Page 122 of Let Me Keep You

“You keep glancing at the door.”

“Well, I offered Gemma a lesson, but I guess she’s gonna chicken out.”

“Gemma, huh? You sure that fiancé of hers would let her off his leash?”

“Sure do, since she called it off.”

“Ahh. Now it makes sense.” Ruby’s full-on laughing as she moves around the desk. “Swooping in as soon as the ring’s off her finger.”

“It’s not like that. We’re just friends.”

“Please, Tyler. I’m not blind. I see the way y’all lust after each other.”

“Maybe, but she’s going through some shit right now, so I’m only trying to be her friend.”

“Well, if that’s the case, then give her my number. I’ll show her a good time. Get her mind off the breakup and show her what she’s missing.”

I shake my head, brushing a hand through my hair. “You really need to get laid.”

“I did last night, thank you very much.”

My eyes widen as she bursts out laughing. “What? I have a no-strings relationship.”

“Oh, really? Do I know her? Is she local?”

“As a matter of fact, you don’t because she lives in the next town. Wanna watch our sex tape?” She pulls her phone from her pocket.

“Alright, I’m out.” I grab my duffel and toss it over my shoulder.

“What? I bet you could learn a thing or two.” She licks her lower lip, and I can’t stop chuckling. “Give Everleigh my number too while you’re at it!”

“Not a chance,” I grumble. “I need new friends. You’re too much.”

“Suck it up, Blackwood. I’m your only friend.”

“Bye,” I call out as I push through the door and leave.

Ten minutes later, I’m home, and Everleigh’s lounging on the couch with a wine glass.

“Hey, bro. You got some mail today.” She gestures toward the coffee table. “A letter from the prison came, and I’ve been anxiously waiting for you to open it.”

Dropping my bag, I kick off my shoes. “Why?”

“Well, I don’t know. It just seemed weird. Do they want you to go back?”

I bark out a laugh. She’s probably on her third glass.

“Relax. It’s probably from my old cellmate.”

She perks up. “The hot one with the sleeve tattoos?”

“Down, girl. I’ve heard enough sexual shit for one night.”

“Huh?” she asks as I rip open the envelope.

“Ruby,” I say. “Saw her at the gym and now I know way too much about her sex life.”

Everleigh snorts. “At least she has one.”