Page 25 of Average Joe

I slammed a foot on the plastic bumper of my mower, shouted, “Come on, baby,” and yanked the pull handle with all my might.

The ancient contraption roared, teasing, then sputtered and coughed, giving up the ghost.

“Piece of shit!” I kicked the handle and fell to my butt. I’d neglected my yard for days, a cowardly attempt to avoid my neighbor for fear of falling into bed with him again or, heaven forbid, falling intolikewith the guy. Because Joe was undeniably, irritatingly likable.

I laid back in the cool grass, taking deep, measured breaths to calm my foul mood, and focused on the streaks of white suspended in the ocean of blue overhead. Sweet springtime air filled my lungs, soothing my agitation.

My pulse started to slow until I heard, “Sweet Jesus, Joe. You been keeping that lovely lady all to yourself?”

To which Joe replied in that deadly sexy voice, “Keeping her away from players like you.”

I jerked to a sitting position and lost my breath.

Joe stood just on the other side of the hedges, shirtless, thumbs hooked in the front pockets of his jeans, gaze narrowed and aimed my way. His blatant regard was downright sinful.

My skin tingles and heart palpitations were simply shameful.

Next to Joe stood another beautiful man. Brutal edges, cocky stance, perfectly mussed blond hair, and a devilish panty-melting grin. Threesomes weren’t my cup of tea, but those two standing side by side? Temptation dipped in chocolate, wrapped in gold, and coated with diamonds.

My peaceful bubble popped, the hot air expelled, and my sour mood turned acidic.

Joe’s friend swiped hair from his face, biceps bulging under the sleeves of his linen button-up. “Need a hand, little lady?”

Little lady?“You can take that hand and shove it in your keister,” I mumbled under my breath, pushing to stand.

“Hi, neighbor.” Joe waved in greeting, a reluctant smile gracing his face. “This is my buddy, Connor Cross.”

“Morning,” I croaked, dusting off my ass.

“Wanna borrow mine?” Joe assessed me with sharp eyes, searching my face. For what? No clue, but I was sure he saw right through my bitter, guarded heart.

“Thanks, I’m good.” Eager to flee all the unwelcome feels, I pushed the metal traitor toward the backyard.

“Marley.” His voice dropped low, commanding.

Heart racing, gut swirling, I stopped and turned to give the devil my full attention. Pathetic, yes, but that deep tenor left me mindless. I needed to up my getaway game.

“I could take a look for you. See why it’s giving you trouble,” Joe offered.

Don’t ogle his pecs.Do not ogle his pecs.

“Really. I’m good.” My motto? If something breaks, fix it yourself. Don’t know how? Learn. “It’s probably the spark plugs.”

If the damage was beyond my abilities, I had two mechanics on speed dial. Both of whom were older, happily married men with beer bellies and too much nose hair. I was in zero danger of lusting after either of them.

Joe’s brows furrowed, and he shifted, rubbing his forehead with the back of his hand. “Suit yourself.” He shrugged, then added, “Having a barbecue this afternoon. Wanna join us?”

Connor stepped forward, deep dimples popping, a practiced skill for sure. “Grilled steaks, cold brew, and excellent company.”

“God, no!” I shrieked, then cringed at my outburst.

Joe plus Marley plus alcohol equaled Joe plus Marley having sex. Sex led to feelings, feelings to relationships, relationships to devastation.

Joe was a criminal. His friends were most likely felons, and I wanted nothing to do with any of them, no matter how gorgeous they were. Still, I knew better than to piss off outlaws by being a bitchy, ungrateful neighbor, so I blurted while forcing a grin, “Sorry. Didn’t mean to snap. Have a hundred things to check off my to-do list today, the first being to buy a new mower.” I tapped on the handle of my soon-to-be-trashed hunk of junk.

“Right.” Joe’s glare burned down to my toes, a dangerous mix of lust and aggravation. “Haven’t seen you in a while.”

He hadn’t seen me because Operation: Avoid Joe was in full swing. “Yeah. I’m crazy busy during summer.”

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