“I’ve wanted to hike some trails since the weather has been so amazing and the leaves are changing colors. It’s been a while since I’ve been up there, but I remember how well maintained the paths were.”
“I’d love that, baby. I haven’t been since I was a teen. It’s a date then.” He winks and looks up at the time. “Lunchtime’s over.”
“It goes by too quick.” I pout. We’ve been trying to be punctual with our breaks so my dad won’t have anything to say. When Tyler stands, I can’t help but to notice how damn sexy he is. What’s even better is he’s all mine. We pick up our mess and go our separate ways, but before he walks out to the garage, he takes a quick glance at me. I lift my skirt, just enough for him to see my upper thigh, then move it down. “Miss you already.”
“Devil woman,” he says, then enters the garage.
The afternoon is busy, and customers come in for last-minute repairs, something that never fails to happen every Friday since we’re typically closed on the weekends. By the time I look up at the clock, it’s past closing time, and I can’t stop yawning. After Tyler and Dad finish cleaning their messes, and I’m done picking up the lobby, we lock up and leave.
Tyler and I hang around outside for a brief moment, but I know he has to get to the gym because he’s particular about being on time with his clients. “Drink some wine and go to bed at a decent time,” he demands, leaning forward and giving me a kiss on the cheek.
“I will. See you in the morning,” I murmur, stealing another kiss.
“Bright and early,” he tells me. We linger for a moment, then break apart. I go to my car with a smile and drive home elated. Feeling this happy should be illegal, but I’m so damn glad it’s not.
I turn into my driveway, grab my purse, and head toward the cottage. I’m on cloud nine as I unlock the door and go inside.
“About fucking time,” a booming voice barks, and my adrenaline spikes when I see Robert standing in front of me. He’s wearing a grimace from the pits of hell. I take a step back, ready to bolt through the door and run to my dad’s house, but he grabs me before I can escape.
“How did you get in here?” I grit my teeth.
“I’ve got my ways,” he warns, his beady eyes trailing over my outfit. Robert narrows his gaze. “You disgust me.”
With every passing second, I grow more scared.
“You need to leave,” I say, trying to find my courage. “Get out of my house.”
He flashes an evil smirk. “No. Do you know how long I’ve been waiting for you? There are things that need to be settled tonight, and I’m not going anywhere until they are.”
He tightens his grasp on my upper arm. “Let me go!”
“Everyone saw the little performance you and Tyler put on at the Harvest Festival. Do you have any idea how fucking embarrassing that was for me?” he seethes, and I force myself away from him, backing up until I’m against the door.
“I don’t care. We’re not together, and everyone knows it now. I don’t know what you want me from me.” My eyes widen in fear as I live in a continual nightmare loop where I can constantly repeat myself, but Robert doesn’t hear me.
“I want you to marry me, Gemma. Do what you said you’d do.”
The rage comes quickly as I glare at him. “How many times do I have to explain to you that it’s over? I’m not marrying you. I won’t!” My voice is loud and guttural, the emotion pouring out of me like a summer storm.
“Because of you, my deal with Victoria is no longer on the table. It’s all your damn fault I didn’t get that contract signed. You owe me, Gemma. You owe me your fucking life for messing with my future.” He begins pacing in front of me.
My feet won’t move as if they’re stuck in quicksand as I suck in air. “There never was a deal. Don’t you see that? She was manipulating you to get to Tyler.”
“The only person who’s manipulated me is you. I wouldn’t be surprised if you had planned to string me along all this time so you could gain popularity around town.”
I scoff because that’s the last thing I ever wanted. “Are you delusional? I won’t play into this false narrative, Robert. If anyone has manipulated anyone, it’s you with your games and need to keep your perfect public image. I’m done. I’ve had enough. Now, get the hell out of my house.” I grab my phone from my purse, and type in 9-1-1. This time, I want him arrested for harassing me. I turn the screen and show him. “I’m not playing anymore. Leave.”