Page 112 of Loathe Thy Neighbor

But this moment?

It’s the most naked we’ve been.

Lying in the quiet room, nothing between us but a sheet.

“When?”

It’s whispered, so low I almost don’t hear it.

“Next week,” I tell her.

She exhales slowly, then nods.

Leaning forward, she lays her lips against mine. Not kissing me, just resting them there as she pushes me onto my back. She swings her leg over my hip, straddling me.

My cock brushes against the heat between her legs, and the desire I always seem to have for her swells to life.

“Then we better make it count, Dean.”

And we do.

19

River

I didsomething today I haven’t done in the entire five years I’ve owned Making Waves.

I called in sick.

Caroline was understanding, and I despised the pity in her voice. I almost got dressed and went in to work just to spite her because of it.

Instead, I’ve been planted on the couch all day watching crap TV shows I don’t give a shit about.

It’s been almost one week since Dean left and since I’ve seen him, even though he still lives next door.

I was a complete coward on the morning of his move. I ran off to work early to avoid the inevitable awkwardness and made sure to get home extra late when I knew he’d be long gone.

Now, after a week without a glimpse of him, the regret is sinking in like a stone. Has my stomach all twisted up in knots.

Knuckles rap against my door, and my heart flutters with anticipation.

Dean.

“River.” Maya’s voice floats through the door.

Not Dean.

Great. Caroline must have told her I didn’t come in.

I know I need to answer, or she’ll stand out there all day, and I don’t need to risk her running into Dean.

With reluctance, I peel myself off the couch, trying to ignore the missing terrarium as I pass the console, and pull open the front door.

Her eyes rake over me as she assesses my state with a frown.

I’m aware I’m wearing my standard “breakup outfit”—my joggers and my t-shirt with a bunch of holes in it—even though we didn’t technically break up.

We were never together, so how could we?

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