Page 10 of Loathe Thy Neighbor

The attraction is there, but she’s my neighbor who is constantly trying to ruin the best apartment I’ve ever had by making complaints and annoying me. I love my place way too much to start dating my neighbor, let things get all screwed up, and have to move…again.

I will never,everkiss River White.

That I can promise.

“I’m going pee.” River shoots off her stool and practically runs to the bathroom.

She’s annoyed with me for buying her breakfast.

Good. Maybe she’ll think twice before she glares at me again for breathing too loudly for her liking.

“If that doesn’t make the guys hot, I don’t know what will.” Maya shakes her head at her friend’s retreating back.

“She sure is something else.” I take another bite of my cherry pie, which, sadly, is almost gone.

Was it a little petty of me to convince Sam to give me the last slice of cherry? Sure.

Do I regret it? Not one damn bit.

She’s the one who started this war between us, reporting me to Lucy with senseless noise complaints a week after I moved in instead of coming over and asking me to turn it down. I was willing to let us have a clean slate after the thing with her cat, but not her, apparently.

Besides, I don’t turn my shit upthatloud. There was no need to go to Lucy with that trivial crap like she’s done four times now.

Luckily, Lucy takes pity on me—I’m ninety-nine percent certain she’s crushing on me—and doesn’t take the accusations any further than giving me a not-so-stern warning.

I’ll stop being petty once River does.

“So, Dean, are you looking forward to summer school starting in a couple weeks? Are you excited to start coaching football?”

Nodding, I swallow and take a sip of my coffee. “Very much so, to both. The only part I like about summer is getting to spend more time with Leo. I’d much rather be in the classroom.”

It’s true, too.

I love teaching. I love the kids and the wild shit they say. I love seeing the expressions on their faces when something clicks in their mind.

And coaching? Man, I can’t wait to start. When the team’s old assistant coach moved away at the end of the school year, I was first in line to apply for the spot. I loved playing football in high school and college. I knew I was never good enough to go pro, but that didn’t change how much I loved the game.

I’m looking forward to spreading my love of the sport.

“Sam, you’re trying out, right?”

He peeks up from his phone. “I’m not sure,” he mutters, eyes flitting over toward his mother, the worry in them clear as day. “I, uh, I don’t know if I can.”

I don’t miss the way Maya’s smile wavers.

I’ve seen Maya around on the weekends enough to know she’s been struggling since her divorce, putting in extra hours at work while still trying to be there for her son, and I’m sure it’s draining on her. Football is a pricey sport to get into, and I’m sure she’s worried about the financial aspects as much as she is about the time commitment.

“I told you, we’ll make it work,” she tells him.

“But your work schedule…”

“Don’t worry about my work schedule. Besides, Aunt River can help get you to and from games and practices. It’ll all be fine.” She winks at her son. “Pinky promise, kiddo.”

Great. Because more River is just what I need in my life.

He rolls his eyes. “Mom, I’m too old for pinky promises.”

“Dude, you arenevertoo old for pinky promises. They’re a binding contract no matter your age.”

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