Page 122 of My Ruthless Neighbor

“Thanks, but I’ll take a cab.”

“Our destination is the same.” It is. But I also think it’s risky. Because for starters, I find you insanely hot. And if I sit so close to you, my body will get ideas. Ideas I don’t think you would appreciate.

“I…” What happened, brain? You never had any problems conjuring up a lie. Now, why are you leaving me dry?

“Summer,” He calls out in a much gentler voice. When I stare at him, he continues, “You work with KIM Advertising now. That means you’re my responsibility. And I take them pretty seriously.”

“Responsibility?” My chest feels tight. He is offering me a ride because he feels responsible for my safety.

“Yes. Now get in.” He tilts his chin, motioning for me to hop in.

I yield because there was nothing left to argue. So without another word, I climb into the passenger’s side and pull the door close.

“Thank you,” I murmur.

“Put on your seatbelt.” He reminds me as he starts the engine. I pout at his terse reminder and do as I am told.

“Why so serious?” I mutter under my breath with my best mimic voice.

“What was that?” He asks and I shake my head frantically.

I suck on my lollipop in silence for a few minutes when he speaks again. “Can you stop?”

“Stop what?” I lick my lollipop and eye him inquisitively.

“Making those sounds.” His grip on the wheel tightens, the veins in his forearms flexing. Yum.

I suck my lollipop in earnest.

“Summer,” He warns in his sexy dark voice.

Maybe he dislikes eating or chewing sounds. Does he have OCD?

I don’t torment him further and bite on the now small ball of the lollipop. It cracks under my teeth, making another loud sound.

I wince. “Sorry.” I try to chew it fast but it only leads to me making more noises.

When I am done swallowing the sugary sweetness, I take a relieved breath. My relief is short-lived when he breaks the silence.

“What were you doing outside the building at this hour?”

“My meeting ran long.”

“Then why were you wandering around instead of driving home?” He blasts me with a question.

“Because I wanted to do a catwalk in the middle of the road.” I deadpan.

He takes his eyes off the road briefly to stare at me, unblinking.

I sigh. “I was waiting for a cab.”

“Where’s your car?”

“It drew its last breath in your building’s parking lot.” I feign a look of pain. Then fake a frown, wiping an invisible tear.

His brow creases. “You should’ve walked back to the building. One of the guards would’ve helped you with the cab.”

“Seriously, it’s not a big deal.”

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