Page 14 of The Neighbor's Son

This feels surreal.

Am I really on an impromptu dinner date with the most beautiful woman I’ve ever known in person and she’s flirting back with me?

Hell, yeah, I am.

Casey

“Pay attention to me,” Clara says, snapping her fingers in front of my face. “What is going on with you?”

The truth is, I don’t know.

Last night, at dinner, I started to feel something strong for Brayden. When he called me “babe,” it felt right. I wasn’t lying when I told him he was intense. But, while he was cleaning up the kitchen, his dad called. As they discussed homework and graduation, I was immediately reminded why going after someone like him was a bad idea.

Too young.

The neighbor’s son.

And I’m too fresh out of a relationship to dive right back into one.

That’s the thing with Brayden. There’s no hesitation in his eyes. When he looks at me, it’s like I’m the surest thing he’s ever known.

“You said something about Smoke & Sugar,” I say lamely. “Sorry. Just have a lot on my mind.”

Clara stops on the walking path to stand in front of me. “I know. That’s why we’re doing the double date tonight. These two guys from my gym have invited us out to eat. I’ll take the cutest one, Wyatt. You can have the other one.”

My eyes widen. “Wait. A date? No. I can’t. I…”I like someone else.

“Why not?” Clara demands. “You can get out and have fun. I bet Derek is already on dating apps, getting laid as we speak.”

I know she’s trying to get me fired up to go on this date, but her words sting. I’m sure he’s popular on those apps, too. Derek was definitely a ten in the looks and physique department. He could have anyone he wanted.

At one time that was me.

My clothes suddenly feel too tight and small around my middle. Why can’t I lose the weight already? I’ve been walking a lot with Clara. Maybe I should say goodbye to carbs forever. She’ll convince me to go on this date and whoever “gets” me will be disappointed. Clara is also a ten.

I am not.

“Crap,” she grumbles. “Sorry. My mouth just says shit sometimes and it comes out mean. I don’t want to hurt your feelings. You’ve just seemed happier lately. I thought it was a good time for you to get your feet wet with dating again.”

I’m happier because Brayden chases away a darkness that’s settled over me.

“Just tell me you’ll go on the date,” Clara says. “Please. I’ll even do your eyeshadow. You know I’m basically a genius when it comes to eye makeup.”

I don’t disagree there.

“Oh, hey Brayden,” Clara calls out. “Tell Casey she’s beautiful and deserving.”

Without hesitation he says, “Casey, you’re beautiful and deserving.”

“See,” Clara crows. “Even the neighborhood kids think so.”

Brayden comes into view and gives me a curious look. Why does he have to always be so unintentionally cute? He doesn’t even have to try. A backwards ball cap on him paired with his crooked grin makes me weak.

“I’m trying to convince her to go out on a double date tonight,” Clara explains. “She needs to have a little fun. Someone will appreciate my bestie.”

I freeze, caught in Brayden’s confused stare. Then, his shoulders slightly hunch and his lips tug into a frown. It makes my chest physically ache.

Tell her no!

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