Keeping You Away - Kennedy Fox Page 0,68

say, though, that I got a lot of heat for watching Bring It On.”

“Another classic.” Gemma snickers. “Two decades later and I can still recite every line.”

“It’s a shame I was never able to get you to try a Jack Nicholson movie. Now, he’s a badass actor.”

“Most of the stuff he’s in is ancient,” she counters. “And I’m ninety-nine percent positive they don’t involve romance of any kind.” She folds her arms over her chest and blinks at me.

“No, but you need to expand your portfolio. Perhaps we should plan a movie marathon with all my favorites.” I place a hand to my chest and lock eyes with her. “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest and The Shining. Those two definitely need to happen. Then we’ll make our way up to his more recent films.”

“How many has he been in?”

“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 flash 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.” I shrug. “But thanks.”

“Sure.” She smiles gently. “See you in a bit then.” Gemma turns and starts walking, but I quickly stop her.

“Gemma,” I say her name with urgency, and she quickly spins around. “Do you love him?”

She tilts her head, furrowing her brows as she stares at me. 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