Chapter 9 Tyler’s A Solid Guy
Eleanor glanced at Tyler, saw that he was not mad, then went on, “Well, you’ve never had a woman around. That’s what people say. But hey, if it bothers you, I’ll stop bringing it up.”
“I’m not avoiding women,” Tyler said. “There’s someone I like.”
That clicked for Eleanor. “So you’ve been saving yourself for the one, huh? Wow. That’s rare. Not like those guys who use that ‘no women, no respect in this business‘ excuse just to hook up with everyone.”
“That’s their choice–not my place to judge,” Tyler said, his voice low. “The women. hanging around those guys, they’re after power and money. And trying to look impressive with a harem? That’s just pathetic. The spotlight shifts, you never know how long the ride lasts.”
Eleanor gave him a look of approval. “You know, you’re right. You and Chris… seriously, night and day. By the way, Tyler, did you call Vera here?”
“Yeah.” Tyler nodded. “This way the whole country knows.”
Eleanor hesitated, then asked, “One more thing… back then, did Chris really think. about having me thrown in jail?” She stared at him, already knowing the answer, but hoping he’d say something a little less heartbreaking.
“He did,” Tyler said flatly. “I looked into it myself. Some people only believe what they want to believe, though.”
Eleanor’s heart sank, but she forced a smile. “I figured. Shouldn’t have hoped for anything different. Thanks, Tyler.” Back then, Tyler had been one of the very few who didn’t turn on her or try to hurt her.
He looked at her. “If you want the evidence, I can send you a copy.”
“Perfect. I could use it as a wedding gift for them.” She smiled, then suddenly realized she was still being carried. “Tyler, you can put me down now.”
“Carrying you’s no trouble at all, he said. “You’ve been through a lot these years.”
Eleanor felt unexpectedly touched, thinking to herself, ‘That almost sounds like he’s apologizing on Chris‘ behalf.
“It was my choice,” Eleanor said softly. “None of this was anyone else’s fault.” Being in Tyler’s arms made her want to lean in just a little more. She’d been on her own for so long… it felt nice, warm even. Safe.
But Eleanor still had a shred of sense left. She and Tyler weren’t exactly a match. If he ended up marrying her, his nephew’s ex, people would talk. A lot. Even if Tyler was okay with it, she couldn’t be that selfish.
Keith was waiting by the car. When he saw Tyler carrying Eleanor over, he opened the
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Chapter Tyler’s A Sold Guy
door and said, “Mr. Langford, Madam Langford tried calling you. You didn’t answer, so she called me instead. She asked a bunch of stuff about Mr. Chris Langford.
“Then she brought you up–wanted to know if you’re seeing anyone. Said nobody in the family ever gives her a break. She’ll probably be back from Mount Juniper tomorrow.”
“Got it.” Tyler set Eleanor down in the car.
Keith turned to Eleanor. “Miss Donovan, about what I mentioned last time–have you thought it over? If you say yes, two problems get solved at once. Mr. Langford’s a solid guy.”
Eleanor’s face went bright red, thinking, ‘Seriously? He’s bringing this up now–with Tyler right next to me? This is so awkward I could die.”
Then Tyler asked, “So, Keith, what did I miss?”
Eleanor frantically shook her head at Keith, waving her hands like mad. But Keith ignored it and said, “Mr. Langford, I told her if she’s looking for a guy who can outclass. Chris, maybe she should consider you.”
Eleanor held her head, thinking, “Why do I always get caught in these totally
humiliating moments? And after finding out Tyler already likes someone? This is just great.‘
“Tyler, don’t listen to him,” she blurted out. “I didn’t mean it like that. There’s nothing between us. We’re not even a good match.”
Tyler leaned back in his seat, eyes half–closed, fingers tapping his leg. Then he looked over at Eleanor. “You think I’m too old for you?”
“Of course not,” Eleanor said, realizing’she was just digging herself in deeper. “I just broke up with Chris. If I turned around and got with you right away…
“I wouldn’t care, but people would trash you. They’d say you and your nephew shared the same woman. That wouldn’t look good.”
Tyler smiled, the cloud from before lifting. “You and Chris only dated. Besides, it’s not the fifties anymore. Things are pretty open now. And my mom likes you. Whether you‘ re her future granddaughter–in–law or future daughter–in–law, doesn’t make much difference.”
“Tyler, are you losing it from all the family pressure?” Eleanor said quickly. “This could get really messy. And you? You’re a big deal. I wouldn’t dare.”
“Miss Donovan, that’s not fair,” Keith chimed in. “You saved Mr. Langford once. Why not go all the way? Save him again. You and Mr. Chris are done anyway.
“Helping out Mr. Langford isn’t a bad idea. If you’re worried about him catching heat, maybe you should make the first move. I mean, doesn’t he still owe you one last favor?”
He noticed Tyler giving him a rare approving look and suddenly got excited, thinking, ‘If
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Chapter 9 Tyler’s A Solid Guy
I pull this off, I might actually get that raise and some time off.”
Eleanor glanced over at Tyler. He was wearing a white polo shirt and black dress pants -simple, but he still looked ridiculously sharp.
She thought, ‘Marrying Tyler wouldn’t be the worst thing. He’s seven years older, sure, but being with him… it actually feels way better than it ever did with Chris.‘
“Tyler, let’s get one thing straight. I don’t think you’re old. I just… need a little time to think,” she said.
“How much time are we talking?” Tyler asked. “At least give me a general idea. Don’t take it the wrong way, I just need to organize my schedule,”
“One night.” Eleanor held up a finger. “Give me tonight. I’ll give you an answer
tomorrow.”
Tyler crossed his legs and looked at her. “Alright.”
After dropping Eleanor off at home, Keith said, “Mr. Langford, you’re not worried she’ll sleep on it and end up turning you down?”
Tyler kept his eyes on her back, calm and steady. “She won’t.”
When Eleanor got home, she saw Linda was still out. Not long after, her phone rang. It was Vera. “Eleanor! Where are you now? Girl, you really scored with Tyler, huh?”
Eleanor groaned. “Can you not? Tyler just came to help clean up that mess. There’s nothing going on between us.”
“Come on, I was watching the whole time. When you fainted, he freaked out. And when he left, he gave those two scumbags a death glare that nearly froze the room. They were too scared to even breathe till you two were gone.
“The moment you left, they started up the whole performance again. But hey, once you were out, all the reporters followed, I stayed behind though–got some juicy footage. for you.”
Vera sent the video over. Eleanor hesitated, then hit play. In the clip, Serena was crying her eyes out. “I’m sorry, Mrs. Donovan. One can’t control feelings.
“I never meant to take Chris from Eleanor. She just misunderstood. I swear I won’t go near him again. What happened was already traumatic enough for me.”
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