Page 55 of Neighbors With Benefits

If any of those relationships faltered, the whole thing fell apart. They were rare, and usually flared out after a few months.

It was easier the way we were trying to do it. Since Aiden, Dante, and I were already very good friends, it was just a matter of integrating one woman into the mix. But it was still difficult, and extremely rare for one to succeed long-term.

We had been looking. We hadn’t found anyone yet, despite the help of the internet.

But now Aiden was sleeping with Jazz.

And no matter how much I tried, I couldn’t ignore my growing attraction to her.

“Thanks again for helping,” she said.

“That’s the sixth or seventh time you’ve thanked me. I’ve lost track.”

“And I’m going to say it at least four more times. We’re already halfway done with this room! I originally expected it to take all weekend, but we might finish by tonight.”

“We’ll definitely be done by tonight,” I agreed. “We could start on one of the other rooms tomorrow, if you want. I have plans in the morning, but my afternoon is free.”

“That would be amazing!” She flashed the most irresistible smile at me. The fire in my chest flared a little brighter. Then she added, “I don’t want to take up your entire weekend though.”

“I would have just sat on the couch watching baseball. I like to keep busy,” I explained.

“Oh! Do you want to put the game on?”

I glanced at my watch. “First pitch in the Phillies game is in an hour, and yes, I will definitely be turning it on. As long as you don’t mind listening to it two days in a row.”

“You could play screaming death metal at maximum volume and I wouldn’t mind. Seriously, I can’t thank you enough for the help.”

“That’s now theseventhtime you’ve thanked me. Or eighth. But it’s all good. What are friends for? When we need help with something, we know we can call you to help.”

“I will totally help you! With literally anything. I owe you guys. And not just for painting. You and Aiden have made me feel so welcome in this neighborhood.”

Once again I felt a small pang of jealousy. Aiden had definitely made her feel welcome, all right. It was too bad she didn’t know that I knew, or that would have made a good joke.

“We will definitely hit you up for help in the future,” I said while touching up a spot I had missed in the corner. “It’s rare, but sometimes all three of us are out of town and need someone to water our plants.”

“I will water them so good!” she said enthusiastically.

“Careful what you agree to,” I warned. “We have alotof plants.”

It was a beautiful day, and we had all the windows and doors open to keep the paint fumes from getting too strong. So it wasa surprise when someone knocked on the door frame and poked her head inside. “Hello? Is somebody home?”

“Hi, we’re here,” Jazz said.

“Your front door has been open forquitesome time, so I wanted to make sure everything was okay.” She took another step inside, and saw me. “Oh. Hello there, Sebastian.”

“Hi, Mrs. Porter,” I said warmly.

The elderly woman’s eyes scanned my body, lingering on the parts of my upper body exposed by the overalls. “I did not realize you were making friends so quickly.”

“Yeah!” Jazz replied. “Bash and Aiden have been so helpful.”

“I’m sure they have been. They arequitenice, unlike their roommate.” She gave me a smile. “I did not intend to intrude, I merely wished to make sure everything was okay. Enjoy your painting!”

She practically fled from the house. Jazz and I shared a look.

“She’s the one who has a crush on you, right?” Jazz asked.

“That’s Mrs. Porter, yep.”

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