Page 23 of Neighbors With Benefits

Bash pointed a finger at me. “Stop it.”

“Stop what?”

“You’re thinking of an excuse,” he said. “I can see your wheels spinning. Don’t overthink it: just say yes and come eat with us. We owe you after you made dinner last week.”

Last week. Aiden. The almost-kiss. Fresh embarrassment flooded into my body, heating my cheeks.

“I don’t know. I’m already cozy in my pajamas…”

Bash gestured down at himself. “I’m wearing baggy shorts and a T-shirt, and Aiden is in sweats too. You’ll fit right in.”

His smile was so warm and inviting. It made me feel like I was welcome. Not just welcome for dinner, but in general. I was welcome in their neighborhood and on their street.

“Sure,” I finally said. “I’ll be over in a second.”

“Don’t you dare change,” he warned. “If you put on nicer clothes, then I’ll have to do the same, and then Aiden will, too. It will ruin the whole vibe.”

“Well, I wouldn’t want to do that! Stay here, I just need to turn off the TV and throw some flip flops on.”

I followed Bash around the fence and up the steps to their porch. “I love all your plants!” I said, admiring all the hanging planters.

“They’re not mine. Our other roommate takes care of them. When he’s in town, I mean.”

I smacked my forehead. “Sorry. We already talked about this. You have the opposite of a green thumb.”

“Unfortunately so. The most I’m allowed to do is water the plants when one of the other guys is out of town.”

“If you ever need help, just hit me up,” I said. “I can give you a crash course in not killing plants.”

“I might actually take you up on that.” He led me inside their house. “Aiden! Smells delicious!”

“It’ll be ready in ten minutes,” Aiden called back.

Their house was similar to mine, except it was two stories instead of just one. The living room and kitchen used to be distinct rooms, but at some point a wall had been knocked down to join them together into one large space. Aiden was busy in the kitchen with his back to us.

“Anything we can do to help?” Bash asked.

Aiden froze in front of the stove. “We?” He turned around and our gazes collided for the first time since the Bananagrams game exactly a week ago.

“Oh. Hey, Jazz.”

“Hi,” I said. “You didn’t tell Aiden I was coming?”

Bash flashed a grin. “Spur of the moment thing. Aiden was talking about how we had too much food since our other roommate is gone, and we owed you a meal.”

Aiden recovered from his surprise and gave me what seemed like a genuine smile. “The more the merrier.”

“Can I help?” I asked.

Aiden opened the fridge and pulled out two bottles of beer. “The best way you two can help is by drinking beer and staying out of my way.”

“Don’t have to tell me twice,” Bash said, taking one of the beers.

Bash raised an eyebrow and extended the other bottle toward me.

“Here’s a secret about me,” I said, taking the bottle. “Drinking beer and doing nothing is something I excel at.”

Aiden laughed and returned to the food he was cooking. And just like that, the awkwardness was gone.

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