Chapter 228: Let’s Make a Deal

Holly’s POV

The rooftop restaurant was beautiful, I had to give Tyler that. Fairy lights strung everywhere, soft jazz floating from hidden speakers, the city sparkling below us like someone spilled diamonds on black velvet. The air smelled like garlic bread and expensive wine, and our table had the best view, right by the glass railing so you could lean out and feel like you were floating.

Tyler looked good too. Tailored shirt open at the collar, sleeves rolled up just enough to show off his watch that probably cost more than my old car. He was smiling at me like I was the only person in the room, pulling out my chair, pouring my wine before the waiter even got to us. Classic Tyler, charming, smooth, always a little too much.

We ordered appetizers, bruschetta and some fancy calamari, and he leaned back, swirling his glass, eyes on me.

I had so many questions to ask him. I thought he just started his company. How did he get rich overnight? But I was too caught up in my head to engage him.

“Okay, Holly,” he said, voice light but curious. “Talk to me. Where the hell have you been for the past week? I called, texted…radio silence.”

I laughed softly, buying time by sipping my wine. It was good, crisp, cold, exactly what I needed tonight. “You’re gonna think I’m cursed or something.”

He raised an eyebrow. “Try me.”

I took a deep breath. “Long story, as usual. But the short version… I got into a car accident driving home one night. Totaled my car. Ended up in the hospital with a cast on my arm for a few days.”

His face changed instantly. The easy smile dropped, and he leaned forward fast, eyes wide. “What? Holly, are you serious? Are you okay? Why the hell didn’t you tell me?”

He looked genuinely hurt, like I’d punched him. His hand reached across the table like he wanted to grab mine but stopped halfway.

“I mean…if we’re friends, why wouldn’t you call? Or text? Even just a ‘hey I’m alive’ would’ve been nice.”

I shifted in my seat, feeling awkward. Friends. Are we friends? I mean, we hang out. We text sometimes. I helped him one time in designing his new space. He’s nice to me. But friends? The kind you call from a hospital bed? I don’t know. I didn’t call anyone.

Before I could answer, he kept going, voice firm now. “That’s it. From now on, I’m driving you. Everywhere. Home to work, work to home. You’re not buying a new car… I’ve got it covered. And don’t even try to argue.”

I blinked. “Tyler, no. You have a company to run. I don’t want to impose. Besides, my best friend's been driving me already—”

“I don’t care,” he cut in, shaking his head. “It won’t be a problem.”

I frowned. “What do you mean it won’t be a problem? You literally live at the other side of town, to and fro is kinda a big deal if you ask me.”

He smiled, slow and confident, leaning back again. “I live next door now. Literally. Moved in today. So I can just pick you up on my way to work. No big deal.”

My jaw actually dropped a little. “You… what? You moved into the house next to ours?”

Next door. As in the house right beside Kayla’s. The one that’s been empty for months.

He nodded like it was the most normal thing in the world.

“Wait…how did you know my address? I don't remember mentioning that to you,” I asked suspiciously.

“I have my sources, silly. When I couldn’t reach you, I started digging, and discovered that,” he replied calmly.

I stared at him, trying to figure out what the hell was going on in his head. Why would he do that? Just to be closer to me? Does he…does he actually have feelings for me?

He must’ve seen the question on my face because he set his glass down, looked me dead in the eye, and said, “Yes. I like you, Holly. A lot. From the very first day. And I go after what I want. Always have.”

I laughed. Couldn’t help it. It came out nervous and loud. “Tyler, you need to turn whatever’s going on in your head off right now. I’m… I’m interested in someone else.”

He didn’t even flinch. Just smiled wider. “I don’t mind chasing you. I don’t lose without using every resource I have. And trust me… I haven’t even started yet. Sit back, relax, enjoy dinner. I’m confident I’ll make you fall for me.”

I laughed again, shaking my head. “I doubt that. I’ve only ever been crazy about one guy. Like, flew across the country to be near him kind of crazy. It’d take all the resources in the world to get my attention away from him.”

He leaned back, crossed his arms, looking amused. “Good thing my family’s loaded. I can buy all the resources in the world if that’s what it takes.”

I rolled my eyes, lifted my wine glass, and took a long drink. This guy.

The night went on…food came, we talked about work, his new project, my experience at the company…of course I left out the part where my boss makes me want to scream and cry at the same time. But my mind kept drifting.

To David.

To his office earlier today. The way he looked at me when I told him I had feelings for him. Cold. Blank. Like I was a stranger bothering him.

He doesn’t want me. He doesn’t feel anything. Still sees me as Ava’s sick little sister. The kid he saved. Not a woman. Not someone he could want.

It made me so angry I didn’t even realize I’d slammed my fork down until Tyler jumped a little.

“Jesus, Holly,” he said, half-laughing, half-concerned. “You scared me. Everything okay?”

I forced a tight smile. “Yeah. Fine.”

Then I leaned forward, elbows on the table, voice lower. “So…tell me. What would you do to make me see you? Like, really notice you.”

I didn’t care about him. Not like that. But I wanted to hear it. Because whatever he said…maybe I could use it on David. I hate to admit it, but David is kinda making things a lot more difficult for me.

He relaxed back in his chair, smirking like he’d been waiting for this exact question.

“I know it’s David you’re into,” he said casually. “I suspected this from that day you made him kneel at the diner. So here’s the deal…let’s make it official. You and me. We date. Publicly. We make him jealous. That’s how you grab someone’s attention when they’re too stubborn to see what’s right in front of them.”

I laughed. “Someone else suggested the exact same thing to me recently and I brushed it off. What makes your version different?”

He tilted his head. “Does that someone have money like I do? Because I’m talking private jets, front-row seats, weekends away…whatever it takes. Is the person as handsome as I am?”

He grinned as I started laughing for real this time. The man was ridiculous.

“Cocky,” I teased.

“And,” he interrupted sharply, “David and I have history. He hates my guts. Always has. If he sees us together…really together…he’ll feel threatened. He’ll make his move. Guaranteed.”

I bit my lip. “And what’s in it for you? Why would you go that far?”

He looked at me, serious now. “I want you. That’s it. I’m hoping by the end of this, you’ll choose me instead. So yeah, I’m going in with my own benefit in mind. It’s a win-win.”

I shook my head. “Then we don’t have a deal. I don’t want to hurt you because I won’t choose you. Ever.”

He smiled softly. “Time will tell. I’m very likable, you know.” Then he held out his hand. “So…deal?”

I gulped as I stared at his hand, my mind racing.

Why does it feel like I’m about to make a deal with the devil?