Page 24 of The Neighbor's Son

“I want it so fucking bad,” he says with a groan, “but I need to stop.”

“Why?”

“Because if we don’t, I’m going to do something I regret, like fuck you right here under the stars. I’m not here for sex, babe. Yes, I eventually want that, but I’m here foryou.” He presses a sweet kiss to my lips. “Come on. Let’s go for a walk before I take you home for the night.”

He’s here forme.

Brayden Foss is stealing my heart one conversation at a time.

Soon, it’ll completely belong to him, and that scares the crap out of me.

Brayden

Ican’t stop thinking about last night.

So much so, Coach Long gave me detention for “daydreaming.”

Totally worth it.

Now that I am finally released from his boring detention prison, I make my way to Casey’s work to surprise her. We still haven’t exchanged numbers. I suppose you don’t really need to when you live next door to each other.

The physical therapy place is busy as hell, cars everywhere, and I almost decide not to go inside. She’s probably busy as hell and doesn’t need me distracting her.

Or it might be the thing to brighten her day.

Plus, I got her an iced coffee.

I can’t waste that.

“Come on,” I mutter under my breath. “Don’t be a pussy. Go see your girl.”

Is she my girl? After last night, I hope that’s true.

I climb out of the car and grab the coffee from the cupholder. Once inside the building, I have a flash of anxiety from all the people waiting everywhere. A frazzled young woman working the front desk doesn’t even spare me a look.

Quickly, I scan the space, looking for Casey. I see her in a corner area working on someone. As I approach, I notice the guy is about my age, but clearly an athlete based on his muscle tone. She has her hand on the back of his thigh, rubbing deeply with her fingers.

It’s just her job.

Why is there a flare of jealousy spiking inside of me?

I feel like a stupid kid for even feeling that way.

“Take a picture if you want something to look at later,” the guy says, eyes meeting mine. “Thigh porn.”

Casey sighs, shaking her head in exasperation, before turning to see who he’s talking to. I stand rooted in place with her cup in my hand, flashing hot with a mixture of anger and embarrassment.

Her smile falls when she sees me and confusion crinkles up her features.

This was a mistake.

The guy on the table moans in pain, but I can’t help feeling like it’s sexual. My chest starts to ache like someone just fucking stabbed it.

“What are you doing here?” Casey demands, voice sharp.

I thrust out the cup, feeling like a total idiot. The guy on the table watches me with interest, like I’m his entertainment for the day. Casey never ceases her rubbing on his thigh.

It’s all too much.

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