Page 53 of Tempt Thy Neighbor

Instead of going home where I knew he would be waiting for me, I hid away at The Gravy Train. Which is where I’ve been sitting for the last four hours, trying to work up the courage to face him again.

I attempted to distract myself with a book, but that was a big mistake.

The moment things began to get heated between the main characters, all I could think about was Sutton and that damn supply closet.

I’m still trying to wrap my head around how good it felt to be with him again. How natural it was to have his lips on mine. How it felt like my body was alive for the very first time.

Trying to figure out what he meant when he said I was after his money.

I don’t care where he comes from. I don’t care that he’s richer than rich. And I really don’t care about his last name.

If anything, it makes me hate him more, the way the whole family walks around like they’re God’s gift to mankind just because they have money in the bank that could feed an entire state for a year.

My phone buzzes against the table, drawing my attention.

Prince of Darkness:*picture of Artemis’s paw reaching under a door*

Prince of Darkness: She’s been sitting outside my bedroom meowing for the last hour.

Prince of Darkness: I’m not letting her in though. I don’t feel like dying today.

Prince of Darkness: Though I bet you’d like that.

Me: Little dramatic, aren’t we?

Prince of Darkness: That wasn’t a no.

Prince of Darkness: Are you coming home anytime soon? I’m asking for Artemis, obviously.

Me: I’ll be back late.

Me: Don’t wait up.

Prince of Darkness: Wouldn’t dream of it.

Darlene plops downacross from me, startling me.

She laughs when I jump. “Sorry, dear. Just taking my break, and you looked like you could use an ear. Want to tell me what happened with Mr. Tall, Dark, and Dumb?”

I lift my brow, setting my phone on the table. “Why do you think something happened?”

“Well, based on the mark on your collarbone there, I’d say someone had their lips on you. And based on the way I’ve seen you two look at each other over the last month, I’d bet all my tips for the day it came from him.”

My hand goes to my neck, to the spot I know Sutton gave extra attention because he knows just how much I respond to it.

And I’m reminded all over again of our tryst this afternoon.

“Itwashim, wasn’t it?”

I don’t answer, but my gulp is telling enough.

Darlene laughs again. “I knew it.” She winks. “Ain’t nothing to be ashamed of. That man might reek of arrogance, but he’s mighty nice to look at.”

She’s not lying there.

“So if you got ravaged by that hunk, why do you look so upset?”

“It’s kind of complicated.”

---