Neighbors (Entangled Flirts) by L.S. Murphy Read Free Book Online Page A

His head fell into his hands for a moment.
    “My unit is being honored at the game tonight.” He paused as if that would be enough. It actually was, but I wanted him to beg. This was a rare opportunity. “My sister… My mother wouldn’t let Lisa drive to St. Louis alone. I should’ve known better, but…” He cleared his throat and stood up. “If you don’t have plans…”
    “Nope, no plans.” I smiled, letting him off the hook. Even if it means going to the game. What in the hell am I thinking?
    His shoulders dropped as he relaxed. A grin uncurled over his lips. “Can you be ready in half an hour?”
    “If you leave now.” My lips twitched, fighting back the grin that was winning out. Thankfully, I’d already straightened my hair into compliance and had a dress ready. Sure it was too fancy for a basketball game, but Maddie was right. It was time to go for it with Riker. Showing some leg couldn’t hurt.
    Thirty minutes later, I was walking down the stairs when he rapped on my door. I didn’t bother to look through the peephole as I pulled it open. Riker stood before me in his dress blues. I knew he was attractive, but now he was smoking hot. The clichés were true. The clothes can make the man.
    Riker moved his eyes over my dress and smiled, offering me his arm. I grabbed my clutch off the table, shoving my keys inside. My hand slipped through his arm, resting perfectly in the crook as I closed the door behind me. He relaxed and knocked on his own door.
    Josh came out, also in dress blues. Riker made his look manly, but Josh looked like that awkward kid in school playing soldier. He was more endearing than intimidating.
    “Hey, Rena,” Josh said, kissing my cheek. “I’m glad you could make it. You look amazing.”
    “Thanks.” I grinned and let the blush color my cheeks.
    Josh locked up and led the way down the stairs. Riker and I followed. My arm was still linked with his and I didn’t want to let go. Josh opened the front door and said over his shoulder, “Car’s here.”
    “Car?” I asked Riker.
    “Didn’t I mention that we’re going in style?” He glanced at me out of the corner of his eye and leaned down to my ear. “Josh was wrong. You look better than amazing.”
    I bit my lip when his breath caressed my ear. God, I wanted to feel that again. Among other things. And definitely in other places.
    The black stretch limo waited for us, blocking the narrow street. It wasn’t my first limo ride, but I was impressed that there was car sent for Riker and Josh. When I climbed inside, a blonde barely in her twenties waited for us.
    “Hi, I’m Stephanie.” She held out her perfectly manicured hand. A diamond tennis bracelet dangled from her wrist. Her eyes were a familiar hazel with a spark of mischief.
    “Hey, sis,” Josh said as he sat beside her. “I’m glad you could make it.”
    “Mom and Dad are already at the game,” Stephanie responded, eyeing Riker as he slid in next to me. That protective monster swelled in my chest. She smiled at Riker. “How’s it going, C.J.?”
    “Fine,” he replied in a clipped tone.
    It was weird hearing Riker called C.J. It didn’t sound right. And I didn’t like it that Josh’s little sister was being so intimate with him. Her eyes were unbuttoning each brass button one at a time. Jealousy swirled in my gut. Without really thinking, I slipped my hand into his. Stephanie glared at me, and then turned to Josh to talk about her history and biology classes.
    Riker leaned in so only I could hear him. “I like you a little jealous.”
    “Don’t get used to it.” I tried to pull away from him, but he held tight. And, to be honest, I didn’t really try that hard. His skin was calloused and rough, but the warmth of his fingers entwined with mine was comforting. It also helped that Stephanie was doing her best not to look at Riker.
    He squeezed my hand and I turned into a cartoon princess with butterflies in her stomach.
    For some reason, this made