Page 15 of Bad Boy Neighbor

“Ah… yes. Hasn’t everyone?”

“Not until last night…” I trail off.

“Well, you wanted to experience life outside the control of your family, and it looks to me like you’ve done a fantastic job.” Lana pats my shoulder as if I should be rejoicing in my foolish behavior. “You think you’re up for a late lunch? Sebastian is firing up the grill or the barbie as he calls it. You can’t take the Aussie out of that boy.”

My memory comes crashing back like a tidal wave.

Oh God, shrimp on the barbie.

Aussie accent.

I bury my face in my hands, grateful my pathetic drunk self was only experienced by strangers I will never have to see again.

“Sure, I was planning a night of wallowing in self-pity, but Sebastian is a great cook. I’ll be there.”

The aroma curling up from the grill makes me practically drool. As it happens, Sebastian is smoking up some beef ribs. I’m somewhat excited to try the ribs, given it was something my mother would refuse our chefs to serve at home. She referred to it as a ‘poor man’s’ meal. I don’t care, the aroma is mouth-watering, and my appetite has fired up since Sebastian’s questionable smoothie.

I enter through the side fence, carrying a fruit basket platter from our local grocer.

Lana waves when she sees me. Ace is resting on her hip, running his toy car up and down her arm. He looks like he’s grown since I last saw him. He’s the spitting image of Sebastian but with Lana’s smile.

“Hey, Gabbie,” Sebastian shouts from behind the grill. “How’s the hangover?”

“Much better.” I smile, though cringing at his choice of name for me. “Your secret concoction did wonders.”

“Well, I am a pro. Made double the batch this morning.”

“Oh really? You had a big night too?”

“Nah, not me. My mate, Olly, did, though.”

Staring in confusion, I had no clue who he’s talking about until he walks through the back door carrying a bowl of salad. Dressed in black shorts and a white Nike sports tank top, our eyes carelessly meet. My mouth falls open, shocked, at the same time his head jerks back, muscles rigid, causing him to freeze on the spot.

It’s the guy from last night. How the hell did I not know he was staying next door? Of all the things Lana tells me, this should have been number one!

Those green eyes are judging me.

The same as they had done when I was making a fool out of myself outside the Irish pub.

“Here he is… man of the night.” Sebastian points his spatula toward him. “Gabbie, meet Olly. Olly is staying with us.”

Olly… is that really his name? It never even occurred to me last night to ask such a question. From the moment he spoke, the arrogant bastard irritated me. He was so condescending and opinionated regarding American girls.

Sebastian is staring at us with confusion, eyes darting back and forth, possibly waiting for a friendly handshake of some sort.

Should I get up and shake his hand, which would be the customary thing to do when introduced to someone?

He watched you vomit over the side rail.

Surely, we’re beyond shaking hands.

My mind begins reliving last night’s events, causing my words to become caught in my throat. I catch him staring at me in bewilderment. I feel the heat rising to my cheeks, praying it isn’t noticeable. Sporting a counterfeit smile, I beg the awkwardness that bathed last night would be transient.

He reaches out his hand, introducing himself, “Oliver Madden.”

Balancing the fruit basket, I reluctantly shake his hand. “Gabriella Carmichael.”

“Nice to meet you… Gabs.”

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