The Neighbor #4 (The Neighbor Romance Series - Book #4) by Claire Adams Read Free Book Online

paused. “That’s what Kelly said.”
    “Yeah…Okay, Max, let’s get this thing started. Did
you borrow a dolly from maintenance?”
    “I sure did. I’ll load the boxes and you wheel out
your bike. By the way, did you ever ride this thing?”
    “No, but I had the bike so I figured what the hell.
I read that two things you should bring to college are a bike and a tennis
racket. I never used either.”
    “No. You just used your mouth instead.”
    I punched Max in the arm.
    “My extracurricular activities are none of your
business. Speaking of—how is Valerie?”
    “Shut up. What the hell is this?”
    He held up a purple drawstring bag in which I kept
my personal research project. It contained lotions and essential oils.
    “Just throw it in the backseat of the SUV. It is a
work in progress.”
    As I packed up my books, I got a little weepy. My
dream to make something out of my life was in those books. I goofed off like
many freshman, but at least I had a purpose. I felt like a rudderless boat or a
ship without a sail.
    “I think we’re packed up, Jenna. You should turn
your keys in to the RA and make a quick exit. This place is full of memories
for you. It’s time to figure out what you’re doing tomorrow, next week, or next
year. Make new tracks girl.”
    “Are you going to be okay at this school without
me?” I said.
    “Oh, I’ll manage. It won’t be nearly as fun, but I ’m hoping you will be back. Before you take off, I have a
question.”
    “What’s that?”
    “Which putt-putt course did you visit?”
    “The Seven Wonders which isn’t far from campus.”
    “I thought so. I was curious when I saw Rozi from human
sexuality class scribbling on a tablet from the Seven Wonders.”
    “Is this going somewhere, Max?” I asked.
    “Professor Flynn is boring. Can you imagine making
human sexuality boring?”
    “Get to the point, Max.”
    By this time, I was curious.
    “I asked if she had been there. Rozi appeared
nervous when I inquired, and Valerie and Rosemary were also flustered. She said she had, so I asked when. She was smart enough to say she
didn’t remember, but her partner Rosemary was quick to give up the date and
approximate time. I put two and two together and bingo. It was the same night
you were there with the professor.”
    “That bitch with the ratty hair saw Ryder and I ? She’s the one who made the report to the dean. It is good
to have that information, but what the hell do I do with it? Thanks a million,
Max. Right now I have something more important on my mind, but this certainly
answers a lot of questions.”
    “Are you going to pay me? I helped you move, and I
did your detective work,” Max asked.
    I laughed as I walked to my car and then called back
to Max, “Keep in touch, Max. Thanks again.”
    ****
    I went home and took a shower. I had decided to take
control of the situation. Knowing that Roz was the tattletale was easy to
disprove. She would be seen as a jealous young woman.
Ryder and I had been careful other than that one time. A celebratory embrace wasn’t
enough to fire Ryder. As far as my suspension went, I couldn’t give a rat’s ass
about South Carolina as long as they cleared my record.

 
    Chapter
Seven
    My college stuff was moved into my mom’s garage. I felt like throwing my fucking
bicycle in the trash. It wobbled on the back of the SUV during the entire ride
down I-26.
    I had a terrible headache and it was nearly
impossible to get Ryder off my mind as I was living next door to the man.
    I thought that I had figured out where I needed to
be. I went in the house to have a conversation with my mom
    “Are you finally finished? Sorry I didn’t help more,
but my feet are killing me after spending the day in those heels. What’s up,
Jenna?”
    “I have to ask your advice,” I said.
    “Well that’s a first. I love to give advice,
although no one ever takes it,” my mother said.
    “I wonder why Mother.” I smiled. “Ryder has an
appointment with