Page 72 of Let Me Keep You

“Like fifty or sixty. So a lot.”

“Damn. It could take months to get through everything.”

“Well, good thing I’m not going anywhere this time.”

“Really? You’re staying in town?” she asks as if she hadn’t expected me to, but I don’t blame her.

“Yep. Ready to put down roots and eventually get my own place. Starting over from almost nothing will take me a while, though. A large portion of the money I had saved before prison went to my lawyer, Serena, and paying off my lease.”

“I’m sorry to hear that, Tyler.” She reaches out and touches my arm. The simple act sends heat throughout my entire body. “But if anyone can do this and be successful, it’s you. I have no doubt about it.”

“Just another bump in the road. Nothing I can’t handle…hopefully.” I shoot her a wink and pat her hand that’s still pressed to my skin.

She blinks hard as if just realizing she was touching me and quickly removes it. I step back to place space between us and watch as her eyes lower as if she’s stopping herself from speaking.

“Gemma…” I whisper, and she finally raises her head until our gazes lock. Thick air flows between us, and I want to say so much but can’t.

Before I can get another word out, her phone rings, and the connection between us is lost. She rushes toward the kitchen table and grabs it.

“It’s Robert,” she says.

I clear my throat and walk toward the hallway. “I’ll give you some privacy.” I gotta get ready for work anyway, though I’d be content staying here with her all day.

She gives me a little smile before answering.

“Hi,” she says without emotion.

I stand in the hallway where she can’t see me, and even though I shouldn’t eavesdrop, I do.

“That’s because I’m at Everleigh’s,” she says. “No, he’s not here.”

My brows shoot up. He asked her if I was here, and I can’t figure out why he feels so damn threatened by me. Perhaps this is a sign that rushing to get married is the wrong answer. Though I’m not a relationship expert so it’s not like anyone would listen anyway.

“I have to go home and get ready for work so I’m not late. Can we talk tonight instead?” She pauses briefly, then tells him goodbye.

I shuffle down the hallway and notice the bathroom door is still closed. The water isn’t running so hopefully that means Everleigh’s almost done. I wait in my room, and when a knock echoes, I open the door and see Gemma.

“Just wanted to let you know I was heading out and will see you at work. Unless you want a ride?”

I brush a hand through my hair, trying to read her, but it feels impossible right now. “No, you don’t have to make a special trip for me. I’ll be fine. I walk every day. But thanks.”

“Sure.” She smiles gently. “See you in a bit then.”

“Gemma…”

She spins around.

“Do you love him?”

She furrows her brows, staring. There’s a long pause before she swallows and straightens. “Of course. We’re getting married.”

I close the gap between us and rest my hands on her shoulders. I want to ask her if she’s in love with him as much as she claims to be or if it’s the idea of being in love that she wants. But I don’t. “Then I hope he makes you as happy as you deserve, the way Noah made Allie happy. In a true love kind of way. Don’t settle for anything less, okay?”

Her breath hitches at my reference to The Notebook, which has my heart racing at what she must be thinking. Before either of us can say another word, Everleigh lets me know from her room that she’s out of the bathroom. I drop my arms and flash Gemma a small smile before walking away.

Gemma and I hardly spoke all day. Though we were busy trying to keep up with our workload, I could still feel the tension, especially when I asked if she loved Robert. I made things awkward again, but I’m not sure it’ll ever not be that way between us. Shortly after I leave for the day, Liam calls me back.

Last night, after the gym, I texted him with some concerns I had. I swore someone followed me home, but I figured I was just being paranoid now that I agreed to do the deposition. I highly doubt it’s been documented yet, but Victoria tends to find out shit.