Page 108 of Loathe Thy Neighbor

“Oh.”

His eyes turn two shades darker. “Oh.”

Like we can read the other’s mind, we move at the same time.

He works to unbuckle his jeans and I shove my panties down my legs.

He crushes his mouth to mine and slips his hand between my legs, sliding a finger inside me. Then two.

Next he’s yanking me to the edge of the counter and sinking into me with one deep thrust.

He swallows my moans with his mouth, slamming into me over and over.

Fucking me hard.Fast.

Until I’m no longer scared or worried.

Until I stop thinking about the fact that I don’t hate Dean Evans.

And I start to fall.

18

Dean

“I cannot believeyou brought your damn turtle to a roller derby game.”

“I can’t believe you can’t believe it.” I set Leo’s on-the-go hut on the chair next to mine. “He’s been looking lonely lately. With all the rain we’ve been having, I haven’t had the chance to get him to the park. He needs some action.”

“I thought turtles were loners.”

“Some are, but since he grew up with people, he’s pretty used to them and doesn’t spook too easily. He’s more curious than anything.” I tap the hut with my knuckle, and he bumps his nose against it. “Plus, look how cute he is. Do you really think I can leave him in his terrarium all the time?”

“You’re so strange,” she mutters.

“You like my strange.”

“That’s about the only thing I like about you.”

“Oh, I have it on good authority that’s not true.” I put my lips to her ear, and she shivers at the contact. “You like my abs. My mouth. My co—”

She covers said mouth with her hand, and I laugh, pulling it away.

“Cooking skills,” I finish.

“First of all, cooking andyou know whatdon’t even have the same vowel sound—you’re reaching. Second, I know better than anyone your cooking skills are trash.” Her red hair bounces as she shakes her head.

“Too soon, River. Too soon.”

I was worried last week at The Gravy Train that something had shifted between us, but everything fell back into place when we walked out of the bathroom.

Something was bothering her when she went in though, and I’d bet money it was me telling Sam we’re dating. Thing is, I was backed into a corner and had to cover with something. River’s mood shifted the moment I said I was her boyfriend.

I’m not sure if she was upset that I said it, or if she wanted it to be true.

Either answer has me sweating.

My insurance agent called this morning to let me know my apartment will be finished next week, about two weeks sooner than expected. On one hand, I’m glad to be done with this fire fiasco so soon. But I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t bummed my time with River is being cut short.

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