Page 33 of Let Me Keep You

“Nah. Not until her future husband walked in.” I roll my eyes.

Everleigh snorts. “He tries too hard sometimes.”

“No shit.”

“He means well, but he’s very concerned about his reputation.”

“I noticed.” He sticks out like a sore thumb in his expensive suit and George Clooney haircut.

“He’s not Gemma’s type at all. I mean, he’s a good-looking guy, but he’s too old for her.”

That makes me snort because I thought the same thing. “How old is he anyway?”

“Like forty-five or something. Gemma told me he uses Touch of Gray hair dye. But you didn’t hear that from me.” She laughs, then puts a finger over her lips.

“Seriously?”

I’d laugh if I didn’t have so many questions, but I also don’t bother asking. Based on the little information Everleigh told me, the feeling I had when he first walked into the shop was valid.

I’m already convinced she’s not as in love with him as she claims. She’s settling.

But the real question is why?

CHAPTER EIGHT

GEMMA

I understand how important it is to Robert that I join him at his business dinner, but I hate that it’s not just the two of us. Though I smiled through our whole conversation, Tyler looked as if he could see straight through me. After working all day, the last thing I want to do is entertain strangers, but I go anyway.

When we walk in, I expect us to be meeting one or two people, but it’s an entire table filled with men in suits. This annoys me more than usual, but I keep the smile planted.

Something I got really good at after my mom passed away.

We have a nice lobster dinner and fluffy rolls with honey butter just as Robert promised. Several people ask how we met and about the wedding. Every question feels like a giant spotlight on me. I’m an introvert, so it makes me anxious.

Once dinner is over, they shake hands over their done deals. We say our goodbyes, and I’m nearly gasping for air when I walk outside. Robert smiles proudly.

“Another done deal all because of you, baby,” he says with a pep in his step.

This was a big one. An entire subdivision for development.

“I can’t take the credit for it.” I shrug uncomfortably. “That was all you.”

He pulls me close, and I smell the faint hint of his cologne.

“So, you gonna tell me about this Tyler guy?”

When his name leaves Robert’s mouth, my pulse races. There’s a hint of something else in his tone, almost as if he’s trying to appear casual but definitely isn’t. The threatening way he looked at Tyler earlier wasn’t lost on me.

We get in his truck, and he drives me back to the shop where my car is parked. “He’s Everleigh’s brother and just moved back to town.”

“So, you two know each other?”

“Yeah, he’s my best friend’s brother and only four years older. Plus, it’s a small town. Everyone knows everyone.”

“Did you two ever⁠—”

“Robert.” I stop the question before he can ask.