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 of 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 is something 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 start over and forget about all of the heartache, if you’re willing.”
He brushes loose strands of hair behind my ear, and I have to force myself not to lean into 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.” He stands in the driveway with his arms crossed over his chest and watches me leave. I wave, and he returns the gesture.
As I drive down the street with a rapidly racing mind, I replay tonight.
I just ended a long-term relationship and shouldn’t be thinking about Tyler. 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. So, I guess in the end, only time will tell who’ll get the last laugh, and I just hope to God it’s me.
Chapter Five
TYLER
After walking Gemma to her car and watching her drive away, I go back into the house. It’s been a long ass day and I’m tired, though I probably won’t get much sleep now. As soon as I walk into the living room, Everleigh charges toward me and hugs me tightly.
“Whoa. You okay?” I wrap my arms around her, squeezing her back.
“Thank you,” she whispers before pulling back. “Thank you for caring so much about Gemma and being there for her. She probably won’t admit it, but she feels safe around you.”
“I’ve always cared about her,” I confess. “I won’t let anything bad happen to Gemma.”
“I know. That’s why you’re the best.” She grins. “Well, and because you’re an amazing cook.”
Everleigh walks toward the kitchen, and I follow. She grabs a bottled water from the fridge, then offers it to