Page 47 of Bad Boy Neighbor

But I’m not drunk.

No, but I’m also not completely and utterly thinking one hundred percent straight, either.

My arms reach up and tangle around his strong neck until a cold splash of water laced with guilt consumes my conscience. I place my hand against his chest, the pounding of his heart beating like a drum against my palm.

Staring into his wild eyes, I beg for more time. It’s the only thing I can ask before we both do something we might regret. Everything is moving too quickly. I’d only just met Oliver, and my feelings for him terrify me.

Is it possible to fall for someone this quickly?

The mixed pain and hurt reflected in his expression before he retreated to his room alone. He was angry. The man hated the word ‘no’ or any hindrance for that matter. It’s one of his many traits I have learned about him over the past two weeks. When he wants something, he goes for it all guns blazing.

Alone, while lying on the couch, I stare at the ceiling wishing things were different. If only I lived here and didn’t have a time bomb ready to go off and demand my presence back in a life that isn’t meant for me.

The tiny voice, my conscience as such, sits on my shoulder, a not-so-gentle reminder that I have Nicholas to think about. I owe him my fidelity. This break was never about finding someone else to be with. It was always about finding myself. Yet, this journey wouldn’t have been possible without Oliver in my life. He pushes me outside my comfort zone and makes me see another path worthy of taking.

I would be naïve to think my family, especially my father, will accept my decision not to marry Nicholas. I have to find a way, an excuse that will satisfy my father enough that he will keep me in the family yet marry Oliver.

Marry Oliver? Can you seriously hear yourself?

Marriage, love, and Oliver in the same sentence are so far-fetched. I may have been feeling this way, but Oliver has other plans. I’d be a fool to think for one second I belong in them.

What if they did involve me?

What if he felt the same way I do?

My head spins in circles, back and forth, contemplating whether I go to his room and continue whatever it was we started. I even sit up and face the hallway leading to his room. Yet, something inside me warns me to stay right here.

This is complicated, more complicated than I ever imagined my life would be out here.

And time, as much as he hates that word, is exactly what we both need to process.

My eyes begin to feel like lead weights. Sleep is imminent as the night fades away, and my dreams all involve one man—my neighbor.

The sounds of footsteps wake me as the sunlight shines directly onto my face through the large glass windows. Lana and Sebastian arrive back early, and with Lana checking on Ace, I decide to use the bathroom to freshen up before Oliver steps out.

An hour later, Sebastian has cooked us what he calls an Aussie breakfast—eggs, bacon, beans, and toast with a thin layer of vegemite.

“The trick is to lather up on the butter and spread a thin layer of vegemite on top,” Sebastian suggests, sliding the jar over.

The color of the Vegemite looks rather questionable, yet I give it a go not to offend Sebastian. Serving a small piece and spreading it on the toast, Oliver walks in, head down, grabs a bottle of water from the refrigerator, and then silently walks back to his room.

“How did it all go?” Lana whispers as Oliver leaves the room. “Do I need to steam clean the couch?”

“No, don’t be silly. It’s not like that between us.”

“Really?” Lana seems surprised. “Because ever since Olly started spending time with you, he’s been different. Not the mopey, morbid Aussie who crashed in our spare room two weeks ago.”

“Woman has a point,” Sebastian mumbles with a mouthful of toast. “Different boy, that one.”

“We kissed,” I blurt out, desperate to talk about what is eating me up inside. “But why do I feel so guilty? Like I’m cheating on Prince Charming even though we’re ‘technically’ on a break.”

“Because you’re torn in an epic love triangle.” Lana claps her hands, followed by a squeal. “How exciting!”

“Um… exciting?” I stare at her, confused by the joyous outburst. “A love triangle is hardly exciting but more like stressful and exhausting. Besides, you have to be in love to be in a love triangle.”

I know Lana can read straight through me as I bow my head, avoiding her and Sebastian’s sideways glance. Trying to ignore the pressing conversation of love, I grab the empty plates and take them to the sink to wash up. The dishwasher could be loaded, but I find washing dishes therapeutic, something I haven’t done before my trip here. If my mother ever saw me washing dishes, she would have a coronary.

“Would you leave that, please? You’ve done more than enough,” Lana scolds, taking the dishrag from me.

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