Page 44 of Tempt Thy Neighbor

She eyes me closely, and I’m not a fan of the slow grin that pulls at her lips. It’s like she can see something I can’t.

“Just promise me you’ll be careful,” she finally says.

“With Sutton?”

She nods. “Don’t let the handsome jerk win.”

“Don’t worry—I have absolutely zero intentions of losing this bet. In fact, pretty soon, I’m sure I’ll be calling you up to help me look for a new roommate.”

“Now there’s a winner’s attitude.” She chuckles. “As much as I hate to break up girl time and leave this adorable kitty behind,” she says as she scratches between the kitten’s ears and then pushes off the couch, “I had better get home. I’m sure your brother is wondering if I’ve grown tired of his shit and left him.”

“You know you’re too good for him, right?”

She shrugs. “I know.”

I laugh as she makes her way to the door.

Hand on the doorknob, she peeks at me over her shoulder. “Text me when you figure out a name for the cutie.”

“I will.”

She wiggles her fingers at me and slips out the door.

“Guess it’s just you and me now, princess.” The kitten snuggles into my hand, purring like crazy as I rise from the couch and head into the kitchen. Her purrs grow louder like she knows what I’m saying to her. “What do you want your name to be, huh? Any ideas? How about Sweet Pea?” I shake my head. “Nah. What about Angel? Because you look like an angel when you sleep, huh?”

I pull a box of cheese crackers from the cabinet.

“That’s a terrible name.”

Sutton snatches the box from my hand, popping it open before sliding it back my way.

“Thanks,” I mutter, ignoring the sparks that zing through me when our fingers accidentally brush.

I put distance between us, leaning against the counter opposite him. Ever since he bandaged my foot, I’ve done everything in my power to avoid touching him. My body just never seems to get the message that I hate him.

I watch as he grabs a jar of peanut butter from the cabinet, then a spoon from the drawer. He twists the peanut butter open and digs out a scoop, licking at the spoon.

“Are you seriously eating straight from the jar?” I say. “That’s disgusting.”

And not at all hot. I definitely do not enjoy watching him lick the spoon. Nope. Not one bit.

“Name it something normal.” He goes on like I didn’t even speak. “Not something tacky like Baby Cakes or Princess Sparkles.”

“Well, do you have any suggestions other than what I shouldn’t nameher?”

He recaps the peanut butter and tosses his dirty spoon into the dishwasher before making his way to the front door. He grabs his shoes, then plops down on the chair that was delivered with the couch yesterday.

I’d eyed the piece at the furniture store for nearly half an hour before deciding to just go with the cheaper option.

I was shocked yesterday when it showed up.

“Artemis.”

I snap my head to him. “Like the Greek goddess?”

He nods, slipping his foot into his shoe. “She was a badass. Judging from the scar on this little one’s face and the nip taken out of her ear, I’d say she’s been through some shit. Seems fitting for a warrior like her.”

The thoughtfulness behind his words surprises me.

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