Page 76 of Frozen Flames

At the same time, the silly part of me doesn’t want to imagine not seeing Harvey five days a week.

I don’t know what to tell her, so I ask, “Does Harvey know?”

Perhaps he’s discussed it with Gemma and simply never told me. It’s very possible that he promised to get rid of me to win her back.

The thought of him doing so hurts me beyond words.

Instead, Gemma shakes her head. “I’ll talk to him about it.” And just like that, I release a breath of relief.

“I know…I know he manages well on his own, but he’s also doing really well with therapy because of my help. And, well, I think he must get lonely sometimes.”

She knows all this, yet it can’t hurt to remind her.

“I’ll let you know what we decide.” She hits me with thewe, reminding me that she and Harvey are the ultimate team here.

“Of course, Gemma.”

We finish our lunch, and I ask a few questions about her job. I stop when I sense a lot of hesitancy on her part. She even blushes a few times, and it makes me wonder if Harvey’s right and she is cheating on him.

I hope not.

I know that Harv and I messed up too, but this would truly hurt him.

I change my mind and call Harvey after lunch to give him a heads-up about my meeting with Gemma, but it goes straight to voicemail.

Harvey

It’s Friday night, and I missed Claire’s call earlier while I was showering. I debated calling her back, but in the end chose not to.

This is for the best.

I need to prove myself to Gemma. I’m not sure which gesture would show her that I’m trying here. We’ve been hanging out a little more in the evenings the past few days, and it’s been nice honestly, even though we barely talk.

Gemma seems to be in a better mood tonight. She brought home takeout, so we eat on the couch while watching TV.

Then I wait for her while she changes, coming back in a long T-shirt, fuzzy socks, and a loose hoodie.

Cute.

I stare at Gemma and notice the green earrings she always wears, the ones she mentioned her mom gave to her when we first started dating. She’s put her hair up in a bun and a few strands are flying around her face.

This is it.

The grand gesture.

She needs to know I’m serious about this, despite my feelings for Claire.

“What’s wrong?” she asks me, with an edge to her voice. The poor girl, the last time she asked me that, I had kissed another woman.

I really am a prick.

“Nothing. I wanted to try something.”

She deserves it. I kissed another woman. It’s the least I can do. I haven’t touched her in so long. My heart is beating uncontrollably, but I don’t relent.

“Try what?”

Before she has the chance to say anything else, I take her hand, intertwining our fingers, coaxing our bodies closer together on the couch.

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