Page 118 of Let Me Keep You

“I was gonna ask you about that actually.”

“I would’ve brought some leftovers for you the next day, but I thought it’d be awkward, so I happily ate the entire pot by myself.”

While pathetically crying and rereading his letters.

He’s full-on laughing. “At least that night wasn’t an entire waste.”

I squeeze my legs together, trying to push away the thoughts of straddling him again. It’s almost as if he can read my mind because he adjusts himself. The water turns off, and our private time is about to be over. I still haven’t told Everleigh about that night, and I’m sure Tyler hasn’t said a word about it, either. It’s something I’d like to keep between us for now.

“So when are you gonna drop the bomb on your dad?” he asks.

“I’m not sure. His disappointment might kill me, though. I need to do it soon before he hears about it from someone else. If I’m gonna spread the news that we broke up, then he needs to hear it from me.”

Tyler glances down at my ring finger. “You can start by not wearing that anymore.”

I groan at the sight of it, forgetting I even had it on. “You’re right. I need to give it back to him. And I should text Winnie before it gets too late.” I pull my phone from my pocket and notice my hand is shaking as I type the message.

“I’m sorry you’re having to deal with this,” Tyler says, offering a smile.

“Me too!” Everleigh shouts from the hallway before she comes into view with Sassy on her heels.

“Thank you. Not sure what I’d do without you two.”

“Probably marry that asshole,” Everleigh blurts, which makes me snort. She grabs Sassy’s leash and takes her outside.

I reread the message I typed to Winnie before hitting send.

Gemma

Hi, Winnie. I want to be respectful and let you know that Robert and I are no longer getting married, so I’d appreciate it if you’d canceled all the plans. I’m grateful for the work you’ve done planning this wedding, but your services are no longer needed.

She responded so quickly this weekend, I expect an instant reply but wonder if I’ll get one. Everleigh returns with Sassy who trots over to Tyler and jumps in his lap.

“Hey, girl.” He pets her head, and she licks his face. “Too much, too much.”

“Sassy!” Everleigh calls. “Come get a treat.”

Once the magic word is said, Sassy rushes to the kitchen.

I yawn, ready to fall asleep sitting up. When I check my phone to see if Winnie’s replied yet, I realize it’s almost nine. After sleeping like shit for the past few days, it’s finally caught up to me.

“I should probably get going,” I say, getting up from the couch. Tyler stands, and Everleigh gives me a hug before telling me good night. She looks just as exhausted as me right now, but she’s been working extra hours at the boutique.

“Let me walk you out,” Tyler suggests, and butterflies flutter in the pit of my stomach.

“Okay,” I mutter as Everleigh goes to her room, and I swear I hear her chuckling under her breath.

I grab my keys from the counter, and Tyler follows.

I wish I could take him home with me because when he’s around, I feel like nothing bad could happen. Tyler would protect me no matter what, and he’s been doing so since he showed up a few months ago. I was just too stubborn to realize I was in danger. While I never could’ve predicted that Robert was a wolf in sheep’s clothing, I should’ve recognized the signs.

We go outside, and the mid-autumn breeze paints across my skin. This season has always reminded me of when Tyler left. The heartbreak that brought on was almost too much for me to handle. But now he’s here, and we have the opportunity to start over and rekindle our friendship that I cherished so damn much.

When we get to my car, I meet his gaze, and my breath hitches. It’s almost as if I’m eighteen again, noticing the fire in his eyes for the first time. Tyler scans the street, then meets my gaze.

“I’m sorry for ever hurting you, Gemma. It’s one of the biggest regrets in my life.”

His tongue darts out and he licks his lips. The urge to taste him again nearly takes over.