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“We had one when we were kids. Bernie.”
“Cute,” I said.
He was about to reply when one of his colleagues called him over.
While he was occupied, I went and refilled my coffee, chatting casually with the construction guys. Most of them didn’t give me a second glance, but there was an older guy named Rich who was really kind and got me talking about my work.
I heard Tyler’s voice above the chatter as he said, “A few more minutes, guys, then we need to get back to work.”
“That’s my cue,” Rich said.
“Mine too,” I replied. “Nice to meet you.”
He tipped his ball cap off his head. “You too, Miss Henrietta.”
Tyler called me over to the trailer, and I walked into the small space with him. It couldn't have been more than eight by fifteen, but there were a couple of desks and filing cabinets, and even a bathroom in the corner.
Just like the last time we were here together, our aloneness felt so palpable. I could smell his cologne, something earthy and light at the same time. I wanted to reach him to feel his lips on my forehead again. Maybe even on my mouth.
Logically, I knew he was off limits. But that didn't stop my mind and my body and my heart from wanting more with him.
He handed me a couple of manila envelopes and said, “These need to go to the environmental planning office.” His fingers brushed mine, leaving a jolt of electricity in their wake.
I quickly took the envelopes and pulled away, not wanting him to see how much of an effect he had on me. In a matter of weeks, he’d consumed my every thought and replaced them with fantasies I shouldn’t be having.
“I’ll see you tomorrow,” he said.
I couldn't wait. And that would be the end of me. I could feel it in my bones.
17
Henrietta
Confession: I still struggle with my self-esteem.
After work,I drove to meet my friends at Vestido for a dress fitting. Mara's wedding was just a couple weeks away, and we needed to make sure that all the alterations had been done correctly.
As I turned into the parking lot, I wished I could ask their advice with Tyler, but this was Mara’s time. For the millionth time, I cursed myself for not being more experienced. If I’d dated more, maybe I would know how to make the next move with Tyler. Or maybe I wouldn’t be so desperate for love that I was even thinking about jeopardizing my job.
It was a good thing I couldn’t ask for advice tonight while my willpower was nonexistent. I needed to remind myself that I couldn’t lose this job. That no man, even one as handsome and sweet as Tyler Griffen, was worth giving up all I’d sacrificed on the way to my goal.
I parked my car and walked to the dress shop, seeing my friends toward the back of the shop. Tess stood on the platform, looking absolutely gorgeous in her dress. I pushed through the door and walked back. “That’s amazing on you,” I said.
My friends turned to look at me, and Mara got up, giving me a hug. “This is exciting, isn't it? I never thought anything like this would happen for me.”
I squeezed her back. “The rest of us did.”
She laughed. “Of course you did.”
The saleswoman, Venitia, poured me a glass of champagne. I thanked her and took a drink, letting the bubbles warm my mouth and throat on the way down. For the first time today, I felt like I could... breathe.
While the seamstress worked around Tess, I asked Mara, “Getting excited?”
“Honestly?” she said. “I’m looking forward to the honeymoon more than anything. I already feel like Jonas and I are married, with or without the ceremony.”
“I could see that.” The two of them had been a perfect match from the moment they started their fake relationship—even if neither of them could see it. He kept her feet on the ground, and she kept his feet on the clouds.
Birdie added, “A week in Mexico does sound fabulous.”