Page 38 of Loathe Thy Neighbor

He’s nobody to me. Just my neighbor from hell.

“I’ll bring my work laptop home tonight so I don’t bug you again.”

“Thank you.” He starts scrubbing another dish. “Do you always work so late at night?”

I shrug. “Sometimes. Usually when I can’t sleep, or if a new idea hits me.”

“Is your boutique that busy?”

His words put me on edge.

I don’t like them. They’re condescending. Like my livelihood doesn’t matter as much as his precious sleep.

Like my shop is a joke to him.

I push off the counter, bustling out of the kitchen and down the hallway to my bedroom to finish getting ready for work.

Maybe if I distract myself, I won’t kill him.

Not killing him would probably be best.

I think.

Sliding onto the stool at my vanity, I begin finagling my hair into place. I pull it up into a neat bun, but I don’t like the look. Too severe.

I try a messy one, and it’s too…well, messy.

I yank the hairband out, hating everything I try.

My outfit catches my eye in the mirror, and I hate that too.

No. Stop it. You’re just letting Dean get to you. You love this outfit. It’s your favorite. It’shim. That’s all.

I close my eyes and take a deep, calming breath.

If Dean’s going to be living here, I need to add more yoga to my routine to help keep me from exploding.

I can’t keep letting him get to me. He isn’t worth the frustration.

He doesn’t matter.

“River.”

I peel my eyes open, surprised to find Dean standing in my doorway. He’s leaning against the jamb, arms crossed. That damn dress shirt is pulled taut against his chest.

Why does he look so good in it?

“I have a distinct feeling you took my words the wrong way.”

“Did I?”

He nods. “Yes. I didn’t mean anything by it. I just meant…well, I’m not entirely sure. I guess I just didn’t realize your little boutique was so…time-consuming.”

I huff, pushing to my feet.

If I don’t leave now, I am seriously going to maim him.

He puts his arm up, blocking me from passing by.

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