER
“Are yousureyou want to do this?” Ari gave me a pointed look, but his bangs were poking his eyes, so he was forced to brush them to the side. He had a blue beanie on his head and a matching scarf, and the image of wholesome winter antics was completed by his snug brown coat. He was adorable, but I wasn’t game to tell him. I wasn’t sure how he’d take the compliment.
I’d gone to his house after I was done at the mall, and when I’d explained the situation, he hadn’t hesitated to get onboard, especially because Jules was at work and Ari was bored.
A bored Ari was a scary Ari.
“As sure as I can be.” I rolled my shoulders and scrunched up my nose. “He’s my ex-stepfather, the one who did this.” I pointed at the scars on my face. “And he’ll keep messing with us until he’s dead. I should be asking you that question. You have no horse in this race.”
