Page 73 of Tempt Thy Neighbor

I shake my head at the sight of all her things spread out on the counter. She’s had no problem making herself at home in here. I can’t remember the last time I saw her use her own shower.

In fact, I can’t remember the last time she slept in her own bed either, probably not since we started this thing between us.

We still haven’t talked about what’s happening. Every time it comes up, we change the subject or take our clothes off. I don’t think either of us is really ready to face it, not ready to acknowledge just what it truly means.

Larry’s retirement is inching closer and closer, which means whatever is happening is also coming closer to an end.

We’re already playing a dangerous game by being together and working together.

There is no way we’ll be able to continue this if one of us gets the promotion.

But that’s a problem for later, something we’ll work through when it comes to it.

Ifit comes to it.

Maybe neither of us will get it and we can continue on like we are.

Sure, we’ll still need to hide it at work, but that’s a non-issue. We’re pros at it by now.

Ignoring those thoughts like I have been for the past several weeks, I run my hands through my hair to brush it out, swipe on extra deodorant, and head for the living room to see if Holland is ready.

To my surprise, she is. She’s wearing a pair of tight jeans and a navy blue top that’s slightly cropped, leaving about an inch of skin showing. It’s simple but somehow still ridiculously sexy.

“Is this okay?” she asks, waving her hand down her body.

“It’s perfect.”

“Are you sure? Because if I knew where we were going, I’d have a better idea…”

I shake my head, grinning. “I’m not telling you.”

She tosses her head back with a groan. “Ugh. You suck so much.”

“Pretty sure it’s you who does all the sucking.”

A blush I’m becoming oh so familiar with steals up her cheeks.

“Come on,” she says, pulling me toward the door. “Let’s go before I let you have your way with me again.”

“Bingo?That’sthe big surprise?”

I ignore her, pulling her through the crowd, swerving between and around tables. The hall is packed to the gills with people. Some young, some old, and some who look like they’ve been knocking on death’s door for far too long.

“This is a joke, right?”

“Nope,” I say, spotting my destination and heading that way. “Not a joke. Totally serious.”

“But…why?”

I shrug. “Because it’s fun.”

“Sutton!” Alma whoops, spreading her arms wide for a hug as she stands. “My good luck charm is here, ladies!”

The other players at the table grumble as I wrap her in my arms and give her a squeeze. “Hey, Alma.”

“I’m so glad you decided to come out. I’ve been missing you these last few weeks. I can use all the help I can get against these old shits.”

“Hey!” says Betty-Ann, a woman decked out head to toe in baby blue. “Old my ass!”

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