Page 63 of Rockstar Next Door Neighbor

Lila

James Harrison is charming. I’ll give him that. When he asks me out, his smile is so genuine and his tone so disarming that I don’t know how to immediately say no without sounding rude. I don’t want to lead him on, but James has been so instrumental in getting me high-profile clients that I’ll feel guilty if I refuse.

“Please tell me you’ll at least consider it?” He stands before the bakery’s counter, the perfect gentleman in full force, watching me adjust the baked goods in the display. “You know you’ve helped me as well. Those restaurant recommendations yougave me last month landed me two new clients. Let me thank you properly.”

I carefully arrange the row of cinnamon rolls, buying time. James has been nothing but kind since we met—Still...

“It’s just dinner,” he adds, correctly reading my hesitation. “No pressure, no expectations.”

The problem is, he’s exactly the kind of guy I should want to date—successful, thoughtful, uncomplicated. In another life, maybe, but he’s not Luke.

“Okay,” I find myself saying. “But just dinner.”

His smile widens. “Great! How about Azurea tonight? I hear their new chef is giving you some competition.”

“I wouldn’t know. I’ve never eaten there.” I smile despite myself. “Alright. Seven?”

“I’ll pick you up at six-thirty.”

Later, standing in front of my closet, I try to remember how normal dating works. The black dress I finally choose is pretty but not too suggestive—perfect for a casual dinner with a friend. Because that’s all this is.

James arrives exactly on time, looking polished in a well-cut jacket. “You look beautiful.”

“Thanks.” I accept his offered arm, purposely not thinking about another arm, another man’s touch.

The restaurant is elegant and understated, with muted tones and soft lighting. The kind of place that practically begs for hushed conversations and whispered secrets. Azurea is filled to capacity, but James has secured a prime table.

“I’ve been looking forward to this,” he says as we settle into our seats.

I nod politely, picking up the menu. “It’s a beautiful restaurant. Thank you for inviting me.”

At first, the conversation flows easily, with James peppering me with questions about my work and recent events. It’s nice, normal, and exactly what my life should be right now. He’s attentive and complimentary, but as the meal progresses, I can’t shake the feeling that something is missing.

It’s not him, I realize. It’s me.

The conversation easily flows as we discuss upcoming events and shared clients. Then, the universe decidesto test me.

“Luke, isn’t this perfect? All my friends have been raving about this place.”

My heart stutters, and I glance toward the source of the sound, my stomach sinking.

Crystal Davidson.

She’s standing at the hostess stand, her perfectly coiffed hair and designer dress making her look every bit the society queen she so desperately wants to be. And beside her, looking uncomfortable but devastatingly handsome is Luke.

He spots me almost immediately, his gaze locking on mine like a magnetic pull he can’t resist. For a second, the rest of the room fades away. It’s just us, caught in a silent exchange that says everything we can’t.

“Lila,” James says, pulling me back to the present. “Are you okay?”

I blink, forcing a smile as I turn back to him. “I’m fine. Sorry, I thought I recognized someone.”

“Small world,” he says, glancing around briefly before returning his attention to me.

I nod, my pulse still racing as I pick up my glass of wine and take a sip. But I can’t stop myself from glancing back at Luke.

He’s looking at me again, his jaw tight, his expression unreadable. Crystal is talking to the hostess, making sure they know she’s here with Luke Sterling, completely unaware of the silent war raging in the space between us.

When the hostess leads them to their table—just two rows over—I have to grip the edge of my chair to keep from bolting.

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