Page 49 of The Other Guy

“Why thank you. Such a nice offer.”

I chuckle as she breezes past me and I shut the door behind her.

“So…”

“So.” She walks around, Toby still on his leash as they both take in my home. She doesn’t shy away from being nosy, and neither does her dog. Bending over, she unhooks him and he walks around for a few seconds before climbing up on my sofa. I raise my eyebrows.

“Oh, yeah. Make yourself comfortable, Toby.”

He sighs as he nestles in where I was just sitting.

I look at Sierra, back to Toby, back to Sierra who has an amused look on her face.

“What’s happening here?”

“Toby wanted to meet you.”

“He did, did he? Well, he certainly knows how to make himself feel welcome.”

“He does, doesn’t he?”

She plops down next to him, removes her coat, and scratches him behind his ear. She leans over to kiss him and I can’t help but notice the cleavage she’s showing me. Not me. Not on purpose. At least I don’t think. Her cream colored sweater is baggy, hanging a little off one shoulder, gaping enticingly and my eyes won’t move. They’re stuck on the curve of her breasts. She removes her shoes, tucking her legs under her butt. Legs that I want wrapped around my waist. Especially since I can see them so clearly in her leggings.

“Runs in the family, I see,” I say, grinning as I take her in. It shouldn’t make me think of anything other than Sierra hanging out on my couch but unfortunately, it brings up an immediate sense of longing. For what could be, if she wasn’t with someone else. If she lived around here. I like seeing her in my space. Making herself comfortable with her dog that didn’t even question whether or not he was allowed on my furniture. She looks cozy and… right. I clear my throat to push away the thoughts that don’t belong in my head. “What brings you by? I thought you’d returned home.”

“I did.”

“And now you’re back?”

“Home.”

What? Her single word answer doesn’t make any sense to me. I lean over to grab the remote and turn off the TV. “Enough with the riddles. What’s going on? Why are you here? How did you even know where I live?”

“Kyle.”

“Kyle is why you’re here or Kyle told you where I live?”

“He told me where you live.”

I nod like I understand what she’s saying but I’m still stuck on how friggin’ beautiful she is. Her chocolate brown hair looks silky and soft and my fingers itch to run through it. Her makeup is subtle, highlighting her features. Shiny peach lips, a little bit of a rosy tinge to her cheeks that I suppose could also be from the cold, eyelashes long and dark as kohl. Never have I examined a woman so closely in my entire life. It’s a bit unnerving how strong of a pull she has on me. I can barely focus on anything else.

“I see.” I don’t see at all because I’m currently struck stupid. Especially when she bites her bottom lip and looks up at me from under her lashes. Is she trying to look seductive? To kill me? I damn near groan. It’s been just a few days since she and I shared a meal with my dad at the diner, and I hate to admit how much I missed her. She’s not just a pretty face. Though pretty is hardly the word I’d use to describe her. Unforgettably gorgeous. But she’s also intriguing, funny and quick-witted, smart and creative and fun to be around. “And why is it, that you’re here?”

“Wanted to come see my buddy, is that so wrong?”

“Buddy.” Right. Because she lives with her super cool boyfriend. “And what does your boyfriend think of you being back here and coming to see your… buddy?”

She shrugs. “Not sure.”

“Because…”

She rolls her eyes like I’m the one causing this confusion. “I’m not sure, alright?”

Trying not to sound too annoyed, I rest my elbows on my knees and get her attention. Her beautiful dark twinkling eyes are on me. “Cut the shit, Sierra. I don’t do riddles and I’ve had a really relaxing day until now. What’s going on?”

“Fine. So… I did go back but now I’m here.”

“Again. And your boyfriend?”

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