Page 44 of Turning Up the Heat

“No, wait. I’m coming with you.”

“No, you aren’t,” he told her. “Stay here with your family. Enjoy the party.”

“I don’t really want to be here right now.”

“Gemma, you don’t mean that,” Quin told her.

“I’m not exactly feeling very welcome in my own home right now.”

She walked to the door with Tom. She closed the door so she wouldn’t have to see her family, who she knew were watching them through the glass walls of the house.

“You’re not coming with me,” Tom told her. “This is a night for your family. I knew it wasn’t a good idea for me to come tonight. I’m sorry.”

“You didn’t do anything wrong,” she told him. “It’s Reid and Quin. They just need to get to know you. Like I do.”

He shook his head. “I think they already know everything they want to.” He cupped her cheek and kissed her. “Call me tonight, okay? We can get together later.” Gemma held back the tears as she watched Tom get in his rental car. When he was gone, she walked back into the house.

“Gem—” Reid said, his voice was soft. He’d no doubt already been scolded by either their father or Lila and Celia.

“No,” she said, cutting him off. “I don’t want to hear it. Not tonight. I was hoping this would work out better. I thought that my word that I loved him would be enough for you, but clearly it wasn’t. Can we just forget about it now? Your guests will be here soon.”

She noticed Celia elbow Quin in the ribs, prompting him. “Why don’t we all have brunch tomorrow?” he asked her. “Invite Tom. We can hash this out tomorrow.”

There was nothing to hash out. She was in love with Tom, and her brothers would have to deal with it. She didn’t want to talk to either of them about it, especially if they couldn’t refrain from yelling. But a public place might better to keep their emotions under control. “Yeah, sure. Let’s do it.”

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