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’ve noticed the way he looks at you, Gem. I may be old, but I’m not blind.”
That causes me to snort, and I shake my head. “My feelings for Tyler are…complicated, but regardless, marrying Robert hasn’t felt right for a long while. Way before Tyler returned.”
“If it helps, I like Tyler a lot. He’s a hard worker, and it’s obvious he wants to get his life back on track. But I didn’t appreciate the way he left you all those years ago. I could tell you were heartbroken.”
The memory of my dad trying to help me through that sad time of my life brings back bad memories. “I was, but we were only kids. He’s grown up since then. We both have. We’re friends who work together and talk. That’s it.”
I’m not sure if he buys my casual way of ending this conversation, but he doesn’t push it any further. We continue talking while we eat and finish our coffee. After we clean the kitchen and wash the dishes, Dad suggests we walk to the farmers' market, and I agree.
We stop by the boutique that’s packed with teenagers and their moms. I notice her new inventory and fall decorations and feel so damn proud of what she’s accomplished.
“Hey!” Everleigh wraps me in her arms. “Sorry, we’re swamped.”
“I see that! No worries. It’s a good thing.”
“Hey, Jerry.” Everleigh gives him a side hug, and he kisses her cheek.
“Hey, sweetie. How’re things goin’?”
“Great!” Her eyes light up when she focuses her attention past me.
Over my shoulder, I catch a glimpse of Tyler walking in with Sassy. My heart races as butterflies swarm my stomach. After the protective way he got me out of the restaurant last night, my mind has been running wild. He’s wearing dark jeans and a blue T-shirt that shows off his arms. The facial hair on his jawline is longer, and though he typically keeps it trimmed, I kinda like it this way too.
“Hi,” Tyler says to all of us when he gets closer. I sheepishly grin, embarrassed that my dad is with me and watching our interaction. “Thought I’d take the dog for a walk and stop in to visit.”
“Yay! My girl.” Everleigh immediately drops to her knees and loves on Sassy. “Are you being good for your daddy?”
Tyler chokes and backs away, causing me to chuckle. “What? Don’t say that. It’s creepy.”
“No way! Whether you like it or not, you’re the only male figure in her life right now.”
I snort, shaking my head.
“This isn’t funny.”
Wrinkling my nose, I laugh harder. “It’s a little funny.”
He scowls, which is super adorable, considering Tyler’s all man and muscle.
“I’m your brother, so if anything, that’d make me her uncle,” he corrects Everleigh.
“Stop being dramatic. Don’t forget to give her treats when you get home,” she reminds him.
“Yeah, yeah. I know the drill.”
“Don’t fight it, son,” my dad says, patting Tyler’s shoulder. “Women bring home pets, and they become yours.”
“So I’m learning.” Tyler scoffs.
“Be thankful I never got a cat. Then again, it’s not too late,” Everleigh taunts.
“Please don’t. I need to save up more money before I can move out, so at least wait until then.”
Everleigh’s hands move to her hips, and she pouts. “Ha-ha. You’re staying with me forever.”
“I’m sure your future husband would approve of that, no problem.” Tyler rolls his eyes.
“Oh, he would. You’ll just be included in all the baggage I bring to the relationship. He already has to accept that my first loves are my job and Sassy. Next, is you—my brother who lives with me and cooks for me.”
“And there it is. The only reason you want me there.”
“I thought I was clear on that?” Everleigh teases.
As they bicker, Katie and Owen enter and make it a reunion. My dad greets them, then tells me he’ll meet me outside when I’m done.
“What’s going on?” Katie asks.
“Just siblings fighting like cats and dogs while literally arguing about cats and dogs.”
Katie bursts out laughing. “Damn, I missed all the fun.”
“Swear word!” Owen shouts, then opens his palm.
Katie groans as she digs into her purse. “He was a lot cuter before he could talk.”
Everleigh and I giggle as she hands Owen a dollar bill.
“My parents are watching him tonight. Wanna get Mexican food and drink margaritas?”
“I’d love to,” Tyler interrupts with a shit-eating smirk.
“Girls’ night, sorry,” Katie sing-songs sarcastically. “If you’re there, we won’t be able to talk about you.”
Blood rushes to my face, and my cheeks heat.
“And trust me, I hear there’s a lot to talk about,” Katie says pointedly.
I turn to Tyler, who’s shooting daggers at Everleigh, who must’ve shared what she knew. She’s so busted.
“What? Katie and I chatted this morning, and it kinda slipped out.” Everleigh gives me an apologetic look, then shrugs it off. It grows awkward, so she busies herself by reorganizing a rack of clothes. “Oh, Cara needs help at the register. Gotta go! But count me in for tonight! Bye!” She shoots me a wink.