Page 15 of The Neighbor's Son

But my brain keeps chanting things like, “Date someone your own age,” or “Bradyen doesn’t need someone with your mental baggage,” or “You could make a bad situation worse by hooking up with the neighbor’s son.”

No is on the tip of my tongue, but I can’t push it out.

He finally lifts his chin and meets my gaze, hurt shining in his lovely green eyes. “If he doesn’t appreciate you, he’s a fucking fool.”

With those words, he storms off, taking my heart with him.

“See,” Clara says, oblivious. “A fool. Come on, let’s get ready.”

As much as I don’t want to be meeting these gym guys at the restaurant, I keep telling myself it’s the right thing to do. I actually put in a lot of effort, too. My jeans are new, and I think they look sexy on my curves. The black shirt I’m wearing is slightly cropped and shows my cleavage. I’ve paired it with lots of fun jewelry and cute wedged shoes.

I can do this.

I look great and am ready to date.

When we enter Smoke & Sugar, I immediately recognize Savvy at the hostess stand. She’s young, like Brayden, and stunning. Her long brown hair has been swept up into a messy knot on top of her head. She wears a simple black uniform, but it just looks cute on her tiny frame.

I wonder if Brayden flirts with her on their way to school each day.

How could he not? I mean, look at her.

“Casey,” she greets, grinning. “So nice to see you.”

I’ve spoken to her a handful of times when getting the mail or while walking the trail. She’s a sweet girl, but there’s a fire in her eyes that can’t be ignored.

Clara stiffens. Oh, that’s right. Savvy “stole” Travis from her. I give Savvy a tight smile and then stand close to my friend to offer my support.

“We’re meeting a couple of guys,” Clara tells her coolly. “Are they here yet? Tall, muscular, handsome?”

She falters a bit, clearly shaken by Clara’s iciness. “Uh, yes. I’ll take you to them.”

Clara struts ahead of me in a figure-hugging dress that shows how great she looks from head to toe. I’d felt good when I left the house, but now, my familiar insecurities scratch to be let out.

A man with blond hair hugs her. She blushes at his attention. Must be the one she’s crushing on.

“I’m Wyatt,” the guy confirms, offering to shake my hand. “This is my buddy, Conrad.”

Conrad is hot. Exceptionally hot.

“Hi.” I shake Conrad’s hand. “Pleasure to meet you. I’m Casey.”

He gives me a quick once-over and then lets his eyes linger on Clara. A flash of embarrassment burns through me. I’m obviously the “not cute” one and he’s rethinking this date.

Awesome.

We sit down and I’m forced to look at Conrad. Clara chats animatedly, making everyone chuckle. Conrad skims his gaze over me again, and I see his lip pull up slightly.

Disgust.

He’s repulsed by me.

I can feel myself shrinking on the inside. If only I could make that work on the outside too. The menu has lots of delicious items, but I find myself searching for a salad or something healthy.

“So, you guys know Clara from the gym?” I ask, keeping my eyes on the menu.

Conrad chuckles. “It’s where we meet all the hot chicks. You should go.”

I jerk my head up, thinking I misheard him. “What?”

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