I pump my cock, squeezing tightly as flashes of Gemma flood through my mind. The way she simultaneously looked at me with so much hunger and tenderness has me increasing my pace. Resting one hand on the shower wall, I pump with visions of Gemma kneeling in front of me and am soon grunting out my release, exhaling roughly as my head tilts back in relief.
Fuck.
I miss her so goddamn much.
Though we see each other every day and most evenings, I can’t seem to spend enough time with her. Everything’s still new and exciting, but it’s always felt that way when we were together.
Once I’m out of the shower and have dried off, I slip on a pair of shorts and look for food. I see a note on the counter from Everleigh.
Hanging out with Ruby at the pub and will probably crash at her place. See you tomorrow!
P.S. Can you take Sassy out for me PLEASE?
That little shit.
She probably didn’t text me because she knew I’d give her hell for leaving me to dog-sit.
Quickly, I slip on some gym shorts and a T-shirt.
“C’mon, Sassy. Let’s go for a walk.” She immediately bounces when she hears her favorite word. I grab her leash, and we go around the block. She stops at every tree and sniffs every yard. By the time we get home, it’s been thirty minutes, and my stomach is raging with hunger.
After warming some leftovers, I sit down on the couch and click on the TV. As I flip through the channels, I scarf down the food and stop on an old episode ofSeinfeld. Once I’ve finished eating, I take my plate into the kitchen and grab a beer. Just as I settle back in my spot, a knock sounds on the door.
It’s late, which means Everleigh’s probably drunk as fuck and can’t find her keys again. I’m gonna give her so much hell for this.
As soon as I open it, I’m pleasantly surprised to find Gemma standing there.
“Hey.” I smile. “Wasn’t expecting you.”
“I know.” She steps in when I shift to the side. “But this couldn’t wait.”
After I close the door, I notice something’s wrong. She looks like someone stole her prized possessions—bloodshot eyes, tousled hair, fidgety hands. Gemma frowns, and when I scan down her body, I notice red marks on her wrist.
What the fuck?
“Gemma, what’s going on?”
We walk into the living room, and I cross my arms over my chest as I wait for her to answer.
“Did something happen?”
She swallows hard as if she’s trying to find the courage to tell me the worst fucking news on the planet.
“I don’t wanna hurt you, Tyler, but I have to be honest with you.”
My jaw immediately tightens. “Alright.”
“I’ve realized we can’t rewrite the past and just pick up where we left off twelve years ago. I can’t pretend you didn’t crush my heart when you left. I still carry resentment from how badly you hurt me, and because of that, we can’t be together. Robert has always been there for me, and I was having mixed feelings, but they’re clear now. I love him.”
Blinking hard, I wait for her to admit she’s kidding, and this is some cruel joke.
“Excuse me?” I nearly stutter.
“I love Robert, and the wedding is happening. I’m so sorry, Tyler.” She stares at me emotionless, and it’s obvious something isn’t right.
“Bullshit,” I blurt out, lowering my arms. “I can see right through you, Gemma. You’re lying.”
“I’m not. It’s the truth. Robert and I are getting married in a couple of weeks, and I’m quitting my job after I find a replacement.”