Total pages in book: 186
Estimated words: 178688 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 893(@200wpm)___ 715(@250wpm)___ 596(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 178688 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 893(@200wpm)___ 715(@250wpm)___ 596(@300wpm)
Tyler: Good, baby! I told you it would all work out.
Gemma: This will be over so soon!
Tyler: 2 days!
When Belinda walks up, I set my phone down, not wanting to be rude. I compliment her dumplings, and she gives me a cheesy grin. After I’m done eating and pay, I walk down to the Coffee Palace and grab a black coffee and a Candy Cane Mocha for Gemma since the temperature has dropped. Before I leave, I get a text from Eric.
Eric: About to meet this stupid fuck for lunch. Pray I don’t punch him in the face before this is all done.
I smile, wishing I could give him the green light to do just that.
Tyler: Good luck with that.
Eric: I’m looking forward to making this asshole pay for what he tried to pull. I’m gonna make you proud.
Tyler: I appreciate you, man. Thank you again.
I tuck my phone back in my pocket, then head to the garage. When I walk in, Gemma isn’t around, but I set her coffee by her keyboard. It’s a small gesture, but one I know she’ll love.
* * *
ONE DAY EARLIER
While I’m busying myself with an oil change, I get a text. Quickly, I pull my phone from my pocket and look at it, hoping Jerry doesn’t catch me.
Gemma: Security system is installed! Yay!
Tyler: Awesome! So close now, baby!
Our conversation is short because we’re still at work. Afterward, I leave and go to the gym so I can train Luke and one of his friends for a few hours. As they’re grabbing some water, Eric calls me. I tell them to give me ten minutes, then step out.
When I answer, he’s laughing his ass off.
“Do I even wanna know?” I ask.
“He’s such a fucking tool bag and fell for a twenty-million-dollar deal. Hook, line, and sinker, sucka!” He’s full of so much energy, it has me laughing right along with him.
“Damn, twenty million? I’m impressed, man.”
“That’s because I’m impressive!” he gloats. “I’ll keep you updated if anything changes. We’re meeting for drinks and dinner tonight. I plan to make him spend a few thousand.” He barks out a loud chuckle.
“Good! He deserves it. Keep me posted,” I say.
“Will do. Talk soon.”
We end the call, and I immediately text Gemma.
Tyler: Eric just set up an eight-figure deal with Robert.
Gemma: I TOLD HIM SEVEN! Robert fell for that?
Tyler: Totally. Tomorrow night, I’m devouring you from head to toe.
I adjust myself, just thinking about it.
Gemma: Gah! Tease.
Tyler: Not a tease, sweetheart. That’s a promise.
Luke and Samuel are finished with their break, so I tuck my phone in my pocket. Tomorrow can’t come soon enough.
* * *
PRESENT DAY
It’s the day I’ve been waiting for. It’s been nineteen days since Gemma and I made our plan, and tonight, it’ll all finally be over. Over the past few weeks at work, there were many stolen glances. The underlying current that streamed between us nearly had me taking her into the break room and kissing the hell out of her. Somehow, I refrained, though.
After work, I go home and take a shower, then get dressed. I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t nervous—not because of Robert but because of Gemma’s dad. I don’t want him to be disappointed in me, and I just hope he’s supportive of what we’ve done. There’s no going back on it now.
I tell Everleigh I need to borrow her car this evening, and while she questions me, she’s happy I’m getting out. She’s convinced I’m depressed over Gemma marrying Robert, so she is more than willing to let me do whatever I want. While I appreciate her going easy on me, I made sure not to take advantage of it because she’ll know the truth about Gemma and me soon enough. And she’s gonna flip her shit when she does.
My heart thumps erratically on the way over to Jerry’s house. I arrive at the exact time Gemma told me. I can’t imagine the conversations they’ve had, but I’m ready to do this. Sucking in a deep breath, I knock.
Gemma answers the door with a cheesy ass grin. I meet her eyes, and she gives me a wink, silently telling me everything’s good to go. We stroll into the dining room together, hand in hand. Jerry turns and looks at me, confused as hell. As soon as Robert sees me, he throws a mini tantrum.
“What’s he doing here?” he hisses, his nostrils flaring in anger.
Seeing him like this before our secrets are spilled gives me all the courage I need. I wrap Gemma in my arms and pull her close before sliding my lips across hers. She’s already breathless, her body instantly responding to me. Instead of pulling away, she deepens the kiss, and I can’t wait to get the hell out of here and be alone with her.