Page 119 of Let Me Keep You

“You don’t have to keep apologizing to me. You couldn’t stay, and I couldn’t leave. We shared an amazing summer together, which I’ve never forgotten. You mean a lot to me, Tyler. You’re one of the only people who really understands me on a deeper level. There are a lot of things I regret too, but I’ve realized that all we have is the present and the future. So I’m trying to cherish the good and not harp so much on the past. It’s time for us to forget about the heartache and start over. I’m willing if you are.”

He brushes loose strands of hair behind my ear, and I have to force myself not to lean in to his touch.

“I’m willing to try,” he tells me. “Not to be selfish, but I’m glad the wedding is off. As I’ve always said, you deserve the world, Gemma. And a man who’d fight to give that to you. I’m not giving up hope that someday you’ll get your happily ever after like in all those rom-coms you love so much.”

When the silence drags on, I realize I’m stalling. Doesn’t he know he was that person for me? That he was always the only man I ever wanted for years?

I don’t want the night to end yet, but it has to. It’s too dangerous for us to be together, to be close, and I think he understands that too.

“I want that too. Thanks again for everything,” I say, shifting off the car so I can get inside.

Tyler reaches around and opens the door for me.

“Be careful driving home. Watch your back. Be safe. We’ll figure this out together, Gemma. I promise,” he reassures, and I have no doubt he means it.

“I will, and thank you again. Good night.” I smile, then climb in.

“Night, see you tomorrow.” Standing in the driveway with his arms crossed over his chest, he watches me leave. I wave, and he returns the gesture.

As I drive down the street, my mind races as it replays the night.

After just ending a long-term relationship, I shouldn’t be thinking about Tyler. Though falling in love with Tyler isn’t possible because I never fell out of love with him.

I stay alert and aware of every set of headlights behind me and the cars parked on the street in my neighborhood. When I enter the cottage, my phone vibrates. I expect it to be Tyler or Everleigh, but it’s from Winnie. I open the message, and my adrenaline rushes as I read it.

Winnie

The wedding plans are moving forward per Robert. I don’t work for or take orders from you, Gemma. If you have an issue with that, contact your fiancé.

I should’ve known that’d be the response I’d get. They can continue all they want, but neither of them can force me to walk down that aisle. I guess only time will tell who’ll get the last laugh in the end, and I just hope to God it’s me.

CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX

TYLER

After walking Gemma to her car and watching her drive away, I go back into the house. It’s been a long ass day, and I’m tired, though I probably won’t get much sleep now. As soon as I walk into the living room, Everleigh charges toward me and hugs me tightly.

“Whoa. You okay?” I wrap my arms around her, squeezing her back.

“Thank you,” she whispers before pulling back. “Thank you for caring so much about Gemma and being there for her. She probably won’t ever admit it, but she feels safe around you.”

“I’ve always cared about her,” I confess. “I won’t let anything bad happen to Gemma.”

“I know. That’s why you’re the best.” She grins. “Well, and because you’re an amazing cook.”

Everleigh walks toward the kitchen, and I follow. She grabs a bottled water from the fridge, then offers it to me.

“Sure, thanks,” I say, taking it.

She pulls another one out for herself and immediately takes a sip. “I didn’t wanna say anything when she was here, but you should’ve seen the look in Robert’s eyes. He was deranged.”

“I swear, that asshole has some serious issues.”

“You’re telling me. There’s possessive in like a sexy, alpha way, and then there’s psycho in a needs-a-straitjacket kinda way. I could hardly sleep that night, worrying about what he would’ve done to her if I hadn’t gone to pick her up.”

My jaw clenches at the thought. I don’t understand how someone as amazing and beautiful as Gemma ended up with such a tool bag. I get the feeling that if her mom were alive, she would’ve warned Gemma about Robert from the beginning. Her letters talked about her mom and how she wished she were around to ask about girl stuff. Gemma’s dad only gets glimpses of what Robert wants to share and has no idea who he really is.

“I’m gonna go to bed so I can get up early and beat the punching bag before work since I have to train tomorrow evening.”