Page 115 of Until You

Chapter Thirty

Tyler was at a bar celebrating his win with Randy and several other colleagues over drinks when he saw Lanie’s text.

He picked up his phone and called her. “Hey, don’t cook,” he said. “Let me take you out.”

“Aren’t you working late?”

“Not tonight. I can pick you up around six thirty. How about we go to Capital Grille, but sit in the actual dining room this time?”

“Wow,” she said, but her voice lacked enthusiasm. “Are we celebrating something? Where are you? It sounds noisy.”

He slid off the bar stool and moved to the hallway by the restrooms. “Lanie, is everything okay?”

“Yeah, I’m fine.”

She didn’t sound fine. “Do you have a headache? We can stay in.”

“No, if you’re suggesting Capital Grille, it sounds like a special occasion. I’ll be ready.”

A month ago, he would have bought that nothing was wrong, but he knew her now. He knew that something was off.

“You know what I’d really like? A quiet candlelight dinner at my apartment with you. How about you head over to my apartment and set the table, then open a bottle of wine and take a bath in my tub? That sounds relaxing, doesn’t it?”

“Tyler.”

Her voice broke, and now he was really worried. “Lanie, what’s wrong?”

“You were right. I have a headache. If you don’t mind staying home, that sounds great.”

“Head over to my apartment early so you can have a long soak. Don’t worry about setting the table. I’ll take care of everything.”

“I love you, Tyler.” Her voice broke again.

“Now you’re scaring me, Lanie. I think I should come home now.”

“I’m fine. I promise. I’m just stressed. Go hang out with your friends, and I’ll see you when you get home.”

Could she be any more perfect? “I love you, Lanie. I’ll be home soon.”

She’d told him to stay, but he decided he’d tell his friends he was leaving early.

“No!” one of the associates protested. “We’re celebrating! You can’t go!”

“I need to get home to Lanie. She’s not feeling well.”

“That’s what they all say, dude,” another guy said. “Who would have guessed that Tyler Norris could be pussy-whipped.”

Tyler felt uncomfortable, not because he thought he was being controlled by Lanie, but because several months ago, he would have been on the other side, calling some other poor bastard the same name.

Jesus.Had he grown up?

“If you believe that, then you’ve chosen the wrong woman,” Tyler said, pulling out his wallet.

Randy stared at him with a strange expression but he stood and pushed Tyler’s hand away. “I’ll take care of your drinks, but let me walk you to the door.”

“I’m safe to drive, Randy. I’ve only had one beer.”

“That’s not why I’m walking with you.”

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