Page 58 of Let Me Keep You

“I’m not welcoming him back with open arms, if that’s your suggestion.”

I chuckle at the way she scoffs. “Nope. Not at all. He’s got a lot of explaining to do—and not only to you.”

Katie smiles and finally releases a soft laugh. “Thanks, Tyler. I really appreciate you talking to me.”

“What’re awkward first dates for?” I beam, and we finish off the rest of the fries.

“Good mornin’,” I greet Gemma Monday morning with a wide grin when I walk inside the lobby.

She looks up at me from the computer. “Morning. My dad’s looking for you.”

“Uh-oh. Am I in trouble?” I pretend to pout, then walk over to fill a cup with coffee.

“Doubtful. He adores you.”

Stepping toward her, I lean one arm against the counter. “And you?”

“What? No!” Her forehead creases. “I mean, wait…do I what?”

Before I can respond, Jerry enters the lobby in a chipper mood. “Tyler! Good to see ya, son.”

He cheerfully pats my shoulder, then gets himself a cup of coffee too.

“Hope you’ve recovered from your hot date because we have a jam-packed day.”

“Yes, sir.” I chuckle, then flash Gemma a wink, and she narrows her eyes. “A little sore, but nothing I can’t handle.”

I don’t mention it’s from working out all weekend and bruising my knuckles on the punching bag. It’s clear Gemma has no idea that Katie and I decided to just be friends or her nostrils wouldn’t be flaring with jealousy.

“Good, good.” Jerry walks past me with his coffee in hand. “If you and Katie get real hot and heavy, y’all might even beat Gemma and Robert to the altar with how long they’ve been waiting.”

I nearly choke on the hot liquid as Gemma’s cheeks burn red.

Jerry chuckles as he opens the shop door. “See ya out there.”

“Since we had a double date, maybe we should have a double wedding too? Whatcha think?” I rest an elbow on the counter.

“Why are you enjoying this so much?”

“Enjoying life? Could be the fact that I’m no longer behind bars. What’s not to enjoy, Gemma?”

She rolls her eyes with a huff. “I don’t have time for your childish games, so go do your job so I can do mine.”

I stand tall and salute her. “Yes, ma’am.”

Smirking at her displeased groan, I enter the shop and start my first assignment.

“You’re a fuckin’ asshole,” Gemma snaps the moment we’re alone in the break room. She marched inside as soon as I grabbed my lunch from the fridge.

“Excuse me?”

“I just spoke to Katie and she told me exactly how your date ended.”

“Did she now?” I muse. “Did she explain it thoroughly enough or would you like a demonstration?”

She crosses her arms over her chest, glaring. “Cut the shit, Tyler. I know y’all decided to just be friends and shared a basket of fries.”

“Best damn fries in town.” I set down my food and take a seat.