Page 53 of Let Me Keep You

I’ll never be the type of woman who can’t have a guy but doesn’t want anyone else to have him either. It’s not fair to either of them since I’m marrying Robert.

“Yeah, definitely! Owen’s gonna have a sleepover at my parents’ tonight, so I’ll have the whole evening,” Katie says happily.

I lock my arms behind my back and try to act normal. By the tone of her voice, she’s implying she’ll have time after the date to be with Tyler. My racing heart tells me I’m losing control of my emotions.

Stupid, stupid, stupid.

I cannot be jealous. I’m engaged, planning a wedding, and moving out. Robert and I are in love, and we’re going to have a happy life together. A blast from the past won’t change that.

It can’t. Or at least that’s what I’m trying to convince myself.

“Where are y’all goin’ tonight?” Daddy asks.

“The pub,” I tell him. “For some drinks and pool.”

“The pub?” My dad scrunches up his face. “For a date?”

“Daddy, it’s a relaxed get-to-know-you kinda thing. Nothing serious.”

“We’ll save the wining and dining for our first official date,” Tyler chimes in, flicking his eyes to mine with a devilish look. He knows exactly what he’s doing, trying to get a reaction from me in front of everyone. Over the past two weeks, I’ve noticed he enjoys making me squirm, and I don’t know if it’s because he enjoys the chase.

“Ah, that’s my boy.” My dad chuckles.

“Where’s Robert?” Tyler asks smugly.

I glare. “He’s working.”

“Must suck that he works so much.” The corner of his lips perks up. “You sure he’ll make it tonight?”

“Yes. He’ll be there.”

“Great. Looking forward to it.” Tyler smirks, then turns to Katie. “I have to run, but I’ll see you later.”

“Yep, can’t wait.” She beams.

Tyler waves to everyone as he walks toward the open door, and when I glance over my shoulder at him, he flashes me a wink, then chuckles.

Asshole.

“Hey.” Katie pulls me aside. “Everything okay?”

I tilt my head and furrow my brows. “Yeah, why?”

“You seem off. I just want to make sure this date won’t be too much or awkward with Robert and Tyler together.”

Too much is the understatement of the century.

“It’ll be totally fine. You two will be chatting mostly anyway, and Robert and I will shoot pool or play darts to give y’all some privacy.” I smile wide, hoping to convince her, though I genuinely want her to have a good time.

“Okay, because it’s not too late to cancel if you’ve changed your mind. I just thought with your history and everything⁠—”

“Katie.” I suck in a breath. “I’m engaged to Robert. Tyler and I dated years ago for three months. It’s ancient history at this point.”

“Alright, as long as you’re not uncomfortable because I could see myself liking him after we get to know each other a little better.”

My jaw nearly snaps off as my heart pounds rapidly in my chest. “Really?”

“Well, based on what I’ve seen or know about him. I wouldn’t normally introduce a man to Owen so soon, but the moment Tyler started talking about football, Owen lit up.”