Page 34 of Let Me Keep You

Though I don’t want to be a liar about my past, the minute he finds out Tyler and I dated, he’ll lose his shit. It was a decade ago and shouldn’t matter, but Robert’s a little possessive when it comes to me.

There doesn’t need to be any more tension between us than there already is.

“We’re not friends. My dad offered him a job because he was just released from prison and needed something to get back on his feet. He’s on a trial run right now to see how it goes.”

Thankfully, he pulls up to my car and parks. I desperately want to jump out of the SUV. I’m so damn annoyed, not necessarily by what he asked, but how he asked. I can already tell he thinks he’s better than Tyler because of his past, and I hate how judgmental Robert can be, so the less he knows about him, the better.

“Trust me, I was more than surprised when he walked into the shop and my dad hired him, but he’s a good worker, and it’s what my father needs.”

“I’m not trying to interrogate you, darlin’. I just want to be aware of who you’re spending your days with and make sure you’re safe. You’re the love of my life, and I’d never get over it if something happened to you.”

“I appreciate that, babe. But I’m working at the garage, not having a bachelorette party with strippers all day.”

He gently kisses me, his lips tasting like wine. “I know that.”

“Maybe we can have a date night tomorrow? Just the two of us?” I suggest, hoping it’ll ease him about our relationship.

“Not sure. Tomorrow’s gonna be busy for me, but I’ll double-check my schedule and let you know as soon as I can.”

I smile, even though I’m nearly fuming inside. “Okay then.” Reaching for the door handle, I add, “Good night.”

“Love you,” he says before I step out.

“Love you too.”

He waits until I’m inside my car and it’s cranked before he pulls away.

I’m annoyed while I drive home, but by the time I walk through my front door, I’m raging pissed. It’s been a long time since I’ve been this irritated with Robert. Sure, his constant parading of me in front of his clients has gotten old, but I’m used to that by now. However, asking me about Tyler as if there was something between us was uncalled for. He acted like Tyler getting hired was some ploy so we could hang out all day.

I go straight to the bathroom and start the water, but before I can get undressed, I get a call from Everleigh.

“Hey, whatcha doing right now?” she asks as I turn off the faucet.

It’s barely eight, but I’m exhausted and have to be up early for work tomorrow. “I was getting ready to soak in the tub.”

“Okay, what’re you doing after that?”

She’s up to something.

“Going to bed.”

“Instead of taking a bath, you should come over. I asked Katie, but she just put Owen to bed. I need help choosing which pictures of you two to post because I’m second-guessing which ones will get the most attention. I love them all, but I need another perspective. There are too many to email, so would you mind coming over and helping me pick? Pretty please?”

Groaning, I look at the bubble bath and wait for her to tell me she’s joking.

“You’re serious?”

“I need your expert opinion! I want to get some of them posted tomorrow and start moving this new inventory. Plus, you always choose the best ones.”

I chuckle at the way she always wears me down with her compliments. However, being around her would help clear my mind and distract me from my own thoughts. “Fine, but you better have a glass of wine waiting for me when I get there.”

“Yay!” she squeals. “Red or white?”

“Surprise me.”

I tell her I’ll be right over, then throw my hair into a high ponytail, change into yoga pants and a tank top, and drive over.

When I arrive, Everleigh swings the door open, holding a glass of wine. I snort as she hands it to me before my feet even cross the entrance.