Page 8 of Rockstar Next Door Neighbor

He hesitates. “Why don’t you come with me? I should introduce you since we’re next-door neighbors.”

Before I can protest, he’s leading me outside. Crystal turns when she hears us, and up close, she’s even more stunning—but there’s something sharp in her perfect features, like cut glass.

Crystal. The name fits her perfectly, all hard edges and delicate sharpness. My stomach churns as she gives Luke a possessive smile.

“Surprise, Luke,” she practically purrs, then stops short when she sees me. Her eyes scan me from head to toe, taking in my casual dress and the apron I forgot I was wearing. “Who’s this?”

“Crystal, this is Lila, my new neighbor. She’s an amazing chef.” Luke’s hand brushes the small of my back as he makes the introduction, and I try not to read anything into it. “Lila, this is Crystal. We’ve uh… been seeing each other.”

The words are like a slap, jolting me back to reality, but I force a smile. “Nice to meet you.”

Crystal’s red lips curve into what might be a smile, studying me like she’s trying to figure out where I fit in Luke’s world. “A chef? How quaint. We should hire you for our next private dinner party. The last caterer was such a disappointment.”

“Oh, I—“ I start, but she’s already pulling out her phone.

“I’m sure Lila’s not set up yet,” Luke says. Is it my imagination, or does he sound uncomfortable?

“Actually,” I hear myself say, “I’d be happy to discuss it. Here’s my card.” I always keep a few in my apron pocket, and I hand one to Crystal, proud that my hand doesn’t shake.

“Perfect!” She slips it into her designer purse. “Now, Luke, we’re already late. I know I should have warned you, but it was so last minute. Daddy is having a few people over for dinner, and there’s someone he wants you to meet—“ She suddenly frowns. “You should change—that t-shirt is too casual.”

Luke glances down at his shirt with a frown, then gives a casual shrug.

“Come on, Luke. Daddy hates it when we’re late.” Crystal then calls over her shoulder, “I’ll text you later about the party.”

I nod stiffly, unsure how else to respond. The whole exchange feels surreal as if I’m in a movie scene where I don’t belong.

“Thanks for keeping Luke company for me. I’m sure he’s been a perfect gentleman.”

I bite back the urge to snap at her, forcing myself to nod instead. “It was no trouble.”

Luke shakes his head and looks like he wants to say something else, but Crystal’s already steering him toward her car—a sleek red convertible that probably costs more than I’ll make in five years.

“Wait,” he says, glancing back at my door. “I should help Lila clean up...”

“Oh, I’m sure she doesn’t mind.” Crystal’s hand slides possessively around his arm. “Do you, Lila?”

“No. Not at all,” I manage. “You go ahead.”

I watch helplessly as Luke allows himself to be led to her car. He pauses just before climbing into the passenger seat, looking back at me with an expression I can’t quite read.

“Thanks for dinner,” he says, his voice soft. “It was delicious.”

“Anytime,” I manage to say, my throat tight.

Crystal doesn’t give me a second glance as she slides into the driver’s seat, her polished nails gripping the wheel. The engine roars to life, and within seconds, they’re gone, leaving nothing but a faint trail of exhaust and a sinking feeling in my chest.

I close the door and lean against it, letting out a shaky breath. The house feels emptier than it did before he arrived, and the pride I felt from the meal I cooked so eagerly fades fast.

For a moment, I let myself imagine what it would be like if things were different—if Luke wasn’t part of such a glamorous world of fast cars and women like Crystal. But that’s the thing about imagining: it only gets youso far.

With a sigh, I push off the door and head to the kitchen, determined to distract myself with the dishes. It’s better than thinking about how out of my league Luke Sterling is.

Four

Luke

The evening air is heavy with salt and humidity as I settle into one of the Adirondack chairs on my back deck. The sun setting over the Atlantic paints everything in shades of pink and gold. Right on cue, I hear Lila’s screen door slide open.

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