Chapter 258: Let’s Play Together

Holly’s POV

We pulled up to this cute little boutique Tyler knew about, tucked away on a side street downtown. It wasn't some fancy designer spot…just cozy, with racks of dresses that screamed "affordable chic."

He parked and hopped out, coming around to open my door like it was second nature. "Alright, let's get you dinner-ready. No pressure, but I'm vetoing anything that doesn't make you look like a total knockout."

I rolled my eyes but couldn't help smiling. "Tyler, I just need something quick. Amber's already blowing up my phone about the company dinner. I don't want to be late."

He waved that off, guiding me inside with a hand on my lower back. "We've got time. Trust me, this'll be fun."

And damn, it was. We wasted a solid hour in there because Tyler turned it into his personal fashion show. Every dress I tried on, he'd make me come out and twirl for him, clapping like an idiot or giving these over-the-top critiques. "Nah, that one's too stuffy…makes you look like you're heading to a board meeting, not a fun night out." Or, "Whoa, that red? Fire. But let's see the blue one again."

I laughed so hard my sides hurt, posing dramatically in the mirror while he snapped fake photos with his phone. It was relaxing, honestly…like hanging with a best friend who just got you. No drama, no intensity, just easy vibes that melted away the chaos of the day.

We finally settled on this mid-length flowing dress in soft teal that hugged my curves without being too much. But Tyler insisted it had to be the sleeveless version. "Come on, Holls, the straps are perfect…shows off those shoulders. Trust me, it's the one."

I yielded, shrugging it off even though I didn't get why he was so hung up on it. "Fine, whatever. It does look good." I changed right there in the store, ditching my ruined shirt for the new dress, and felt a million times better.

But Tyler didn't stop at just the one. He grabbed a couple more off the rack…a casual sundress and a sleek black number…and insisted on paying for everything before I could argue. "These are backups," he said, grinning as the cashier bagged them. "Keeping 'em at my place in case of emergencies like this. Shirt ruins? Dress disasters? Just call me…Tyler to the rescue."

I laughed, shaking my head. "You're ridiculous. But thanks. Seriously."

Amber had called twice by then, her voice getting more impatient each time. "Holly, where are you? Dinner starts soon!" I told her I got sidetracked on a quick shopping run with Tyler, and she just sighed. "Hurry up, girl. The team's waiting."

We headed to the venue…a trendy Italian restaurant downtown with string lights outside and that cozy vibe. But as soon as we stepped out of the car, the evening chill hit me like a slap. Goosebumps prickled up my arms, and I reached instinctively for David's jacket, which I'd slung over my arm.

That's when it clicked…why Tyler had pushed for the sleeveless one. Sneaky bastard.

Before I could shrug it on, Tyler snatched it right out of my hand and draped his own jacket around my shoulders instead. It was warm, smelled like his cologne…clean and woodsy…and fit just right.

"Tyler, what—"

"You can wear your boyfriend's now," he said with a wink, adjusting the collar. "I'm here. I'll give Mr. David's back to him myself."

My stomach twisted. First Justin's jacket after that mess at the hotel, then David's at work, and now Tyler's? God, I'm one hell of a woman tangled up among these men. It's flattering as hell, but also exhausting…like I'm juggling grenades that could blow up any second.

"That's not necessary," I said quickly, trying to hand his back. "I can just wear David's. It's fine."

But he shook his head, insistent, and looped his arm through mine. "Nah, I got you. Come on, let's get inside before you freeze."

He started leading me toward the entrance, and I let him, even though my mind was screaming.

Tyler was being so sweet, so attentive, but it felt wrong now…like I was leading him on after everything with David. I wanted to tell him we could stop this fake whatever-it-was, that he didn't have to play the hero. My chest tightened with guilt…he deserved better than getting caught in my mess.

I couldn't hold it in. Steps away from the restaurant door, I grabbed his hand, making him stop. "Tyler, wait. Listen...you're such a nice person. Like, genuinely one of the best guys I know. You deserve someone who'll acknowledge your feelings and reciprocate them. Someone who—"

He cut me off right there, pressing a finger gently over my lips with a soft smile. "Whoa, why does this sound like you're breaking up with me?"

I blinked, caught off guard, but he just sighed, his expression turning a little more serious, though that warmth never left his eyes. "I know what you're about to say, Holls. I get it…your heart's set on one guy. David Hunt. And that's cool. But let me do this, okay? If I get hurt, that's on me. I'll bow out when it's time. For now, though... I like the drama. It makes my boring life a hell of a lot more exciting. So if you're really my friend, just let me keep going with it."

"But Tyler, I don't want to—"

He clasped our hands together firmly, cutting off my protest, and pushed open the door with his free hand. "Your colleagues are waiting. Come on, girlfriend."

I followed him inside, still feeling like crap about it all…guilty, torn, wishing I could fix this without hurting him.

The restaurant was buzzing, warm lights and the smell of garlic bread hitting us as we walked down the hall to the private room Amber had booked for the company dinner.

We stepped in, and the chatter around the long table died instantly. Heads turned, smiles froze, and my eyes locked straight on David, sitting there with his arms crossed, glaring daggers at me like he could burn a hole through my skull.

I gulped. Oh shit.

The air in the private room felt thick enough to cut with a knife as Tyler and I stood there in the doorway.

The long table was packed with our team…Amber waving from her spot, Norman grinning like always, a few others chatting over appetizers. But David's glare? It could melt steel.

He was seated near the head of the table, arms still crossed, his jaw set so tight I swear I could hear it grinding from across the room. I swallowed hard, my throat dry. This was gonna be a disaster.

Tyler, though? Cool as ever. He flashed that easy smile at everyone, like he crashed company dinners every night. "Hey, folks. I'm Tyler…Holly's boyfriend. Hope you don't mind me tagging along. Can’t bear to be separated from my baby. Bill's on me tonight, so go wild. Order the lobster, the steak, whatever floats your boat."

A few murmurs rippled through the group, some surprised laughs. Amber's eyes lit up. "Seriously? That's awesome!"

David's voice cut through like ice. "You're an outsider. This is a company dinner…employees only. What the hell is going on here?"

Norman chuckled and waved a hand. "Come on, David, lighten up. It's just dinner, not a board meeting. The poor guy can join in. Besides, if he's paying? Even better."

David's eyes narrowed, that glare shifting to Tyler. "The company can handle feeding its own staff. We're not beggars."

Tyler didn't miss a beat, chuckling humbly as he rubbed the back of his neck. "Whoa, no offense meant, man. Just trying to treat Holly's team to a good night. I've heard so much about you all…sounds like you deserve it after the day you've had."

He threw in a joke about office life being tougher than his mergers, and bam…the table erupted in laughs. Even the quieter folks were nodding, charmed by his laid-back vibe.

"Pull up a chair, Tyler!" Norman called out excitedly. "Ignore Dave, he's always cranky after five."

Tyler grinned wider. "Appreciate it."

He led me to the open seats, plopping down on my left while I slid in next to David on my right. But before I could even settle, Tyler reached over and tugged my chair closer to his side…subtly, but enough to create this awkward gap between me and David. I bit the inside of my cheek hard, heat creeping up my neck. What the hell was he doing? This was straight-up poking the bear.

Next, Tyler shrugged off David's jacket from his hand and held it out to him. "Hey, thanks for looking out for my girl earlier. Appreciate it."

David stared at it like it was radioactive, not moving to take it. "You can trash it if you want. I don’t need it.”

Tyler just dropped it lightly onto David's lap anyway, tilting his head with a teasing grin. "Whoa, you saying you can't wear your own jacket anymore just 'cause my girlfriend borrowed it for a couple hours? That's some next-level commitment issues, man."

The table went dead quiet for a beat, then murmurs broke out…half awkward, half amused. "Oof," someone whispered while Amber stifled a giggle.

David's face flushed just a touch, but he kept his voice even. "That's not what I meant."

I bit my cheek harder, praying he wouldn't explode. Tyler was doing this on purpose…I could see it in the sly glint in his eye when no one else was looking. But to the team? He just seemed like the fun, charming boyfriend.

David, meanwhile, locked down into this cold, indifferent mask…staring straight ahead, sipping his water like nothing fazed him. It pissed me off. Here I was, hoping for some reaction, some sign he cared, and he was acting like I didn't exist.

Screw that. If he wanted to play indifferent, I'd play along with Tyler.