Page 39 of Don't Fall For Your Grumpy Neighbor

After finishing in the bathroom, my stomach growls, and I shake my head with a tired smile. “You’re killing me, little one. I’ll never sleep through the night again, will I? But if you want something to eat, I’m not going to deny you.” I rest my hand on my small baby bump, feeling a gentle flutter in response.

Walking down the stairs, the house is quiet and still, with only the faint hum of the refrigerator breaking the silence. Once in the kitchen, I flip on the light, squinting slightly as my eyes adjust to the brightness. I open the fridge, the cool air hitting my face as I scan the shelves. “What do you want to eat?” I murmur, my hand absentmindedly rubbing my belly.

I rummage through the contents, considering my options. There’s some leftover pasta, a bowl of fresh fruit, and various snacks. My eyes land on a container of yogurt and some granola. “How about yogurt with granola?” I suggest, feeling a tiny kick as if in agreement.

“Felicity, is everything okay?” Shepherd stands in my kitchen with wild eyes, frantically looking around.

“What the hell are you doing?” I shout, my voice a mixture of surprise and anger. My heart races at the sudden intrusion, my hand instinctively moving to my belly.

“It’s three o’clock in the morning and your light went on. I thought something was wrong,” he says, crossing his arms defensively, though his eyes soften slightly as he takes in my startled expression.

I narrow my eyes, suspicion creeping into my voice. “Are you stalking me?”

“I’m watching out for you,” he corrects, his tone firm but gentle. He runs a hand through his tousled hair, a sign of his worry. “You’re pregnant and alone. I just want to make sure you’re safe.”

I give a humorless laugh, putting my hands on my hips. “That’s stalking.” I shake my head and pin him with an angry stare. “You were clearly watching my house because the light was only on for a few minutes before you, once again, broke into my house”

“I used the key, which I told you to move from under your welcome rug and you didn’t. You really need to be more cautious. It’s the most obvious spot for an intruder to look.”

“Obviously,” I shout. “You can’t just keep breaking into my house, Shepherd. It’s an invasion of my privacy.”

This time he takes a step closer and my breath catches in my throat. “An invasion of your privacy? You’re carrying my baby. I’m allowed to check on you to make sure you are both okay. That’s not invading your privacy, that’s caring about what happens to you,” he hisses.

“Don’t you dare give me an attitude. You’re the one who is wrong here, not me. This is my house and you were not invited in.”

He leans closer to me and my heart pounds in my chest. His scent surrounds me and I can feel his body heat. The angry look on his face and the possessiveness he’s exuding is hot.

“I don’t need to be invited in, not when I’m watching out for you and my baby.”

Dang, he’s incredibly sexy when he’s angry. His muscles flex and his eyes have darkened. He’s giving off this alpha-dominant vibe and I’m ready to submit to him.

“I’m far from an intruder or a stalker. You’re being overly dramatic and honestly a bit careless. I told you to move the key and you didn’t, so instead of leaving it I’m taking it this time. It’s not breaking in if I have the key.”

I’m barely comprehending what he’s saying now. I can’t believe my stupid hormones have chosen this moment to take over. I no longer care that he’s standing in my kitchen. All I want now is for him to make good on his word and help me out because I’m suddenly ridiculously turned on.

“Are you evening listening to me?” he growls.

I bite my bottom lip and lift an eyebrow as I stare at him.

His eyebrows shoot up as he stares at me. “Are you serious? You’re horny now?”

I slowly shake my head as I step closer. “Yes.”

“You were just ready to rip my head off and now you’re turned on?”

“Yes, Shepherd, that’s how quickly it happens.” I rest my hand on his solid chest and grin. “We have an agreement.”

He smiles and wraps his large arms around me, resting his hands on my ass. That’s when I realize that the only thing I’m wearing is a short, thin sleep shirt. No bra and no panties.

“Yes, we do and if you need relief, you’ll get it.”

I stare at him and it’s crazy because I’m still pissed at him, but I need him to give me relief. “I’m still angry,” I admit.

“That makes two of us, but it’s not going to stop me from making sure you’re taken care of. I told you I’ll always be here and I meant that on every level.” He moves his hands, dragging them up my body. He stops by my breasts and uses his thumbs to rub over my hard nipples through my thin sleep shirt.

“Oh God,” I moan, dropping my head back.

“Fuck, it’s hot how you react to my touch.” He moves his hands back down my body and pushes them under my shirt. His eyes snap to mine and he grins. “No panties?”

---