Page 20 of My Billionaire Neighbor's Secret

My mind was still on Carter Croft as I walked toward the parking area up front. I didn’t know how to feel about him after today’s encounter. I was still somehow in shock upon learning that he was actually the owner of this famous hotel. I wondered what other secrets he had in his closet.

As I was fishing for my keys, someone called my name. I felt the little hairs at the back of my neck standing up on immediate alert. My eyes widened and as I turned around, I dropped my keys and my purse, causing the contents to spill out.

“Fuck,” I muttered as I scrambled to grab everything and shove them into my bag.

But then, I saw familiar hands doing the same. I could smell his familiar perfume.Drake.

We both reached for my lipstick which was the only item I haven’t seized yet. Our hands touched and I quickly recoiled with repugnance. He took it and handed it to me. I hurriedly accepted it, careful not to let our fingers touch.

His mere presence made me squirm with disgust. Now that we were inches apart, I could feel my blood boiling.

“Leigh, fancy running into you again,” he said casually, his eyes brightening. “What are you doing here?”

“Nothing,” I answered flatly and then proceeded to open my car.

I felt his hand wrap around my arm. It was like something had burned me. I stepped away angrily.

“Why are you following me, Drake? I already told you I don’t ever want to see you again!” I yelled, not caring if there was anyone within earshot.

The parking area was empty, though, except for both our cars. I noticed that he was driving a brand-new sedan. I wondered if he bought it here in Las Vegas and if he’d actually moved here already. That would definitely suck big time.

“Please, Leigh, give me another chance…” he pleaded. “I’m not asking you to forgive me right away because I know what I did to you was horrible and unforgivable. But I’m hoping that slowly we can become friends again.”

“That would be possible… if you stop stalking me or if you completely disappear forever,” I told him with pure sarcasm in my voice. I could feel the hatred gurgling inside me, quickly rising like lava that’s about to explode from a volcano.

He looked genuinely hurt. For a while, I felt sorry for him. But I knew that he did not deserve the pity. I turned my back on him, went into my car, and drove away without another word.

Chapter 10

CARTER

Pacingbackandforthin my living room, I thought of Leigh. I couldn’t stop thinking about her all the way from my office to the restaurant where I ordered some food for takeout and then all the way again to my residence. She was occupying my brain entirely, and there was no more space for other thoughts!

After eating my dinner and watching the news, trying to take my mind off her while knowing she was just next door, I headed to my home office and began working on some files. From time to time, I would glance up or look out the window, hoping to see her looking at me.

I sat down again after several times of standing up, pacing across the floor, and pretending to be busy. Placing my head on my hands, I groaned.What spell did she fucking cast on me? I was becoming obsessed with this woman!

I went up to my bedroom on the second floor and looked out again. I had a good view of her swimming pool area. When I spotted her lounging there with a wine glass in one hand and her cell phone in the other, I felt a little jump in my chest.

I gazed at her for I don’t know how long. She seemed to be busy talking to someone on the phone. At first, I could not read the expression on her face. But later, it became obvious that she was getting pissed. After a few more seconds, she threw her cell phone on the lounge chair and finished the wine in the glass. Then she poured herself another one and drank it all again.

I could not tear myself away. Apart from the enigmatic attraction I felt, I was concerned about her. Why was she acting like this? Who had it been on the other end of the line that had made her so angry?

She eventually stood up and took off her shirt and shorts. I gaped at her as she stood there in her bathing suit and then jumped into the pool without warning. I have seen a lot of women in their bathing suits and even naked, but Leigh Andrews was the only one who made me feel like I was under some kind of possession.

I didn’t even bother to hide myself. Actually, I was hoping she would look up and invite me over. We did not know each other well enough, so that was probably wishful thinking. But still…

Suddenly, she came out of the pool-- her hair and whole body drenched and dripping. I could feel my libido rising as my eyes skimmed over her alluring body.

I saw her drink more wine. She began swaying to the left and the right, obviously getting tipsy or even drunk. I figured she became dizzy after a while because she suddenly tripped and fell on the grass.

“Oh, shit!” I exclaimed as I hurried downstairs and out of the house. Luckily, when I went to her house, the front door was unlocked. I let myself in and rushed to the pool area where she was still lying on the grassy part, looking like a sexy damsel in distress.

“Leigh, Leigh…” I called as I knelt down beside her and touched her cheek. I gave her a gentle slap, but she still did not budge. “Hey, wake up. Leigh!”

I leaned down and listened to her breathing. It was fast but stable. She was maybe unconscious and drunk but seemed to be okay.

I pulled back a little to check her face. That’s when her eyes suddenly popped open. She gazed at me and appeared to recognize me. Then to my surprise, she gave me a lazy smile and whispered my name. “Mr. Carter Croft… What are you doing here in my house?” she murmured, though she looked happy to see me. Or perhaps she was just very drunk.

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