Page 36 of Average Joe

“That’s too bad. Maybe another time.”

“Probably not,” left her lips like rejection was her practiced response.

The dead man behind me snorted.

Marley and I stood side by side in silence, waiting our turn. EveryYchromosome that passed did a double take, and who could blame them? Marley was irresistible. Tight jeans hugged her bubble-gum ass and thighs. Her white shirt was loose but did nothing to hide the breasts underneath. And those fuck-me lips were shiny and inviting.

She must’ve spent time in a tanning bed recently, because the Seattle sun didn’t allow for that kind of glow. Then again, I supposed sun-kissed skin was required for a job as a nearly nude barista.

Fuck. Irritation crept up my spine. I stepped closer. We weren’t together, but I could make it appear that way, you know, for all those hungry leers and perverted imaginations.

“What are you doing?” she asked, standing her ground, not budging when our arms pressed together.

I stared down at her, and Christ, those eyes, so wild and full of life, and she smelled like vanilla. My stomach growled. I should’ve had breakfast before leaving the house.

“Stop staring.” Brows pinched, she glared up at me. “Why are you looking at me like that?”

So many fucking reasons, I thought, my libido in high gear. “You smell good.”

Her cheeks darkened.

I was seconds from bending down to taste her lip gloss.

“Next,” the man behind the counter bellowed. His demeanor morphed from blasé to stoked at the sight of Marley. I silently chuckled.I feel you, buddy. I feel you.

Marley stepped forward. I stayed behind. When finished, she passed by and offered, “Good luck with your shindig tonight,” pretending to be unaffected by my presence. But damn, that woman felt me deep. I knew by the weight of her gaze, her blush, the pucker of those nipples under her thin shirt, and by the way she paid no mind to anyone else, Marley Masters was into me.

“Hey, neighbor!” I called after her because I hadn’t gotten my fill.

Marley looked over her shoulder, slowing her pace.

“You didn’t say if you had a date for your party tonight.”

The beauty laughed, shook her head, and said, “No date,” before flipping me the bird.

“Good answer, neighbor!” I shouted. Didn’t give a shit who was in earshot. “Good goddamn answer.”

Then, as I turned toward the counter, I caught the man behind me watching her retreat, and I didn’t say a word. Couldn’t blame him.

She looked good enough to eat.

Marley

“Damn, girl, you look good enough to eat.” Dressed for a night on the town, Marco stood outside the stretch limo and blew a low, appreciative whistle, his smile and stance that of a man who knew his worth.

Wobbly on my new stilettos, I shimmied into his strong arms, careful not to get makeup on his silk shirt. “Happy birthday, beefcake.”

“Thanks, Marls.” The birthday boy spun me around once before setting me back on my feet.

I kissed his cheek, then folded into the back of the black car. Lilly waited at the other end of the buttery leather seat, wearing a grin that out-sparkled her shimmering silver minidress.

“You ready for a night of debauchery?” she asked, a mischievous twinkle in her eyes.

Drinking, dancing, and harmless flirting with men I would not be having sex with, who did not live next door, and who definitely did not get off on stealing kisses that left me dizzy and wanting more. “Debauchery, drunk and disorderly, let’s do it all.”

“That’s my girl.” Lilly flashed a megawatt smile, offering her palm for a high-five.

Marco settled into the seat opposite us, laser-focused on Lilly’s cleavage. “I might just be the luckiest guy alive tonight.”

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