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)
I start yawning and feel as though I could fall asleep sitting up. When I check my phone to see if Winnie’s replied yet, I realize it’s almost nine. After sleeping like shit for the past few days, I think it’s finally caught up to me.
“I should probably get going,” I say, getting up from the couch. Tyler stands, and Everleigh gives me a hug before telling me good night. She looks just as exhausted as me right now, but she’s been working extra hours at the boutique.
“Let me walk you out,” Tyler suggests, and butterflies flutter in the pit of my stomach.
“Okay,” I mutter as Everleigh goes to her room, and I swear I hear her chuckling under her breath.
I grab my keys from the counter, and Tyler follows. I wish I could take him home with me because when he’s around, I feel like nothing bad could happen. Tyler would protect me no matter what, and he’s been doing so since he showed up a few months ago. I was just too stubborn to realize I was in danger. While I never could’ve predicted that Robert was a wolf in sheep’s clothing, I should have recognized the signs.
We go outside, and the mid-autumn breeze paints across my skin. This season has always reminded me of when Tyler left. The heartbreak that brought on was almost too much for me to handle. But now he’s here, and we have the opportunity to start over and rekindle our friendship that I cherished so damn much.
When we get to my car, I turn and meet his gaze, and my breath hitches. It’s almost as if I’m eighteen again, noticing the fire in his eyes for the first time. Tyler looks up and down the street, then his gaze meets mine again.
“I’m sorry for ever hurting you, Gemma. It’s one of the biggest regrets in my life,” he admits. I watch his tongue dart out and lick his lips, and the urge to taste him again nearly takes over.
“You don’t have to keep apologizing to me. You couldn’t stay, and I couldn’t leave. We shared an amazing summer together, which I’ve never forgotten. You mean a lot to me, Tyler. You’re one of the only people who really understands me on a deeper level. There are a lot of things I regret too, but I’ve realized that all we have is the present and the future. So I’m trying to cherish the good and not harp so much on the past. It’s time for us to forget about the heartache and start over. I’m willing if you’re willing.”
He brushes my loose strands of hair behind my ear, and I have to force myself not to lean in to his touch. “I’m willing to try,” he tells me. “Not to be selfish, but I’m glad the wedding is off. As I’ve always said, you deserve the world, Gemma. And a man who’d fight to give that to you. I’m not giving up hope that someday you’ll get your happily ever after like in all those rom-coms you love so much.”
When the silence drags on, I realize I’m stalling. Doesn’t he know he was that person for me? That he was always the only man I ever wanted for years?
I don’t want the night to end yet, but it has to. It’s too dangerous for us to be together, to be close, and I think he understands that too.
“I want that too. Thanks again for everything,” I say, shifting off the car so I can get inside.
Tyler reaches around and opens the door for me. “Be careful driving home. Watch your back. Be safe. We’ll figure this out together, Gemma. I promise,” he reassures, and I have no doubt he means it.
“I will, and thank you again. Good night,” I offer with a smile as I climb in.
“Night, see you tomorrow.” Standing in the driveway with his arms crossed over his chest, he watches me leave. I wave, and he returns the gesture.
As I drive down the street, my mind races, replaying tonight.
After just ending a long-term relationship, I shouldn’t be thinking about Tyler. Though falling in love with Tyler isn’t possible because I never fell out of love with him.
I stay alert and aware of every set of headlights behind me and the cars parked on the street in my neighborhood. When I enter the cottage, my phone vibrates. I expect it to be Tyler or Everleigh, but it’s from Winnie. I open the message, and my adrenaline rushes as I read it.
Winnie: The wedding plans are moving forward per Robert. I don’t work for or take orders from you, Gemma. If you have an issue with that, contact your fiancé.
I should’ve known that’d be the response I’d get. They can continue all they want, but neither of them can force me to walk down that aisle. I guess only time will tell who’ll get the last laugh in the end, and I just hope to God it’s me.