The Neighbor (The Neighbor #1) by Claire Adams Read Free Book Online Page A

get to know a person better. There are certain to be
differences but similarities too.”
    “Yes Ryder, you can also find something out about
another person’s age. It can be particularly helpful if the date is secretive,”
I shot back.
    “Give me one example.”
    “If the person likes horror, there are usually
sequels in the genre. Are you for example a Friday the 13 th lover or
were you still in diapers when it came out? You may know Part Five better.”
    “You can’t use that trick on me. I don’t like horror
flicks. I like a good film noir. I like Rebecca with Olivier, Body Heat from
1980, Basic Instinct, Fargo and shit like that. You can try to find out my age
on that one but it is impossible. There is nothing in the past 15 years because
they haven’t made one.” Ryder was proud of his answer.
    “Basic Instinct. You really like blondes.”
    “I do like Blondes. But I am most fond of the scene
where she flashes her pussy.”
    My hands were drenched with sweat. Sweet Jesus.
    “You are such a man,” I said and laughed nervously.
    “Yes. I am and proud of it.”
    Ryder was silent. His green eyes shot through me.
    “Jenna.”
    “Yes, Ryder.”
    “I’m 48-years old,” he announced and laughed as he
walked inside to get my pie.
    I knew was lying.
    ****
    “You can’t go wrong with Apple pie a la mode. It is
comfort food at its finest. The crust is flaky. Where did you get the recipe?”
I asked.
    “My Grandmother.”
    “It is fun seeing you make a fool of yourself but at
I’m an honest person. I am keeping a secret from you…I will share mine if you
agree to do the same.”
    “I suppose I will tell you my real age and that’s
all. It is painful to see you struggle with trying to find out what it is.”
    “Deal.”
    “This is a big deal for me. It is for you to know
only,” he teased and chuckled. He was having fun messing with me.
    “I will not tell a soul.”
    “I am 33. As a bonus, I will give you my sign. I’m a
Capricorn.” Ryder breathed a fake sigh after he shared the top-secret detail of
his life.
    “You should be proud of your age. You seem like you
are 25,” I said.
    “I think that’s a compliment so I will accept it.
Thanks. Now you. Are you secretly a man who has had
good surgery? Those tits look genuine.”
    I laughed and took another sip of wine. He was
really trying to make me blush. Ryder refilled my glass.
    “My secret is much better than yours but it’s
harmless. My mother and I live next-door.”
    “You what?” Ryder was confused.
    “My mom told me there was a hot new man moving in
next-door. She suggested I bring something by. A gift to
welcome you to the neighborhood. I didn’t put a great deal of thought
into it. I got a pie and brought it over. You were not here so I snooped
around. When you sent me your address…I was stunned to find out you were the
hot man next-door.”
    “At least she thought I was hot. What does you mom
look like?” Ryder joked.
    “Shut up!” I giggled. “You were going on about your
homemade pie so I couldn’t resist. You are so secretive and I saw an
opportunity to play your game.”
    “That explains a lot like the car across the street.
I guess the good news is that I have a good view of your bedroom window.”
    I giggled again. “So what’s with all of the sex
books?” I managed to ask after I finished laughing.
    “What sex books? The movers said they had some of my
things mixed in with another’s. It must be his shit you saw.” He winked.
    My heart pounded against my chest. I needed to change
the subject.
    “You must admit, this crust is pretty good
considering it has been in the freezer for a year.”
    “To be honest Jenna, I couldn’t give a shit how the
pie tastes. The pleasure is in watching you eat it.”
    Oh. My. God.
    I couldn’t find the right words to say in response
so instead I stared at the moon that was nearly full. Although the moon and the
stars seemed like a cliché romantic moment, it truly