Page 28 of Love Off-Limits
“It definitely isn’t that guy. I would have just told him to leave if it was.”
I nodded. The dinner out had been good for us. Reminded us that we were siblings first, competitors for the same job second. Well, sort of competitors. Perryhadthe job. I just really wanted it.
“Is it a vendor, maybe?” I didn’t often have people asking for me specifically. Most people who had business with the farm asked for Dad. Or Perry.
“If he is, he didn’t say so. Just go and see.”
I headed toward the reception area of the farmhouse—our offices filled the back half of the first floor—and stopped dead in my tracks before fully entering the space. I backed up a few steps and pressed myself up against the hallway wall.
ItwasTyler. Here. At my work. Standing on the opposite side of the overstuffed couch and armchairs that sat to the left of the reception desk. The desk wasn’t staffed full time—only when we were actively hosting events and had people staying in the farmhouse. Tuesdays and Wednesdays were usually pretty slow, so today, the reception area was empty. Except for Tyler.
TylerfreakingMarino in all his sexy glory.
Perry had followed me, likely curious to know who the mystery guest was, and he stopped when I stopped.
“I can’t go out there,” I said, though my hesitation puzzled even me. Of course I could. And if my pounding heart was any indication, Ireallywanted to. Except, Tyler didn’t belong in this world. He was a dream. A fantasy. Areallyhappy memory.
And he was supposed to stay that way.
I pulled Perry back toward the offices, far enough away that I didn’t think Tyler would hear us.
“Why not?” Perry whispered. “Do you know that guy?”
I nodded. “That’s the guy. The one I met at Rosie’s wedding.”
“Oh.Oh,” Perry said, understanding dawning in his eyes. “So he knows the YouTuber?”
That question puzzled me. Was Perry a fan?
“They’re best friends. And they work together. Why? Do you watch the show?”
Perry lifted one shoulder. “Occasionally. You don’t? I thought everyone did.”
This little revelation almost distracted me from the fact that Tyler was less than twenty feet away.Almost.
“So what’s the deal with this guy? Did you really have a thing?” Perry’s eyes suddenly narrowed like they used to when we were in high school and he disapproved of my behavior. “A one-night stand kind of a thing?”
I rolled my eyes. “No. Not that it would be any of your business if we had. We just talked a lot, and...” I shook my head. Perry didn’t need a play-by-play. “Anyway. I haven’t texted him in weeks. I have no idea why he’s here.”
Perry lifted his shoulders with nonchalance and turned like he was heading to the reception area. “I’ll just tell him to leave. If you aren’t interested, you aren’t interested.”
I stopped him before he made it out of reach. “No, no. Don’t do that. I’ll talk to him.”
He held my gaze, his brow furrowed. “Are you sure? Olivia, if he made you feel uncomfortable—”
“It’s not like that,” I said, cutting him off. “He’s a great guy. I just...didn’t expect him.”
Perry looked down the hallway, concern still marring his expression, then he shrugged and took a step backward toward his office. “Okay. Let me know if you need me.”
I nodded, suddenly grateful that Perry had never been the kind of brother to turn all macho and protective. He disappeared into his office with a salute, leaving me to face Tyler on my own.
What was he doing in Silver Creek? At Stonebrook, of all places?
I looked down and adjusted the hem of my shirt, suddenly wishing I had a mirror to make sure the rest of me looked okay. I hadn’t seen Tyler in over a month. But I remembered the way his touch had felt on my skin like it was yesterday, like it hadn’t been six long weeks since we’d lain under the stars while a sultry, Southern night tiptoed its way toward dawn.
Whatever his reasons, Tyler had been waiting long enough. I squared my shoulders and walked out to the foyer to greet him. His back was to me as he looked out the wide front windows of the farmhouse. He wore a pair of slim-fitting khakis, cuffed, a pair of designer Nikes, and a pale pink button-down shirt he’d rolled up to his elbows. A pair of Aviators were perched on his head, nearly lost in the waves of his dark brown hair.
He looked...very Charleston. And hot as all get out.
