Page 26 of The Cocky Neighbor

"It's going to be great. We're going to work on it more after the wedding in a couple weeks," Ian said, turning to hug his best friend's legs. Caleb's face reddened at the mention of his wedding, but the happy smile was clear for everyone to see.

"I can't believe it's finally happening," Caleb said. The excitement was practically bubbling out of him.

"I know, sweets. I thought we'd never make time to plan for the wedding with how much of a workaholic you are," Zack teased and bumped Caleb with his shoulder. Caleb pushed him off with an eye roll, which only brought a hearty laugh from Zack.

Zack may tease, but we all knew how supportive Zack was of Caleb's dream of opening a bakery. Despite working on building his own clientele for his restaurant consulting firm, he also helped Caleb at the bakery almost every day. They were both working for another company when they first met, and now they were both successful small business owners.

They were truly the definition of a power couple.

"We're just waiting for one more person," Will said, placing a glass of water on the coffee table for Jason before settling in next to him. He handed me a plate of snacks that he made for me. I gratefully accepted it and moaned as the flavors hit my tastebuds. Caleb was a master of sweets.

Mr. Hartley, their cat, immediately jumped into his lap for a snuggle. Will took it all in stride and petted the spoiled feline, activating loud purring.

Will was a huge man, even bigger than I was, but he was a softy on the inside and was fiercely protective of those he loved. I was proud to know that I counted in that category.

In fact, I was sure every single person here would fight through hell for each other. They were truly some of the kindest, sweetest people I'd met.

I had the best friend group ever.

"Did Noah decide to show up after all?" I asked as I grabbed a cookie from the plate. I noticed it was white chocolate macadamia nut cookies, and snickered as memories of how Zack and Caleb first met surfaced to my mind. It was the most awkward moment as they both stumbled over lots of nut references and ED.

Zack must have guessed what I was thinking since I suddenly felt a kick on my back. "Ouch." I turned around to find him glaring at me. I shot him a wink as I took a bite out of the delectable cookie. As his best friend, it was kinda my duty to tease him.

"No, we invited our landlord," Will answered my earlier question, completely ignoring the antics between Zack and I.

"Your landlord?" I asked, turning back to our hosts. I didn't understand how anyone could be friends with their landlord. Heck, I probably only spoke to mine once a year for lease renewal since my rent was paid direct deposit.

"Yeah, we're friends. We've been trying to get him to come, but this is the first time he actually accepted. You're going to love him. He's a great guy!" Jason piped up, and every single head in the room nodded in agreement.

"Speaking of which, I heard they're renting out Caleb's old place. Maybe this is a sign for you to move here too, considering most of your friends live here as well," Zack said, nudging my back with his foot again.

"Hell, no. I'm not risking catching whatever you lot got," I said, wrapping my arms around myself and shuddering. I'd already spent enough time in the building as it was. I couldn't imagine what would happen if I moved here as well. Cupid would be out to get me like it was handing out candy on Halloween.

"Right, right. You don't needluv," he said, emphasizing the last word. "There's plenty of fish in the sea, and you don't believe in depriving anyone of your loving."

"Damn straight," I said with a smirk. "Although I haven’t had much time for anything besides work these past few weeks."

Maybe that was why I'd been obsessing over my new boss so much. I needed a good fuck to forget all about him.

"Oh, right. You told me the guy they put in charge of your hotel was a huge pain in your ass. How's that going for you?" Zack asked.

I'd complained to Zack about Liam numerous times over the weeks, so he knew the gist of what had happened. Of course, I hadn't told a soul about what transpired in that hotel room. I would take that shameful moment to my grave.

I wasn't expecting the apology earlier this week, but it was a nice surprise. Even though he'd been jerking me around since the beginning, I believed that his apology was sincere. Maybe I forgave him too easily, but what I'd learned was that holding grudges hurt you more than anyone else. It was better to just forgive and let go, and time would tell if he had actually meant his words or not.

"He apologized for his behavior. Things haven't been so bad recently," I said with a shrug.

"You guys kissed and made up, huh?" Zack teased with his signature smirk. I scoffed. If only he knew how much I would have liked that.

Screw professionalism if I could have another taste of those lips. When Liam had mentioned a reward for winning our little bet, my mind thought back to the blowjob where he'd sucked my brains out.I wouldn't have minded having another round of that, but he'd promised to keep things professional, and he didn't go back on his promises.

My past self was so stupid to suggest that idea. What was a little rubbing off between two grown adults to let off some steam? It would only increase our productivity since we wouldn't be sotense. He was only going to be my boss for a few more weeks, anyway.

The doorbell ringing interrupted my thoughts.

"That's probably Liam. I'll let him in," Jason said, jumping up from his seat on the floor to open the door.

Liam?

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