Neighbors by Ashleigh Royce Read Free Book Online

his money she had her eye on though. He was vulnerable back then and Maria wound herself around him. I think she married him to spite me and the money is an added bonus.”
    I‘m stunned at this unload of personal information. I don’t what to say, so I say nothing. He changes the subject and we fill the rest of the evening with topics that aren’t so personal, like movies, books, and restaurants.
    We skip dessert and drive back home.  Dylan pulls into his driveway and helps me out of the truck again. “I put some more things away. I’d like your organizational approval. Mind coming in?”
    “Um, okay .” I figure we were friends now, and that’s what friends do, right? Right, my brain confirms.
    He opens his door and I follow him into the kitchen. There are no boxes blocking my way this time. All that remains of the stacks of boxes are two in the corner. The counter is clear of clutter and the appliances have been buffed to a high shine. “Can I get you something to drink?”
    “No t hanks. I’m stuffed.”
    “I want to show you the closet upstairs. I worked for over an hour implementing all of your suggestions.”
    This time, without naughty thoughts, I follow him up the stairs to the closet. He opens the door and stands back, waiting for my approval. It’s set up just as I had suggested.
    “Very nic e,” I say. When I turn to address him, he’s very close. Unnerving force fills the space between us. My heart pounds, my breathing is rapid. And as if an invisible magnet is in my skin, he moves toward me. His lips are centimeters from mine. His scent – clean cotton and shampoo - dances around me. I can’t think straight. A debate races through my head like lightning through a cloud.
    He wants to be platonic .
    Then why is he so close ?
    It’s a narrow hallway ?
    Kiss him .
    He’ll reject you .
    Try.
    Don’t.
    Chicken .
    F riends .
    So close.
    No.
    Touch him .
    What if you’re wrong?
    His lips are right there.
    You’re misinterpreting .
    Mmmm ,..he smells soooo good.
    He’s not interested .
    Those lips .
    He doesn’t…
    So…close…
    No.
    Yes!
    Enough! I gi ve in and bring my lips to his.

 
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
    Seven
     
     
    The spark is almost visible. Soft, pliant lips accept mine. His body pushes against me. The contours of his chest press through his shirt. Deep inside of me everything tightens. His tongue parts my lips and caresses mine. I can’t think of anything except him. Strong hands skim my curves. One reaches around to my back and pulls me close. I feel him against me. Shock waves pulse down my spine. Blood races to every edge of my body.
    His mouth commands my attention as it moves across my jaw. Goose bumps trail the feather like kisses he places down my neck. I close my eyes and tilt my head back, giving in to the feeling that’s consuming me.
    He guides me out from the hallway into the bedroom. The back of my legs stop when they hit the edge of the bed. His mouth is on mine again. He stops momentarily. Large brown eyes search mine for permission. I smile, granting it. Deft fingers move to the tie that holds my halter-top secure. With a gentle tug, it falls loose. At that moment I’m grateful that I’ve never denied myself pretty lingerie as my lacy strapless bra is revealed. He leans in and plants more feather-kisses on the tops of my breasts while he reaches around and unhooks my bra, freeing me.
    My clumsy hands search for the hem of his shirt. He helps me pull it over his head only momentarily breaking the connection his lips have with mine. The shirt is tossed to the floor.
    He lips travel to my right breast. Using his tongue, he circles my nipple. I gasp. Taking it between his teeth, he gives a gentle tug. The pull resonates much lower. A moan escapes from deep in my throat. It fuels him. He cups my breast as he moves to the other and gives it equal attention.
    T he need for him intensifies and I’m driven to the next level. Just friends, huh? With an awkward