Page 46 of Never Kiss Your Neighbors

“I’m such an idiot,” I tell the dog once we’re back on our street. I let a few tears fall, but don’t let myself fall apart, because I don’t want any neighbors to see me.

I don’t have time to fall apart, either. I have to pick up Jessie, and I don’t want her to see that I’m upset.

Even though it’s distressing, I needed this wake-up call, and I’m so appreciative to Trish for telling me how things are. I should go back over and tell her to keep the beer for herself, because it’s her I should be thanking.

I knew better, and I let myself get carried away.

I’m not looking to get involved with fuckboys, yet I said yes to a date, and on that date, I said yes to so much more. It was all a great time, but I know I’m not the type of woman who can just have a good time with a man without wanting a connection with more depth.

Even before I had a daughter to consider, I didn’t take intimacy lightly. Now, I need to keep Jessie in mind, and just because the men have fun with her doesn’t mean they’re dad material.

Thoughts swirling like a cyclone in my head, I drive to Jessie’s school and join the line of cars. In the moments when I’m not being hard on myself, I rationalize that not having a sex life for so many years probably led to me making poor choices.

I knew Cam and Wyatt were all wrong for me, but I kissed them, and, well, everything spiraled from there. And I was starting to fall for them, too. Maybe I already have, but at least things haven’t gone too far.

I’ve had fun with them, but I need to put an abrupt stop to it, so I don’t get hurt.

Somehow, I didn’t realize they were players, and I feel so dumb. I wonder if those women who hang out in front of their house are there for more than just catching a glimpse of the men. Maybe Cam and Wyatt invite them in when Trish isn’t there to gatekeep.

I was probably just the convenient girl next door for them. Someone to have fun with when they’re not busy with other women.

My heart squeezes when I catch sight of Jessie waiting on the curb for her turn to be picked up. I hope I can somehow wise up in time to teach my daughter to make better choices when it comes to men.

CHAPTER31

WYATT

“When did you get this beer?”

Cam pulls his head out of the cupboard to look my way. “What beer?”

“The six-pack of Sapporo.” When I lift the carton out of the refrigerator and hold it up to show him, he frowns and shrugs.

“I’ve never seen that before.”

“Would Trish put beer in here? She’s the only other person who’s been here,” I say.

“The videographer was here too, but I’m sure he didn’t bring it.”

“I’ll text Trish.”

Her response comes right away. “I’m sorry. I forgot to tell you. Your neighbor Stella dropped that off yesterday. Said it was a thank-you for a favor you did for her.”

It’s early, and Cam’s still groggy, but when I relay this message, it perks him up more than coffee ever could. “Stella was here?”

“I know. Must have been when we were filming yesterday.”

“Well, shit.”

We’ve texted her a few times, but we’ve been intentionally taking things slow. Assuming that more happened on our date than she may have originally intended, we haven’t wanted to scare her off. But if she’s bringing a gift over, maybe that’s a sign that she’s ready for more.

“We should go see her today,” Cam says.

“My thoughts exactly.”

An hour later, while we’re working on a new build out back, we hear Goldfish barking. Random dogs bark in the neighborhood all the time, but we happen to be especially attuned to the sound of Stella’s dog.

Our ears perk up, and a moment later, we hear the lovely woman herself calling for him to come back inside their house.

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