Page 45 of Never Kiss Your Neighbors

Just the mention of thanking them reminds me of the kisses we exchanged on the front porch. They weren’t really adequate repayment for babysitting, because I’m pretty sure I enjoyed the kissing even more than they did.

“When we went to dinner last week, I noticed they both like Japanese beer, so I bought a six-pack for them,” I explain to Trish.

“Oh, I bet they’ll like that. Here, I’ll take it. I can put it in the fridge. The guys are out back with the videographer.” Trish angles her head toward the back yard. “They’re in the middle of a shoot.”

“Oh, okay. Well, I don’t need to talk to them. Just let them know I stopped by.”

“You don’t have to rush off. Would your pooch like some water?”

Goldfish is panting and straining on the leash, probably trying to find the guys, who he no doubt can smell.

“Sure, thanks. It is pretty hot out there today.”

“You want something to drink, too?”

I shake my head. “No, I’m good. I can’t stay long, anyway. I have to pick up my daughter soon.”

“The guys mentioned you have a daughter. How old is she?”

“She’s six.”

“That’s such a cute age. Does she like school? My sister has two kids, and her oldest just started kindergarten.” As she says this, she heads toward the kitchen, her voice growing louder so I can hear her.

I call out my answer, staying by the door to keep Goldfish from sniffing every inch of the house.

Trish returns a moment later and sets a bowl of water on the floor, where Goldfish happily takes a drink.

“Thanks for that,” I say.

“Of course.” There’s laughter in her voice when she says, “I could see the guys out in the yard from the kitchen window. They’re in the middle of a water blaster battle, and they’re both getting drenched. Their followers are going to love it!”

There’s no stopping my mind from conjuring an image of the scene. I’m sure they’re both shirtless, and I can practically see the rivulets of water dripping from their hair, running down their chests …

When I notice Trish giving me a curious look, I quickly adjust my features into an expression that I hope hides the fact that I’m lusting after the men she works for.

“Did you say you went out to dinner with them?” Trish asks.

Something in her tone makes me hesitate. “Yes.”

“A date?”

“Yeah.” Suddenly uneasy, I look down at Goldfish as if he’s doing something interesting.

“Maybe I shouldn’t say anything,” Trish says, lowering her voice, “but my sister is divorced, and I know she’s careful about the kind of men she goes out with, because of her kids.” My stomach starts to feel heavy, even before she adds, “I wouldn’t want you to get hurt.”

I know I’m not going to like what she has to say, but I give her a look that encourages her to continue.

“It’s just that Cam and Wyatt get involved with a lot of women. A lot.” She lets out a sigh. “Involved isn't the right word. They don’t get attached, but they go and have fun. They receive a lot of female attention, and they thoroughly enjoy it.”

I stand there like a statue, trying my hardest to appear unaffected by this news.

“Nothing wrong with that, of course,” Trish says, “but if you’re getting involved with them, you should know what you’re getting into.”

“Right. Okay. Thanks.” I feel like an idiot. “It was just one night out,” I tell her, feeling the need to make excuses for my bad decision-making. “We’re just neighbors.”

She nods, not buying my story, but kindly pretending she does, so I can save face. She gives me a sympathetic smile, and says, “Those two can be very charming.”

The backs of my eyes start to sting. “Thanks for the water. We need to get going.” I say goodbye and hurry out the door as quickly as I can, fighting to keep myself together until I’m down the street and around the corner, poor Goldfish hurrying to keep up with my hasty retreat.

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