Page 63 of Let Me Keep You

“That’s dumb.” I sip my margarita that tastes like pure tequila.

“Is it, though?”

Considering where Tyler and I stand at the moment, it seems like a non-issue. Has everyone lost their minds?

“Yeah, it is. So was Robert asking me if I’m sleeping with Tyler behind his back.”

This makes Everleigh snort. “Flirting…maybe. Anything else, I don’t see that happening.”

“We don’t flirt. We hardly speak to each other. He said he saw the way Tyler and I looked at each other, which is crazy. What does that even mean?”

Everleigh gets up and grabs a bag of chips.

“It sounds like he’s insecure that you won’t move in with him, so he’s looking for a fight. Probably hoping it’ll get you to change your mind. But I mean, I kinda get it. My brother’s good-looking, closer to your age than him, and has a lot to offer. Plus, most people associate him with being mysterious because he’s typically on the quiet side and keeps to himself. With that being said, I don’t think Tyler’s looking at you any differently than how he always has.”

I lay my head on the bar top and groan. “This is so confusing.”

“What is?”

I lift my head, then follow her to the couch.

“Everything. Tyler working at the garage. Robert demanding I quit and marry him immediately, which he brought up once again. Knowing my dad couldn’t run the shop without me nor do I want him to. He’d be heartbroken if I left and so would I. I don’t want to have to choose between Robert and my dad, but if it comes to that, my family will always come first. Always.”

“As it should. Him saying that about your dad makes me so fucking mad. Out of everyone in your life, he’s been Team Robert since day one.”

“He’s Team Tyler too.”

As the words leave my mouth, the door swings open, and Tyler enters, wearing a T-shirt with the sleeves cut off. It shows off his muscular biceps and the shorts that hang low on his hips leave nothing to the imagination.

“Who’s Team Tyler?” he asks with a boyish grin.

He’s drenched with sweat, and I assume he’s been at the gym.

Sassy perks up, and her tail wags when she sees him. He walks over, pets her head, then looks at me.

“Well?”

My words are stuck in my throat. “My dad.”

My body burns from the inside out.

“I’m Team Jerry. He’s a good guy. Really appreciate everything he’s done for me.” The room falls silent. “Anyway, I’m gonna jump in the shower.”

When he walks away, I can smell the hint of his cologne mixed with sweat. I watch until he’s out of sight, then turn to see Everleigh grinning like a fool.

“What?”

She shakes her head.

“You better tell me!”

“If Robert saw you look at Tyler the way I just did, I can understand why he’s pissed. That’s all.”

“Like what? I don’t know what you’re talkin’ about.”

“Are you sure, like one-million percent sure, that you want to marry Robert? And I’m only asking because you’re my best friend, and I love you. You deserve to be happy.”

“I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t nervous about marrying him. I do have doubts, especially now that he’s being extra pushy about moving the date. On top of it, leaving my mother’s cabin so quickly feels wrong. And now he wants me to quit my job just because he doesn’t like one of the employees? It feels like a lot of change at once that I’m not ready for, and instead of giving me time and space, he’s become more demanding and pushier.”