Page 27 of Tempt Thy Neighbor

“Trust me, that’s an easy task. He’s always playing that god-awful music way too loud and sitting out on the balcony pretending he’s trying out forAmerican Idol.”

Holland laughs. “That damn guitar of his. Drives me nuts. Should have seen him when he was younger, always running around the house with it strapped around his neck pretending to be the next Elvis Presley.”

It’s easy to see the pride in her eyes.

I’ve always been a little jealous of the relationship Dean and Holland seem to have. My brother and I have never been on good terms, but those two? Practically inseparable in high school. Wherever Dean went, Holland followed.

I secretly wished Thomas and I had a bond like that.

Lucy grins. “Don’t tell the kid, but he’s probably my favorite tenant, even though he’s a huge pain in the ass.” She pins me with a hard look. “And you? Gonna give me trouble?”

I’ll admit it: even as a grown-ass man, her stare makes me want to shit my pants.

“No, ma’am,” I tell her with an easy smile. “Holland here keeps me in line.” I tap her with my elbow, and she pastes on a sugar-sweet grin.

“Good.” She nods again, then spins on her heel. “It’s a two-bedroom, two-bath with a walk-in shower in the en suite.” She moves us through the apartment, giving us details on rent and other expenses. Every time I speak, Holland’s lips pinch tighter together, and she glowers at me every chance she gets. It’s obvious she’s annoyed with me. You’d have to be a fool to not pick up on the tension between us. There’s no way Lucy doesn’t feel it too.

“This is a wonderful apartment,” Holland compliments as we make our way back into the living room. “If it’s okay with you, I would love to discuss everything with my…boyfriendfor a moment.” She practically chokes on the word, and it takes everything I have not to laugh.

Lucy looks between us again and I know she wants to say something about the weird vibe we’re giving off, but she thinks better of it. “Of course. I’ll just be right outside. Take your time.”

As soon as the door clicks shut, Holland whirls around, finger poking into my chest. “What in the ever-loving fuck are you doing here, Sutton?”

“Again with that question.” I toss my head back, completely over this line of inquiry. “Isn’t it obvious? I’m here looking at an apartment with my girlfriend.”

“I amnotyour girlfriend,” she mutters through gritted teeth. “And this is not your apartment to be looking at. How the hell did you even know I was here?”

“Honestly, you weren’t supposed to be. You were early.”

I see the wheels spinning in her head and the moment everything clicks together for her. Her jaw drops. “You were going to steal the appointment.”

“Bingo, princess.” I wink.

“And just how did you expect to do that?” she asks, ignoring the pet name I know she hates. “Lucy knew the appointment was with me.”

“You are severely underestimating my ability to charm a woman.”

“Oh, yes, because Lucy issocharmed by you.” She rolls her eyes.

“I’m sure if you weren’t here, she would have no problem falling for my charm.”

Her nose wrinkles. “Were you going to seduce her? She’s basically old enough to be your mother.”

I shrug. “Wouldn’t be the first time I went after a cougar.”

“Real nice, Sutton.” She crosses her arms over her chest, and like a total asshole I am, my eyes go straight to her tits. She doesn’t miss it. Huffing, she drops her arms. “I’d say I can’t believe you’d stoop this low, but, well, I know you, so I can definitely believe this.”

Know me? Holland Evans doesn’t know me.

Not anymore.

“So what’s the plan?” I ask. “How are we going to do this?”

“Do what? You mean how are you going to walk out there and tell Lucy you’re a complete moron and you are not my boyfriend and you will not be living in this apartment with me? I don’t know. You’ll have to figure that out on your own. As for me, I’ll be the one signing the lease.”

“Holland, come on, you can’t be serious.”

“Oh, I amdeadserious.”

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