And it will cost him a decade of his life.
“You know I love you, but I’m not sure your relationship with Katie is repairable after all the times you denied her visitation and ignored her letters,” I blurt out even though I hope it’s not true. Katie deserves closure after all this time, but Noah better be ready to grovel.
Noah stays quiet and just nods.
“But hey, look at me. If I can win my girl back in two months after twelve years, there’s definitely hope for you.” Tyler flashes me a wink.
His girl.
I could definitely get used to hearing that.
“So you two are dating. I knew it,” Noah says, chuckling.
I shake my head, denying it. This isn’t the time or place to decide that.
“We’re seeing where things go.” Tyler gives me a smirk, and my insides melt. Though we haven’t discussed it, we have an unspoken mutual understanding between us.
“And if I managed to get a job—two jobs—after moving away, you won’t have any problems. People might be wary at first, but a lot of them have big hearts.” Tyler squeezes my hand. “At least that’s what I’m seeing. They just need some time to warm up to ya.”
I nod, agreeing. Lawton Ridge is a close-knit community, and everyone deserves a second chance, even Noah.
For the remaining ten minutes, we chat about Dad and the garage, then the guard announces visiting time is over. I always get a little sad when I watch the cuffs go on his wrists before he’s ushered out of the room.
“I love you!” I call out before he’s out of sight.
“Love you too, Gem. See you soon.” He smiles, a genuine one this time, and it warms my whole body.
Tyler and I walk out to my car, hand in hand, and I can’t stop the giddiness in my voice. “You guys really hit it off.”
“Noah’s easy to get along with. Now, we just have a little more in common than before.” He grins, then opens my door.
“It means a lot to me. He’s gonna need someone besides family on his side when he comes home.”
Tyler brings his fingers to my cheek, then tucks loose strands of my hair behind my ear. I stare at his lips, hoping he’ll finally kiss me.
“I’ll be happy to help or do whatever I can for him.”
Tyler’s rough exterior is crumbling to his feet as he shows me his softer, sweeter side that I never forgot. He was a hardass around other people and kept to himself a lot, never revealing more than he needed, but I always saw the real Tyler. After spending that time in the military, he had a sexy broodiness to him, but this loyally fierce side of Tyler is the best I’ve ever seen.
And I’m falling for him all over again, except this time, harder and stronger.
As promised, Tyler drives us home. He lets me pick the music even though I offered him the choice. Time flies as we talk and hold hands. Before I know it, he’s pulling into Everleigh’s driveway.
We both step out of the car, but Tyler’s quick and is in front of me before I can go to the driver’s side. He cages me in, and I meet his gaze.
I wait, hoping he’ll make the first move, begging him with my eyes to lean in, but he doesn’t. Tyler’s letting me set the pace because I’m the one with everything to lose if we don’t work out.
But I’ve never been more sure of anything in my life. I want him. No, I need him.
Without giving it another thought, I wrap my fingers around the back of his neck and pull his face to mine, allowing our lips to crash together. Tyler slides his hands down my body and grips my hips, grinding himself against me. My back presses against the car as our tongues battle in a heated kiss. When I moan against his mouth, he tilts my head up and slides in deeper.
Arching my back, I feel his hardness against my stomach, causing an ache between my legs. I thread my fingers through his hair and grip him tighter, not wanting this to end.
By the time we come up for air, I’m flushed, and my whole body tingles.
Tyler smiles. “Wow. What was that for?”
Blushing, I bite my lip. “To say thank you for coming with me today. It really meant a lot.” I pause before adding, “And also for cooking me dinner last night.”
“I’ll cook for you anytime. And thank you for asking me to come. I didn’t realize how much I needed to do it until I got there. Though I felt anxious at first, it wasn’t as bad as I thought it’d be.”
“I think you helped Noah more than you realize. He’ll have more hope now than what I could’ve given him. You have firsthand experience, and I can tell he trusts you.”