Page 37 of Succeeding Love

“Beats me,” he smirked. “Apparently, it’s a surprise.”

“Maybe she’s going to greet you with water guns at her door,” I pressed my lips together, trying to hold back my laughter.

“My excitement level just rose,” he laughed.

We walked our usual route, twice, laughing and joking together as we had been doing every morning and most evenings. I offered to go around the block a third time, but he had a meeting to get to this morning. I wanted to ask what the meeting was for, but held back. He seemed nervous about it, whatever it was, so I just wished him luck and told him I would see him tonight.

He squeezed my hand, then kissed my fingers before letting me and Kevin head back in. It made me think of his kiss a week ago, and my face grew hot as I hurried into the garage. I shut the overhead door before I self combusted right in front of where he stood in the street, watching me with that handsome half-smirk.

It’s become a bit frustrating. Really frustrating. I’ve thought about that kiss much more than I probably should. Maybe tonight, just maybe, he will take mercy on me and kiss more than my hand again.

~

Vin

I watched my pretty little neighbor with her blushing cheeks and those swinging hips in her fitted leggings walk double time to her garage. I need to quit teasing her, but her reactions are so fucking cute.

Today was going to be so long. I knew it, because I was so looking forward to tonight.

I have that meeting to get to, though. I talked to Milton again and decided I wanted to at least talk to his boss about the security manager's position. I wasn’t sure I wanted to go back to work, especially this soon, but when Milton told me the annual salary for the position, I couldn’t help but think of what mightbe in store for the future, and how that salary could make it a lot brighter for me and whoever was in it.

To be honest, the more time I spent with Feighlynn, the more I wanted to do something that would give me more to offer her. I’m not at the age to waste my time casually dating, and I’m liking her more and more the more we interact. Everything about her drives me crazy in all the good ways. I crave her time, and it’s unlike anything I have ever felt for anyone before.

I had a quick breakfast with my mom. She seemed to be having a good day so far today, and was cooking me bacon and eggs when I came inside.

I put on navy pants with a white shirt and brown dress shoes with a matching brown belt. Nothing too over the top, but professional enough. As I drove to the office, I just thought about Feighlynn, which had me in a smug and smiling mood when I got to city hall. If I could attract the attention of a woman like her, this meeting would be a walk in the park. That’s the Feighlynn effect. She makes me feel like a real action hero. Her action hero.

When I asked the receptionist which floor the city manager’s office was, she gave me a flirty grin, but it had nothing on Feighlynn’s smile. It didn’t affect me at all. I found that no woman could compare to my little neighbor. She was definitely one of a kind, with her positivity and all her happy little quirks.

Damn, I already miss her. Tonight can’t come soon enough.

On the elevator ride up to the sixth floor, I pulled out my phone and sent her a text telling her I missed her smile already. About ten seconds later, I got a text back of a goofy picture with her and Kevin. She was sticking out her tongue with her eyescrossed, and had her fingers pried in her dog’s mouth, forcing him to smile. Even being silly like that, she was beautiful. That’s what I texted back. Just a one word response: beautiful. She sent me an emoji with a smiley face and a heart all around it. So fucking adorable.

I took a second to admire her dimpled chin and the way her hair hung over her shoulders. I bet her hair smells amazing. I’m going to see if I can get a whiff of it tonight. I just want to bury my face in it, and hold her tight enough to make her squeak. I bet she would let me. I am sure if I asked to hold her, even for a second, she would be all for it. Her cheeks would get all flushed, and she would avert her gaze in that shy way she does, but that eager little smile would still be on her perfect lips.

Shit, I can’t wait for tonight. I wonder what she has planned for us, that I need to wear swim shorts. Should Ijustwear swim shorts, or should I bring them and change into them when needed? I should stop by the store on the way home and get a couple of water guns, too, just in case. I know she would get a kick out of it if I did. I’d buy many things to hear her laugh or see that smile on her face.

When I got to the right floor, I saw Milton almost right away. He was walking out of a room that was labeled as a conference room with a tall, well-dressed woman. She had on bright lipstick and painted fake nails to match. Milton looked a little uncomfortable with her, but if she noticed, it didn’t show. She was grinning in that sly way some women do when they think they’re desirable. She might be to some people, but Milton has tastes similar to mine. Some overly confident corporate woman would not impress him.

“My apologies again that my colleague couldn’t be here. I’ll pass along the revisions, and he can call you on Monday.” Shepressed towards him a bit. “Or maybe we could discuss all of it over lunch?”

Milton’s face remained passive until he caught sight of me, and then he looked relieved. “Just have Nicholas call Monday. I’m sure we can do the final paperwork by email.” He dismissed her and her face subtly fell. Not like she was disappointed, but just tired. It made me pity her a bit. “My next appointment is here. My secretary can show you the way out.”

The woman looked at me appraisingly, her mask of confidence returning. “I know the way.” She offered that sly smile to me, but I just nodded in return, my face remaining passive. “Thank you again, Mr. Milton.”

“Yep,” Milton let the professional facade drop, then sighed with relief when she got in the elevator to leave.

“Rough morning?” I raised an eyebrow at him.

“Tense,” he groaned. “I’ve worked with that woman for months now on this deal, and today was the first time I saw her without her partner. No wonder he’s tired of the chick. She’s exhausting.”

“Was she trying to jump your bones?” I laughed as he led me back into that same conference room.

“I don’t know what the woman was trying to do. I wouldn’t be surprised, though. She’s got a reputation.” He looked around like he was seeing if anyone was around to listen. “She goes after married men. A buddy of mine ended his happy marriage over her and is living in hell because of it.” He shook his head sadly. “Poor chump.”

“Sounds like he did it to himself,” I scoffed.

Milton frowned. “Yeah. I know how you feel about cheaters, but I still feel bad for the guy. His ex was great.”

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